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In 2022–2023 specimens of A. fallax are recorded for the first time in approximately 17 years in Szczecin Lagoon. We collected 11 specimens of juveniles, 9 premature and mature females, and 9 premature and mature males (20.3–40.7 cm of total length, aged from 1+ to 4+). The 2+ aged fish was slightly dominated (34.5% of the whole sample). Females in the Szczecin Lagoon were ready to spawn in the age of 3+ and 4+ years, while males partly in 2+, and in the age of 3+ and 4+. Fulton’s condition factor of this fish was 0.93±0.14 and Clark’s 0.78±0.14. Analysis of correlations between the total length and individual weight of fish revealed that the growth of A. fallax was allometric (b < 3.0). The range of gonadosomatic index (GSI) was 0.12–26.59%, while the mean of the absolute and relative fecundity was 58,756 eggs per female and 139,650 eggs per kilogram of body weight. The obtained results indicate the occurrence of an anadromous population of Alosa fallax in the studied water areas. However, there is still a need to obtain detailed information on the population status and the biology of A. fallax in these areas in order to designate special conservation areas (SACs) for their protection, especially taking into account spawning habitats.

Abstract Locals engaged in traditional farming and possessing traditional ecological knowledge consider certain species worthy of protection, as do official nature conservationists, although the sets of taxa may not be identical. Exploring the relationship between the two sets of taxa could bring many practical benefits, yet the literature on this subject is scarce. For more efficient conservation and better engagement and knowledge co‐production with locals, it is necessary to understand the principles, preferences and worldviews of the two knowledge systems, and the drivers behind the choices of which animal species to protect. We examined which animal species traditional farmers and conservationists wish to protect, and why. We also examined whether there is a correlation between the extent of farmers' ecological knowledge and the number of species they regard as needing protection. In the case of the species that conservationists consider most in need of protection, we also enquired how knowledgeable local farmers are about these species. Our research was carried out in two adjacent protected sites in Central Europe along the Slovenian‐Hungarian border. We conducted 20 structured interviews with traditional farmers at each of the two sites (40 altogether), and 23 with local conservationists. Both conservationists and local farmers predominantly mentioned the protection of species that do not provide a tangible economic benefit to farmers and that show a declining population trend. Local farmers with greater species knowledge did not know significantly more than those with less knowledge about the species to be protected, nor did they list more legally protected species. The preliminary assumption of the conservationists was that the locals knew the species and listed the ones to be protected for essentially functional reasons (e.g. usefulness). By contrast, it was found that many more aspects (e.g. population trends, appearance) also had a significant impact. Once the boundaries between the two knowledge systems are removed, collaboration between the stakeholder groups can facilitate the protection of natural assets and local communities. We consider it the responsibility of conservationists (together with ethnoecologists and other researchers) to ensure that these preferences are properly understood for the benefit of conservation and local communities. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Purpose. Taking into account the unique ichthyological complex of the upper course of the Dniester River, the studies should be directed both at the structure of the ichthyofauna and at its quantitative parameters of the species structure, and fish with a special conservation status need special attention. Therefore, the purpose of our work was to determine the peculiarities of the current structural and functional organization of the ichthyocenosis of the Dniester River within the Ivano-Frankivsk region. Methodology. Quantitative assessment of fish juveniles was carried out using the area method. Fish juveniles were identified to the species level using A.F. Koblytska and Yu.V. Movchan identification keys. All fish, after some measurements, were released to the place where they were caught in an undamaged state and alive. After identification of fish species with a special conservation status, which were trapped into the fishing gear, they were immediately returned to their habitat without removing them from water. Findings. Fourteen fish species were observed in the community of fish juveniles on the nearshore areas of the Dniester River in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. According to the data of the analysis, following relative abundances of juvenile fish species were observed: vyrezub (40% of the total abundance), bleak (23% of the total abundance) and vimba (18% of the total abundance). The total relative abundance of fish juveniles with special conservation status in the total catch was 68%, which suggested the need to create additional zones in order to increase conservation measures. Given the high share of fish species with special conservation status, the assessment of species biodiversity in terms of biotope similarity is important. The area of Mariyampil village and floodplain coastal areas were characterized by the highest biodiversity in terms of species composition of ichthyofauna among the studied biotopes. The highest abundance of fish juveniles in absolute values was recorded in the mouth areas of the rivers, but its high values were achieved due to the juveniles of vyrezub. Also, this studied nearshore area was not characterized by a high biodiversity of ichthyofauna, which was confirmed by the Shannon-Weaver index at the level of 1.74. According to the results of our study, it can be stated that the nearshore areas of the mouth part of the rivers are important and unique for the formation of ichthyocenosis specifically for the vyrezub. Thus, it can be concluded that all analyzed stations were characterized by the presence of vyrezub, which allows classifying the studied area as important in terms of environmental protection. In view of the prevalence of juvenile vyrezub within the studied areas, protective measures are more important, which are aimed not only at ensuring control over the state of aquatic biological resources, but also at the organization of artificial replenishment of natural localities and the creation of new populations of this species with their purposeful acclimatization in specially selected ecological conditions of the water body. Originality. For the first time, the yield of fish juveniles in the nearshore areas of the Dniester River within the Ivano-Frankivsk Region was analyzed. The obtained data will be used to solve the problem of the preservation of species diversity and the abundance of fish species, which are valuable in terms of environmental protection. Practical value. As a result of the assessment of the current state of the ichthyofauna of the Dniester River within the limits of the Ivano-Frankivsk region, data were obtained regarding the natural localities of rare and endangered fish species in the specified area.

Olonets grasslands (61.041111° N, 32.931389° E) are the most extensive agrolandscapes in the Republic of Karelia (Northwest Russia), one of the largest spring stopovers of migrating birds in Northern Europe and a breeding area of farmland-associated birds. This territory is essential for the life of many bird species and is listed among international-level Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas of Russia. However, the preservation level of Olonets grasslands is rather low, since only spring hunting has been prohibited in a part of the Olonets grasslands (49 km2) since 1993. Thus, the conservation status of this area and the bird protection measures have to be upgraded and a system should be set up for monitoring the abundance of Red Data Book and other threatened species, which use this territory in certain stages of their life cycle. One of such species is Numenius arquata (hereinafter – curlew), many populations of which have both declining abundance and shrinking distribution. This species uses the Olonets grasslands both as a spring migration stopover and as a breeding area. We analysed the curlew registrations obtained in the Olonets grasslands in April and May 1997–2023 during the transect censuses (both transect walks and surveys using a car). We compared these records with both local weather data and grassland use intensity. We also analysed the time dependence of curlew spring abundance on date and year of observations. The research hypothesis was that curlew's abundance decreased in cold spring seasons, in seasons with intensive grassland use, as well as over time. The latter supposition is based on the observations of a curlew population decline in the past decades in various parts of the species' range. The monitoring showed that this species is consistently present in the Olonets grasslands in April – May. Curlews, stopping over on migration, used the grasslands quite evenly, with no clear preference for any specific areas. In the case of breeding, however, they tended to choose the sites most inconvenient for agricultural treatments. The even distribution of curlews over the grasslands was probably due mostly to the individuals foraging in stopovers. In the surveyed part of the Olonets grasslands (49 km2), the size of the local population breeding varied from 30 to 150 pairs in 1999–2023. In 2019–2023, it was 30–90 pairs. In the entire Olonets grasslands (180 km2), the breeding curlew population varied from 100 to 1200 pairs at various years in 1999–2023, but it did not exceed 100–300 pairs in 2019–2023. During the stopping over on migration, the annual number of curlew individuals passing through the surveyed part of the Olonets grasslands was 90–750, while it was 150–2500 birds in the entire Olonets grasslands. So far, we have found no correlation between the total abundance of curlews in the study area and the intensity of grassland use, apparently because stopover and breeding sites are still available. On the other hand, the curlew abundance was lower in warmer spring seasons. Apparently, some curlews fly farther north in such seasons, whereas in colder seasons more birds settle on Olonets grasslands or linger on them on their migration route. Over 25-year retrospective, the total curlew abundance registered in the Olonets grasslands has decreased by 34.4%. In the study area, the negative trend in the species abundance was likely due not only to local but also to global processes, which have caused a decline in some other European populations as well. These birds probably face with certain problems on flyways or in wintering grounds, but more data are needed to verify this conjecture. The local-scope factors that may potentially affect curlew abundance include burning of last year's grass cover, farming intensification, predation, and human disturbance. By assessing possible future changes in the curlew abundance in the Olonets grasslands, we predict that in the coming 30–40 years this species is highly likely to become «endangered» in the study area. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to conserve the sites where curlews can nest, strengthen the protection regime in the Olonets grasslands (preferably through designation of a high-status Protected Area), and raise public awareness of the need to conserve the species and reduce human disturbance.

