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The study of the distribution of protected animal species in Europe is especially relevant in a changing climate. Therefore, in this work, we tried to solve the problem of the possibility of habitation of turtles Testudo graeca and Testudo hermanni in Eastern Europe by using species distribution models (SDMs). We used bioclimatic variables from the CliMond dataset (18 uncorrelated variables of 35) and 19 paleoclim variables of the “early-Holocene”. Packages Maxent package and 'ntbox' were employed. In addition to our data, we used findings listed in the GBIF databases: 1935 points for T. graeca and 991 points for T. hermanni. It has been shown that subspecies of turtles differ in the characteristics of the ecological niche. In addition to direct anthropogenic influences, the limiting factor is the “Mean temperature of coldest quarter” (bio11) for both species. Moreover, T. graeca is less demanding and can tolerate both frost and higher temperatures during drier periods than T. hermanni. Thus, T. graeca (90%, bio11) – from -2 to +14 °C (limits from -6 and +17 °C), mean consisting +7 °C, and T. hermanni (90%) from -1 to +11 °C (limits between -3 and +12 °C), mean consisting +6 °C (DivaGis). Modeling found that in the future it is possible for these species to move in a north-eastern direction, where potentially suitable habitats will appear: by 2090 in the South of Ukraine (Odessa region, Crimea) and East Ukraine (floodplain of the Seversky Donets River of the Don basin).

Helminth infracommunities were studied at 174 sites of Latvia in seven hosts from six amphibian taxa of different taxonomical, ontogenic and ecological groups. They were described using a standard set of parasitological parameters, compared by ecological indices and linear discriminant analysis. Their species associations were identified by Kendall's rank correlation, but relationships with host size and waterbody area were analysed by zero-inflated Poisson and zero-inflated negative binomial regressions. The richest communities (25 species) were found in post-metamorphic semi-aquatic Pelophylax spp. frogs, which were dominated by trematode species of both adult and larval stages. Both larval and terrestrial hosts yielded depauperate trematode communities with accession of aquatic and soil-transmitted nematode species, respectively. Nematode loads peaked in terrestrial Bufo bufo. Helminth infracommunities suggested some differences in host microhabitat or food object selection not detected by their ecology studies. Associations were present in 96% of helminth species (on average, 7.3 associations per species) and dominated positive ones. Species richness and abundances, in most cases, were positively correlated with host size, which could be explained by increasing parasite intake rates over host ontogeny (trematode adult stages) or parasite accumulation (larval Alaria alata). Two larval diplostomid species (Strigea strigis, Tylodelphys excavata) had a negative relationship with host size, which could be caused by parasite-induced host mortality. The adult trematode abundances were higher in larger waterbodies, most likely due to their ecosystem richness, while higher larval abundances in smaller waterbodies could be caused by elevated infection rates under high host densities.

The potential distribution of tropical fish species in Eastern Europe—Gambusia holbrooki (introduced for biological control) and Poecilia reticulata (aquarium species, found in waste waters of big cities)—tend to be of particular interest in terms of global climate change. After GIS modeling of our own data and findings listed in the GBIF databases (2278 points for G. holbrooki and 1410 points for P. reticulata) using the Maxent package and ‘ntbox’ package in R, 18 uncorrelated variables of 35 Bioclim climatic parameters from CliMond dataset, it was found out that by 2090 guppies will appear in the south of Ukraine (Danube river’s estuary, as well as in several places in the Caucasus and Turkey with habitat suitability &gt, 0.3–0.5). G. holbrooki will also slightly expand its range in Europe. Limiting factors for G. holbrooki distribution are: bio1 (Annual mean temperature, optimum +12–+24 °C) and bio19 (Precipitation of coldest quarter (mm). Limiting factors for P. reticulata are: bio1 (optimum +14–+28 °C), bio4 (Temperature seasonality), bio3 (Isothermality). Unlike G. holbrooki, guppies prefer warmer waters. Such thermophilic fish species do not compete with the native ichthyofauna, but they can occupy niches in anthropogenically transformed habitats, playing an important role as agents of biological control.

