The decline in consumer diversity in freshwater ecosystems is accelerating. Being both prey and predator in these ecosystems and dependent on aquatic habitats due to their complex life histories, amphibians are more vulnerable to pollution and global warming than other vertebrates. The life cycle of anuran amphibians includes a specific larval stage tadpole. During metamorphosis, tadpoles undergo dramatic changes in morphology, behavior, and diet, primarily accompanied by a transition from an aquatic to a terrestrial habitat. Consequently, anurans are important members of food webs and a link between these two habitats. Despite that, there is insufficient data on their nutrition, and understanding the nutritional requirements of a specific species or its developmental stage is essential for population survival. The primary aim of our study was to gather data on the nutritional types, feeding behaviors, and diets of tadpoles from several localities in the Republic of Serbia. Rana temporaria, R. dalmatina, and R. graeca are widely distributed in Serbia, occupying various habitats. We collected 572 tadpoles of these three species across 10 different localities and analyzed their intestinal contents. The results indicated quite diverse diets within and among species. The dominant food items were algae (especially diatoms), followed by detritus and pollen; some inorganic particles, such as microplastics, were also found. Animal prey was rarely found but was present in the intestinal content of some samples. These results significantly enhance understanding of tadpole nutrition and represent the first findings in our country with such a large sample size. Additionally, they provide an important foundation for future research.
A half-mandible of a rhinoceros was discovered during water supply works in Malu Mare, near Craiova, Dolj County, southwestern Romania. This specimen likely derives from the river terrace deposits of the Jiu River, probably from the upper terrace (Upper Pleistocene, Weichsel/W & uuml;rm), where other large herbivores, such as the woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius), woolly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis), and Irish elk (Megaloceros giganteus), have also been recorded. The precise location of this discovery is unknown, as no written record corroborates it. The early 20th-century projects were supervised by the eminent English engineer William H. Lindley, who acknowledged the fossil's importance and bequeathed it to the collection of Alexandru and Aristia Aman in Craiova. In the mid-20th century, this diverse eclectic collection, predominantly comprising various art objects, was incorporated into the Olteniei Museum in Craiova. Regrettably, the fossil was later overlooked within that collection. We ascribe the fossil to cf. Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis, commonly known as Merck's rhinoceros, a species of considerable size. This rhinoceros represents a rare find in Romania. The species was found in middle-upper Pleistocene sites across Eurasia. This discovery contributes to the catalog of localities where this rhinoceros has been documented in Romania, thereby augmenting the value of the Craiova Museum's paleontological collection.
This study investigates the Coleoptera fauna of two contrasting areas within the Susurluk Basin, Bal & imath;kesir Province, Turkey, using bait-pitfall and window-pitfall traps in oak-dominated forests. A total of 104 species from eight families were recorded, of which 52 were identified as saproxylic. Window-pitfall traps in the Susurluk district yielded a significantly higher species richness (83 species) than in the Balya district. At the same time, diversity indices (Shannon H=4.092, Simpson 1-D=0.9736) confirmed greater ecological complexity in the western region. Three IUCN-listed threatened species were documented, including one Endangered and two Vulnerable taxa. These findings highlight the importance of forest leaf-litter Coleoptera as bioindicators of ecosystem health and emphasize the need for targeted conservation strategies in the biodiversity-rich habitats of the Susurluk Basin.
A population of the terrestrial slug Krynickillus melanocephalus was discovered in Cluj County (Judetul Cluj), central Romania, in 2025. This anatomically verified record is complemented by further records from eastern Romania uploaded to iNaturalist. These occurrences demonstrate the ongoing spread of this invasive terrestrial slug and its arrival in Romania. Further slug photographs on iNaturalist indicate that the species also occurs in Moldova. Its potential impact on the native fauna and as an agricultural pest is discussed.
The first record of the alien land flatworm Obama nungara (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida: Geoplanidae) in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Peninsula is presented. It was found in flower stocks and markets with exotic plants outside greenhouses near the cities of Plovdiv, Pazardzhik (Southern Bulgaria), and Burgas (Southern Black Sea) in 2024 and 2025. The locality in Burgas is the easternmost known in Europe. This is the second non-native terrestrial planarian species found in the country in the last two years. To confirm its identity with molecular data, mitochondrial COI sequences were obtained from eight specimens. Four unique genetic lineages were found in the Bulgarian material, comprising two clusters, each with two haplotypes. They correspond to the two clades ‘Argentina 1’ and ‘Argentina 2’, introduced to Europe. Both clades are known from France, Spain, and Italy. The species has likely reached Bulgaria through the intensive ornamental plant trade. The climatic conditions in Bulgaria seem suitable for successful overwintering outside greenhouses. Given the fact that O. nungara was officially added to the list of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern in 2025 (EU 2025/1422), its presence in Bulgarian nurseries necessitates urgent phytosanitary oversight and measures. We recommend regular monitoring of invasive flatworm distribution, as they could contribute to a decline in soil biodiversity, primarily by reducing earthworm populations.
