Ecologia Balkanica

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p-ISSN: 1314-0213 / e-ISSN: 1313-9940

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A case of communal nesting of the Western broad-toothed field mouse (Apodemus epimelas Nehring 1902)
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-11-30) Nedyalkov, Nedko; Mladenov, Vladimir; Gospodinova, Plamena; Lohja, Tiziana
Here we report a case of communal nesting of Apodemus epimelas observed several times in a bunker in southern Albania. A. epimelas has a simple nest placed on the ground or in a small hole in the wall. The mice showed no aggressive behaviour.
A toolkit for assessing cultural ecosystem services at a community level
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-08-10) Petrova, Slaveya; Valcheva, Ekaterina; Bileva, Tatyana; Dakova, Megi
Agricultural systems provide people with multiple benefits (both commodity and noncommodity products). Agroecosystem services in this context describe the anthropogenic contribution to the generation of agroecosystem services. Agroecosystem services include a range of services from agricultural ecosystems – provisioning, regulation, maintenance and cultural services. Agroecosystem services adapt the ecologically based concept of ecosystem services to the specifics of managed agricultural ecosystems, thus making this concept more applicable to economically oriented agricultural production systems and agricultural policies. Based on their specific features and nature, it is accepted to group ecosystem services into four categories – material, regulating, supporting and cultural. The majority of benefits from the group of cultural ecosystem services (e.g., leisure and recreation, aesthetic interactions, traditions and rituals) are intangible and therefore often remain undervalued by society. For these reasons, in the last decade, intensive work has been done to deepen understanding of human dependence on natural processes at different temporal and spatial scales, as well as to search for appropriate economic and management criteria and indicators by which to measure the value of these ecosystem services. In this study, we aimed to present a toolkit for assessing cultural ecosystem services provided by agroecosystems. The data obtained through the proposed toolkit can serve to shape recommendations for the sustainable management of agricultural ecosystems, protecting livelihoods and natural resources, so that agro-ecosystems can continue to deliver ES in addition to food production.
Air quality control in Plovdiv, Bulgaria: the citizens' awareness. Results from a pilot quantitative study
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-29) Mitev, Tihomir; Tchalakov, Ivan; Keskinova, Donka; Parapanov, Petar
Air pollution is a leading risk factor for individual and public health. It is a major environmental stressor responsible for hundreds of thousands of premature deaths in Europe every year. Monitoring and controlling air quality is about the importance of managing public health, as is ensuring people are aware of the dangers of polluted air and getting them involved in the issue. The article presents a summary of the results and data analysis from a pilot study conducted in May-June 2025 on the awareness, interest, personal engagement, and assessment of citizens in Plovdiv (Bulgaria) – one of the most polluted cities in Europe – regarding the control of air quality in the city.
Analysis of medicinal plants from the regions of the Strandzha mountain and southern Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-05-07) Todorov, Krasimir; Stoyanov, Plamen; Mladenov, Rumen; Gyuzeleva, Donika; Radoukova, Tzenka; Selyami, Dzhansu; Zhelyazkova, SImona; Mladenova, Tsvetelina
This article presents summarized information about the medicinal plants distributed on the territory of Strandzha mountain and the southern Black Sea coast, Bulgaria. According to literature data, 252 medicinal taxa are found on the territory of the two floristic regions, 218 of which are included in the Medicinal Plants Act. All species included in the list are characterized by: biological type, life form, and floral element. 59 plants have conservation status, representing 23.4% of the established species composition. According to the Red List of Higher Plants in Bulgaria and the Red Book of the Republic of Bulgaria, the following species are critically endangered (CR): Arbutus unedo L. and Sideritis syriaca L. Four Balkan endemics have been identified - Achillea clypeolata Sm., Opopanax chironius (L.) W. D. J. Koch subsp. bulgaricum (Velen.) Andreev, Sempervivum leucanthum Pančič, and Thymus longedentatus (Deg. & Urum.) Ronn.