In order to use an integrated approach for studying the influence of risk factors on the distribution of the native turtle species E. orbicularis and accompanying invasive species (T. scripta and N. procyonoides) in the northeast of their range, we used GIS modelling and a database (GAEZ, human footprint, CliMond) of 55 preselected variables, which represent a system of bioclimatic and anthropogenic factors. The main variables that influenced the results were factors related to temperature. There was a high correlation (r = 0.6) between the species distribution model’s habitat suitability for E. orbicularis and the corresponding “human footprint” values within the European part of the species’ natural range. Its unpretentiousness towards anthropogenic factors would likely help the further expansion of its range in eastern Europe, because the areas with the highest habitat suitability (r &gt, 0.7) were projected to increase 3.3-fold. When comparing the E. orbicularis model to those obtained for N. procyonoides and T. scripta, we concluded that N. procyonoides could be dangerous because it occupies similar habitats (the degree of correlation is reasonably high in the north of their range (r = 0.5) in Latvia). An expansion of the range of Trachemys scripta is also possible in the future within the northern territories. Therefore, when developing the turtles’ protection algorithms, it is also necessary to take into account the influence of invasive species.

Amphibians are the most threatened group of vertebrates. While habitat loss poses the greatest threat to amphibians, a spreading fungal disease caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is seriously affecting an increasing number of species. Although Bd is widely prevalent, there are identifiable heterogeneities in the pathogen’s distribution that are linked to environmental parameters. Our objective was to identify conditions that affect the geographic distribution of this pathogen using species distribution models (SDMs), with a special focus on Eastern Europe. SDMs can help identify hotspots for future outbreaks of Bd, but perhaps more importantly identify locations that may be environmental refuges ("coldspots") from infection. In general, climate is considered a major factor driving amphibian disease dynamics, but in particular temperature has received increased attention. Here, 42 environmental raster layers containing data on climate, soil and human impact were used. Mean annual temperature range (or 'continentality') was found to have the strongest constrain on the geographic distribution of this pathogen. Using the partial dependence visualization module in the R package 'embarcadero', a number of corresponding coldspots were identified.

Potential distribution of tropical fish species in Eastern Europe-Gambusia holbrooki Girarg, 1859 (introduced for biological control) and Poecilia reticulata Peters, 1859 (aquarium species, found in waste waters of big cities) tend to be of particular interest in terms of global climate change. After GIS modeling of our own data and findings listed in the GBIF databases (2278 points for G. holbrooki and 1410 points for P. reticulata) by using the Maxent package, 18 uncorrelated variables of 35 Bioclim climatic parameters from CliMond dataset, it was found out that by 2090 guppies will appear in the south of Ukraine (Danube river’s estuary, as well as in several places in the Caucasus and Turkey with habitat suitability >0.3–0.5). G. holbrooki will also slightly expand its range in Europe. Limiting factors for G. holbrooki distribution are are: bio1 (Annual mean temperature, optimum +12–+23 °C) and bio19 (Precipitation of coldest quarter (mm). Limiting factors for guppies are: bio1 (optimum +14–+28 °C), bio4 (Temperature seasonality), bio3 (Isothermality). Guppies, unlike G. holbrooki, prefer warmer waters (correlation 0.02). Such thermophilic fish species do not compete with the native ichthyofauna, but they can occupy niches in anthropogenicaly transformed habitats, playing an important role as agents of biological control.

As a result of monitoring research conducted in 2015-2017 on the territory of the nature reserve “Yelanetskyi steppe" and adjacent areas, 5 amphibian species (fire-bellied toad, green toad, common spadefoot, marsh frog, H. arborea) and 7 species of reptiles (sand lizard, green lizard, blotched snake, large whipsnake, grass snake, dice snake, pond turtle). The presence of some of the species specified in the project of the reserve creation, namely pond turtle, green lizard, large whipsnake, steppe viper, common toad and common newt has not been confirmed on the reserve's territory. The presence of 8 species was registered directly on the territory of the reserve, and another 4 species were registered in the vicinity of the rivers Gromokliya and Gniloy Yelanets. The most numerous among the identified amphibians are the semi-terrestrial species, such as the common spadefoot and the marsh frog. Sand lizard is the most widespread reptile species within the reserve territory and its population is characterized by an exceptional variety of coloration morphology. It should be noted that for more than a 30-year period a unique numerous population of the blotched snake has been preserved here. According to original data, more than two dozen snake specimens were registered in the vicinity of the Rosa beam. Due to climatic changes, it is proposed to expand the reserve's territory in ecotone river areas where there are finds of blotched snakes and large whipsnakes (RBU, 2009), green lizards (RBU, 2009) and pond turtles (IUCN (LR/NT)) to conserve biodiversity and protect rare species. In particular, the expansion of the boundaries of the reserve is necessary in the context of climate change, as it leads to a shift in the natural habitats of certain amphibian and reptile species, and is also an important step towards the expansion of the Emerald Network of Ukraine