Mites are among the most representative groups of soil arthropods due to their high diversity in ecological niches and behavioral patterns. They are widely recognized as indicators of soil ecosystem health, with species diversity serving as a key indicator of ecosystem change. This study was conducted between 2021 and 2022, with samples collected from the northern and southern orchards of the Darab region in Fars province, Iran. A total of 37 mite species from 15 families were collected across 18 host plants. Multivariate analyses were performed using Minitab 16 software. Cluster analysis based on Ward's method was applied to group mite species by area, season, year, and host plant. This analysis classified the species into two main groups. Similarly, family-level clustering (based on host plant, region, season, and year) resulted in three distinct groups. Among the collected mites, the family Laelapidae exhibited the highest frequency. The greatest abundance of mites associated with fruit trees was observed on medlar, peach, apricot, date palm, orange, plum, and apple trees, with the orange tree hosting the most diverse population, represented by 688 specimens. Geolaelaps minor (Costa, 1968), Rhodacarus denticulatus (Berlese, 1921), and Geolaelaps sclerotarsus (Costa, 1968) were found in areas that had the most favorable quantitative soil characteristics and the least qualitative soil characteristics. Proctolaelaps fiseri (Samsinak, 1960) was found in the area with the best soil quality.
The genus Eremias Fitzinger, 1834 (Lacertidae) exhibits high diversity in arid and semi-arid habitats across the Iranian Plateau, with the E. montanus complex comprising cryptic lineages shaped by topographic barriers and climatic fluctuations. This study reports a novel population of Eremias from Damghan, Semnan Province, Iran (N 36.4437 degrees, E 54.2075 degrees), on the eastern Alborz slopes, and evaluates its taxonomic status using mitochondrial DNA markers. Field sampling in April 2025 yielded five non-lethal tail-tip samples from five individuals, which were released post-collection. Genomic DNA was extracted, and fragments of cytochrome b (599 bp) and 12S rRNA (360 bp) were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood, using a concatenated 959-bp dataset comprising 36 GenBank sequences and Ophisops elegans as the outgroup, positioned the Damghan population as a distinct clade sister to E. papenfussi (posterior probabilities >0.95; bootstrap support>90%). This clade is nested within a larger assemblage comprising E. suphani, E. kopetdaghica, E. strauchi, and E. lalezharica, which are distinct from E. montanus, E. velox, E. persica, and E. fahimii. Uncorrected p-distances to E. papenfussi averaged 4.46% (cytochrome b) and 2.35% (12S rRNA), higher than typical conspecific Cytb variation in lacertids (similar to 1-3%) and suggesting species-level divergence. Higher distances to other taxa (e.g., 14% and 4% to E. suphani) reinforce its distinctiveness. These findings highlight cryptic diversity driven by Alborz refugia and advocate integrative taxonomic revision, with implications for conservation in Iran's montane ecosystems.
Podarcis muralis is among the most successful European lizards in colonizing human-made habitats, a trait that has facilitated its biological invasion both within and beyond its native range. Naturally associated with rocky habitats, it has adapted to human settlements, occupying mineral-based constructions with nearby vegetation. In Romania, the species naturally occurs at higher elevations in the southern and central Carpathians and their neighboring areas. However, isolated populations were recorded outside this natural range, on railways, along road edges, or on river embankments. In 2023 and 2024, we identified large populations on a flat plain in western Romania near the border with Hungary. In total, P. muralis was recorded in 5 localities in Romania and 3 localities in Hungary. Numerous individuals were observed. With one exception, juveniles were present in each locality, proving that the populations are reproducing. The new populations are forming a continuous distribution spanning eight settlements between Biharkeresztes (Hungary) and Oradea (Romania). Thus, at least in Romania, the populations seem isolated from those in the species' natural range, possibly connected to those in Hungary, which, in turn, are a new presence and were probably introduced. The absence of a connection between the distribution ranges in Romania rules out a natural advance towards the plains in response to climate warming. Thus, the possibility of both an eastward advance from Hungary and a human-mediated introduction (probably multiple independent events, given the many localities) remains plausible. The newly established populations display distinct ecological behavior compared to nearby mountain populations, suggesting possible differences in origin or genetic composition. Additional research should assess the potential threats posed by this invader to native P. muralis from higher elevations and to other native lowland lizards, notably Lacerta agilis, which appears to be replaced in some habitat types, like cemeteries.