IntroductionMonitoring bycatch of protected species is a fisheries management priority. In practice, protected species bycatch is difficult to precisely or accurately estimate with commonly used ratio estimators or parametric, linear model-based methods. Machine-learning algorithms have been proposed as means of overcoming some of the analytical hurdles in estimating protected species bycatch.MethodsUsing 17 years of set-specific bycatch data derived from 100% observer coverage of the Hawaii shallow-set longline fishery and 25 aligned environmental predictors, we evaluated a new approach for protected species bycatch estimation using Ensemble Random Forests (ERFs). We tested the ability of ERFs to predict interactions with five protected species with varying levels of bycatch in the fishery and methods for correcting these predictions using Type I and Type II error rates from the training data. We also assessed the amount of training data needed to inform a ERF approach by mimicking the sequential addition of new data in each subsequent fishing year.ResultsWe showed that ERF bycatch estimation was most effective for species with greater than 2% interaction rates and error correction improved bycatch estimates for all species but introduced a tendency to regress estimates towards mean rates in the training data. Training data needs differed among species but those above 2% interaction rates required 7-12 years of bycatch data.DiscussionOur machine learning approach can improve bycatch estimates for rare species but comparisons are needed to other approaches to assess which methods perform best for hyperrare species.

Understanding the evolution of bat homeostasis and the formation of an adaptive strategy of animals to climatic fluctuations and pathogens determine the need for further laboratory and modelling studies devoted to the ecology and physiology of bats. This study was aimed to assess the hematological and biochemical parameters of homeostasis of Myotis dasycneme, a protected endemic bat species of the Urals. Animals (n = 65) were caught in the zone of mass habitation of bats in the Southern Urals (Chelyabinsk Region) and the Middle Urals (Sverdlovsk Region). We used samples from M. dasycneme populations in the Ilmensky State Nature Reserve (Russia). Multivariate non-parametric analysis of variance has shown no significant sex differences in red blood parameters in bats (p > 0.05). The blood of bats was characterised by high levels of hemoglobin (167.9–187.2 g/L), hematocrit (47.2–51.5%), erythrocytes (9.6–11.5 × 1012/L), platelets (136.8–271.3 × 109/L). In the autumn-winter period of hibernation, under hypoxic load on the body and prolonged exposure to low positive and near-zero temperatures, an increased content of agranulocytes (50.6–53.6%) was noted in the blood of females and males. The spring process of awakening and exit from deep hypothermia is accompanied by the reactivity of the innate immune system in males and females (granulocytes: 53.2–54.2%). During the winter period of hypobiosis in bats, the basal metabolism increases and the concentration of glucose in the blood increases to 4.7 ± 0.5 mmol/L (p < 0.05). The absence of statistically significant sex differences in the content of glucose and triglycerides (p > 0.05) in the blood plasma of animals has been noted. This ensures metabolic processes (carbohydrate and lipid metabolism) in all seasonal periods of their annual life cycle. The amino acid fund of blood plasma of bats is represented by 22 amino acids. In the blood plasma of males and females, the fund of free amino acids decreases during the year in the following direction: summer ≥ autumn ≥ winter > spring (p < 0.05). There were no sex differences (p > 0.05) in the content of amino acid metabolic groups, namely glycogenic (GGAA), non-essential (NEAA), branched carbon chain (BCCA). A significant accumulation of metabolically active glucoplastic alanine in autumn (3.1 times) and winter (2.3 times) in the blood of females, and in autumn and winter (2.0 and 1.9 times) in males indicates its role as a low-temperature adaptogen. Under conditions of low positive temperatures, in the blood plasma of M. dasycneme, the disappearance of the essential amino acid tryptophan was observed (p < 0.05). This suggests a high demand for serotonin synthesis as one of triggers actively involved in maintaining hypothermia and hypometabolism in bats. Thus, the biochemical and immunohematological parameters, obtained in the course of the study, make it possible to expand and systematise the available information on the mechanisms of participation of the blood system in the regulatory processes in bats. They can be used for long-term monitoring in solving problems of conservation and abundance of healthy populations of bats that adapt both to seasonal modulations and biotic factors, and to stressors of zoonotic significance.

Paeonia peregrina Mill. is a protected, herbaceous species native to Southeastern Europe and Turkey. Due to its vulnerability, it has to be protected both in its natural habitats and through cultivation. Peonies are known to have a low potential for natural regeneration due to their seed dormancy, low germination rate, and long germination period. In this study, treatments with gibberellic acid (GA3 150, 200, 250, 300, and 350 mg L−1 GA3) and warm (at 20/16 °C day/night regime) and cold stratification (at 4 °C) were used to accelerate dormancy release and increase the germination rate. The seeds of P. peregrina from four natural habitats in Serbia and the Institute’s collection were collected and analyzed. They showed an underdeveloped embryo that needs to grow inside the seed before it can germinate. The application of GA3 accelerated each stage of germination (seed coat rapturing, hypocotyl dormancy release, and epicotyl dormancy release) for approximately 10 days compared to the control. It was also found that two-day imbibition with 200 mg L−1 GA3 significantly accelerated and equalized germination. Higher GA3 concentrations had a more pronounced impact on each stage but also resulted in greater seed infection after the seed coat rupture, elongated and weak seedlings, while lower concentrations did not result in obtaining uniform seedlings. There were no significant differences observed between localities. Restoring P. peregrina through seeds and nursery-produced plants is crucial for conserving the genetic diversity of the tested species.

Western Pacific leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are a priority bycatch mitigation concern due to the projected extinction of the population before the end of the 21st century. The species regularly occurs as bycatch in gillnet and surface longline fisheries. Here, we explore the potential for dynamic ocean management in an emerging hotspot of leatherback sea turtle bycatch in the New Zealand pelagic longline fishery. We compared spatial areas of different sizes built from single oceanographic covariates as well as built from a composite risk surface developed through ensemble random forests. We found that, individually, the Okubo–Weiss parameter, sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly, SST, moon phase, and distance to the SST front were important oceanographic covariates for leatherback sea turtle bycatch. However, the spatial areas built from the composite risk surface were the most effective at discriminating sets with and without bycatch across a range of risk cutoffs. When we also considered implementation metrics of spatial area and coherence as part of performance, the area derived from the composite risk surface with a risk of interaction per set greater than 52% performed best. This spatial area was ephemeral, occurring 1 or 2 weeks each year, and localized, occurring along the north coast of East Cape in the North Island of New Zealand. The apparent presence of discrete spatial areas with elevated risk may be useful to inform future management in the area. Considering implementation metrics in defining utility was useful for identifying tradeoffs between the total size and the underlying covariates delineating a spatial area. As such, we recommend these types of metrics to be included when designing spatial bycatch mitigation strategies elsewhere.