The article describes the study of distribution and morphological features of different morphotypes of sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) of the Kyiv Region. To sum up, 5 morphotypes of L. a. chersonensis were found in the Kyiv Region: bilinear (61.9 %); intermediate form (intermediate version) (17.3 %); trilinear (3.2 %); var. erythro-(viridi-)nota (16.2 %); and the rarest var. con-(bi-)color (1.4 %). According to the morphological features’ varieties erythro-(viridi-)nota lizards differ mostly from all other morphs (Na/Lor)(2/1 — 44.4 %), in the 15–17 rows 18(14–23) scales. They are most oft en found in forest biotopes. The remaining bi- and trilinears are characterized by Na/Lor (1/1 — 50.9 %), in the 15–17 rows 9.5 (6–13) scales.

In the article the histological changes in the liver of the common toad, Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758), under conditions of moderate anthropogenic pollution (a vast park surrounded by urban areas) are examined. In the liver parenchyma, numerous changes characteristic of toxic damage were found: hepatocyte necrosis, fatty dystrophy, protein (and hydropic) dystrophy, signs of infl ammation. An analysis of the number of pigment inclusions in the liver shows hyperpigmentation in some specimens and hypopigmentation in others. The presence of hyperpigmentation indicates a moderate degree of damage and activation of compensation processes in animals. This is confirmed by a large population of common toads in this biotope. It is concluded that in anthropogenically modified biotopes some deterioration of animal health can be compensated by the absence of predators and the reduction of food competition.

This work is dedicated to study of electromagnetic irradiation influence on peculiarities of its impact on linear features and mortality of European grass frog tadpoles. Among the effects observed the intensification of growth and mortality were detected according to the increasing of number of irradiation sessions. Also the presence of morphological abnormalities in post-metamorphic individuals was assessed. The experiment showed that electromagnetic irradiation did’t cause the mass occurrence of morphological anomalies. The preliminary results of the work show that this field of experiment is promising and further investigations should be conducted. The results of the experiment can be used in herpetoculture while creating of stable breeding stock of amphibians, development of nature conservation management-plans for objects of nature reserve fund as well as in studying of impact of electromagnetic field on living organisms in general.

Purpose The study aims to characterise and compare the helminth assemblages and helminth infracommunities in the marsh frog, Pelophylax ridibundus and the edible frog, P. esculentus collected in the northern part of Ukraine. Methods Occurrence and abundance of the helminths were analysed by calculating the prevalence, intensity, and mean abundance of infection; similarities between the infracommunities were estimated by the Bray–Curtis index and visualised using nMDS plots. Dissimilarities were estimated using the ANOSIM and SIMPER routines. Results In total, 27 helminth species were found in 143 frogs. Pelophylax ridibundus (n = 86) harboured 20 species of helminths, 24 species were found in P. esculentus (n = 57), and 17 species were shared by the two hosts. Oswaldocruzia bialata and larval Strigea sp. were absent in P. ridibundus, while they reached the prevalence of 30% and 10%, respectively, in P. esculentus. Cosmocerca ornata, Diplodiscus subclavatus, Opisthioglyphe ranae, and Codonocephalus urniger had significantly larger prevalence in P. ridibundus, whereas Haematoloechus asper was found to be more prevalent in P. esculentus. Acanthocephalus ranae, Icosiella neglecta, Haematoloechus variegatus, Pleurogenes claviger, Pleurogenoides medians, and Prosotocus confusus were equally common in both hosts. Helminth infracommunities in the two hosts had identical species richness (1–10 species, 4 on average); abundance was significantly higher in P. ridibundus. Conclusions Helminth assemblages of the two hosts in northern Ukraine are rather similar; however, small but significant differences were found in their species composition, parameters of infection in some species, and structure of helminth infracommunities