The biting midge Forcipomyia paludis (Macfie, 1936) is recorded for the first time from T & uuml;rkiye, based on examined specimens. The species was found in four localities in the European part of the country during 2022 and 2023. Female ectoparasitic specimens were photographed considering their morphological characteristics. Three odonate species, Caliaeschna microstigma (Schneider, 1845), Epallage fatime (Charpentier, 1840) and Cordulegaster picta Selys, 1854, are reported here as new host records for F. paludis. Additionally, an examination of photographs in a naturalists' website archive revealed records of F. paludis from Greece (Crete) and Albania, constituting the first photographic evidence for these two countries.
Spermiogenesis is a conserved process across taxa but often adapts to species-specific fertilization strategies, influencing sperm morphology and traits like motility and longevity, which are crucial for reproductive success. Water frogs of the genus Pelophylax are notable for producing fertile hybrids, such as P. esculentus, which generate both haploid and diploid spermatozoa with diverse genome compositions. Despite this, little is known about the morphology and genome content of hybrid, and particularly diploid, sperm. This study used fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with species-specific markers to analyze sperm from hybrid P. esculentus and its parental species, P. ridibundus and P. lessonae. Spermatozoa measurements revealed no significant differences in head and tail traits between haploid sperm from hybrids and parental species. However, diploid spermatozoa in hybrids were significantly larger than haploid spermatozoa, likely reflecting doubled DNA content. Correlations between head and tail lengths were observed in spermatozoa with P. lessonae genomes, suggesting potential functional implications. Our findings show that hybrids produce haploid sperm with morphology similar to that of the parental species. However, they may also produce larger diploid spermatozoa with a possible impact on motility and fertility. This study presents a non-lethal method for examining amphibian spermatozoa morphology and genome content, providing new insights into the reproductive biology of Pelophylax frogs. These results align with patterns seen in other vertebrates, emphasizing the evolutionary and ecological significance of sperm traits in hybrid systems. This approach provides a foundation for future studies on amphibian reproduction while promoting ethical research practices.
Snake venoms, composed of diverse bioactive components and shaped by ecological dynamics, exhibit species-specific cellular effects, making them valuable models for studying adaptation and potential toxin-mediated therapeutic mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the in vitro effects of crude venoms from two viperid snake species from Turkey, Montivipera xanthina (Ottoman viper) and Vipera ammodytes meridionalis (Eastern long-nosed viper), on the human non-small-cell lung cancer cell line A549. Protein contents of the venoms were quantified using the Bradford method. Cytotoxicity and DNA damage were evaluated using the XTT and alkaline comet assays. Apoptosis, cell-cycle distribution, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were assessed by flow cytometry and DCFH-DA fluorescence assay. Our results demonstrate that both venoms exert cytotoxic effects on A549 cells, significantly induce DNA strand breaks, and trigger apoptosis, ROS production, and G2/M phase arrest, with V. a. meridionalis venom showing a more substantial impact than M. xanthina venom. These findings underscore the biologically active nature of M. xanthina and V. a. meridionalis venoms and support their further exploration as part of the growing understanding of venom diversity and toxin-mediated cellular effects within Viperidae.
Monitoring fish species in large rivers has progressed from traditional fishing methods to modern electronic telemetry, such as acoustic and satellite tagging. These technologies provide long-term and high-precision data on fish migration in both riverine and marine environments. In the Danube River, sturgeon migration was first monitored using telemetry in 1998-1999, with a focus on anadromous species. Since 2009, several telemetry projects have been implemented, during which an increasing number of adult sturgeons have been tagged with acoustic transmitters. With a battery life of up to seven years, these tags enable continuous monitoring of sturgeon migration over extended periods. In this study, 11 adult Stellate sturgeons (Acipenser stellatus) and 5 Russian sturgeons (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) were tagged and tracked between 2022 and 2023. Results revealed repeated autumn upstream migrations by certain individuals that reached the Iron Gates II area in both 2019-2020 and 2022-2023 under similar environmental conditions (water temperature and water level). A notable shift in migration routes across the Danube Delta branches was also observed in 2023 compared to 2022 and previous years (2012-2015). This redistribution may be linked to recent environmental and anthropogenic changes in the area during 2022-2023, including increased navigation and dredging activities. These findings highlight the influence of human-induced factors on sturgeon migration behavior and emphasize the importance of continuous acoustic monitoring for the conservation and management of endangered sturgeon populations in the Danube River.
