ZooNotes

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ISSN: 1313-9916

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A case of transportation of Cimex hemipterus (Fabricius, 1803) (Insecta, Hemiptera) in Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-03-25) Georgiev, Dilian
During the period of 02-09.03.2024, the author and their family stayed in a hotel infested with bed bugs in Uroa village, Unguja Island, Zanzibar. Upon returning to Bulgaria (Hrishteni village, Stara Zagota city area), one specimen of Cimex hemipterus (Fabricius, 1803) was found alive in the luggage. This should be the first documented record of the tropical bed bug in Bulgaria, and the possibility of transfer via increased touristic visit in tropical destinations were briefly discussed.
A new collection of Psocodea (Insecta) from Unguja Island (Zanzibar, Tanzania)
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-03-30) Georgiev, Dilian
The study presents a new collection of Psocodea (Insecta) from Unguja Island (Zanzibar, Tanzania), conducted during March 3rd to 9th, 2024. Despite recent efforts to explore Psocodea fauna in equatorial and tropical Africa, comprehensive studies in East Africa, particularly along the east coast and inland areas, remain limited. This research contributes to filling these gaps by documenting 16 species, including nine new records for the Zanzibar autonomic region and seven new records for Tanzania. Notably, one species (Nanopsocus sp.) may potentially be new to science.
A new record of Hemidactylus turcicus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-01-28) Velikov, Ilian; Naumov, Borislav
A single individual of Hemidactylus turcicus is reported from Sofia, Bulgaria. This is the first reliable registration of this species in the country. It is suggested that the individual observed was accidentally introduced to the site as a result of human activity.
A potential Bio corridor for bears? New data on the occurrence of Ursus arctos (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Eastern Balkan Mountains
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-07-01) Marinova, Pavlina; Kolev, Nikolay; Natchev, Nikolay
In the present study we provide data on the presence of a Brown bear specimen in the Eastern Stara Planina (Eastern Balkan). We obtained camera-trap images and photographs of the footprints of bears from the region of Varbishki and Rishki passes (Varbishki Prohod and Rishki Prohod). The locations were positioned at over 100 km from the easternmost border of the core population of bears in the central Stara Planina. Our data indicate a potential bio corridor allowing at least for young bears to migrate east along the mountain.
A Record of Eryx jaculus Linnaeus, 1758 (Squamata: Boidae) at Mount Ismaros, Northern Greece
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-28) Georgiev, Dilian
A new locality for the Sand Boa (Eryx jaculus) is reported from Mount Ismaros in Northern Greece, based on a juvenile road-killed specimen. The site represents the southernmost published record for the species in the Rhodope Mountains, although the location of the observation falls within the already known range of the species. Habitat description and coordinates are provided.
A record of import of the invasive snail Theba pisana (O. F. Müller, 1774) (Gastropoda: Helicidae) in Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2024-01-03) Georgiev, Dilian
This is a short communication of a discovery of the invasive Mediterranean snail species Theba pisana among food products in a market in Bulgaria imported from Spain. A single live juvenile specimen was found among lettuce leaves. Later it was alive kept in a terrarium.
A record of the invasive Blue Crab Rathbun, 1896 (Arthropoda: Crustacea) in Black Sea waters near Cape Shabla, Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-05-12) Yordanov, Nelko; Nikolov, Galin; Petrova-Pavlova, Elitsa; Kalcheva, Silvia; Georgiev, Dian
The Black Sea is a closed brackish-water intercontinental sea, part of the Mediterranean basin, with which it is connected through the Bosporus Strait, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles Strait. Due to this connection, many organisms from the Mediterranean Sea migrated to the Black Sea. One of these migratory organisms is the invasive blue crab. In the present study, we report the occurrence of one male Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 (carapace length: 70.09 cm, width: 15.69 cm, weight: 166.9 g) caught during commercial fishing on 26 April 2024 Black Sea waters near Cape Shabla, Bulgaria. Additional monitoring activities should be undertaken in the Black Sea to clarify the possibility of reproduction and determine the reproductive season of blue crab.
