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Item Range Extension of Aramides mangle (Spix, 1825) (Aves, Gruiformes, Rallidae) to Cayenne, French Guiana(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-11-03) Mishev, TodorThis report documents a new occurrence of Aramides mangle (Spix, 1825) (Little Wood-Rail) in Cayenne Town, French Guiana, marking a significant range extension within the country. Prior sightings of this species in French Guiana were scarce, confined to the Kourou Town area from 2021 to 2024. The present record, confirmed by the homologation committee of Groupe d'Étude et de Protection des Oiseaux en Guyane (GEPOG), extends the known range of A. mangle into the Cayenne region and provides fresh insights into its distributional dynamics in response to environmental factors. This observation adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting potential range shifts among coastal rallids in South America, particularly along the northeastern coast where climate change and habitat modifications are increasingly documented.Item Range Extension of Aramides mangle (Spix, 1825) (Aves, Gruiformes, Rallidae) to Cayenne, French Guiana(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-11-03) Mishev, TodorThis report documents a new occurrence of Aramides mangle (Spix, 1825) (Little Wood-Rail) in Cayenne Town, French Guiana, marking a significant range extension within the country. Prior sightings of this species in French Guiana were scarce, confined to the Kourou Town area from 2021 to 2024. The present record, confirmed by the homologation committee of Groupe d'Étude et de Protection des Oiseaux en Guyane (GEPOG), extends the known range of A. mangle into the Cayenne region and provides fresh insights into its distributional dynamics in response to environmental factors. This observation adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting potential range shifts among coastal rallids in South America, particularly along the northeastern coast where climate change and habitat modifications are increasingly documented.Item Species composition, distribution and seasonal dynamics of ixodid ticks (Ixodidae Koch, 1844) in the Karlovo area, Southern Bulgaria(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-10-17) Boykova, Stiliana; Arnaudov, AtanasIn the Karlovo area (Southern Bulgaria) 6 species of ixodid ticks, belonging to 3 genera, including one subgenus, were identified - Hyalomma marginatum (Koch, 1844), Hyalomma scupense (Schulze, 1919), Rhipicephalus bursa (Canestrini & Fanzago, 1878), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806), Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Rhipicephalus annulatus (Say, 1821). Differences in their distribution and seasonal dynamics were found.Item Butozania bulgarica (Kantardzhieva-Minkova, 1953) (Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) – little known and possibly endangered species(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-09-19) Gradinarov, Denis; Petrova, YanaBalkan 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.Item First study on the psocids (Insecta: Psocodea) of Rwanda(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-09-12) Georgiev, DilianThis study presents the first investigation into the species diversity of psocids (Insecta: Psocodea) in Rwanda. Over a week-long period in July 2024, psocid specimens were collected from three distinct localities: Mount Kigali, Kitabi Village, and the shores of Lake Kivu. Eight species were identified, all of which are new records for Rwanda.Item On the validity of the genus Strandzhia Georgiev & Glöer, 2013 (Gastropoda: Bythinellidae)(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-07-02) Georgiev, Dilian; Gloer, PeterThe genus Strandzhia Georgiev & Glöer, 2013 (Gastropoda: Bythinellidae) was described from the Strandzha Mountain area in southeastern Bulgaria, with its type species, S. bythinellopenia Georgiev & Glöer, 2013. The species was initially found in a spring near the village of Mladezhko, coexisting with Bythinella dedovi (Glöer & Georgiev 2011). This article addresses the critique by Jaszczyńska et al. (2024), who question the validity of the genus Strandzhia based on two key points: the examination of male specimens from the type locality revealing a penis morphology typical of the genus Grossuana Radoman, 1983, and the sequencing of these specimens confirming their identity with Grossuana. They consequently question the expertise of the original authors regarding penis morphology, concluding the genus is invalid. However, our studies involved dissecting nine male specimens of Strandzhia, confirmed the reported penis morphology. We assert the validity of the genus Strandzhia and the existence of S. bythinellopenia at its type locality, alongside Bythinella and Grossuana species. Future genetic studies are essential for specimens exhibiting the characteristic penis morphology of Strandzhia.Item 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, NikolayIn 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.Item First finding of rare endemic species Cernosvitovia biserialis (Černosvitov, 1937) since 1967 year from Bulgaria(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-06-17) Valchovski, HristoIdentifying 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.Item Stress on stress response in wild and farmed Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819) from Sozopol, Black Sea (Bulgaria)(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-06-11) Yancheva, Vesela; Velcheva, Iliana; Georgieva, Elenka; Stoyanova, Stela; Todorova, Borislava; Nyeste, Krisztian; Antal, LaszloAs a continuation of our previous research, wild and farmed mussels from the town of Sozopol, located on the Southern Bulgarian Black Sea coast, were collected to assess and compare the survival rates (stress on stress response, SoS) as a biomarker for the multi-stressor environment. This time we aimed to investigate further if there could be any seasonal differences. Overall, the mussels collected in April had a longer survival time than those collected at the end of January 2024. However, the survival time of wild and farmed mussels had a shorter survival rate in the air than in other studies. The answer to the question “Why is that?” persists.Item New locality of the invasive Monk parakeet Myiopsitta monachus (Boddaert, 1783) in Greece(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-05-11) Boev, ZlatozarAn adult individual of the Monk parakeet has been recorded in the City of Piraeus (SE Greece), a new unknown so far locality of the species.Item Free-living freshwater nematodes in Vlasina Lake (Serbia, Pčina District, Surdulica Municipality)(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-05-07) Stoichev, Stefan; Nenova, ElenaFor the first time, a short hydrofaunistic research of Vlasina Lake, was carried in Serbia, Pčina District, Surdulica Municipalityut. A total 18 free-living fresh water nematods species were found. Information on frequency of occurrence and frequency of dominance is given. The study gives first information on the free-living fresh water nematods of the Vlasina Lake. For the first time data are reported on free-living fresh water Nematoda from Serbia.Item Physiological measurements of the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819) from the Bulgarian Black Sea as biomarkers for multi stressor environment(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-04-05) Yancheva, Vesela; Velcheva, Iliana; Georgieva, Elenka; Stoyanova, Stela; Todorova, Borislava; Nyeste, Krisztian; Antal, LaszloWild and farmed mussels from the Bulgarian Black Sea were collected to study and compare the survival rates (stress on stress response) as a biomarker for multi-stressor environment. In sum, the survival time indicated that the farmed mussels were more tolerant to stress, even though they had a similar size and lived in similar conditions. Further research needs to be done to clarify why.Item A new collection of Psocodea (Insecta) from Unguja Island (Zanzibar, Tanzania)(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-03-30) Georgiev, DilianThe 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.Item A case of transportation of Cimex hemipterus (Fabricius, 1803) (Insecta, Hemiptera) in Bulgaria(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-03-25) Georgiev, DilianDuring 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.Item Abundance and biomass of Cladocera (Crustacea) in Vaya Lake(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-02-27) Nenova, Elena; Stoichev, StefanThe 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.Item Recent record of Leioderes kollari kollari L. Redtenbacher, 1849 (Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae) in Bulgaria(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-02-27) Gradinarov, Denis; Sivilov, OgnyanThe longhorn beetle species Leioderes kollari kollari L. Redtenbacher, 1849 (Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae) is reported in Bulgaria after nearly thirty years of lack of data. Beetles were collected with UV light traps in the Shumensko Plato Nature Park with preserved natural forest habitats. The habitat of the species in the studied area is a mixed deciduous forest with Fagus sylvatica L., Carpinus betulus L. and Acer campestre L.Item First record of Vadonia unipunctata makedonica Holzschuh, 1989 (Cerambycidae: Lepturinae) in Bulgaria(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-02-23) Gradinarov, Denis; Petrova, YanaVadonia 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.Item Seasonal and circadian activity patterns of two sympatric carnivores in an agricultural habitat, Southern Bulgaria(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-02-14) Petrov, AlexanderTo establish the circadian activity of the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the Stone Marten (Martes foina) in agricultural habitats of Southern Bulgaria a total of 5 camera traps were set in protected area “Maritsa - Parvomay”. Both carnivores demonstrated bimodal nocturnal activity with close or coincident hour intervals. They showed peak activity in the dark and in the twilight, which is usual for areas with strong anthropogenic influence.Item One more “Asian” psocid (Insecta: Psocodea) found in Africa?(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-02-10) Georgiev, DilianThe study presents new findings of Peripsocus cf. constrictus Thornton & Wong, 1968, in Uganda, near Buvi village, along the shores of Lake Victoria. Specimens were collected on July 30th, 2022, from a swampy area with bushes, palms, and various hygrophytes. A total of 12 female specimens were collected by beating the vegetation and stored for further analysis. The species P. constrictus was previously described based solely on a male specimen from Southeast Asia, so its identification based on females from Africa remains uncertain.Item 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, DilianThis 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.