The study of the dynamics of the European pond turtle’s Emys orbicularis range and distribution as an indicator of climate change in the past, present, and future is most relevant in connection with the protected status of this species in Europe. Based on our original finds, 25 archaeological sites yielding 1623 remains of 1504 individuals of subfossil pond turtles, current marginal distribution in Latvia, Ukraine, Russia, and literature data, we analyzed 437 records of Holocene turtles and 2847 current records of pond turtles. We identified areas that could serve as refugia for E. orbicularis, as a result of GIS modeling, while using 19 bioclimatic variables from the Worldclim and PaleoClim data bases. The data obtained confirm current hypotheses regarding the origin of more than 10 mtDNA lineages of E. orbicularis and the existence of multiple glacial refugia, and considerable Holocene home range dynamics.

Amphibians have been greatly affected by invasive species through direct predation and competition. The invasion in Eurasia of Perccottus glenii (the Chinese sleeper) triggered by climate change may have detrimental consequences for the Fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) because the invader can feed upon B. bombina eggs, toads and juveniles. We used correlative species distribution models (SDMs) to infer competitive interaction between the invader and native species and found a significant level of correlation (r=0.636) between both SDMs, meaning there is a considerable overlap of areas of similar habitat suitability related to the species and a potential for competition. For strategical management purposes we mapped areas in Latvia where there are lesser chances for negative interactions between the both species, and where unwanted contact and/or competition between the invader and the toad can be avoided. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.74.4.21093

In the autumn of 2015 current distribution of the lizards of Darevskia (saxicola) complex, introduced in 1960s in Zhytomyr administrative region of Ukraine was studied. During the period from introduction until now Darevskia (saxicola) complex has spread along the left bank of the Teteriv River on the territory about 3.7 km lengths. Beside this was found an isolated population of this species, which located about at 4 km direct distance or 8.5 km shore line distance from the main area of occurring this species. It is supposed that this secondary introduction took place occasionally or intentionally due to holidaymakers (e. g. climbers, fishermen). The publication provides description of the lizards on 15 morphological characteristics and information on the results of spatial modeling potential distribution the rock lizards.

The article describes the potential distribution area of B. bombina and fi gure out the signifi cant climatic factors of the species at a home range scale. Th is species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and on Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive. It is protected by national legislation in many countries, occurs in many protected areas, and is listed in many national and sub-national Red Data books and lists. We collected the occurrence records and a set of climatic variables including 19 factors from 10’ resolution historical (summarizing annual trends, seasonality and extreme conditions during 1961-1990) and projected data (2050) available at the CliMond database. As a result, under climate predictions for 2050 there may be a substantial north and north-west shift of optimal habitat. Under such a scenario B. bombina populations may suff er mostly in the east and south of Ukraine. Under the modelled scenario the species representation in protected areas throughout the home range should be considered, but especially in Ukraine.

A prediction (Maxent) has been made of the potential distribution of the Caspian whipsnake (Dolichophis caspius) within the Western Pontic steppe (exemplified by Ukraine and the Crimea) for conservation purposes. Ranking has been accomplished of conservation priorities amongst administrative units in the area with the view of alerting local government officials and nature conservation practitoners on the species and tracking consequences of climate change. Refs 21. Figs 1. Tables 2.

Using Ecological Niche Modeling for Biodiversity Conservation Guidance in the Western Podillya (Ukraine): Reptiles. Tytar, V., Sobolenko, L., Nekrasova, O. Mezhzherin, S. - Maximum entropy niche modeling was employed as a tool to assess potential habitat suitability for 10 reptile species and to map their potential distribution in the Western Podillya (Ukraine). We used climate, topography and human impact (assessed by the Human Footprint) as predictor variables. “Isothermality”, “temperature seasonality” and the “mean temperature of coldest month” were three most important factors in predicting habitat suitability and distribution. A profound contribution to the modeling has been displayed by the Human Footprint, meaning that human infrastructure may benefit reptile species. Areas have been distinguished that in the first place should be of interest to biodiversity conservationists targeting reptiles and maps summarizing predicted habitat suitability and species richness were produced for guiding conservation efforts.