Five adults and one juvenile specimens of Vertigo angustior Jeffreys, 1830 (narrow-mouthed whorl snail) were found near Dunjska River, Mariovo for the first time in the Republic of North Macedonia. The species is included in Annex II of the Habitats Directive, and Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats (Bern Convention).

The reproduction of rare and endangered plant species is one of the most important factors determining the stability and survival of their populations, and knowledge of the barriers to successful reproduction is essential for species conservation. Habitat loss and slow reproduction due to low fruit set are usually considered the main threats to Cephalanthera longifolia and C. rubra (Orchidaceae). The aim of this study was to analyse the natural fruit set of these species during three consecutive years in Lithuania in the northern part of the temperate zone of Europe. Six populations of C. longifolia and three populations of C. rubra were studied each year from 2021 to 2023. During the study period, 49.3% to 54.4% of C. longifolia and 40.0% to 54.3% of C. rubra individuals produced no fruit. Over the three-year period, fruit set in individual populations of C. longifolia ranged from 5.2% to 19.5%, whereas fruit set in populations of C. rubra ranged from 4.1% to 18.8%. Significant weak or moderate correlations were found between plant height, inflorescence length and the number of flowers in the inflorescence and fruit set of both species. Flower position in the inflorescence had a significant effect on fruit set in both species, and the fruit set rate of lower flowers was higher than that of upper flowers. Significant but weak correlations were found between the fruit set and most of the environmental factors analysed. The results of this study suggest that the fruit set of C. longifolia and C. rubra is dependent on insect pollination of the flowers, which in turn is affected by habitat conditions.

Apart from a number of various activities, the Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia is also engaged in the taking care of strictly protected and protected species of animals. During 2021, a total of 118 individuals from the class of birds (Aves) including 22 species were taken care of, as well as two individual species from the class of reptiles (Reptilia) and one individual from the class of mammals (Mammalia), while in 2022 35 individuals were taken care of, and in 2023 a total of 70 individuals, all from the class of birds (Aves). Upon recovery, individuals found to be rehabilitated were returned to their natural habitats.

Euphydryas aurinia, a highly endangered species listed on the Annex II of the Habitats Directive as well as on the Annex II of the Bern Convention, has a wide distribution in the Palearctic realm. Although it is an intensively studied species, its distribution is still not enough known. In Romania, in the last century it has been reported almost exclusively from the regions inside and westwards to the Carpathian Mountains. Records from Oltenia and Wallachia are filling a gap in the known distribution of this butterfly in the southern part of Romania, while 13 new records consolidate the known range of this species in southern and eastern Transylvania. In order to assess the progress encountered, a critical reviewed checklist with the records of the Marsh Fritillary presented in a regional distribution map complete this paper.

Abstract Background Canine morbillivirus (canine distemper virus, CDV) is a member of the Paramyxoviridae family. Canine distemper is a serious viral disease that affects many mammalian species, including members of the Mustelidae family. These animals have an elusive nature, which makes related virological studies extremely challenging. There is a significant knowledge gap about the evolution of their viruses and about the possible effects of these viruses to the population dynamics of the host animals. Spleen and lung tissue samples of 170 road-killed mustelids belonging to six species were collected between 1997 and 2022 throughout Hungary and tested for CDV with real-time RT-PCR. Results Three species were positive for viral RNA, 2 out of 64 Steppe polecats (Mustela eversmanii), 1 out of 36 European polecats (Mustela putorius) and 2 out of 36 stone martens (Martes foina); all 18 pine martens (Martes martes), 10 least weasels (Mustela nivalis) and 6 stoats (Mustela erminea) tested negative. The complete CDV genome was sequenced in five samples using pan-genotype CDV-specific, amplicon-based Nanopore sequencing. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, all five viral sequences were grouped to the Europe/South America 1 lineage and the distribution of one sequence among trees indicated recombination of the Hemagglutinin gene. We verified the recombination with SimPlot analysis. Conclusions This paper provides the first CDV genome sequences from Steppe polecats and additional complete genomes from European polecats and stone martens. The infected specimens of various species originated from distinct parts of the country over a long time, indicating a wide circulation of CDV among mustelids throughout Hungary. Considering the high virulence of CDV and the presence of the virus in these animals, we highlight the importance of conservation efforts for wild mustelids. In addition, we emphasize the importance of full genomic data acquisition and analysis to better understand the evolution of the virus. Since CDV is prone to recombination, specific genomic segment analyses may provide less representative evolutionary traits than using complete genome sequences.

Land-use change is a perennial driver of biodiversity decline. However, climate change may pose novel pressures on species populations, adding to the mixture of anthropogenic threats. Determining the main causes for species decline is important for effective allocation of conservation efforts and for understanding the linkages between biodiversity decline and climate change. Here, we study the impacts of forest management, urbanization, and changes in spring climatic conditions on the presence of a threatened plant species, Pulsatilla patens. In addition, we examine if topographic heterogeneity has supported the persistence of species populations under climatic change starting from 1961. We modelled the effect of land-use and climate change both separately and jointly, finding that both drivers have individual and potentially direct impacts on the persistence of P. patens. This is in agreement with the historic standpoint of land-use change being the main threat for the species, as well as recent findings of the potentially harmful effects of altered climatic conditions in spring, e.g., through late frost damage following earlier emergence of flowers. However, we found no indication that topographic heterogeneity would offer a buffering effect, suggesting that changes in spring climatic conditions form a tangible threat to this species that is not alleviated in the current landscape. As climate change continues, it is likely that the number and intensity of stressors increases for a variety of species, which warrants further attention to the role of climate change and appropriate conservation action.

Five species of sea turtles are known to occur in New Zealand waters, with the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) being the most frequently reported. In New Zealand all sea turtles are protected, but there are currently no fisheries bycatch mitigation measures. We describe fishery captures of leatherbacks from Ministry observer and fisher self-reported data. A generalized additive model (GAM) was then used to evaluate which factors might explain the observed year trend in captures. Between fishing years 2007–08 and 2020–21 (years starting 1 October), there were 217 captures of leatherback turtles, an annual average of 15.5. Reported captures increased substantially to 50 in 2020–21. Nearly all (97.7%) captures were reported from surface longline fisheries. Because of sparse observer coverage most captures (85.3%) were self-reported by fishers. Within the main fishery, just 9.4% of the vessels reported 94.5% of the leatherback captures, and one vessel reported 40.4% of all captures. Some non-reporting of captures seems likely. The GAM estimated a higher probability of capture with increasing SST from a constant-over-time spatial pattern of monthly sea surface temperature, and predicted the increase in captures in 2020–21. Much of the increase in bycatch could therefore be explained by the fleet moving into warmer areas where the probability of leatherback capture was higher. Capture mitigation measures could include restricting fishing in turtle ‘hotspot’ times and areas. New Zealand waters should be recognized as an important seasonal foraging ground for leatherback turtles where capture mitigation measures are necessary.

