The planaria of Barcelona and Girona: a contribution to the unknown Mediterranean biodiversity.

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InvestiMain researcher: Miquel Vila Farré

Institution: Universitat de Barcelona

Descrition:
Triclads or planaria are flattened bilateral invertebrates with intestines that are divided into three branches, they have no coelom, respiratory system or anus. Iberian freshwater planaria can grow up to more than 2 cm in length, although they are normally much shorter. Up to three different species have been detected in Barcelona's fountains and ponds: two indigenous (Dugesia and Schmidtea) and one introduced (Girardia).

The most emblematic of Barcelona's planaria is Schmidtea mediterránea, with restricted distribution throughout the western Mediterranean. It has eastern populations in Corsica, Sardinia Sicily and Tunisia, while the more western populations are to be found in Barcelona (on Montjuïc), the Empordà wetlands and Menorca.

The aim of the project is to provide information about the heritage of invertebrate animals in Barcelona, which includes species of great conservational interest. Planaria are a group of outstanding interest, with almost unique shapes and species, e.g. Schmidtea mediterranea, that has had to move from its habitat as a result of human activity. However, it is extremely possible that these factors can be corrected as the extent of  the original habitat is reduced and human activity can be regulated.

The project work schedule contains an initial phase which will show the bodies of water in the city and characterise them physically-chemically. Accurate data about the fauna and flora that these contain will be collected, and the planaria detected will be classified, separating the indigenous species from the introduced species, using molecular and classical histology methods. A second phase will monitor existing populations, with a view to protecting known ones from the  Tres Pins nursery and reintroducing them in other suitable areas of Barcelona.

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