Analysis of perennial temperature variations and behavioral ecology of insects for the region of the city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-20) Ivanov, Plamen
Climate change is significantly affecting both natural ecosystems and human-managed systems on a global scale. The stressors associated with the Anthropocene are diverse and intricate, including invasive species, habitat degradation, pesticide application, and pollution. However, none of these stressors are as pervasive or interconnected with various other factors as climate change. Consequently, understanding the effects of anthropogenic climate change on natural systems is a paramount challenge for environmental sciences in the 21st century. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines climate change as “a shift in the climate's state that can be recognized (using statistical methods) by alterations in the average and/or the variability of its attributes, persisting for a long time, generally for decades or longer”. This definition encompasses any changes in climate over time, whether resulting from natural variations or human-induced activities. Climate-related variables, such as temperature, water availability, and carbon dioxide levels, critically affect the characteristics of ecosystems that facilitate food production, including both freshwater and marine environments, agriculture, and forestry. Any fluctuations in these variables present a risk to global food security. This research, therefore, is crucial in understanding and mitigating this risk.
Analysis of Wild Edible Mushrooms in the Regions Strandzha and the Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-03-05) Radoukova, Tzenka; Stoyanov, Plamen; Mladenova, Tsvetelina; Mladenov, Rumen; Todorov, Krasimir; Rusinova-Videva, Snezhana
This article attempts to summarize the available data on wild edible macromycetes in the regions Strandzha and the Black Sea coast in connection with the clarification of ethnomycology. The total number of registered species of edible mushrooms for both areas is 105. The species Boletus caucasicus Singer ex Alessio; Boletus luridiformis Rostk. var. luridiformis and Laccaria bicolor (Maire) P.D. were noted only for the region of the Black Sea coast. The species composition, ecological-trophic structure and seasonality of edible mushrooms are briefly discussed. A list of 14 macroscopic edible fungi with conservation significance for the mycota of the two territories, assessed with the latest IUCN criteria, is given. Critically Endangered (CR) according to the Red List of fungi in Bulgaria and the Red Data Book of the Republic of Bulgaria was Boletus caucasicus Singer ex Alessio.
Applying DNA barcoding and ecological DNA approaches for biodiversity monitoring in aquatic ecosystems
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-29) Apostolova, Elena; Iliev, Iliya
Molecular ecology is reshaping traditional perspectives on natural systems by integrating advanced molecular techniques into ecological research. This integration offers novel insights into long-standing ecological questions and supports the development of more effective conservation strategies and sustainable resource management. The advent of DNA barcoding, which enables precise species identification using short, standardised genomic regions, has significantly improved taxonomic resolution, particularly for taxa with ambiguous or unresolved classifications. In parallel, environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is revolutioni-sing biodiversity monitoring by facilitating the detection of organisms directly from environmental samples, without the need for physical specimen collection. Together, DNA barcoding and eDNA represent a powerful, non-invasive, and efficient toolkit for studying biodiversity, especially in aquatic ecosystems, where traditional survey methods are often constrained. This review synthesises recent advances in the application of these molecular approaches to aquatic biodiversity monitoring, with a focus on their underlying principles, practical applications, methodological challenges, and prospects.
Assessment of some ecosystem services in the region of Rhodope Mountain, Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-09-23) Petrova, Slaveya; Zlatkova, Meglena; Nikolov, Bogdan; Dakova, Megi
Human society directly depends on a number of natural products and services such as plant and animal resources, mushrooms and herbs, wood and aggregates, water for drinking and non-drinking purposes, fuels and others. For these reasons, in the last decade, intensive work has been done to deepen understanding of human dependence on natural processes at different temporal and spatial scales, as well as to search for appropriate economic and management criteria and indicators by which to measure the value of these ecosystem services. All of the above mentioned determines the relevance of the current study, related to the analysis of ecosystem services on the territory of two villages, situated into the region of the Rhodope Mountain - Brestnik and Belashtitsa, as a resource for social and ecological development. A total of 22 ecosystem services were identified, of which material ecosystem services include 9 classes, regulating and supporting services - 7 classes, and cultural services - 6 classes. These ecosystem benefits are an object of consumption and a resource for social and ecological development not only for local residents and agricultural producers, but also for visitors to the study area, which highlights their exceptional intrinsic value and the need for their conservation and sustainable use.