Interspecific relationships are fundamental to ecosystem functioning. In this note, we report on the interaction between Coenonympha glycerion and Thomisus sp. in western Romania. Field observations were conducted in August 2024 along a 100 m transect of semi-natural grassland and forest-edge habitats. We observed 72 individuals of C. glycerion and 25 individuals of Thomisus sp. Both were frequently found on Sanguisorba officinalis flowers. No predation event was directly observed, but the photographic evidence shows Thomisus sp. in direct contact with C. glycerion, indicating an attempted predation. Also, butterfly fragments were observed in the vicinity of S. officinalis flowers. This observation highlights how flowering plants mediate predator-prey interactions and illustrates the dual role of S. officinalis as both a pollination resource and a predation site.
Human-mediated habitat loss, climate change, and the invasion of alien species often lead to changes in species distribution, community structure, and interspecific interactions, posing significant challenges for conservation biology and ecosystem management. The relationship between gall-inducing insects and their hosts is a model system that provides insight into complex ecological processes and helps identify habitat factors with idiosyncratic influences on species distribution. We explored and predicted the potential distribution of the rose gall wasp, Diplolepis rosae (Hym., Diplolepididae) in regions where its host plants, R. canina and R. rubiginosa, have expanded. The most influential factor on the occurrence probability of D. rosae, as expected, was the inherent distribution of Rosa spp. The intentional introduction of D. rosae to regions where its host plants have become invasive could have several conflicting ecological consequences. Diplolepis rosae may play a role in the biological control of its host plants, but could also give rise to novel ecological interactions with closely related native species, potentially complicating ecosystem strategies and impacting native biodiversity in unforeseen ways.
While data on the diet of Vipera ammodytes are abundant, most studies are either based on a small number of observations or simply summarize the available information on the species' food spectrum, and only a few provide more detailed analyses. Its diet varies depending on regional characteristics and prey availability; however, data comparing the dietary habits of different evolutionary lineages are lacking. Detailed studies on the ontogenetic and intersexual variations of V. ammodytes feeding frequencies and feeding periods, and their effects on the seasonal fluctuations of vipers’ body condition are also very scarce. To assess poorly studied aspects of V. ammodytes feeding ecology, we investigated different populations in western Bulgaria between 2013 and 2020. There were clear ontogenetic and intersexual variations in the diet of V. ammodytes; however, their patterns differed between the distinct clades, reflecting local geographical characteristics in prey availability. There were also ontogenetic and intersexual differences in feeding frequency and feeding duration. Immature vipers fed more frequently and had a longer feeding period than adults, while adult females had higher feeding frequencies and longer feeding periods than males. These differences affected the overall seasonal fluctuations in vipers’ body condition. The intersexual variations in the feeding ecology of V. ammodytes might be due to differences in energetic demands resulting from the distinct reproductive outputs of males and females. The ontogenetic dietary variations appear to be due to the limitations imposed by the smaller size of immature vipers. At the same time, the high feeding frequencies and prolonged feeding periods of the latter might help them grow faster, thereby either reaching sexual maturity sooner or becoming less vulnerable to predators. We also discuss ophiophagy in V. ammodytes.
Pakistan's strategic location along the Indus Flyway supports a diverse range of migratory bird species, including cranes, but little is known about their distribution range and ecological factors. The study examined the population structure, behavioral patterns, spatial distribution, and the influence of various environmental and anthropogenic factors on Cranes in District Bhakkar, Punjab, between September 2023 and March 2024. Two crane species were identified through fieldwork at two important locations, Kallurkot and Bhakkar: the Demoiselle Crane (Grus virgo, n = 310) and the Eurasian Crane (Grus grus, n = 219), totaling 529 individuals. Diversity indices indicated that species distribution was nearly equal (Evenness = 0.9862), with low species richness (Margalef R = 0.1595) and moderate dominance (D = 0.4861). Autumn activity was higher, according to behavioural observations, especially for Demoiselle Cranes (flying: 114 vs. 80; feeding: 21 vs. 11; night sightings: 130 vs. 30). It was also supported by PCA (PC1 = 83.216). At the same time, Eurasian Cranes were found less active in the spring (PC1=-45.508). Public perception surveys (n = 100) also supported the field data: 77% recognized cranes, 61% identified Demoiselle Cranes as more common, and 60% reported a significant decline in the population. According to the habitat assessment, Kallurkot presented less anthropogenic disturbance (distance to industry: 193.92m; human settlements: 146.02m), but Bhakkar was closer to water sources (rivers/lakes: 15.99m; wetlands: 28.76m). These findings highlight the seasonal and spatial variation in crane populations, behaviors, and distribution, which is driven by both ecological and human factors, and underscore the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies in the region.
