Biodiversity Species and Ecological Distribution of Scorpions in the City of Darmian, Southern Khorasan, Iran

Background and purpose: Scorpionism is a public health problem in Darmian City. This study was conducted to determine the biodiversity and faunistic of scorpions in order to discover the health preventive features of scorpion sting among the residents of these regions. Methods: A nightly and daily actively searching on distribution and biodiversity of scorpions was carried during April 2015 to March 2016 in Darmian, Iran. Results: A total of 685 scorpions including five species belonging to Buthidae family were identified. The highest abundance was observed in warmer months, and Mesobuthus eupeus (54.5%) was the most abundant species. The researchers found a positive correlation between abundance and temperature and a negative correlation between abundance and humidity. The scorpions were observed with more nocturnal activity and were well-adapted with more abundance to the plain, rural, and outdoors environments. Regarding constancy index, all species except A. crassicauda were classified as constant species (C=100). There was no significant difference in the richness of scorpions in different time collections (day or night), geographical areas (plain or mountainous), regions collected (urban or rural), and places (indoors or outdoors). The Shannon and dominant indices were found to be not significantly different between mentioned sites except in time collection. Conclusions: Species composition of scorpions revealed that scorpions were constantly active throughout the year which can play an important role in sting events. So, familiarity of healthcare experts and indigenous people with existing species and their seasonal activities can largely reduce the risk of scorpion stings.