In next month’s meeting, Stefan Van Damme will take us to Gambia and Senegal… No, not the Africa Cup of Nations, but a quest for Conidae and their names.
The Senegal-Gambia match: game over for Conidae?
Senegal is home to several endemic Conus (Red List) species. Separate Conus endemics have also been described for Gambia (surrounded by Senegal). However, suddenly, numerous species were reduced to the single species of Mercator. Is this correct or not? Gambia and Senegal: is it a perfect match, or do these intertwined neighbors harbor different species after all? The answer lies in a complex configuration of upwelling ocean currents into which the Gambia River intersects. But the solution to the riddle has an unexpected twist. Recommended for sea rats and desert rats alike