Kolomytsev, G. O. — We identifi ed major factors (both direct and indirect), caused by the hostilities in Ukrainian ATO zone that adversely infl uence local biodiversity and environment. Damaged conservational territories (objects of nature conservation fund) were assessed. One of the most severe factors, the fi res were studied using data from Terra MODIS remote sensing, resulting in a model of localization and spatial confi guration of fi res on natural and agricultural territories in ATO zone during June-September 2014. In that period, 2901 ignitions were registered in ATO zone, exceeding the numbers for previous four years. It was determined that 81 % of all of the ignitions happened on natural steppe and forest areas, 19 % in settlements. Th e fi res damaged 18 % of forest area, 23 % of the steppe area and 14 % of arable lands of ATO zone. For two snake species of Red book of Ukraine — eastern Elaphe dione and more widespread Hierophis caspius — it was shown that most of the animals and their biotopes in Luhansk and Donetsk Regions of Ukraine are under threat. Far example, 65–82 % of 108 fi nds of these Colubridae registered in the eastern Ukraine are located in the ATO zone and near to hostilities. GIS models also showed that more than 50 % of biotopes, suitable for these snakes, are in the ATO zone or near it. Based on world-wide experience and our own observations, we safely assume that the events of 2014 in the ATO territory can possibly cause far-reaching adverse consequences for natural landscapes, local fl ora and fauna, and the massive local disappearance of plant and animal populations. Обзор основных факторов влияния, возникших в результате военных действий на востоке Украины, на биоразнообразие (на примере модельной группы животных). Василюк А. В., Некрасова О. Д., Ширяева Д. В., Коломыцев Г. А. — Выделены основные факторы (прямые и косвенные) негативного влияния на биоразнообразие и местообитания, возникшие в результате военных действий в зоне антитеррористической операции (АТО). Проанализировано состояние повреждённых особо охраняемых природных территорий. Для одного из наиболее масштабных факторов — пожаров — было проведено исследование с использованием данных дистанционного зондирования Земли, Terra MODIS, в результате которого получена модель локализации и пространственной конфигурации пожаров на природных и сельскохозяйственных территориях в зоне АТО за период с 1 июня по 30 сентября 2014 г. За исследуемый период на территории зоны АТО зафиксирован 2901 случай возгораний, что превышает аналогичные показатели огнеопасных периодов предыдущих 4 лет. Обнаружено, что 81 % всех зафиксированных возгораний произошёл на участках с природной степной и лесной растительностью и полях, 19 % — в населённых пунктах, при этом огнём повреждено 18 % площади лесов, 23 % площади степей и 14 % площади пахотных земель зоны АТО. На примере двух видов пресмыкающихся, занесённых в Красную книгу — восточного Elaphe dione и более распространённого Hierophis caspius — было установлено, что большая часть животных и их местообитаний в Луганской и Донецкой областях Украины может пострадать. Так, 65–82 % из 108 зарегестрированных нами находок полозов на востоке Украины находится на территории зоны АТО. С помощью ГИС-моделирования было рассчитано

Habitat modification affects amphibians indirectly by reducing energy reserves and energy allocated to growth and reproduction, and by affecting population dynamics and viability. Marginal populations of amphibians in Latvia and Ukraine are particularly vulnerable. On the other hand, several studies have shown a positive relationship between human density and biodiversity, indicating that species-rich areas and human enterprises quite often co-occur. Therefore, both positive and negative correlations between human population and species richness may be expected. For a better understanding of what constitutes suitable habitat we used a habitat modeling approach, where modeling can be used for revealing species ecological requirements and relationships between the distribution of species and predictive variables, as well as the importance of each variable in model building. Here we employed maximum entropy (MaxEnt) niche modeling, as a tool to assess potential habitat suitability (HS) for amphibians in Europe, making special emphasis on anthropogenic impact. We used 2474 georeferenced point data (783 - B. bombina occurrence, and to compare results 1691 - L. vulgaris), including results of our field investigations in Latvia and Ukraine. The predictor variables used for modelling the toad species HS suitability were of climate derived from the WorldClim database (19 bioclimatic variables). Human impact was assessed by the Human Footprint (HF), produced through an overlay of a number of global data layers that represent the location of various factors presumed to exert an influence on ecosystems: human population distribution, urban areas, roads, navigable rivers, and various agricultural land uses. Using the Spearman rank correlation, a low, however statistically significant positive correlation (p

