Arion slugs are opportunistic omnivores usually regarded as crop pests, but their diet may include overlooked resources such as vertebrate carrion. Amphibians, which co-occur with slugs in moist habitats and are subject to high mortality, could represent an important food source for slugs. We tested whether Arion subfuscus prefers amphibian carrion over plant material in a cafeteria-style experiment with 54 individuals offered moor frog Rana arvalis carcasses and arugula Eruca sativa leaves. Slugs selected carrion twice as often as plants, frequently consumed it entirely, and showed fewer interruptions in feeding. No slug fully consumed the entire plant material. The position in which the food item was located (on the left vs the right side) did not affect the choice. Our results provide experimental evidence that amphibian carrion is a highly attractive resource for A. subfuscus, suggesting a broader trophic role for terrestrial slugs in carrion turnover and nutrient cycling in wetland ecosystems.
Tasmanentulus gabrielleae sp. nov. is described based on material collected in Tasmania. The new species is similar to T. intermedius Tuxen 1986 in having a broad sensillum a’, but it differs from the latter by the lack of sensillum b’, present in both T. intermedius and T. tasmanianus. Tasmanentulus similis, like T. gabrielleae sp. nov. lacks sensillum b’, but it differs from the new species by (i) a slender sensillum a’, (ii) foretarsal sensilla e, f and g all pass the base of claw, (iii) setae A4 are absent on tergites III–V, (iiii) and setae P1a are present on sternite I.https://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:C6B79C54-1BFE-4843-ADC3-71C5DC39F1D8https://zoobank.org/References/C6B79C54-1BFE-4843-ADC3-71C5DC39F1D8
The emerging fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) poses a severe threat to global amphibian diversity. As a transboundary disease, its spread is primarily facilitated by human activities, notably the international wildlife trade. Preventing its establishment in naive regions is a critical biosecurity priority, which requires a clear understanding of global risk patterns and key introduction pathways. Following the integration of global Bsal occurrence data, environmental variables, and host density data for spatiotemporal cluster analysis, a maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model was employed to map global Bsal suitability and identify high-risk areas. The model’s drivers were analysed to identify key risk factors. The analysis revealed five significant spatiotemporal clusters of Bsal, centred in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. The model identified host density and temperature as the most critical factors determining Bsal suitability. High-risk regions were predicted across Europe, Asia, and North America, aligning with both documented outbreaks (e.g. Belgium and the Netherlands) and major trade hubs like the United States and Canada. Southeast Asia and Central and Southern Europe were identified as particularly vulnerable biosecurity hotspots. This study provides a global biosecurity risk map for Bsal, explicitly linking high-risk zones with international trade and movement pathways. Targeted surveillance at borders, stricter health certifications for amphibians exported from predicted hotspots, and raised public awareness in these regions are recommended. These findings provide a scientific foundation for proactive international policies to mitigate the transboundary spread of Bsal.
Migratory and wintering behaviour of the great white egret Ardea alba in Central and Eastern Europe remains poorly known. Here, we investigated for the first time year-round movements, habitat use, selectivity, and site fidelity during the non-breeding period of this species from the European population, based on global positioning system (GPS) tracking between 2015 and 2023. We investigated differences between spring and autumn migrations and habitats used by great white egrets during post-breeding dispersion, migrations, and wintering within their home ranges. All 15 instrumented birds showed migratory behaviour after breeding, moving between wintering sites in Western Europe and breeding grounds in Central and Eastern Europe. The duration of autumn migration was longer than that of spring migration and included more frequent and longer stopovers. We found high inter-individual variability in duration, home range size of every considered phase and the number of stopovers. We showed that all the studied individuals started their autumn migration between 10 July and 12 November and arrived at their wintering grounds between 18 August and 18 January. The spring migration started between 17 February and 24 April and finished between 8 March and 24 May. We showed that aquatic and farmland habitats were used most frequently by great white egrets, indicating their significance for foraging by this species. These habitats were mostly selected positively during the non-breeding period, while urban habitats were selected negatively. Our research provides valuable insight into the movement and habitat ecology of the great white egret during its range expansion.