Assessment of the quality of groundwater for irrigation in the municipality of Suharekë, Republic of Kosovo
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-04-28) Çadraku, Hazir; Shala, Agron; Xhafa, Sokol
This study evaluates groundwater quality for irrigation in Suharekë, Kosovo. Sixteen well samples were analyzed for cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+), anions (Cl-, NO3-, SO42-, HCO3-, CO32-), and irrigation quality indices (SAR, Na%, KR, MAR, PI, PS, RSC). Results indicate groundwater suitability for irrigation, with SAR (excellent), SP (excellent), KR (suitable), MAR (62.5% suitable, 37.5% unsuitable), PI (suitable), PS (excellent-good), and RSC supporting usability.
Bibliographic and scientific overview of publications on intraspecific diversity of molluscs of Albania
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-01-10) Dhora, Lulzime
This article provides a bibliographic and scientific overview of subspecies and forms in Albanian molluscs. Intraspecific diversity has to do with the levels of variation within species and is studied in individuals within the populations of a species or between populations. This article presents a profound overview of all existing published studies that we could find on the diversity in molluscs of Albania. The reviewed publications are presented in two groups: for subspecies with six published studies, as well as for forms, both in terms of polymorphism of individuals in population and population variation - with seven articles identified. The published knowledge of these phenomena is presented in every case in the form of a summary, extracted directly from the subject of the respective article, together with our own bibliographical indicia which facilitates researchers to use the correct published material that can be used from the reviewed studies. In the molluscs of Albania a high intraspecific diversity is ascertained, in terms of the diversity of subspecies and forms. Therefore, the reviewed publications can be used in terms of solving some problems of genetics, evolution, ecology, and zoogeography.
Bioaccumulation of some heavy metals in plants and insects
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-10-20) Arnaudova, Desislava; Todorov, Krasimir; Stoyanov, Plamen; Georgieva, Deyana; Keranov, Hristo
The study in this scientific paper aimed to analyze the content of potentially toxic elements — heavy metals lead, cadmium, and zinc in soil, plant samples, and insect samples from three different areas: an uninhabited area, an industrial zone, and an urbanized area. Using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), it was found that the levels of heavy metals in soil, plants, and insects from the three studied areas were higher for lead, cadmium, and zinc in the industrial zone — soil: Pb - 850, Cd - 21.3, Zn - 996 (mg/kg); plants: Pb - 191, Cd - 7.79, Zn - 298 (mg/kg); insects: Pb - 24.5, Cd - 1.32, Zn - 160 (mg/kg). Based on the obtained data, the degree of bioaccumulation of lead, cadmium, and zinc was traced using the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) through the pathway: soil, plants, and insects. A BAF < 1 was found for plants, and a bioaccumulation process for cadmium and zinc was observed in two insect species (BAF > 2).
Blood biochemistry of White Storks (Ciconia ciconia) across Bulgaria: baseline data for conservation and rehabilitation
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-30) Petrov, Rusko
We obtained 175 blood samples from wild White Storks in Bulgaria, and determined the values of 18 indicators - alanine transaminase, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, aspartate transaminase, calcium, chloride, cholesterol, creatine kinase, creatinine, blood glucose, lactate dehydrogenase, magnesium, phosphorus, total bilirubin, total protein, triglycerides and uric acid. In this research, we compared those results with regards to the location from which the birds came from - we conditionally separated Bulgaria into four geographical regions, and to their age. We found statistically significant differences in two parameters - albumin, between northwestern and northeastern populations, and creatinine, between northeastern and southeastern populations. There was also a statistically significant difference in the albumin values between juvenile and adult storks, which we found to be decreasing with age.
