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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.Item On the diversity of the earthworms (Lumbricidae) from the Rhodope Mts in Bulgaria(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-11-22) Valchovski, Hristo; Teofilova, TeodoraThe research is a contribution to the knowledge of the earthworm diversity from the Western Rhodope Mts (Bulgaria). In this study, are presented new records of the rare Balkan endemic species Dendrobaena balcanica (Černosvitov, 1937). The paper also provides information about distribution, zoogeography and ecology of earthworm species from the mountain.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.