The invasive ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi has recently established recurrent blooms in the Northern Adriatic Sea, yet its ecology in lagoon environments remains poorly documented. This study provides the first integrated assessment of growth, population dynamics, feeding preferences and biomass composition of M. leidyi in the Sacca di Goro (Italy). Sampling carried out at two sites throughout 2021 revealed a strongly seasonal population pattern, characterized by onset in early summer, peak abundances in mid-summer, and collapse in autumn. Growth analyses based on the von Bertalanffy growth function showed similar asymptotic size at both sites but contrasting growth rates between the more confined lagoonal site and the more marine-influenced site, suggesting a key role of hydrodynamics in regulating growth and population turnover. Laboratory feeding experiments demonstrated a significant selective predation by adult M. leidyi on veliger larvae of the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum, suggesting a possible mechanistic link between sea walnut blooms and the depletion of natural clam nursery grounds in the Po Delta lagoons. Biochemical analyses revealed a distinctive biomass composition characterized by high ash content and a fatty acid profile dominated by saturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
The garden snail Cornu aspersum is considered an invasive alien species worldwide. Despite its Mediterranean origin, its European distribution is mostly a result of man-mediated translocations. Its range is continuous in Western Europe, but Central Europe seems to be at the edge of the expansion, revealing a patchy distribution. This contribution shows new data on its distribution and genetic structure in Poland. We found two viable populations, one in northern and one in southern Poland. At both sites, juvenile individuals were present, and the southern population has persisted for several years. The genetic structure reveals relatively high divergence between localities, which suggests multiple introductions from different sources. There is no evidence that the species fulfils the invasive species definition in the studied region; however, urban heat islands in temperate areas may support source populations of this species in the future. The species may also benefit in Central Europe from climate warming.
The freshwater fish stone moroko Pseudorasbora parva is one of the most well-known invasive alien species in Europe. To reduce the significance of the threat posed by the spread of this species, coordinated actions are taken at the EU level. They involve the eradication of this species whenever it is observed in the environment. An example of such an action was the catch of this species in an artificial water reservoir in the Saxon Garden in Warsaw, Poland. During 5 days of catching using nets, traps and gradual emptying of water from the reservoir, a total of 10,196 specimens belonging exclusively to the species P. parva were removed. Among them, seven xanthochroic specimens were found, the first ones described in this species to the authors’ knowledge. The unique colour of these individuals is likely genetically determined.
The global decline of insect pollinators, including butterflies, has raised significant concerns for biodiversity conservation. The main goal of this study is to develop a comprehensive approach for assessing butterfly fauna to be applied in different protected areas, using the Circeo National Park (CNP), Italy, as a model system. We integrated multiple data sources such as historical literature records, citizen science observations from iNaturalist, and systematic field sampling, to assess butterfly population trends, combining occurrence data with functional trait analyses and environmental change assessments. Fortnightly samplings were conducted across 18 transects representing the park's main habitats (coastal dunes, agricultural areas, and promontory forests) from March to October over three consecutive years (2021-2023). Our findings document 70 butterfly species in total, including 5 species newly recorded for the Park and 42 species confirmed based on either field surveys or recent iNaturalist records, while 23 species remained unconfirmed. Using the Potential Extinction upon Time Series (PETS) index, we estimated a 16.7% potential extinction rate, substantially lower than previously inferred from literature-only data. Functional trait analyses revealed that climatic niche was the only trait significantly associated with species status, with thermally generalist species overrepresented among confirmed records. A significant record of temporal land-use changes emerged both within and around the park, including declining grasslands and forests, and increasing urbanization and intensive agriculture. Mean annual temperature increased by 3.2 degrees C over 50 years (1973-2023), suggesting synergistic pressures from habitat fragmentation and climate warming. The complex interplay of habitat modification, fragmentation, and climate warming, particularly in the surrounding landscape of the park, appears to drive local species disappearances. Our dataset provides a baseline for investigating long-term ecological trends and informing conservation strategies in Mediterranean protected areas. We emphasize the need for continued monitoring in national parks and targeted conservation actions focusing on habitat connectivity and thermal refugia to support vulnerable butterfly populations.
