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Item Notes on the herpetofauna in the northwestern foothills of the Pirin Mountains, south-western Bulgaria(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-07-02)Bulgaria’s herpetofauna has been studied for more than a century. Yet, little information is available on the herpetofauna in the northwestern foothills of the Pirin Mts. Here we present information about eight amphibian and ten reptile species that occur in the area. One of the amphibian species, Bufotes viridis, had not been found until the present study. Road traffic was identified as the biggest threat to the populations of some species.Item A Record of Eryx jaculus Linnaeus, 1758 (Squamata: Boidae) at Mount Ismaros, Northern Greece(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-28) Georgiev, DilianA 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.Item 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, HristoSome 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 kilometres. 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.Item 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, ElenaHydrobiological 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.Item New data on the batrachofauna of South Park, Sofia (Bulgaria) – species composition, distribution, and conservation threats(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-27) Grozdanov, Atanas; Sokolov, Anton; Petrov, Petar; Dimitrov, Dimitar; Atanasov, Vasil; Peshev, Hriso; Mitrevichin, EmanuilAlthough some amphibians are found in human settlements, they have been rarely studied in detail. Here we provide information on the batrachofauna of South Park Sofia. Six species were registered, and most of the species populations were in stable condition. Further, some of them increased their number and density. However, some conservation threats to the populations of the species were identified. The most significant threats were the presence of an invasive taxon and artificial ponds with vertical borders, which act as ecological traps. In this regard, some recommendations were made to minimise the negative impact on the batrachofauna in the park.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.
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