The paper presents the first analysis of crowdsourcing data of all observations of fungi (including lichens) and myxomycetes in Northwestern Siberia uploaded to iNaturalist.org to date (24.02.2022). The Introduction presents an analysis of fungal diversity crowdsourcing globally, in Russia, and in the region of interest. Materials and methods describe the protocol of uploading data to iNaturalist.org, the structure of the crowdsourcing community, initiative to revise the accumulated data, procedures of data analysis, and compilation of a dataset of revised crowdsourced data. The Results present the analysis of accumulated data by several parameters: temporal, geographical and taxonomical scope, observation and identification efforts, identifiability of various taxa, species novelty and Red Data Book categories and the protection status of registered observations. The Discussion provides data on usability of crowdsourcing data for biodiversity research and conservation of fungi, including pros and contras. The Electronic Supplements to the paper include an annotated checklist of observations of protected species with information on Red Data Book categories and the protection status, and an annotated checklist of regional records of new taxa. The paper is supplemented with a dataset of about 15 000 revised and annotated records available through Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). The tradition of crowdsourcing is rooted in mycological societies around the world, including Russia. In Northwestern Siberia, a regional mycological club was established in 2018, encouraging its members to contribute observations of fungi on iNaturalist.org. A total of about 15 000 observations of fungi and myxomycetes were uploaded so far, by about 200 observers, from three administrative regions (Yamalo-Nenetsky Autonomous Okrug, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, and Tyumen Region). The geographical coverage of crowdsourcing observations remains low. However, the observation activity has increased in the last four years. The goal of this study consisted of a collaborative effort of professional mycologists invited to help with the identification of these observations and analysis of the accumulated data. As a result, all observations were reviewed by at least one expert. About half of all the observations have been identified reliably to the species level and received Research Grade status. Of those, 90 species (195 records) represented records of taxa new to their respective regions; 876 records of 53 species of protected species provide important data for conservation programmes. The other half of the observations consists of records still under-identified for various reasons: poor quality photographs, complex taxa (impossible to identify without microscopic or molecular study), or lack of experts in a particular taxonomic group. The Discussion section summarises the pros and cons of the use of crowdsourcing for the study and conservation of regional fungal diversity, and summarises the dispute on this subject among mycologists. Further research initiatives involving crowdsourcing data must focus on an increase in the quality of observations and strive to introduce the habit of collecting voucher specimens among the community of amateurs. The timely feedback from experts is also important to provide quality and the increase of personal involvement.

The aim of this study was to obtain a better understanding on short-distance basidiospore dispersal of the wood-decay fungus Fistulina hepatica, thereby providing valuable knowledge for the conservation management of this protected species. Specifically, the study was expected to reveal site-specific patterns of basidiospore release and spread in oak stands during one fruiting season under north European conditions. The trapping of fungal spores was carried out between August and October 2022 using passive spore traps placed in three oak stands (>200-year-old) in central Lithuania. The average daily temperature was recorded throughout the period of spore trapping. Collected samples were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing of fungal ITS2 rDNA. The results showed that the relative abundance of F. hepatica reads was influenced by the time of fruitbody maturation, but not by the average daily temperature. Although there was a certain variation among different study sites, the results showed that a great majority of F. hepatica spores were deposited within 50 m from the fruitbody, showing that the fungus to a large extent is dependent on local habitats for colonization.

Rockfishes (Sebastes spp.) are a long-lived, understudied, multi-species fish assemblage in inland Washington (USA) waters. Driven by large-scale fishery removals in the 1970s, their numbers declined and have yet to recover, perhaps due to slow maturation and rare recruitment success. Since then, rockfish fishing restrictions have increased within Puget Sound, culminating in a 2010 total ban. Here, we analyze rockfish community trends (abundance and Shannon Diversity) within Puget Sound from 2009 to 2023. Our dataset includes 157 recorded dive transects from nine rocky or artificial reef habitats at depths 5–24 m throughout four Puget Sound basins: Admiralty Inlet (2 sites), Central Puget Sound (4 sites), Hood Canal (2 sites), and South Puget Sound (1 site). Significant differences in community species composition between basins were observed; we noted more Black (S. melanops), Yellowtail (S. flavidus), and Puget Sound (S. emphaeus) rockfish and fewer Brown rockfish (S. auriculatus) at sites in Admiralty Inlet vs. Central Puget Sound. Adult rockfish counts and Shannon Diversity varied seasonally, with higher rockfish counts and diversity indices in summer/autumn vs. winter/spring. Notably, we observed that total adult rockfish count per survey tended downward over time, driven partly by significant downward trends in Hood Canal Copper rockfish (S. caurinus) counts. We recommend continued monitoring and additional investigation into what factors besides fishing may be driving the trends reported here.

The aim of this study was to characterize potential fungal species affecting mangrove species in Mexico. The phytopathogens were identified based on morphological and molecular characteristics using internal transcribed spacer (ITS1/ITS4) primers then sequenced and compared with the other related sequences in GenBank (NCBI). Three fungal species were identified as Colletotrichum queenslandicum (Weir and Johnst, 2012) from black mangrove (Avicennia germinans); Colletotrichum ti (Weir and Johnst, 2012) from white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) and buttonwood mangrove (Conocarpus erectus); Fusarium equiseti (Corda) from red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle). In addition, C. ti and F. equiseti were identified from mango Mangifera indica L. sampled close by the mangrove area. This study provides first evidence of anthracnose on four mangrove species caused by Colletotrichum and Fusarium species in the “Términos” coastal lagoon in Campeche State southern Mexico. This is the first time that C. queenslandicum and C. ti are reported in Mexico. F. equiseti has not been reported affecting M. indica and R. mangle until the present work. Little is known regarding fungal diseases affecting mangroves in Mexico. These ecosystems are protected by Mexican laws and may be threatened by these pathogenic fungus. This is the first report of the effect of Trichoderma harzianum TRICHO-SIN as an effective biological control against of Colletotrichum and Fusarium species.

Introduction: Poland is one of the main exporters of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in Europe. A substantial part of this plant material is collected in the wild. So far, the system of wild collection (WC) of medicinal plants in Poland, its social and ecological aspects have not been studied comprehensively.

Euphydryas maturna is a highly endangered species listed on the Annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive as well as on the Annex II of the Bern Convention. Despite being reported from almost all the historical regions of Romania, there are only two published records from Oltenia so far. Several specimens spotted in the Bungețu forest (near Bălcești, Vâlcea county) in late May 2021, are filling this gap in the known distribution of the Scarce fritillary in Romania.

Describing the acoustic repertoire of cetaceans is necessary to understand the functionality of their sounds and the effect anthropogenic pressures have on animals living in a marine environment. This study provides a description of the acoustic repertoire of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Cres-Lošinj archipelago based on continuous 24-h recordings collected from two monitoring stations, both inside and outside the Natura 2000 Site of Community Importance, during an 8-day period in March/April 2020 and a 13-day period in July/August 2020. A total of 1008 h were visually and aurally analyzed to identify vocalizations and investigate diel and seasonal patterns in their parameters. Furthermore, sound pressure levels were calculated for the low (63 Hz–2 kHz) and high (2 kHz–20 kHz) frequency range. Bottlenose dolphins in the Cres-Lošinj archipelago were found to produce whistles, chirps, low frequency narrow-band sounds, burst pulse sounds, and echolocation clicks showing that dolphins are present at both monitoring stations, during both diel and seasonal periods, in a comparable manner. This paper also provides evidence that whistles, chirps, and low frequency narrow-band sounds change their parameters in relation to the background noise in the area, that varies according to diel and seasonal patterns. This suggests a vocal plasticity in the species and a coping strategy to avoid masking of relevant acoustic signals for the local population in the Cres-Lošinj archipelago.

Many desert fishes, which evolved in isolated aquatic “islands” with limited predation pressure, have been severely impacted by non-native predators. These impacts have been attributed to the evolutionary loss of antipredator competence, known as the predator naiveté hypothesis. Recent work provided support for this hypothesis for one desert fish species. We sought to examine the generality of the predator naiveté hypothesis by evaluating antipredator competence in five populations of Red River pupfish (Cyprinodon rubrofluviatilis), a species that occupies habitats that vary in the degree of isolation and levels of fish species richness. Fish were exposed to a conspecific chemical alarm cue released from damaged epidermal tissue as a general assay of antipredator response. We found that pupfish from all five populations exhibited antipredator behavior in response to the alarm cue, regardless of the exposure to predation risk. These data provide evidence that antipredator responses to alarm cues are conserved in Red River pupfish, even in populations isolated from piscivorous species.