Literature on the camelid behavioural biology is relatively scarce, and Bactrian camels are especially understudied in terms of their behaviour. The aim of this study was to investigate social behaviour and dominance in domestic Bactrian females. In total, seven adult cows (kept together with one adult bull and two calves) were observed for 90 h. The animals lived in the City of Pozna & nacute; Zoological Garden. Several forms of agonistic and affiliative behaviour were observed. A tendency towards a dominance structure was observed. Social position was correlated with body height of animals, aggressive behaviour initiated, foot stamping and affiliative behaviour received. According to our knowledge, this is the first description of female camel social structure, as well as one of very few reports on Bactrian camel behaviour. Due to the small sample size it should be treated as a preliminary case study with limited generalizability.
Haematological indices are often used in ecology as indicators of environmental stress. The study investigated the relationship between fertilization types and antibiotic concentrations in the soil of grasslands and the breeding success and condition of adult birds. Significantly higher concentrations of antibiotics in the soil of cattle slurry-fertilized meadows and extensively managed meadows introduced into agri-environmental programmes, but located near a river, compared to mineral-fertilized meadows, were recorded. We suppose that the high accumulation of antibiotics in the soil of meadows close to the river is due to the transport of pharmaceuticals with water runoff in the flooded river valley. The haematological parameters (glucose, haemoglobin, haematocrit, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, heterophiles, lymphocytes, H:L ratio), in contrast to the previously stated differences in their chicks, did not show significant differences between the types of meadows studied, which could result from a greater ability to maintain the body’s homoeostasis. Haemoglobin, basophil percentage, and H:L ratio were correlated with bird body condition and the distance of the territory from the river. Significant variation in breeding success was also found among the studied pairs of birds. Brood losses were more frequent in nests with higher H:L ratios of nestlings. The study suggests that intensive agricultural use, associated with the use of slurry and intensive use of pharmaceuticals in livestock lead to the accumulation of antibiotics in the soil, may affect their continued functioning and survival. The results highlight the need to address this issue in conservation programmes.
The first-instar larvae of two species of Meloidae from the steppe zone of Russia, Meloe aeneus and M. reitteri, are described. The affinities and morphological differences between these larvae and those of the subgenera Eurymeloe, Micromeloe and Lampromeloe are discussed. The triungulin of M. aeneus shows great similarities with that of the subgenus Lampromeloe, and especially with an undescribed species from Iran, in terms of the characteristic phoretic spiniform setae of the head adapted for phoresy, and also with larvae of the subgenus Micromeloe in the general shape of the body and several other characteristics. The systematic position of M. aeneus and of allied species from Iran suggests that they may belong to an undescribed subgenus rather than to Eurymeloe. A key to the first-instar larva of the subgenus Micromeloe is provided.
The Baltic Sea hosts populations of sea trout (Salmo trutta L.) which have historically used many Lithuanian watercourses for spawning and juvenile recruitment. Knowledge about the spawning habitat quality is of practical importance in implementing effective conservation and restoration measures to support the freshwater-bounded stages. The aim of the present work is to identify the main environmental stressors characterizing the final part of the incubation period of the anadromous brown trout. This is achieved by evaluating the hyporheic water quality of spawning areas in three Lithuanian rivers characterized by different land-cover settings. On a spatial level, hyporheic water held higher values in conductivity and ammonium, signalling high trophic conditions, associated with those areas holding higher shares of urbanized and agricultural features. On a temporal level, during the final incubation phase, in all the three watercourses temperature and oxygen values approached ranges that are associated with reduced survival of intragravel stages. Overall, low hyporheic oxygen values recorded towards the last incubation phase may be further worsened by rising temperatures. Such a condition not only decreases oxygen dissolution, but may also increase the metabolic activity of salmonid larvae, potentially making them more vulnerable to oxygen sagging. Since no embryo and sac fry survival were measured directly, the results only suggest which physicochemical conditions may be more associated with poor incubation success.