Comparative leaf epidermis and molecular analyses of Micromeria dalmatica Bentham and Clinopodium vulgare L. from Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-05-08) Mladenova, Tsvetelina; Naimov, Samir; Apostolova, Elena; Stoyanov, Plamen; Mladenov, Rumen; Bivolarska, Anelia; Raycheva, Tsvetanka; Gyuzeleva, Donika; Pechanska, Adriana; Balabanova, Rada; Kuzdova, Demetra; Todorov, Krasimir
The volume and number of taxa within the genus Micromeria have changed over the past decades based on several molecular genetic studies. In the Bulgarian flora, no revision has been conducted, and the boundaries of the genus remain unclear. Molecular studies have shown that members of the section Pseudomelissa within the genus Micromeria are more closely related to the genus Clinopodium than to the typical section Micromeria. In the present study, anatomical investigations of the leaf epidermis were carried out, and the molecular genetic structure of Micromeria dalmatica was determined. Its phylogenetic relationship with Clinopodium vulgare was established based on sequences in the ITS1 and tRNA-Leu regions
Cyprus Lizards: Patterns of distribution, endemic species habitat suitability modelling and conservation implications
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-05-31) Svana, Kaliana; Zotos, Savvas; Kiamos, Nikolaos; Lymberakis, Petros; Mylonas, Moisis
Considering the limited information on the distribution of Cyprus’ lizards, especially on endemic and endangered species, herein we explore their spatial patterns, with the aim of addressing this knowledge gap and contributing to informed conservation of the species as they face increasing pressure and threats. We recorded the eleven species present on the island, belonging to five families, of which two are endemic species (i.e. Laudakia cypriaca, Phoenicolacerta troodica) and four are endemic sub-species (i.e. Ablepharus budaki budaki, Acanthodactylus schreiberi schreiberi, Mediodactylus orientalis fitzingeri, Ophisops elegans schlueteri), including one listed as endangered by IUCN. We present new species occurrences and maps for all species, resulting from our extensive systematic survey in 2009. As a novelty, for the lizards and the island, we conducted species distribution modelling (SDM) for five endemic taxa. We used the maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt), with a combination of selected environmental predictors and user defined parameter settings. We provide potential habitat suitability maps and investigate the role of environmental predictors influencing the possible species’ distribution. We conclude that temperature, precipitation and vegetation have the most important influence in predicting habitat suitability. We propose five subregions, as a general pattern of differing habitat suitability for lizard species on the island. We discuss the added value and conservation implications of new knowledge and datasets we provide.
Density and composition of breeding bird communities in lowland forests
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-06-09) Hristova, Polina; Popgeorgiev, Georgi; Dobrev, Vladimir; Dobrev, Dobromir; Dimitrov, Hristo; Plachiyski, Dimitar
Bird communities were studied during three consecutive years (2020–2022) in forest fragments from the Western Upper Thracian lowland, Bulgaria. In total, 62 bird species with 4922 individuals were registered using point count methodology. Relative species abundance and frequency for all species was calculated. Density for the most abundant 19 species for the whole study area was estimated using DISTANCE software. Area-specific densities were estimated for nine species in nine of the studied forests. The results showed overall high species richness, which is consistent with other surveys in deciduous lowland forests. The most abundant species for the whole area made up to 61% of all registered species (Luscinia megarhynchos, Fringilla coelebs, Streptopelia turtur, Turdus merula, Oriolus oriolus, Sylvia atricapilla). The estimated densities were consistent with other studies in similar forest habitats. Species with the highest density was found to be Great tit D = 1.29 (1.14 – 1.46), followed by Hawfinch, European turtle dove, Common chaffinch, European robin and Blackbird, whereas specialist species (e.g. forest-interior) were less abundant. Eurasian hoopoe was found with lower densities for the whole territory D = 0.27 (0.23 – 0.31), while the Robin had the highest estimation for the forest of Begovo D = 2.28 (1.36 – 3.85).
Development of a system for continuous environmental noise monitoring (Smolyan, Bulgaria)
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-04-15) Hadzhigenchev, Svetoslav; Lyubomirov, Slavi; Shotarova, Snezha; Nikolov, Bogdan; Petrova, Slaveya
Noise pollution is generally regarded as an exposure of people or wildlife to levels of sound that are annoying, stressful, or damaging to the organism. Humans are exposed to noise constantly, from barely audible levels to potentially painful and damaging levels. Cities and agglomerations are subjected to the environmental noise pollution in a greater extent, so the smaller towns and villages are usually neglected in such monitoring studies. The aim of the present study was to: 1) develop a system for continuous environmental noise monitoring; 2) test and validate the system in the urban area of Smolyan town, Bulgaria; 3) assess the level of noise pollution based on systematic measurements. A simple system for continuous environmental noise monitoring has been developed. The system uses budget noise meters, class 2 (verified to be effective enough), placed in special cells for protection from atmospheric influences. The analogue signal from the sound meters is digitized and processed by a microcontroller to obtain the equivalent noise levels. This data is transmitted through an Ethernet controller to ThingSpeak, an IoT application and API for storing and retrieving data using HTTP protocols. Data from the continuous monitoring proved the existence of a significant environmental noise pollution in Smolyan (both in the central part and residential areas), which was almost permanent during twenty-four hours and all year round.
