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The rare known linyphiid spider Walckenaeria incisa (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1871) is recorded for the first time in Türkiye. Species were collected using pitfall traps in a red pine forest near Spil Mountain. With this record, the number species belonging to Walckenaeria in Türkiye has increased to 12. Walckenaeria stylifrons (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1875) was also collected in the study area. The diagnostic photographs of the habitus and genitalia of both species are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Natura Sloveniae: Revija za Terensko Biologijo / Journal of Field Biology is the property of Natura Sloveniae and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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 Anatolian banded newt is an endemic amphibian species to the western and northern parts of Türkiye. The present study provides the new locality records of Ommatotriton nesterovi, which constitutes the species' easternmost known locality. With the record of the current study, the known distribution area of the species has been extended about 70 km eastward. Moreover, morphological comparisons were made between individuals from these two new localities and individuals from other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because the nematodes were identified as I Sheraphelenchus i sp., they were picked up individually using stainless-steel insect pins (Insect pin No. 00, Shiga Kontyu), and transferred to new MEA previously inoculated with I Pestalotiopsis i sp., which has been used as I S. sucus i food in the laboratory (Kanzaki, 2021). Keywords: distribution; geographical variation; new locality; phylogeny EN distribution geographical variation new locality phylogeny 713 716 4 07/06/23 20230601 NES 230601 The nematode genus I Sheraphelenchus i Nickle, 1970 (Tylenchomorpha: Aphelenchoididae) currently contains five species and most have been isolated from rotten plant material, especially fruit, vegetables and sap, I i.e. i , organic matter that is relatively carbohydrate-rich and fermented, and insects associated with these environments (Kanzaki, 2021). Of the five species, I Sheraphelenchus sucus i Kanzaki & Tanaka, 2013 has been found in Ibaraki (Kanzaki & Tanaka, 2013) and Kyoto (Kanzaki, 2021), Japan. [Extracted from the article]

A population of the caddisfly Setodes argentipunctellus McLachlan, 1877 (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae) is reported from the West of Ireland at Ross Lake, Co. Galway. The species was previously known only from two lakes in the Killarney district in the south-west of the island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clubiona frutetorum L. Koch, 1867 is known from only one locality in Türkiye. In this study, we could find this species from a new locality to add it to its distribution in Anatolia. Its general habitus and female genitalia are illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mangrove sesarmid crab, Leptarma aurifrons (Li, Shih, & Ng, 2019), is reported from Japan for the first time based on a male specimen collected from Ishigaki Island, Ryukyu Archipelago. The present specimen extends the geographical range of the species to the northeast. A brief description of L. aurifrons is provided on the basis of the present specimen. Leptarma aurifrons is the third species of the genus recorded from Japan [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both Ceratinella scabrosa (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1871) and Megalepthyphantes turkeyensis Tanasevitch, Kunt & Seyyar, 2005 species are poorly known in Türkiye. In this study, we could find these species from new localities other than their known localities in Anatolia. The old and new distributions of these species in Türkiye are shown on the maps. Their general habitus and genitalia are also illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many species of Orchidaceae Juss. are known as beautifully flowering plants, having medicinal, food, decorative, and other qualities. All this draws attention to orchids and promotes their extermination. The expansion of the tourism and recreational development of the Altai Republic and the economic activity of the population aggravate the processes of reduction of rare species of the Orchidaceae Juss. In this sense, the search for new orchid locations is relevant. The purpose of this work is to supplement the database on habitats of rare orchid species in the Altai Republic. Five new habitats of three orchid species were established in the northeast Altai in the basin of the upper Biya River. Cypripedium guttatum Sw. Cypripedium macranthon Sw., and Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soo (Orchis fuchsii (Druce), information that is missing in the third edition of the Altai Republic Regional Red Book. Two orchid locations were found in the lower reaches of the Tuloy River valley, a third was found in the lower reaches of the Tondoshka River, the fourth was registered near the Turochak village and the fifth was observed on the left bank of the Biya River near the village Verkh-Biysk. All new habitats were registered in the Turochaksky district of the Altai Republic.