A new distribution boundary of the dice snake, Natrix tessellate (Laurenti, 1768), in Ukraine has been established. The northern edge currently lies within the valley of the middle course of the Dnipro River: Trakhtemyriv Peninsula, Cherkasy Region on the right side (49°59' N, 31°25' Е); on the left side in Kyiv Region within Pereyaslav-Khmelnytsky District: at a fishermen’s station (50°02' N, 31°17' Е), yacht club (Kurinoye Estuary 50°02' N, 31°29' E); Lubny, Poltava Region (49°58' N, 33°01' Е). These points are located 70–80 km northwards from the previous boundary of the species home range. The level of Natrix tessellate population polymorphism in the North of Cherkasy Region is high; more than 40 % of specimens are dark-colored. Установлены новые пределы распространения водяного ужа, Natrix tessellate (Laurenti, 1768), в Украине, относящиеся к долине Среднего Днепра: правобережье — Трахтемировский п-ов Черкасской обл. (49°59' N, 31°25' Е), левобережье — Переяславо-Хмельницкий р-н Киевской области: рыбстан (50°02' N, 31°17' Е) и яхтклуб (Куриное гирло 50°02' N, 31°29' E), г. Лубны, Полтавской обл. (49°58' N, 33°01' Е). Данные пункты находятся на расстоянии около 70–80 км севернее от предыдущей границы ареала вида. Группировка ужей на севере Черкасской обл. отличается большим полиморфизмом и наличием более 40 % тёмных особей.

We used GIS modeling (DIVA-GIS, Maxent) to simulate the potential distribution of Zootoca vivipara. For modeling, we used a database including information from our studies and literature, comprising 190 points of lizard samples (including 7 points for melanistic lizards). It can be concluded that the distribution of Z. vivipara in Ukraine depends on the following environmental variables related to solar radiation and precipitation: “Radiation of wettest quarter” (BIO24; 34.2%), “Precipitation of driest week” (BIO14; 18.1%), “Lowest weekly radiation” (BIO22; 15.7%) and “Mean diurnal temperature range” (BIO2; 12.8%). For habitats where melanistic lizards were found, “Mean moisture index of coldest quarter” (BIO35; 18.9%) was also significant in addition to BIO24 (50.4%) and BIO22 (17.3%). The author is thankful to Marushchak A., Shevchenko O. and Oskyrko O. for their assistance.

As a result of research held during student practicals between 2012 and 2016 and a study of the population of the Pelophylax esculentuscomplex, we have found up to 13.3% of samples from the species Pelophylax ridibundus have abnormalities. Moreover, 6 different variants of limb malformations have been found: phocomelia, rotation, ectrodactyly, mixed patterns (brachydactyly ectrodactyly), polymelia and polyphalangy.

GIS modeling of 138 georeferenced point data of anomalies in amphibians in Ukraine (data from both the literature and personal field surveys) revealed a rather poor, but statistically significant correlation of the numbers of anomalies with the anthropogenic impact measured by the Human Footprint (r=0,268, p=0,0025). We consider that in certain cases the abundance of anomalies in amphibians could be used for purposes of bioindication. To Ruben J. Teschner for help with the English translation, Oskyrko O. S, Muravynets O. A., Davidenko S. V., Stetsun G. A., Chernukha A. O. for helping to collect the samples.

Исследованы уровни накопления и распределения тяжелых металлов (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Cr) в органах и тканях двух видов лягушек (Rana temporaria и R. arvalis) из биотопов, непосредственно прилегающих к некоторым водоемов городской зоны Киева.

In this study, quantitative analysis of paternal genome inheritance by a hybrid form Rana "esculenta" (= Rana esculenta L., 1758 x Rana ridibunda Pall., 1881) (Amphibia, Ranidae) was examined. The hybrid form examined was characterized by a polymodal mode of inheritance (genome of any of the parental species can be inherited). The absence of correlation between the proportion of normal gametes and either sex or ploidity of the producer was demonstrated. The gametes produced could be both haploid and diploid (hybrid or homozygous). The mechanism of alloploid reproduction is discussed.