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.
AI-supported counselor training for socio-ecological resilience
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-12-10) Manolov, Manol
As higher education experiences rapid technological advancements, the integration of intelligent technologies and generative artificial intelligence into counselor training presents a practical approach to bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, while also promoting environmentally sustainable, low-resource, paperless instructional methods. This research introduces an AI-enhanced instructional ecosystem for counseling psychology, which combines HeyGen to simulate therapeutic sessions, Canva for organizing and delivering interactive content, and ChatGPT combined with Designrr to produce customizable, digital workbooks. Prior studies suggest that embedding large language models within course design enhances transversal skills such as critical thinking, structured reasoning, and professional communication; avatar-based storytelling and simulations increase engagement, retention, and analytical depth in university contexts; and personalized digital workbooks support knowledge organization and higher-order cognitive processing. The evaluation used a design-oriented approach that examined workflow usability and material efficiency (e.g., paper savings) for the Canva–HeyGen–Designrr algorithm. Ecologically, the workflow explicitlyprepares trainees to identify and address uncertainty-related eco-anxiety and climate distress through targeted simulations and structured reflective prompts, while its fully digital infrastructure reduces paper consumption by replacing printed vignettes, supervision materials, and journals with reusable electronic resources. The findings suggest that AI-supported, environmentally sustainable training can simultaneously enhance counseling competencies and promote sustainable educational practices, if the energy consumption associated with AI technologies is appropriately monitored and managed within program implementation.
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.
An AI-powered knowledge base for scientific abstracts: a case study on environmental DNA (eDNA) in biomonitoring
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-12-05) Baev, Vesselin; Gecheva, Gana
Environmental DNA (eDNA) refers to genetic material shed by organisms into their environment, such as water, soil, or air. As a non-invasive biomonitoring method, eDNA has revolutionized biodiversity assessment by enabling the detection of species presence without direct observation or capture. This approach is especially critical for tracking invasive, elusive, or endangered species and monitoring ecosystem changes due to climate or anthropogenic pressures. Over the past decade, a growing body of scientific literature has explored eDNA applications, resulting in a fragmented but rich landscape of domain-specific knowledge. Navigating this information is increasingly challenging for researchers and policymakers. To address this, we developed BioTrace, an AI-powered knowledge base designed to support conversational exploration of scientific abstracts focused on eDNA in biodiversity monitoring. BioTrace leverages a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architecture, integrating the mistral-saba-24b large language model via the Groq API for ultra-fast, low-latency inference. Scientific abstracts are indexed using a vector store, and retrieved passages are reranked using the all-MiniLM-L6-v2 model to improve answer relevance. Users can query the system in natural language and receive grounded, context-aware responses that synthesize findings across multiple studies. So far, the knowledge base includes more than 4000 abstracts on eDNA studies. This work demonstrates the potential of large language models (LLMs) to distil scientific literature into accessible, structured knowledge. BioTrace empowers users with real-time, interpretable insights into eDNA research, serving as a blueprint for future AI-based tools in ecological and environmental sciences.
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.
Breeding density and habitat preferences of the European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Linnaeus, 1758 (Columbiformes: Columbidae) in Bulgaria: preliminary results
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2026-01-15) Gruychev, Gradimir; Stoyanov, Stoyan; Angelov, Evlogi; Mihaylov, Hristo
We conducted country-wide surveys from 15 May to 31 July 2022 to quantify singing males’ population size and habitat-specific density of Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur). We applied point counts at survey stations situated in 11 plot locations systematically distributed across the country. The average Turtle Dove’s density was estimated as 10.1 singing birds per 1 km2 (λ = 10.084, SE = 0.674, 95% CI: 8.846 – 11.496). The mean detection probability (p) was 0.115 (95% CI: 0.105 – 0.126), and the scale parameter of half-normal detection function was 120 m (σ = 119.74 m, SE = 3.53, 95% CI: 113.03 – 126.86). The effective radius was 169.33 m (95% CI: 159.84 – 179.37). The Turtle Dove densities were influenced by altitude with lower densities in higher elevations. The number of singing males increased from May to July. The abundance was influenced by habitat type and land cover, and it was positively correlated with tree height and shrub height measured around sampling points. The highest densities were recorded around stubbles, sunflower crops, and in a mixture of agricultural land cover, although their importance was insignificant. The density of singing males was higher in open areas, in oak and mixed deciduous forests, and in Paliurus communities as well.
Can photography be employed to analyze the diet of the Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni Fleischere 1818)?
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-12-10) Dalakchieva, Svetla; Popova, Aleksandra; Gradev, Gradimir; Yaneva, Stiliyana
Understanding the dietary composition of the Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) is crucial for effective conservation, particularly in regions such as Bulgaria, where the species has recently been reintroduced. This study examines the feasibility of photography and videography as noninvasive methods for dietary analysis of this small colonial falcon. A total of 275 photographs and videos depicting feeding behavior were reviewed, 85 from Bulgaria and 190 from Türkiye. Prey items were identified and classified into major taxonomic categories. In both countries, insects dominated the diet (44.71% in Bulgaria, 52.11% in Türkiye), with Orthoptera being the most frequently consumed group (>90% of insect prey). Additional prey included small mammals, reptiles, millipedes, and birds, with notable regional differences in their proportions. The findings closely align with previous indirect studies (e.g., pellet analysis), validating the effectiveness of photographic methods. The study demonstrates that photography represents a valuable complementary tool for studying the diet of Lesser Kestrels, offering minimal disturbance and potential for citizen science applications. This approach enables large-scale data collection and supports long-term ecological monitoring and conservation management of the Lesser Kestrel in Bulgaria
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
Continuous integrated monitoring of meteorological conditions and air quality dynamics in the urban core of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-12-01) Paskaleva, Vesselina; Terzyiski, Atanas; Tenev, Stoyan; Kochev, Nikolay
This study provides a comprehensive three-year analysis (2023–2025) of meteorological conditions and air quality parameters in the city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The research examines the interactions between temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind characteristics, and fine particulate matter concentrations (PM₂.₅), with the goal of improving the understanding of local atmospheric dynamics and pollution patterns. Recorded temperatures ranged from −7.0°C to 40.4°C. The highest pollution episodes were consistently observed during the coldest months, largely due to intensified household heating combined with reduced atmospheric dispersion under stable winter conditions. Wind speed and direction analyses revealed a significant influence on pollutant dispersion, with lower wind speeds promoting the accumulation of airborne particles, particularly in the city’s low-lying zones. Precipitation intensity varied considerably across the study period, with the most intense events reaching up to 94.73 mm/h. These episodes were associated with temporary reductions in airborne particle concentrations due to effective washout processes. Overall, the results demonstrate a strong interdependence between meteorological variability and air pollution dynamics in Plovdiv.
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).

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