Labeo fisheri is an endemic and endangered freshwater fish of Sri Lanka. Mainly restricted to the upper reaches of the Mahaweli River basin, it has been previously reported living in deep rapids and among large rocks and boulders. An accidental record of a Labeo fisheri specimen from Victoria Reservoir led us to further study this habitat during the period from January to August 2017. This study was carried out to confirm the presence of a population of Labeo fisheri within the Victoria Reservoir and report its new habitat type in deep stagnant waters. We further investigated the food habits by analyzing the gut contents of L. fisheri in the Victoria Reservoir. Seven individuals were recorded from fishermen's gill net catch in three fish landing sites along Victoria Reservoir, with an average total length of 24.80 ± 4.30 cm, average standard length of 19.70 ± 3.86 cm and average body weight of 197.69 ± 107.12 g. Based on gut content analysis, only phytoplankton, especially diatoms and cyanobacteria, were found in the gut of L. fisheri. This new population is facing the direct threat of fishing. Effective conservation measures are doubtful, since a fishery is well established in the Victoria Reservoir and the fishing gear used is not species-specific. More research is necessary to understand the population dynamics of L. fisheri in the Victoria Reservoir. In order to conserve it at this locality, community-based conservation measures are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new locality of Carex bohemica, a rare species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine, is reported. The studied population is located in Kyiv Region within the Divychky site UA0000337 of the Emerald Network in Ukraine (Left-Bank Forest-Steppe). The territory housing the population forms a single contour covering two areas of different soil humidity values. On the area of 30 m2, 95 individuals of C. bohemica were discovered. At the time of observation, all individuals were of the generative age. The identified variants of plant communities with participation of C. bohemica belong to the class Phragmito-Magnocaricetea and are similar to the most communities with this species found in Ukraine. As a threat to existence of this population, increasing participation of alien invasive species-transformers and synanthropic species can be considered. Frequent fires occurring during drought periods also pose significant risks to the survival of this population. Further search for new localities of C. bohemica in the areas with suitable habitats is required.

In Ukraine, Allium ursinum is a rare species of the state level of conservation, isolated locations of which occur very rarely on the territory of the left bank of the river Dnipro. A new location discovered on the territory of National Nature Park “Pyriatynskyi” is isolated and confined to the floodplain gallery forest of the association Alnion incanae Pawłowski et al. 1928. On the territory of the Nature Park “Pyriatynskyi”, the species is represented by a small, incomplete population with a left-sided spectrum. Considering the chorology of the species in the region and the demographic characteristics of the population, this new locality was most likely formed as a result of the recent accidental introduction of the species from the northern enclaves of the Chernihiv oblast or purposeful planting of plants by the local citizens. Taking into account the proximity of A. ursinum growing locality to popular recreation areas, it is necessary to introduce monitoring research of the state and structure of the population and develop special protection measures to conserve this species on the territory of National Nature Park “Pyriatynskyi”.