In 2020, waters and territories of the eastern part of Emerald Network object “Samarskyi Lis – UA0000212” were studied by biology specialists. The main purpose of the research was to identify rare species of plants and animals. We found species of flora and fauna protected by European Red List, Red Data Book of Ukraine, Additions to the Bern Convention and Regional Red Data Book. The list of plant species subjected to special protection contains 42 species, including Allium savranicum, Agropyron dasyanthum, and Jurinea cyanoides. It is noted that in the eastern part of the Emerald Network object “Samarskyi Lis ‒ UA0000212” the presence of other rare plant species is assumed (Senecio borysthenicus (D&c.) Andrz., Agropyron dasyanthum Ledeb, Viola lavrenkoana Klokov., Allium savranicum Besser). This matter requires monitoring in various phenological periods of the year. Concerning entomofauna in the eastern part of the Emerald Network object “Samarskyi Lis – UA0000212” it was found 7 species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine (2009): Lucanus cervus, Papilio machaon, Iphiclides podalirius, Zerunthia polyxena, Xylocopa valla, Scolіa maculata, Catocala sponsa, as well as 2 species of insects protected by the provisions of the Bern Convention ‒ Lucanus cervus, Lycaena dispar. The ichthyofauna of the eastern part of the Emerald Network object “Samarskyi Lis ‒ UA0000212” includes 4 species that are listed in the Bern Convention: Leucaspius delineatus, Rhodeus amarus, Cobitis taenia, Sykhorn abotter. Analysis of terrestrial vertebrates revealed the presence of 95 species to be protected. There are 5 species of amphibians (three of them are included in the International Red List – Lissotriton vulgaris, Hyla arborea, Bufo bufo), as well as 6 species of reptiles, among which one is protected by IUCN (Emys orbicularis), two species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine (Coronella austriaca, Vipera renardi). 74 species of birds were found in the study area. Three of them (Coracias garrulus, Ciconia nigra and Buteo rufinus) are listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine. In the eastern part of the Emerald Network object “Samarskyi Lis ‒ UA0000212” there are 10 species of mammals, of which nine are protected by the provisions of the Bern Convention, and two species (Eptesicus serotinus, Nyctalus noctula) are listed in the Red Data Book Of Ukraine. It is proposed to conduct further monitoring studies in the eastern part of the Emerald Network “Samarskyi Lis ‒ UA00002122”

With a growing environmental degradation and the destruction of natural resources, it is increasingly recognized that criminal law protection is needed as the most repressive measure to protect the environment. This paper considers the criminal law protection of biodiversity in the Republic of Serbia, Republic of Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with an emphasis on the protection of wild plant and animal species that are particularly vulnerable to overexploitation, including strictly protected and protected wild species and forest ecosystems. The analysis covers various criminal offenses against biodiversity in the context of protection of wild plant and animal species, and discusses the effects of the implementation of relevant regulations. Comparative statistics on criminal charges, as well as accusations and convictions for these crimes in the last decade, indicate a worryingly mild penal policy and a lack of capacity of professionals to act in environmental criminal proceedings. Although statistics indicate that there has been an increase in the reporting of environmental crimes, the number of reported cases remains at a worryingly low level. A large number of criminal charges are rejected, and when criminal proceedings are initiated and conducted, mild criminal penalties are imposed, most often suspended sentences or fines. All this indicates that increasing the knowledge and capacity of professionals is needed in order to improve efficiency of criminal protection against the environment and biodiversity in practice.

The paper offers an assessment of the current status of the avifauna in Kostomuksha State Nature Reserve (KNR) and Kalevala National Park (KNP). They are the two largest Protected Areas (PAs) in Russian Karelia, having a key importance for the conservation of pristine boreal ecosystems in the Green Belt of Fennoscandia. The species composition and abundance parameters of birds in these PAs are described on the basis of data from 2015–2019 and compared with data gathered in 1980–1990. We specifically address the influence of adjacent areas on the bird fauna of the PAs. First of all, it was the potential effect of recently logged areas in the vicinity of the protected territories on avifauna in their periphery. The studies were carried out as transect counts and point counts with the resultant data processing in R environment. Comparison with data obtained in 1980–1990 corroborates the hypothesis about a species turnover of boreal ecosystems in the direction of increasing the ratio of southern species. The observed species turnover in the PAs is consistent with the ideas about ongoing global species turnover due to climate change. As for the anthropogenic load on ecosystems, until now, no critical effect of logged areas adjoining KNR and KNP on the avifauna in these PAs has been detected. Presumably, the pressure on the ecosystems is alleviated by the size of the PAs and the scope of their conservation. Arguably, if the key current parameters of the PAs are maintained, in KNR and KNP, the natural bird fauna would be preserved in spite of the increased anthropogenic pressure in adjacent areas. However, it cannot be ruled out, that as the logged area around the PAs expands, and the number of species associated with open habitats increases accordingly, some of them may disperse into the transformed habitats available in the PAs. Hence, monitoring of the avifauna in these PAs should be continued, especially in their periphery, considering the tendencies for an increase in the concentration of southern bird species and widespread species near the disturbed areas. The highest threat contained in continuing logging around the PAs is a farther spread and a rise in the numbers of species not typical of boreal ecosystems. Thus, logging can contribute to the species turnover induced by climate change and exacerbate the situation. Such a shift in the ratio of northern and southern birds may, in turn, jeopardise the balance in boreal communities and thereby increase their vulnerability.

The choice of suitable biodiversity assessment methods for practical purposes in city planning and decision-making is still a challenging problem. Despite the availability of a wide variety of methods for almost all dimensions of diversity (mainly species and habitat diversity, including spatial aspects), few of them have entered the practical ‘daily’ work. In the example of in-depth examinations in German and Czech cities (e.g., Dresden and Liberec), it was found that the most frequently applied analyses are those of protected species and habitats in urban nature conservation in general, and particularly in city development planning to derive avoidance, protection and compensation measures. Preference analyses (questionnaires, structured interviews) are becoming increasingly popular. Economic calculations of habitat values and the valuation of ecosystem services are still in their infancy. We will present methods that are presently being applied or could be included in a practical methodological toolkit to analyse and valuate biodiversity in urban nature conservation, city planning and decision-making.

Purpose.To determine the current species composition of fish and analyze the structure of ichthyofauna of the Stryi River catchment on the basis of field studies, published works and survey data. Methodology. Ichthyological studies were carried out in 2017–2019 on the Stryi river, as well as its tributaries Rybnik, Zubrytsya, Skhidnytsia and Opir. Adult fish were caught using hook and line gear and hand nets, the larvae and fry were collected using sweep nets and plankton nets. Species identification and morphological analysis of fish were performed according to standard methods. Incomplete biological analysis of most fish, including all individuals of the Red book species, was carried out in situ, with fish being subsequently released in the river. Findings.The data obtained indicate that at least 27 fish species belonging to 8 families are present in the Stryi river. The typical riverine (rheophilic) species predominate in fish fauna. The limnophilic species in conditions of mountain river are rare, and the distribution of invasive species is limited for now. Ichthyofauna of the Stryi has features of endemism and relictism. 6 species are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, 10 are in the Berne Convention. Most fishes carry out long-range migrations within the main channel as well as its tributaries. In order to preserve native riverine ichthyofauna, in particular the rare fish species, it is necessary to carefully approach any economic activity within the river basin which disrupts the natural hydrological regime or leads to water pollution. Originality.For the first time, a comprehensive study of fish fauna in the Stryi River was conducted, the distribution of rare and endangered as well as invasive fish species, was analyzed. Practical value.The data obtained are necessary for planning measures for the protection of rare and endangered fish species and for the regulation of recreational fisheries. The results of this study were used as a part of the environmental impact assessment of small hydroelectric power plants construction on the Stryi River. Information on the ichthyofauna composition, the distribution of rare and endangered fishes, particularly those, which undertake spawning migrations, is important for consideration when planning any economic activity that disrups the morphology and hydrological regime of the river bed (gravel extraction, bank stabilization, damming etc.).