Documentation of the Smooth Snake, Coronella austriaca (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Euboea Island, Greece
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-28) Strachinis, Ilias; Kalogiannis, Stamatios; Katsiyiannis, Philippos; Kouelis, Charis; Stefanopoulos, Platon; Tzoras, Elias
Euboea, the second-largest island of Greece, supports a diverse range of habitats and remains faunistically understudied, despite its proximity to the mainland and the capital of Greece, Athens. We document the first verified records of the Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca) on Euboea, based on two individuals observed on Mounts Xirovouni and Dirfi. The species is known in Greece only from mainland areas and has also been historically reported from Samothrace Island based on a single museum specimen. The presence of C. austriaca on Euboea expands the known insular distribution of this predominantly mainland species. Our findings highlight the biogeographical importance of Euboea and underscore the need for further surveys to understand better the distribution, habitat use, and conservation status of C. austriaca, and possibly other overlooked reptile species on the island.
Ecological aspects of DC-DC converters in hybrid electric vehicles – a review
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-09-22) Asenov, Stanislav; Raydovska, Vladislava; Shehova, Daniela; Kanevski, Hristo; Parushoev, Anatoliy
This paper aims to conduct a literature review on the ecological aspects of energy DCDC converters in hybrid vehicles. Modern technologies that enhance energy efficiency and reduce harmful emissions associated with these components are analyzed. The main trends, challenges, and future prospects for developing environmentally sustainable solutions in energy conversion for hybrid cars are presented. Furthermore, the present work emphasizes the necessity of studying and integrating DC-DC converters into engineering curricula to foster innovation and sustainable development in the automotive industry.
Ecological effects of changes in Air-Fuel Ratio of a gasoline engine on exhaust harmful gases emissions
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-06-16) Kanevski, Hristo; Lyubomirov, Slavi; Asenov, Svetoslav; Parushev, Anatoliy; Petrova, Slaveya
The present study examines the effect of the air-fuel mixture ratio on harmful emissions from a gasoline engine, analyzed from an ecological perspective. The experiments were carried out with a BMW 318 gasoline engine equipped with a MegaSquirt 3 electronic control unit and TunerStudio MS software, as well as a Kane AUTOplus gas analyzer. The concentrations of three gaseous pollutants - carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC), were measured at different engine speeds and different air-fuel ratios. The obtained data were used to compile regression equations that describe the relationship between the air-fuel mixture ratio and the harmful emissions levels. The results show significant changes in gaseous pollutants’ emissions depending on engine settings, which highlights the importance of optimizing these parameters to reduce both the environmental pollution and greenhouse gases levels into the atmosphere.
Ecological effects of changes in the ignition angle of a gasoline engine on exhaust harmful gases emissions
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-05-28) Kanevski, Hristo; Lyubomirov, Slavi; Asenov, Stanislav; Shehova, Daniela
The present study reports the results from a real experiments of the impact of the ignition angle on the harmful exhaust gases emitted by a gasoline engine. The experiments were carried out with a BMW 318 gasoline engine equipped with a MegaSquirt 3 electronic control unit and TunerStudio MS software, as well as a Kane AUTOplus gas analyzer. The main emissions considered in the study include some greenhouse gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC). The emissions of harmful gases were measured at 7 different engine speeds and 9 different ignition angles. The obtained data were used to compile regression equations that describe the relationship between the ignition angle, engine speed and the harmful emissions levels. The obtained results and derived equations offer specific recommendations for optimization of the ignition angle to minimize harmful emissions and improve the environmental performance of gasoline engines.

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