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Item New Data on the Mammals of the "Sinite Kamani" Nature Park, Bulgaria(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-12) Dolapchiev, Nikolay; Chanev, Milen; Tsvetkova, Mihaela"Sinite Kamani" Nature Park is located in the eastern part of the Stara Planina Mountains (eastern Bulgaria) and has a relatively poorly studied biodiversity. To study the mammals inhabiting the nature park, a study based on the camera trap method was conducted from 2023 to 2024. A total of 16 mammal species were recorded during the study period, three of which were domesticated. For the first time, a common dormouse was recorded using camera traps. This study is a continuation of a study also conducted using the camera trap method in 2013-2014. The results of this study, compared with the previous one, will track trends in the development of mammal species in the park and will contribute to their better management.Item On the species diversity of Psocodea (Insecta) of Mount Ismaros, North Greece(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-09) Georgiev, DilianThis study presents the first data on the species diversity of barklice (Psocodea: Insecta) from Mount Ismaros in northern Greece. Fieldwork conducted between July 2020 and May 2025 resulted in the identification of 21 species from 12 families. Information on the copulation of Ectopsocus vachoni was also recorded, including season, time of day, and air temperature.Item Lysosomal membrane stability assessment in wild and farmed mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819) as biomarkers for environmental stress: winter and spring results(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-05-28) Yancheva, Vesela; Stoyanova, Stela; Georgieva, Elenka; Todorova, Borislava; Antal, Laszlo; Samogyi, Dora; Uzochukwu, Ifeany Emmanuel; Nagy, Laszlo; Nyeste, KrisztianThis study evaluated lysosomal membrane stability using the Neutral Red Retention Time (NRRT) assay in hemocytes of Mytilus galloprovincialis from wild and farmed populations, as a biomarker for environmental stress. Mussels were sampled during winter and spring to assess seasonal variability. NRRT values showed a significant reduction in both populations across both seasons, indicating compromised lysosomal integrity and exposure to environmental stressors. However, the wild mussels exhibited consistently lower NRRT values compared to the farmed individuals, suggesting a higher level of stress. The question of why is yet to be answered.Item Going Against the Flow: Notes on the re-colonisation of the Eurasian Beaver Castor fiber Linnaeus, 1758 in Northern Bulgaria(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-05-23) Bradley, Ian; Deleva, StanimiraThe Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber Linnaeus, 1758) was once wide-ranging across Northern Europe and Asia (Lavrov 1981). However, anthropogenic factors such as the intensive hunting for their fur, meat, and oils, along with significant habitat loss, have caused a drastic decline in their population over the last 300 years. This decline seemed irreversible until recent observations have shown promising signs of their return. Recently, the beaver was observed to return to Bulgaria, on the Danube River and its tributaries (Kodzhabashev et al. 2021). Observations in the country's interior were limited (Kodzhabashev, 2022, Kodzhbashev et al., 2023). Here we report the recent observation of this species in a new location - the Rositsa River, a tributary of the Yantra River.Item They are heading south – new data from the distribution of the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) in Bulgaria(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-05-18) Marinova, Pavlina; Chernikov, Chavdar; Petkov, Nasko; Nedyalkov, Nikolay; Natchev, NikolayWe report on a case of a wild specimen of Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) that was detected south of the city of Razgrad (North East Bulgaria). To date, this is the southernmost area on the River Beli Lom, where the newly established Bulgarian beaver population has been registered. One young adult female specimen was rescued from a shaft in the spring of 2025. The specimen was palpated and inspected via X-ray for sexing, and full blood tests were performed. The female beaver was in general good condition. The river section, where the animal was captured, was observed in detail for signs of habitation of beavers and a number of gnawed trees were found. We recorded both newly impacted stems, as well as much older tooth marks (probably one or more years back in time). The investigated spot represents a bio-corridor for the beavers, as more gnawed trees were detected further south on the stream of Beli Lom River. We propose that the Bulgarian beaver population may reach the watershed of Kamchia River and in the near future, the beavers may cross the lower Eastern Balkan ridges and will expand into southern Bulgaria.Item 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, DianThe 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.Item Second record of the Bulgarian local endemic Balea eninskoensis Irikov, 2006 (Mollusca: Gastropoda)(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-04-24) Georgiev, DilianA new locality for the rare Bulgarian land snail Balea eninskoensis Irikov, 2006 is reported from the gorge below Buzludzha Monument, 42°41'31.0"N 25°22'45.5"E, 569 m a. s. l.Item First records of Apis mellifera Linnaeus (Insecta: Hymenoptera) open nests in