The squaretail mullet (Ellochelon vaigiensis) is widely distributed in Indo-Pacific coastal and estuarine systems, yet molecular data from the Vietnamese Mekong Delta remain limited. In this study, we generated 12 new mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences from specimens collected in the Mekong Delta and integrated them with 36 publicly available sequences to evaluate their phylogenetic placement within the species. All sequences were standardized to a 621 bp overlap and analysed using Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic inference. COI variation within the Vietnamese samples included 56 segregating sites defining five haplotypes (Hd = 0.79), with nucleotide diversity (pi) = 0.03 and an average of 15.99 pairwise differences. In the global phylogenetic framework (n = 48), all Vietnamese specimens clustered within the E. vaigiensis clade. However, two individuals formed a well-supported mitochondrial sublineage showing relatively elevated COI divergence compared with other regional samples. These results confirm the taxonomic identity of E. vaigiensis in the Mekong Delta and provide the first standardized COI barcode reference dataset for the region. The observed mitochondrial lineage divergence warrants further investigation using additional nuclear markers and broader geographic sampling.
Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), such as bisphenol A (BPA) and ethinylestradiol (EE2), are widespread pollutants that can interfere with the action of endogenous hormones and thus affect the development and behaviour of animals. However, our current understanding of the impact of EDCs on amphibian behaviour remains limited. The aim of this study was to investigate whether exposure of the marsh frogs Pelophylax ridibundus tadpoles to BPA or EE2 influences their behaviour after metamorphosis in the tonic immobility (TI) test. EDCs concentrations were adjusted to environmentally relevant levels observed in surface waters in Europe (BPA at 1 & times; 10-7 M and EE2 at 1 & times; 10-9 M). Exposure lasted from the free-swimming stage (Gosner stage 21) to the beginning of tail atrophy (around Gosner stage 43). The control group consisted of tadpoles kept in carbon-filtered tap water, devoid of EDCs. Altogether, 150 juvenile frogs (60 exposed to EE2, 60 exposed to bisphenol A, and 30 control ones) were tested for TI. Body temperatures were recorded before and after the test. Morphometric measurements (body length and mass) and sex identification were performed post-mortem. The exposure to BPA or EE2 and frog sex did not affect TI duration. Body condition, expressed as body mass index, had a marginally significant negative effect, whereas body temperature had a marginally positive effect on TI duration. Moreover, body temperature decrease during a series of three trials was positively related to the total TI duration. Thus, our results suggest that currently typical environmental levels of BPA and EE2 do not influence the TI reaction in frogs. However, the effects of body condition and temperature warrant further research.
Elasmobranchs (sharks, rays and skates) are among the most vulnerable marine vertebrates due to their slow life-history traits and increasing anthropogenic pressures. Although artisanal fisheries targeting commercially valuable species are often considered locally sustainable, they may still generate significant incidental captures of non-target taxa. Species-specific information on elasmobranch bycatch in small-scale fisheries remains limited, yet is essential for effective management and conservation. This study analyses accidental captures of elasmobranchs in the cuttlefish trammel net fishery along the Bizerte coast (Northern Tunisia), based on 238 fishing surveys conducted between February and April 2024. A total of 12 elasmobranch species were recorded, including 11 demersal species and one large pelagic shark. Bycatch was strongly dominated by batoids (85.3%), with Raja radula being the most frequently captured species, reflecting its high local abundance. At least one elasmobranch was recorded in 97% of fishing sets, with a mean catch rate of 4.44 +/- 8.56 individuals per set. Life-stage analysis showed that sharks were mainly represented by juveniles and adults, whereas batoids included neonates, juveniles and adults, with a strong dominance of juveniles. These results indicate that cuttlefish trammel nets constitute a significant source of mortality for multiple life stages of elasmobranchs occurring off the Bizerte coast. Further research is needed to better quantify these impacts and to support the development of effective mitigation and conservation measures.
To investigate the effects of Chaihu-Shugan San (CSS) on the mRNA expression levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2A) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as well as the amelioration of depressive-like behaviours of PSD rats. Fifty-four healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: blank group (CON group), sham operation group (SHAM group), normal saline group (NS group), medium-dose CSS group (M-CSS group), high-dose CSS group (H-CSS group) and fluoxetine group (FLU group) with nine rats in each group. The rat model of right middle cerebral artery occlusion was made by thread occlusion method, and the post-stroke depression (PSD) model was made by chronic unpredictable mild stimulation (CUMS). After that, the rats were given the drug by intragastric administration once a day for 4 weeks. The body weight of rats in each group was measured, and the behaviour was evaluated. The mRNA levels of serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2A) and BDNF in hippocampus were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-PCR), the number of positive cells of 5-HT2A and BDNF was detected by immunohistochemical staining (IHC), and the protein expression of 5-HT2A and BDNF was detected by Western blotting (WB). CSS alleviated the depressive behaviour of PSD rats induced by CUMS and increased the positive cells of 5-HT2A and BDNF in the hippocampus. The relative gene and protein levels of 5-HT2A and BDNF in hippocampus decreased in CUMS-induced depression model and up-regulated after treatment with CSS. CSS may play an antidepressant role by regulating the relative levels of 5-HT2A and BDNF in the hippocampus.