Two new heather (Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull.) sites, located in Đerdap National park, on plagioclastic gneiss and podsolised dystric brown soil are described in this paper. Heather is the dominant species in the plant community with beech on these sites (Calluno-Fagetum moesiacae Cvj. 2003). This community is floristically poor and edaphically conditioned. Beech (Fagus sylvatica. subsp. moesiaca (Maly) Czeczott) is the only species in the tree layer, while heather dominates in the ground layer. According to the spectrum of areal types, mesic plant species of middleeuropean distribution type are dominant, with a significant share of plants of the xerothermous submediterranean distribution type. According to the biological spectrum, hemicryptophytes dominate in this community with a significant share of chamaephytes, which indicates deteriorated site conditions. According to the moisture requirements, the community is xeromesophillous, acidophillous according to soil reaction, according to the nitrogen content in soil it is highly oligotrophic, according to the light it is semi-tolerant, and according to the warmth requirement the community is mesothermic. The community of beech and heather represents a degradation stage of beech forests.

Wolf management in Spain is remarkably different at regional scales. South of Douro river, wolves are protected, north of Douro wolves can be hunted, and culling occurs on both sides. After a formal request to include wolves in the Spanish Red List of Threatened Species, wolves have been “listed,” but not as a vulnerable species. Recreational hunting will no longer be a wolf management option, while culling is still allowed. We describe the process to raise wolf protection at the state level, and the factors that should be relevant to guide apex-predator management. Restricting lethal control and favoring predator-prey interactions by reducing livestock depredation should be more feasible with an overarching policy that is binding over the whole range of the species in Spain.

The field survey made in the last 20 years revealed that large areas of Romania’s territory are still unexplored concerning moss distribution. The long-term research in natural and mature spruce forest habitats of this country shows that many sites are well protected, a status that is also confirmed by reports of Buxbaumia viridis. However, many other sites where this species was identified still lack legal protection. We also generated a potential distribution of the species based on an ensemble model, useful in guiding extensive field surveys and also management and conservation measures. In a country where the volume of wood cut by illegal logging is larger than the legal one, according to official data, it is very important that all habitats for B. viridis be included in protected areas. Our paper brings important data to aid in this goal.

Bycatch on pelagic tuna longlines has contributed to population declines in several far-ranging, oceanic species and presents a conservation challenge that area-based management tools are increasingly promoted to address. In January 2020 the Republic of Palau, concerned about the impacts of longline fishing in its waters, closed 80% of its exclusive economic zone to all extractive activities, reserving the remaining 20% for a domestic fishing zone (DFZ). One of a growing number of very large marine protected areas, the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS) spans ∼500,000 km2 and was established inter alia to allow for the recovery of fish stocks adversely impacted by tuna longline fleets. Given that the main tuna stocks targeted in the western Pacific are not overexploited, the benefits of protection potentially afforded by the sanctuary are likely greater for vulnerable bycatch species. Evaluations of the sanctuary’s performance require, in part, a baseline of historical catch rates and effort distribution in the distant-water fleet (DWF) and locally based fleet (LBF) operating in Palau prior to sanctuary implementation. We describe the fishing effort, catch rates, catch estimates and fishing mortality in Palau’s longline fishery based on logbook, observer and electronic monitoring data. We defined bycatch as any species, retained or discarded, other than targeted tunas. Between 2010 and 2020, 104.8 million hooks were deployed, catching over 2 million individuals from 117 taxa at an overall target:bycatch ratio of 1:1, with a retention rate of ∼62%. Pronounced differences in fishing strategies and spatial distribution of effort between fleets were associated with large variations in catch rates and composition. The LBF had a larger effect on populations of at-risk species relative to the DWF, with higher catch rates and magnitudes for several vulnerable species and higher observable fishing mortality rates (64% vs 50% in the DWF). The sanctuary reshaped Palau’s longline fishery, contracting the fishery’s area and capacity. The relocation of the DFZ eliminated the LBF and constrained the DWF to an area where the fleet’s total catch rates and those of a number of vulnerable species were historically lower relative to former fishing grounds now closed by the sanctuary. Our results highlight the importance of consistent bycatch monitoring and emphasize the need for regional area-based approaches for managing longline fisheries.

Species with limited dispersal abilities are often composed of highly genetically structured populations across small geographic ranges. This study aimed to investigate the haplotype diversity and genetic connectivity of the coastal horseshoe crab (Tachypleus gigas) in Indonesia. To achieve this, we collected a total of 91 samples from six main T. gigas habitats: Bintan, Balikpapan, Demak, Madura, Subang, and Ujung Kulon. The samples were amplified using primers for mitochondrial (mt) AT-rich region DNA sequences. The results showed 34 haplotypes, including seven shared and 22 unique haplotypes, across all localities. The pairwise genetic differentiation (FST) values were low (0 to 0.13) and not significantly different (p > 0.05), except among samples from Ujung Kulon-Madura and Kulon-Subang (p

We present new data of the comparison of the geographical variability of heavy metal concentrations (Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cd, Pb, Ni) in tissues of medical leeches (Hirudo medicinalis, Hirudo verbana) and in bottom deposit from places of their inhabitation in various regions of Russia and Ukraine. The geographical factor was found to have a significant impact on the elemental status of medical leeches and bottom sediments. It was shown that, irrespective of geographic and biotopic timing, both types of medicinal leeches are macroconcentrator Zn and deconcentrator Mn and Fe. A high cumulative activity of H. medicinalis and H. verbana in relation to ecotoxicants Cd, Pb and Ni in aquatic ecosystems of industrial regions was revealed. A decrease in bioaccumulation activity towards heavy metals in specimens of medical leeches living in adverse climatic conditions on the northern and eastern borders of the range is shown. The ability of leeches H. medicinalis and H. verbana to regulate the level of essential metals Mn and Zn in the body is established, while the content of Cu, Fe, Cd, Pb, Ni is determined by the concentration of these elements in the habitat (bottom sediments). A high variability of the studied parameters and the general laws of bioaccumulation activity of leeches in relation to heavy metals are caused of significant correlation with climatic and geographical features of the studied regions, and a degree of anthropogenically modified territories. It is shown that the microelemental status of leeches as a whole objectively reflects regional specificity of the ecological conditions of hydrobiocoenosises. Thus, the performed investigation can be used in monitoring actions for preservation of water resources and protection of natural biological resources of the hirudofauna.

Abstract Complex interactions between protected populations may challenge the recovery of whole ecosystems. In California, white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) mistargeting southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) are an emergent impact to sea otter recovery, inhibiting the broader ecosystem restoration sea otters might provide. Here, we integrate and analyze tracking and stranding data to compare the phenology of interactions between white sharks and their targeted prey (elephant seals, Mirounga angustirostris) with those of mistargeted prey (sea otters, humans). Pronounced seasonal peaks in shark bites to otters and humans overlap in the late boreal summer, immediately before the annual adult white shark migration to elephant seal rookeries. From 1997 to 2017, the seasonal period when sharks bite otters expanded from 2 to 8 months of the year and occurred primarily in regions where kelp cover declined. Immature and male otters, demographics most associated with range expansion, were disproportionately impacted. While sea otters are understood to play a keystone role in kelp forests, recent ecosystem shifts are revealing unprecedented bottom‐up and top‐down interactions. Such shifts challenge ecosystem management programs that rely on static models of species interactions.

