Seychelles giant millipede
Seychelles giant millipede | |
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Species: | S. seychellarum
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Sechelleptus seychellarum (Desjardins, 1834)
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The Seychelles giant millipede (Sechelleptus seychellarum) is a species of millipede endemic to Seychelles.[1]
The species has been listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.[1] The species inhabits 14 islands within the Seychelles, with an extent of occurrence of 600 km2, and occupancy area of 37 km2.[1]
The species is found to have a higher density in elevated areas with a presence of rock coverage, and use granite rock crevices, fallen logs, and other rotting wood debris as diurnal refuges in forested habitats.[2]
The species is threatened by the introduction and spread of the non native Bamboo plant Bambusa vulgaris, who's presence is associated with lower population density within the species.[3] The leaf litter of Bambusa vulgaris can also outnumber the leaf litter of native flora, which the species feeds on, creating a lack of suitable food resources for the species.[3]
In terms of diet, the species prefers to feed on the softer freshly fallen leaf litter of species including Pisonia grandis and Ficus sp.[3]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c Gerlach, J. 2014. Sechelleptus seychellarum. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2014: e.T201481A2706807. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-1.RLTS.T201481A2706807.en. Accessed on 25 February 2024.
- ^ Lawrence, James M.; Samways, Michael J.; Kelly, Janine A.; Henwood, Jock (2013-06-01). "Beyond vegetation-based habitat restoration for a threatened giant Spirostreptid millipede". Journal of Insect Conservation. 17 (3): 557–564. doi:10.1007/s10841-012-9541-9. ISSN 1572-9753.
- ^ a b c Lawrence, James M.; Samways, Michael J.; Kelly, Janine A.; Henwood, Jock (2013-05-01). "A Behavioural Ecology Approach to Assessing the Effect of Alien Vegetation on a Threatened Giant Millipede". Journal of Insect Behavior. 26 (3): 428–439. doi:10.1007/s10905-012-9363-3. ISSN 1572-8889.