This study describes a new species, Otbatara phuphanensis sp. nov. from north-eastern Thailand, based on a male holotype specimen. We provide an updated generic diagnosis and expand the known distribution of the genus Otbatara in Southeast Asia. This work improves the taxonomy of Otbatara and offers basic data for future studies on leafhopper diversity.
Interspecific interactions constitute an important factor shaping nesting strategies in birds and are often mediated by competitive behaviour. The expansion of a highly territorial species may intensify negative interactions and increase competitive pressure on native taxa. This study examines how the presence of the Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus influences the nesting strategies of the Mute Swan Cygnus olor, with particular emphasis on nest-site selection. Fieldwork was conducted at two study sites in central and southern Poland, encompassing both single-species and mixed-species breeding systems. We quantified macrohabitat characteristics and spatial relationships among nests of competing swan pairs. To assess nesting strategies, we developed a novel approach integrating multiple habitat and spatial variables into three composite indices describing nest concealment, nest isolation, and their combined effect within fishpond complexes. Linear mixed-effects models indicated that Mute Swans adjust their nesting behaviour in the presence of Whooper Swans by selecting more concealed nesting sites. In contrast, the index describing spatial isolation of nests contributed less to explaining variation in nesting strategies. The co-occurrence of both species revealed behavioural responses to interspecific competition that were more pronounced than those associated with intraspecific interactions among Mute Swans.
The Crystal Caverns of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, southern Poland, represent a unique subterranean environment formed within Miocene halite deposits and protected as a nature reserve. In this study, 24 adult beetles of the species Niptus hololeucus (Faldermann, 1835) (Coleoptera: Ptinidae) were collected using Barber pitfall traps during controlled field access. The specimens were evenly distributed across two halite-crystal-covered chambers. No larval stages were recorded, which may reflect methodological limitations associated with non-invasive sampling. Microclimatic data indicate a remarkably stable environment, with temperatures averaging 11.3 +/- 0.2 degrees C and relative humidity ranging between 72-75%. Despite the extreme subterranean conditions-characterized by darkness, high salinity, and limited trophic resources-the repeated occurrence of N. hololeucus, a cosmopolitan and synanthropic species also known from rodent nests and other subterranean habitats, suggests ecological tolerance and opportunistic use of underground environments rather than obligate specialization. This study provides the first entomological record from the natural Crystal Caverns of the Wieliczka Salt Mine and contributes baseline data for understanding arthropod occurrence in salt cave systems, emphasizing the need for cautious interpretation and further targeted research under strict conservation constraints.
This paper reports the first occurrence of five species of symbiotic copepods associated with ascidian species collected in two Sicilian harbours (southern Italy) in the central Mediterranean Sea. These findings integrate the poor information on the symbiotic copepods in ascidian species, with the description of Haplostomides magnus n. sp. (Cyclopoida: Botryllophilidae) found as commensal in the colonial ascidian Polyclinum aurantium. The morphological diagnostic features of the new species include a caudal ramus bearing two spines and two setae, a unique armature condition within this genus. Brief descriptive notes are also provided for several species of copepods associated with ascidian species: Lichomolgus canui Sars G.O., 1917 (Cyclopoida: Lichomolgidae), found in Styela plicata, Doropygus pulex Thorell, 1859 (Cyclopoida: Notodelphyidae), found in Ascidiella aspersa, and Pachypygus gibber (Thorell, 1859) (Cyclopoida: Notodelphyidae) collected among the fouling community. A species belonging to the genus Asterocheres (Siphonostomatoida: Asterocheridae) was also found associated with Styela plicata.
