Analysis of the vulnerability of the aquatic beetles in the South Mediterranean side: the case of the Rif region (Morocco).

Analysis of the vulnerability of the aquatic beetles in the South Mediterranean side: the case of the Rif region (Morocco). There is a widespread agreement that rates of biodiversity loss are greater in freshwater systems than in other ecosystems. To be able to protect adequately the freshwater biodiversity, it is crucial to know what species and habitats require greater conservation effort. In this study, we identify the most threatened species of water beetles from the Rif (North of Morocco) using a categorization system to rank species according to their conservation priority or vulnerability. Haliplus andalusicus, Metaporus meridionalis. Hydrochus obtusicollis, Hydrochus tariqi. Lininebius mesatlanticus, Ochthebius atriceps, O. extraneus, and O. lanarotis were the most threatened species, for which reason they should be proposed to be included in a future Rif red list. Furthermore, Hydrochus obtusicollis and Ochthebius lanarotis are proposed for inclusion in the IUCN red list as ''En danger". Both species are Moroccan endemic, with geographic ranges restricted to the Rif in the case of the first species, and threatened by habitat loss. Effective protection of these species requires measures directed at the conservation of their habitats. Crucial target habitats for protection in the Rif include springs, headwater streams, middle reach stream, saline streams, marshlands and peat bogs.