In Ukraine, Allium ursinum is a rare species of the state level of conservation, isolated locations of which occur very rarely on the territory of the left bank of the river Dnipro. A new location discovered on the territory of National Nature Park "Pyriatynskyi" is isolated and confined to the floodplain gallery forest of the association Alnion incanae Pawłowski et al. 1928. On the territory of the Nature Park "Pyriatynskyi", the species is represented by a small, incomplete population with a left-sided spectrum. Considering the chorology of the species in the region and the demographic characteristics of the population, this new locality was most likely formed as a result of the recent accidental introduction of the species from the northern enclaves of the Chernihiv oblast or purposeful planting of plants by the local citizens. Taking into account the proximity of A. ursinum growing locality to popular recreation areas, it is necessary to introduce monitoring research of the state and structure of the population and develop special protection measures to conserve this species on the territory of National Nature Park "Pyriatynskyi". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pellenes diagonalis (Simon, 1868) is known from Turkey except for the Central Anatolian Region. In this study, we could find this species from a new locality to its distribution in Anatolia. Its general habitus and male genitalia are illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first record of a single specimen of oscar, Astronotus ocellatus, native to Amazon basin of Peru, Colombia and Brazil, is reported from the inland waters of Iraq. The specimen was caught from one of the branches of the Euphrates River to the east of the Barnun city, ca. 5 km to the NW of Hilla city in Babylon Province in central Iraq in December 2021 using rod and line. The capture of a sub-adult specimen, 186.7 mm in total length, indicates the first record of another aquarium fish species in the freshwater system of Iraq. The aquarium trade pathway is the suspected factor for the presence of this species in the Iraqi freshwater area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypenodes pannonica Fibiger, Pekarsky & Ronkay, 2010 was known by its type series only, collected from 1936 to 1983. It is thought to be an endemic species for the Carpathian Basin. After nearly 40 years, in 2022, the species has been observed again, when a specimen was found in Gyula, Békés county, Hungary, on 4th July. Eleven further specimens were observed there during 5 events until 3rd August. The moth was seen also in Tiszadob, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county; 1 specimen was photographed there. Data of all these specimens were uploaded to the citizen science portal www.izeltlabuak.hu. Another, also new locality for the species is Tápiószentmárton-Göbölyjárás, Pest county, where 1 specimen was found on 12th August and 2 specimens on 18th August. These three moths were collected and deposited in the Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest. The new observations encompass a period 12 days longer than that of the old records. The occurrence in Göbölyjárás is the first locality in Pest county and it is the second most western locality of the species. The habitat in Gyula, i.e. the Kisökörjárás park forest strongly differs from the old records i.e. open marshlands with dense vegetation and sparse wooded patches. The latter type of habitat is most similar to the locality in Göbölyjárás. In Tiszadob, the species was found in the garden of a castle, close to a large area of gallery forest near the river Tisza. The first records of H. pannonica on bait (sugar rope) are published here, from Tiszadob and Göbölyjárás; old records are from artificial light only. Light sources were also operated together with the baits (125 W HgL bulb, 8 W BL tube, LEDs with different spectra), none of them attracted the species. Searching with headlamp gave no result. In Gyula, all observations occurred on sheet and nearby objects illuminated by LED light, the specimens were present at light from ca. 22:00 to 22:50, at maximum 50 cm from soil level. Resting specimens hold their wings slightly roof-like, covering the body and only the apex touching the surface. Hindwings are covered by the forewings, only the dorsa of the latter wings touch each other. These are the first data to be published on the behaviour of the species, and the first field photographs on live specimens in any scientific paper are also published by us. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New locality of Rosa pimpinellifolia L., (Rosaceae) was found during field research in August 2020. Even after many years of effort and research, Rosa pimpinellifolia L. was found for the first time in mountain ridge located in Jellak- North Macedonia, specifically in the place known as "Maja e zezë -- (Black Peak)", which is located approximately 2000 m above sea level. Until now, it is found in other seven locations in North Macedonia. Taxonomic identification of Rosa pimpinellifolia L fits in the Macedonian Flora specter. New distribution locality and brief morphological descriptions of the Rosa pimpinifolia were provided together with the conservation and status issues. Further field research is needed to confirm the spread of Rosa pimpinellifolia L. across Sharr Mountain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the current knowledge of flora in North Macedonia, Ramonda nathaliae Pančić & Petrović is present in some localities along the mouths of the River Vardar. New localities of spread of this species were discovered several years ago, near the village of Cerovo and in Karpallak. During the ongoing research of Ramonda nathaliae Pančić & Petrović, in North Macedonia, another new locality, was recognized which represents a new record of distribution of this species in the flora of North Macedonia. Examine specimens: on steep rocky terrain: 364 m, 41° 58' N, 21° 11' E, May 2022, in Laskartsi, Municipality of Zelino. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Wroclawskie Studia Wschodnie is the property of Wroclaw University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of the present study was to contribute to the geographic distribution and length-weight relationship of Alburnus caeruleus Heckel, 1843 living in the Euphrates and Tigris River basins (Turkey). For this purpose, fish specimens were investigated from the collection preserved in the Istanbul University Science Faculty Hydrobiology Museum (IUSHM). The length–weight relationship was calculated using the equation: W=ɑLb. Through sample examinations, A. caeruleus was identified from one new locality (Eğri Stream) in the Euphrates River basin and with this contribution, the distribution range of the fish has extended to the tributaries of the Atatürk Dam Lake in the north. The results also contributed to the literature with two new localities of A. caeruleus species in the Savur Stream and River Tigris, both in the Tigris River basin. The b values calculated for the Euphrates and Tigris populations were 3.243±0.139 (n=56) and 3.340±0.329 (n=30) respectively, which both indicated positive allometric growth. In addition, the b value was calculated for A. caeruleus from the Tigris River basin is the first finding. This study also reported a new maximum length (TL) for A. caeruleus (13.0 cm).