In this literature review, we summarised and evaluated the results of studies on the feeding biology of the weasel, one of the least studied small mammal species in Europe. We provided an overview of the potential dietary spectrum of this species by summarizing studies conducted in 12 countries within the European distribution area. Among these dietary components, 35 genera from 16 orders and 42 species of animal diet were recorded. The combined results of eleven studies provided the basis for a statistical evaluation of dominance patterns, showing a predominant role for mammals (64.3-97.0%), with small rodents accounting for a significant proportion (87.3%). The second most important component was the bird taxon group (2.0-20.9%), while the third most important was the invertebrate taxon group (0.0-7.5%). Further components (e.g., consuming carcasses, eggs, fruits, etc.) may be considered alternative dietary sources for weasels. Although their dominance is not significant, they were frequent components of the weasel's diet, and their mention is therefore of particular importance. Among the studies published in the international literature, some authors also analysed the issue of seasonality. In our study, we provided a comprehensive picture of the variation in the dynamics of the proportions of the main dietary components for the "cold" and "warm" seasons. The dominant component in all seasons is the mammalian share ("warm" season 78.3%; "cold" season 92.5%), and within this the proportion of small rodents ("warm" season 65.2%; "cold" season 86.2%), reflected the less plasticity of the species in its diet choice due to its body size. The analysis conducted based on a summary of data from studies published in each country of the region indicates a lack of clustering within the dataset of dietary components, meaning that there is no statistically verifiable regularity in the proportions of components across each region of the distribution area.
Among vertebrates, the Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot supports a high diversity of anuran amphibians, many of them endemic species, such as the family Brachycephalidae. This family is constituted by two genera (Brachycephalus and Ischnocnema), which are highly dependent on the humid forest floor for the direct development of eggs (the larval phase is suppressed in these anurans). Then, the Brachycephalidae species are good bioindicators for forest integrity and biological models for biological conservation. In this study, we obtained occurrence records of all species of Brachycephalidae, generated their geographic ranges, and quantified how much of their ranges are protected within the Atlantic Forest conservation units. The distribution of Brachycephalus species is concentrated in the central and southern parts of the Serra do Mar mountain chain, in the states of Sao Paulo and Parana. The highest richness of Ischnocnema species is found in mountainous areas in the states of Espirito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, southern Minas Gerais, and eastern Sao Paulo. We found that about half of the Brachycephalidae species do not have at least 30% of their distributions covered by legally protected areas, and only similar to 30% of the species have most of their ranges inside protected areas. Considering the current scenario of the Atlantic Forest and the presence of highly endemic species living in limited geographic ranges, we believe that our results are useful to guide the elaboration of conservation proposals, such as the reassessment of the current spatial configuration of conservation units in the Atlantic Forest.
Dams can significantly impact biodiversity upstream and downstream of their locations. The effects vary based on factors such as dam size, location, design, and management practices. The most common impacts include habitat alteration, changes in water quality, altered sediment transport, altered flow regimes, and the spread of invasive species and diseases among wildlife populations. It is postulated that such obstacles may alter the morphological characteristics of fish species. This research explored the impact of hydroelectric dam installations on the morphological variation of four endemic fish species-Squalius orpheus Kottelat and Economidis (2006); Barbus strumicae Karaman (1955); Alburnoides strymonicus Chichkoff (1940); and Cobitis strumicae Karaman (1955)-in the River Nestos, Greece. Using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), the study assessed morphometric and meristic characteristics in fish populations residing upstream and downstream of the dams. Notable differences in morphometric variables were observed between B. strumicae and A. strymonicus, with downstream populations exhibiting a more streamlined body than upstream populations. Conversely, no significant differences were observed in S. orpheus and C. strumicae. In A. strymonicus, significant meristic differences were noted, specifically in the dorsal and caudal fins, with the downstream population having more caudal fin rays and fewer dorsal fin rays than the upstream group. These variations indicate adaptations that influence fish swimming capabilities, with downstream fish displaying a more hydrodynamic form due to increased water velocity.
The larva of Eurythyrea aurata was first described by Volkovitsh (1975) and Bily (1999). Both authors referred to this species by comparing it to other species in the genus. In this manuscript, the last instar larva of Eurythyrea aurata is thoroughly recharacterized using microphotographs and SEM images to illustrate the different body parts, including mouthparts, thorax, and abdomen. In addition, efforts have been made to establish relationships between these morphological characters and larval biology.