Abundance and biomass of Cladocera (Crustacea) in Vaya Lake
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-02-27) Nenova, Elena; Stoichev, Stefan
The number and biomass of Cladocera in Vaya Lake during the period 2003 - 2007 was studied under the conditions of increased anthropogenic pressure. The total number of cladocerans by station and by species, as well as their biomass, was determined. A dendrogram of similarity in species and quantitative composition of Cladocera was made. St. 1 and St. 5 are distinguished by the equal and lowest abundance of D. magna, and the very similar and highest abundance of M. micrura. Stations 3, 4, 11, and 12 had the highest Cladocera abundances, which were mainly due to close D. longispina and M. micrura. St. 9, 8, 2 and 7 form one group with more than 83% similarity. They show similar abundances of D. pulex. The dendrogram of similarity in species composition and biomass for the cladocerans showed 75% similarity among all stations except st. 5, which clearly stands out with the lowest total biomass.
Animal remains from the Late Byzantine settlement (4th-7th c. AD) Gradishteto near Gabrovo City (CN Bulgaria)
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-11-25) Boev, Zlatozar
A total 747 animal remains of 11 taxa have been established in the medieval (Late Byzantine) settlement (4th-7th c. AD) near Gabrovo City (Gabrovo Region, CN Bulgaria). Some wild mammals as Red deer, Roe deer and Wild boar were rarely hunted, while livestock breeding (cattle, pig, goat, sheep, horse and donkey) was the basic source of meat for the settlement’s inhabitants.
Animal remains from the Monastery of Chargubilya Mostich in Veliki Preslav (10-12th c. AD) – NE Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-01-15) Boev, Zlatozar
A total 1653 animal remains of 18 taxa have been established in the medieval (10-12 c. AD.) Monastery of Chargubilya Mostich in Veliki Preslav (Shumen Region, CN Bulgaria). Some wild mammals as red deer, roe deer, wild boar and European edible dormouse were rarely hunted, while livestock breeding (cattle, pig, goat, sheep, horse, donkey and rabbit) was the basic source of meat for the settlement’s inhabitants.
Butozania bulgarica (Kantardzhieva-Minkova, 1953) (Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) – little known and possibly endangered species
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-09-19) Gradinarov, Denis; Petrova, Yana
Balkan endemic species Butozania bulgarica (Kantardzhieva-Minkova, 1953) was found in several closely situated localities in the Radomir Valley (SW Bulgaria) after a period of more than 50 years lack of data. The species has not been found in most of the historical localities in Bulgaria during several years of targeted survey, and it seems that its distributional range in the country has significantly decreased after the species description.
Cetaceans - Can they be indicators of the state of the Black Sea environment?
(Plovdiv University Press Paisii Hilendarski, 2025-03-26) Zaharieva, Zornitsa
Anthropogenic pollution affects marine ecosystems worldwide, including the Black Sea. Heavy metals accumulation in animal tissues is crucial for monitoring ecosystem health. As top predators, cetaceans can serve as indicators of marine conditions. This study examines five heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni) in tissues of two Black Sea cetaceans and three fish species, constituting the their diet. Zinc showed the highest concentration in all studied samples. The Biomagnification factor (BMF) results indicate biomagnification in the cetaceans samples for the elements Cd and Zn.
Characteristics of Crested Tinamou (Eudromia elegans Saint-Hilaire, 1832) (Aves: Tinamidae) eggs
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-12-15) Lukanov, Hristo; Genchev, Atanas
The main characteristics of Crested Tinamou eggs, including shell colour characteristics in two age groups (young and old birds) were studied. The average value of the egg shape index was 73.23±0.51 with the average egg size of 50.13±0.47 mm/36.67±0.18 mm. The average egg weight of all eggs was 35.58±0.64 g, lighter in the young birds (P<0.001). The share of albumen: yolk: shell with shell membranes was 58.4%:32.2%:9.4%. Crested Tinamou eggshell is characterized by average values in the CIE L*a*b* colour system as follows: 51.62±0.51 (L*), -11.57±0.21 (a*), and 36.62±0.54 (b*) with an average shell color index (SCI**) of -13.19±0.4.