A broad literature deals with the environmental conflicts. One of the frameworks for analyzing them is provided by the concept of “opportunity cost”; when the same resource can be used in multiple ways, the potential uses can generate conflicts among the users. Among the resources, land has one of the highest potential for generating conflicts worldwide. Environmental conflicts determined by land use are amplified in protected areas, where the protection status is potentially conflicting with all economic uses. Previous analyses in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve underlined the fact that the protection status determined over the time social problems through the restrictions imposed on local activities, but also through the pressure of tourism. The present study was aimed at pinpointing the areas with a high potential for conflict using spatial data. Data was freely provided by the Romanian Ministry of the Environment for the reserve limits and for the spatial distribution of birds, other species and habitats representing a priority in conservation, and from the European Union Copernicus Program for the land cover and use. The analyses consisted of spatially overlaying the areas where human activities occur naturally (artificial and agricultural areas) and the spatial distributions of species and habitats important for conservation. The results indicate that the areas where conflicts may appear are situated mostly in the northern part of the reserve and cover almost 450 km2 (8% of the total area of the reserve). Proper planning can provide solutions for harmonizing societal needs and environmental issues.

A study of medicinal flora of the Vidlič mountain situated in southeastern Serbia was conducted. The presence of 264 plant species, that are considered official or used in folk medicine is recorded. An overview of medicinal plants is given in a systematic order. For each herb species, main medicinal substances which enter in its chemical composition are listed. An overview of plant parts which are curative and which families contain the highest numbers of medicinal species, are presented. A special review of species that contain toxic substances, as well as species that have become so rare in their natural habitats by irrational exploitation in nature that they have been declared protected and strictly protected taxa in the Republic of Serbia is given.

Studying the community composition and environmental characterization is an urgent need for species conservation and forest restoration. Sassafras tzumu (Hemsl.) Hemsl is a protected plant species in southern China. We aimed to assess the relationship between S. tzumu and environmental variables using data from the Noncommercial Forest Ecological Monitoring Plots (NCFEMPs) system in Zhejiang Province. Among the investigated NCFEMPs, we found 96 plots (20 × 20 m) containing S. tzumu species. The species composition and associated environmental data from 96 plots were analyzed using two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). The TWINSPAN results showed there were eight types of S. tzumu associations. Each association had its own composition and environmental characteristics. The CCA results showed that the elevation and slope aspect were the major variables that determined the spatial patterns of S. tzumu communities. Our results will be of great theoretical and practical significance for protected species management and conservation.

Spatio-temporal variability of marine soundscapes reflects environmental dynamics and local habitat health. This study characterizes the coastal soundscape of the Cres-Lošinj Natura 2000 Site of Community Importance, encompassing the non-tourist (11–15 March 2020) and the tourist (26–30 July 2020) season. A total of 240 h of continuous recordings was manually analyzed and the abundance of animal vocalizations and boat noise was obtained; sound pressure levels were calculated for the low (63–2000 Hz) and high (2000–20,000 Hz) frequency range. Two fish sound types were drivers of both seasonal and diel variability of the low-frequency soundscape. The first is emitted by the cryptic Roche’s snake blenny (Ophidion rochei), while the second, whose emitter remains unknown, was previously only described in canyons and coralligenous habitats of the Western Mediterranean Sea. The high-frequency bands were characterized by bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) vocalizations, indicating dolphins’ use of area for various purposes. Boat noise, however, dominated the local soundscape along the whole considered periods and higher sound pressure levels were found during the Tourist season. Human-generated noise pollution, which has been previously found 10 years ago, is still present in the area and this urges management actions.

Due to raising environmental pressures, the number of species exposed to risk of extinction is also increasing. One of the first steps in species preservation is their legal protection. However, it is impossible to protect all species, therefore, conservation priorities are to be established. The aim of this study was to analyze the environmental niches of species from two genera: Eumerus Meigen, 1822 and Platycheirus le Peletier et Serville, 1828 recognized as important for conservation in Serbia (strictly protected and protected according to national legislation or ones to be suggested for future protection). For species of genera Eumerus and Platycheirus, distributional patterns in relation to altitude, annual precipitation and annual mean temperature were established. In order to compare environmental niches of these species, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was carried out, which indicated partial overlap of the environmental niches of these two genera, but Platycheirus species seemed to be better adapted to harsher conditions. Species richness maps indicated that for Eumerus the most species-rich areas were Bačka and mountains of Eastern Serbia, while Dinaric mountains in Western Serbia were rich in species of both genera. Protecting habitats with different combination of climatic conditions will contribute to protection and conservation of species with different environmental preferences. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. OI173002 and Grant no. III43002]

We here show unpublished documentation regarding a complaint presented to the Spanish Government by the Iberian Federation of Societies for the Protection of Animals and Plants in 1933. This complaint concerned apparent non–compliance with the International Convention for the Protection of Birds (1902). The reason was hunting with non–selective trapping methods (nets and birdlime) that were prohibited by the convention but authorized in certain cases by the Spanish Government in 1929. Such hunting could have contributed to the elimination of large numbers of passerines, some protected by law. According to the documentation studied, the complaint from this Iberian Federation was triggered by a letter sent by Léon Pittet, president of the Comité National Suisse pour la Protection des Oiseaux. This event emphasizes the relationships between European organizations whose purpose was the conservation of birds, and certain Spanish associations whose objectives included the defense of passerines in the years before the Spanish Ornithological Society was created. In addition, it indicates that the 1902 Convention had some positive practical consequences, although these later decreased due to pressure from important hunting sectors in Spain. The case presented here shows that the current conflict in Spain between the use of certain hunting methods and legislation for the conservation of birds dates back at least to the first half of the twentieth century.

The late 20th century saw the development of a new special framework for the conservation of large mammals – both tigers and their prey, mostly ungulates, – along with their habitats in the Far East of Russia. Tightening controls on poaching, illicit trafficking and trade in wild animals and their parts, as well as enforcement of adequate penalties for these crimes rely on effective crime detection procedures and quality forensic investigation, which provides important grounds for prosecution. There are currently only four organizations conducting such forensic investigations within the geographic range of the Amur tiger.Efforts to facilitate forensic assistance have included production of the monograph “The Basics of Wildlife Forensics”, establishment of a veterinary treatment and diagnostic center for post-mortem examinations and a carcass storage facility for preservation of forensic evidence, and ongoing work to create biorepositories.However, there is still no streamlined system for state-supported forensic investigation of crimes against wildlife and forensic examinations of wild animals, their parts and derivatives.Such examinations should be conducted by specialized centers under designated conservation authorities of the constituent subjects of the Russian Federation, similar to the forensic bureaus of the Ministry of the Interior.

The paper provides information on butterfies sampled during random surveys from November 2014 to September2016 from eight reserve forest areas and Dehing-Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, covering three districts (Tinsukhia, Dibrugarh & Sibasagar) in the eastern part of upper Assam which form part of the Indo-Burma hotspot. The survey revealed 237 species which included 33 species a listed as protected under various schedules of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and 58 species that have distribution restricted to the eastern Himalaya and northeastern India in India. An anotated list of 375 species of butterflies so far recorded from eastern Assam that includes a large number of very rare species (Indian Yellow-vein Lancer Pyroneura margherita; Grey-lined Lascar Pantoporia dindinga assamica; Assamese/Conjoined Lascar Pantoporia assamica; Bi-coloured Hedgeblue Udara selma cerima; Vinous Oakblue Arhopala athada aphade; Magnificent Oakblue Arhopala anarte; White Punch Dodona henrici; Pale Striped Dawnfly Capilia zennara; Andaman Yellowbanded Flat Celaenorrhinus andamanicus hanna; Sikkim Ace Halpe sikkima; Baby Swift Polytremis minuta; Maculate Lancer Salanoemia sala; Veined Palmer Hidari bhawani; Pallid Forester Lethe satyavati; Peal’s Palmfly Elymnias peali; Blue Baron Euthalia telchinia; Blue Nawab Polyura schreiber assamensis; Tytler’s Dull Oakblue Arhopala ace arata; Orchid Tit Hypolycaena othona othona; Purple Brown Tailless Oakblue Arhopala arvina ardea; Malayan Bushblue Arhopala ammon ariel and Broad-branded Brilliant Simiskina phalena harterti) along with their site and month of record, endemicity and relative abundance status in India, is provided.

