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Recent Submissions
Batrachophagy of the Eastern Grass Snake, Natrix natrix (Linnaeus, 1758), in Bulgaria: published data and new records
(Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski", 2026-05-12) Mitrevichin, Emanuil; Sakelarieva, Lidia; Peshev, Hristo; Grozdanov, Atanas; Pulev, Alexander
The food spectrum of Natrix natrix in Bulgaria remains understudied, despite the few works on this topic. We summarize all data reported in the literature on the batrachophagy of
the species in the country and provide 17 new observations. The results indicated that N. natrix has a wide food spectrum and may feed on at least 11 amphibian species. Pelophylax ridibundus was the most preferred prey. Rana dalmatina and Bufo bufo were also important components of the diet. In some areas, Salamandra salamandra may be more frequent prey for N. natrix than previously thought. However, most of the amphibian species, including Triturus ivanbureschi, Bombina variegata, Pelobates balcanicus, and Rana temporaria, were consumed less frequently. These findings can have important implications for the conservation of the species. Yet, further research on the feeding ecology of N. natrix in Bulgaria is needed to better understand its ecological requirements and to support effective conservation planning
Prevention as an investment: analysis of costs and damages from forest fires in Bulgaria (2014–2024)
(Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski", 2026-05-08) Stoyanov, Todor
In the context of increasing climate change, forest fires present a growing risk to society, the economy, and biodiversity. Comparing funds invested in preventive measures with
the damages caused by fires underscores the need for systematic and long-term financing of fire prevention activities. This study analyzes the relationship between investments in forest fire prevention and the damages caused in Bulgaria during 2014–2024. Based on statistical data, institutional reports, and European experience, the study evaluates prevention costs and firerelated losses. The main contribution of this research is the development of an integrated methodological framework for assessing forest fire damage, combining environmental, economic, and social indicators. Results show that prevention is economically justified, with long-term savings significantly exceeding initial investments. The study concludes with recommendations for sustainable financing, improved institutional coordination, and the implementation of a unified national methodology.
New data on chamois Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica Bolkay, 1925 (Mammalia: Bovidae) in the Eastern Stara Planina Mts Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski", 2026-04-09) Dolapchiev, Nikolay; Tsevtkova, Mihaela; Chanev, Milen
The Balkan chamois Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica Bolkay, 1925 has a highly fragmented distribution in the mountainous regions of the Balkan Range, including Bulgaria. In 2021, the
Balkan chamois was recorded in two locations outside its known distribution range, i.e., in the natural park “Sinite Kamani”, eastern Stara Planina Mts. This is the first hard evidence of the
presence of the species in the Eastern Stara Planina Mts. Two new records of Balkan chamois were documented in two different parts of the nature park in the second half of 2025. In the
second record, it was observed among a herd of stray grazing domestic goats.
Railway network of Southern Bulgaria as a pathway for the introduction and spread of alien invasive plants
(Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski", 2026-05-08) Karaycheva, Gergana
The railway networks and its adjacent areas represent important corridors for the introduction and secondary spread of alien plant species. Most of them possess high adaptive
potential and expand rapidly into non-native environments. As a result, they often become invasive and cause substantial ecological disruption on a global scale. Therefore, the aim of this study was to document the floristic composition of 37 railway stations in Southern Bulgaria and to identify alien invasive plants (AIP). As a result of observation, a total of 413 vascular plant taxa were recorded. The species richness was recorded in Asteraceae (67 species), followed by Poaceae (45 species) and Fabaceae (33 species), respectively. A moderate level of species was observed in Brassicaceae (20 species), Lamiaceae (18 species), Plantaginaceae (17 species), and Rosaceae (17 species). Based on phytogeographic characteristics, predominant Euro-Asian (17.05%) and Euro-Mediterranean (15.01%) elements, while AIP were 11.45% from total recorded flora. Overall, the highest numbers of AIP were recorded at stations by intensive railway traffic, the presence of abandoned wagons, and poorly maintained surrounding areas. Most of alien taxa originated from North America (40.91%), followed by Asia (13.64%) and South America (11.36%). Generally, the high proportion of AIP identified confirms that the railway network is a major route for plant invasions. The results of this study provide scientific information for future monitoring and the development of management measures targeting alien plant species.
The impact of potassium chloride (KCl) on germination and seedling growth of Aegilops neglecta Req. ex Bertol.: implications for salinity tolerance
(Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski", 2026-05-08) Desheva, Gergana; Deshev, Manol; Valchinova, Evgeniya; Pencheva, Albena; Kyosev, Bozhidar; Petrović, Gordana
Soil salinity poses a significant threat to global agriculture, impacting crop productivity and land sustainability. Understanding the mechanisms of salt tolerance in wild relatives of crops holds the key to developing salt-resilient varieties. This study investigates the effects of potassium chloride (KCl), a common salt contributing to soil salinity, on the germination and seedling growth of Aegilops neglecta Req. ex Bertol, a wild relative of wheat. Seeds were subjected to varying concentrations of KCl (0 mM, 50 mM, 100 mM, 150 mM, 200 mM, 250 mM, and 300 mM) in controlled laboratory conditions. Germination percentage, germination rate, seedling length (shoot and root), and seedling dry weight were assessed. The results revealed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect of KCl on all measured parameters. KCl significantly inhibits the germination and seedling growth in the studied genotypes of A. neglecta Req. ex Bertol. The observed reductions in germination percentage, germination rate, root length, shoot length, and biomass accumulation are indicative of the stressful effects of KCl on plant development. However, Aegilops neglecta exhibits some degree of tolerance to KCl stress, suggesting the presence of underlying salt tolerance mechanisms. Based on the integrated analysis of tolerance and susceptibility indices, genotype BGR43687 was identified as highly tolerant to salinity stress, suggesting its potential utilization as a valuable source for salt tolerance genes in wheat breeding programs.