Contribution to the research of reptile species of South Park, Sofia city – species, distribution, and conservation threats
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-28) Grozdanov, Atanas; Mitrevichin, Emanuil; Atanasov, Vasil; Sokolov, Anton; Petrov, Petar; Dimitrov, Dimitar; Peshev, Hristo
Some reptile species can be found in human settlements, but they have been rarely examined in more detail. Here, we provide information on the herpetofauna of Sofia's South Park. Seven species were identified, thus indicating relatively high species richness for an urban area of approximately 1.5 square kilometers. The biggest threats identified were some invasive taxa and intensive human presence. Some recommendations were therefore made to mitigate the negative impact on the populations of the species.
Contribution to the study of the free-living freshwater nematode fauna of Neretva River (Bosna and Herzegovina)
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-01-15) Stoichev, Stefan
Hydrobiologycal studies of Neretva River were performed during the 2019. The present study provides the first information on free-living freshwater nematodes from the Neretva River. The identified species are new to the hydrofauna of Bosna and Herzegovina. In our study, we identified 8 species of freshwater free-living nematodes belonging to 7 genera. The identified species and genera are new to the hydrofauna of the Neretva River, They are also new to the hydrofauna of Bosna and Herzegovina.
Contribution to the study of the free-living freshwater nematode fauna of the Bedechka River, Southern Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-27) Stoichev, Stefan; Nenova, Elena
Hydrobiological studies of the Bedechka River were performed in 2019. The present study provides information on free-living freshwater nematodes from the Bedechka River. In our study, we identified 9 species of freshwater free-living nematodes belonging to 8 genera. This is the first detailed study on free-living freshwater nematodes from the Bedechka River.
External egg characteristics in eight species of the Phasianinae subfamily: a morphometric and colourimetric study
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-07-09) Nikolov, Slavko; Lukanov, Hristo
Basic external morphometric characteristics, along with a detailed colorimetric analysis, were studied in the eggs of eight Phasianidae species reared as ornamental birds in Bulgaria: Temminck's tragopan (Tragopan temminckii Gray, 1831), Satyr tragopan (Tragopan satyra Linnaeus, 1758), Golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus Linnaeus, 1758), Lady Amherst's pheasant (Chrysolophus amherstiae Leadbeater, 1829). Silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera Linnaeus, 1758), Reeves's pheasant (Syrmaticus reevesii Gray, 1829), Grey peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron bicalcaratum Linnaeus, 1758), and Common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus Linnaeus, 1758).
First finding of rare endemic species Cernosvitovia biserialis (Černosvitov, 1937) since 1967 year from Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-06-17) Valchovski, Hristo
Identifying the earthworm material recently collected from pre-Balkan hill zone resulted in discovered new record of rare Balkan endemic species from Cernosvitovia biserialis (Černosvitov, 1937) since 1967. This is the northern finding of the species from Bulgaria. The paper also provided information about distribution, zoogeography and ecology of this taxon.
First Record of Cepaea nemoralis (Mollusca: Gastropoda) in Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-07-12) Gashtarov, Viktor
The brown-lipped snail Ceapea nemoralis (Linnaeus, 1758) has been recorded for the first time in Bulgaria. Eleven individuals – one of them smashed – were found in May and July 2025 in the central part of Sofia city. The place of the only locality indicates that the species was most likely transported accidentally as a souvenir or by chance by a hotel guest or with the soil used for the flowerpot. Considering the conditions and location of the finding, it is questionable whether C. nemoralis could have expanded its geographical range.
First record of Vadonia unipunctata makedonica Holzschuh, 1989 (Cerambycidae: Lepturinae) in Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-02-23) Gradinarov, Denis; Petrova, Yana
Vadonia unipunctata makedonica Holzschuh, 1989 (Cerambycidae: Lepturinae) is reported from the Bulgarian part of Falakro Mts. The nominative subspecies V. unipunctata unipunctata (Fabricius, 1787) is also present in Bulgaria. Photographs of the beetles of both subspecies are provided.

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