The impact of irrational human practices on the environment makes it indispensable to implement measures, such as the Upper Gulf of California and Colorado River Delta Biosphere Reserve, in order to preserve the natural environment and habitats, and thus to promote biological diversity. The aim of this paper was to determine the local economic support through valuation of the vaquita porpoise, an endangered endemic species that lives in the reserve, as well as to disseminate the analytic network process, a valuation methodology little used in the environmental issue and which appropriately integrates interrelations into a systemic scheme. The result showed that for the purpose of giving protection to the species, resources additional to the little more than two million seven hundred and fifty thousand American dollars a year, which is the vaquita porpoise’s value, are needed. In carrying out this study, more comprehensive data concerning productive activities in the area, socio-economic implications of fishing and its impact on biological diversity were not available. This paper’s originality and value lie in the methodology used and the interrelation it offers for analysis.

A three year study (from December 2011 to December 2014 and in June 2015) on butterflies covering four major forest sub-types as classified by H.G. Champion & S.K. Seth in 1968 in ‘Forest Types of India’, which occupy 60% of the forest area lying below 2,500m across Arunachal Pradesh State in the eastern Himalaya of India, revealed 415 taxa belonging to six families (Hesperiidae: 74 species of 42 genera; Papilionidae: 37 species of 10 genera; Pieridae: 36 species of 15 genera; Lycaenidae: 85 species of 49 genera; Riodinidae: 7 species of 3 genera & Nymphalidae: 176 species of 71 genera, respectively). These included many endemic and rare species typical of these forest sub-types, i.e., (i) 2B/1S1 Sub-Himalayan Light Alluvial Semi-Evergreen Forest (32 species), (ii) 2B/ C1(a) Assam Alluvial Plains Semi-Evergreen Forests (5 species), (iii) 2B/2S2 Eastern Alluvial Secondary Semi-Evergreen Forests- (15 species) and (iv) 3/1S2 (b) Terminalia-Duabanga (3 species), respectively. The relative number of species and individuals sampled were the highest at altitudes below 500m, and gradually declined as the altitude increased to 2,000m, and above 2,500m species richness declined sharply. The number of species and their relative abundance were the highest during July–August (Monsoon-first peak) and then again in November-December (Autumn-second peak), while the numbers were lowest during winter. These findings suggest that these four forest types are important both for the purpose of ecotourism as well as conservation of endemic and rare taxa found in the eastern Himalaya and northeastern India at altitudes below 2,000m. A complete list of all the taxa sampled is given along with relative abundance status during sampling, Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 status, and distribution in different forest types in the state. Ten potential butterfly ecotourism zones are suggested for the state. Planning land-use for biodiversity conservation based on butterfly-forest type associations, by taking forest sub-types as units of conservation, is suggested as an option for the eastern Himalaya.

This article presents the list of fungal species recommended for inclusion in the new edition of the Red Data Book of the Komi Republic, and information about changes sincethe previous edition. During 2008-2018, we inventoried the mycobiota and the status of the populations of rare species of fungi in previously unexplored areas and received new data on their distribution, ecological and biological features. Based on the results, we can suggest 65 species for protection: 35 of them should be transferred from the previous Red Data Book edition (2009) with the same status, and the 30 new species of macromycetes are Trichoderma nybergianum, Verpa conica, Microstoma protractum, Bovista paludosa, Echinoderma echinaceum, Entoloma incanum, Chrysomphalina chrysophylla, Cuphophyllus cinerellus, Hygrophorus inocybiformis, Phaeocollybia festiva, Baeospora myriadophylla, Clitocybula lignicola, Crinipellis piceae, Tectella patellaris, Pluteus umbrosus, Leucocortinarius bulbiger, Omphaliaster borealis, Ripartites tricholoma, Boletinus asiaticus, B. spectabilis, Suillus acidus, S. americanus, Geastrum pectinatum, Ramaria fennica, R. karstenii, R. rubella, Polyporus umbellatus, Lactarius alpinus, L. brunneoviolaceus, and L. dryadophilus. Six species (Pluteus umbrosus, Leucocortinarius bulbiger, Geastrum pectinatum, Polyporus umbellatus, Ramaria fennica, R. karstenii) are reported for the first time for the region. Four species (Ganoderma lucidum, Polyporus umbellatus, Sarcosoma globosum, Sparassis crispa) are included in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation (2008). We suggest seven species of fungi to be excluded from the new edition of the Red Data Book. Some of them are common in disturbed sites (Gyromitra infula, Lepista nuda and Phaeolepiota aurea). Others should be delisted due to a significant number of new findings in recent years (Ptychoverpa bohemica and Tricholomopsis decora). Two species were misidentified (Macrolepiota procera and Grifola frondosa) and so should also be excluded from the red list.

Boat noise is known to have a detrimental effect on a vulnerable Mediterranean sciaenid, the brown meagre Sciaena umbra. During summer 2019, two acoustic surveys were conducted at 40 listening points distributed within the inlet areas of Venice (northern Adriatic Sea). Two five-minute recordings were collected per each point during both the boat traffic hours and the peak of the species’ vocal activity with the aims of (1) characterizing the local noise levels and (2) evaluating the fish spatial distribution by means of its sounds. High underwater broadband noise levels were found (sound pressure levels (SPLs)50–20kHz 107–137 dB re 1 μPa). Interestingly, a significantly higher background noise within the species’ hearing sensibility (100–3150 Hz) was highlighted in the afternoon (113 ± 5 dB re 1 μPa) compared to the night (103 ± 7 dB re 1 μPa) recordings due to a high vessel traffic. A cluster analysis based on Sciaena umbra vocalizations separated the listening points in three groups: highly vocal groups experienced higher vessel presence and higher afternoon noise levels compared to the lower ones. Since the species’ sounds are a proxy of spawning events, this suggests that the reproductive activity was placed in the noisier part of the inlets.

Hypogean beetles that are protected or that require conservation measures in Catalonia Hypogean species are characterized by their profound adaptations to the adverse conditions of their subterranean habitats. Such specialization, however, makes them particularly vulnerable to alterations in their habitat. In the Autonomous Community of Catalonia several legislative tools have been developed to protect threatened invertebrates, and most beetle species included in Decree 328/1992 protecting Areas of Natural Interest in Catalonia (PEIN) or considered in the future decree on the protection of Catalan invertebrates (CFAC) are linked to subterranean habitats. In the present revision we compile regulations and other documents relating to the protection of beetle hypogean fauna in Catalonia. We provide updated faunistic and biogeographic data as well as information on the conservation status of the species, most of which are endemisms confined to a small area. Some of these species have been monitored in recent years by the Arthropod Department of the Natural Sciences Museum of Barcelona (in collaboration with the Catalan Biospeleology Association) and the results of these studies are briefly discussed.

Thirty percent of butterfly species that occur in India are found in the Garhwal region of the western Himalaya, which comprise six districts of Uttarakhand State with five major vegetation types lying between the catchments of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. The annotated checklist compiled here for this region comprises 407 species and takes into account all the species recorded since 1899, when the first list of 323 species was prepared by Mackinnon & de Nicéville on the ‘butterflies of Mussoorie and its adjacent areas’. Over a 20 year period (1986–1990; 2000–June 2015) the present authors maintained detailed notes and were able personally to record 349 species. This information is presented in a checklist, together with details of the month, year and site of each record, relative abundance, Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (IWPA) status, as well as references of earlier records made by other authors in Garhwal for those species that the authors were not able to record themselves. Forty-nine species recorded in the region have been placed under various schedules of IWPA; only one species, the Golden Emperor Dilipa morgiana Westwood, is listed in Schedule I Part IV, the others being mainly included under Schedule II Part II. The paper also discusses new range extensions and significant records (past and present), identifies major biotic factors that threaten butterfly diversity in Garhwal, and suggests the scope for butterfly ecotourism in the state as an option for long term conservation.