Sofia, Bulgaria(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-04-24) Todorov, Ivaylo; Grozdanov, AtanasThe presence of five feral, exposed nests of Western honey bee, Apis mellifera L., is reported for the first time from a populated area in Bulgaria. The survival success of the colony during the winter was observed for two of the nests. Possible reasons for this unusual nesting behavior are discussed.Item Species Composition and Distribution of the Herpetofauna in the Urban Green Parks and Water Bodies in the Town of Haskovo (Bulgaria)(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-04-23) Mollov, Ivelin; Asenova, IvonaThe herpetofauna of the urban green areas and water bodies in Haskovo Town consists of 2 amphibian species from 2 families, representing 8.33% of the amphibian fauna of Bulgaria, and 6 species of reptiles from 4 families, which constitute 15.00% of the reptiles in Bulgaria, as well as one invasive species of aquatic turtle. Some ecological and conservational remarks about the urban herpetofauna in the town are given.Item New data on the distribution of some psocid species in French Guiana (Psocodea: Insecta)(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-04-12) Georgiev, DilianThis study provides new data on the distribution, habitats, and microhabitats of Psocodea in French Guiana. A total of ten species were recorded, some confirmed from old localities, while others were found in new ones. A brief discussion is included regarding the differences between the two Tapinella species: T. dichromoptera and T. montjoliensis.Item Cetaceans - Can they be indicators of the state of the Black Sea environment?(Plovdiv University Press Paisii Hilendarski, 2025-03-26) Zaharieva, ZornitsaAnthropogenic 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.Item Notes on recent records of snails (Mollusca: Gastropoda) from French Guiana(Plovdiv University Press Paisii Hilendarski, 2025-03-26) Georgiev, Dilian; Mishev, TodorA total of 16 terrestrial and 2 freshwater species were recorded, belonging to 14 families. New locality records are provided for several species, expanding their known distribution within the region. Some species, were confirmed in previously documented locations.Item A new record of Hemidactylus turcicus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Bulgaria(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-01-28) Velikov, Ilian; Naumov, BorislavA 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.Item How stressed are two populations of the Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819) from the Black Sea (Bulgaria)? - Stress on stress biomarker responses(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-01-15) Yancheva, Vesela; Georgieva, Elenka; Stoyanova, Stela; Todorova, Borislava; Antal, Laszlo; Nyeste, KrisztianThis article aims to present the latest results on the stress on stress responses in farmed and wild mussels from Sozopol, Bulgaria, focusing on the autumn season of 2024. Additionally, we compare these findings with the results from the other three seasons.Item 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, ZlatozarA 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.Item 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, StefanHydrobiologycal 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.Item Some unusual findings of Güldenstaedt’s White-toothed Shrew, Crocidura gueldenstaedtii (Pallas, 1811) (Mammalia: Eulipotyphla: Soricidae) from Bulgaria(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-12-25) Nedyalkov, NedkoHere we reported some unusual findings of the Güldenstaedt’s White-toothed Shrew, Crocidura gueldenstaedtii from Bulgaria. Probably the first documented case of arboreal activity of this shrew - found in a nest box attached to a tree at 1.5 m height. In the Western Rhodope Mountains, we found a female shrew with a purple-red underpart, more intense around the chest and cheek.Item Characteristics of Crested Tinamou (Eudromia elegans Saint-Hilaire, 1832) (Aves: Tinamidae) eggs(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-12-15) Lukanov, Hristo; Genchev, AtanasThe 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.Item Reference intervals for some clinical biochemical parameters and certain markers of inflammation in a female paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) in Bulgaria(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-12-11) Pashov, Tacho; Zapryanova, Dimitirnka; Atanasoff, Alexander; Urku, Gigdem; Nikolov, GalinThe American paddlefish, (Polyodon spathula), belongs to the order Acipenseriformes, along with the other sturgeon species. It has been cultivated in Bulgaria's aquaculture since 2003, but there is still a gap in knowledge about the biology of this species. Therefore, the current study aimed to establish reference normal ranges of basic clinical biochemical parameters and markers of inflammation in a healthy female mature paddlefish being reared in polyculture with carp in earthen fish ponds. For the present study, 8 summer old healthy female mature individuals were selected. The blood reference intervals were calculated according to the non-parametric method. The findings from the present study may not be accurate for large-scale clinical interpretation but can certainly be a starting point and guide practitioners in their actions and practice.Item 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, ZlatozarA 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.
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