The locality record of the Rough Bent-toed Gecko (Cyrtopodion scabrum) from the Silopi District of the Şırnak Province of Turkey was provided in the present study. The new locality record extended the distribution area of the species 40 km to the east. Data based on meristic pholidosis characters, metric measurements and color-patter features of the specimens from Silopi were given in detail and compared with data given in the previous literature.

The Bulgarian Bent-toed Gecko (Mediodactylus danilewskii Strauch, 1887) is one of the two species of geckos inhabiting the territory of Bulgaria. In the recent years, new information on its distribution was published and big amount of data were collected. We organized an information platform for sharing data on the biology and live-range of M. danilewskii in inland North-East Bulgaria. This gecko is a highly synanthropic species which is often observed by citizens. Here we report on four new observation spots and also confirm the presence of the species from recently published localities. All data were recorded by volunteers, hence we discuss on the methods for documentation of the specimens and the critical role of the citizen science to assess the range of distribution of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bulgarian Bent-toed Gecko (Mediodactylus danilewskii Strauch, 1887) is one of the two species of geckos inhabiting the territory of Bulgaria. In the recent years, new information on its distribution was published and big amount of data were collected. We organized an information platform for sharing data on the biology and live-range of M. danilewskii in North-East Bulgaria. This gecko is a highly synanthropic species which is often observed by citizens. Here we report on four new observation spots and also confirm the presence of the species from recently published localities. All data were recorded by volunteers, hence we discuss on the methods for documentation of the specimens and the critical role of the citizen science to assess the range of distribution of the species.

The paper presents a critical review of the Dolichopodidae family in the Astrakhan State Nature Biosphere Reserve (Russia). In total, 23 species from the Dolichopodidae family were indicated for this Protected Area. Four of these species have been recorded for the first time for both Europe and Russia: Asyndetus albipalpus, Asyndetus chaetifemoratus, Chrysotus dorli, Hercostomus rubroviridissimus. In addition, Dolichopus jaxarticus and Sciapus subvicinus are new species for Russia. Twenty species (Asyndetus albipalpus, Asyndetus chaetifemoratus, Asyndetus latifrons, Campsicnemus filipes, Campsicnemus simplicissimus, Chrysotus cilipes, Chrysotus dorli, Dolichopus calinotus, Dolichopus cilifemoratus, Dolichopus latilimbatus, Dolichopus jaxarticus, Hercostomus convergens, Hercostomus rubroviridissimus, Medetera diadema, Medetera plumbella, Nematoproctus longifilus, Poecilobothrus bigoti, Rhaphium penicillatum, Sciapus longulus, Sciapus subvicinus) are firstly recorded for the Astrakhan region. To date, 34 Dolichopodidae species are known in the Astrakhan region. However, further studies of the Dolichopodidae fauna in Protected Areas are needed for a more comprehensive knowledge on this Diptera family in Russia and in Eurasia as a whole.

We report the occurrence of Wroughton's Small Spiny Mouse Mus phillipsi Wroughton, 1912 based on a specimen collected from Gajapati District, Odisha. With this species, the diversity of order Rodentia in Odisha increases to 17 species under three families and 12 genera. An updated checklist of the rodents with distribution localities and threats to various species in Odisha is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article speaks about the necessity of comprehension of the socio-cultural consequences of the fourth industrial revolution, the total robotization and the expansion of artificial intellectual systems and networks. It underlines the progressing displacement of humans from the economics, the consistent dehumanization of the society, mass technological unemployment and emergence of the numerous class of “needless people”. The author forecasts the impact of these processes on the transformation of the economic structure, the reformatting of the social problems, as well as the spatial environment and the functions of the cities. He comes to the conclusion that the “needless people” phenomenon will be of paramount importance for the societies of the 21st century.

Darevskia clarkorum is an endangered species distributed within a restricted area in Georgia and Turkey. The study has presented a new locality in the Province of Gümüşhane for the species. As the new locality is about 40 km away from the known distribution area, it is important in terms of defining the southernmost distribution area and limited locality of species. The record of the new locality of Darevskia clarkorum reveals that the species also occurs outside coastal areas. Thus, the endangered species begins to inhabit inland provinces, too.

Female specimens of Stegodyphus lineatus (Latreille, 1817) were collected from Kelkit Valley recording a new locality from Turkey. The habitus and genitalia of this species are illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a new locality of a very rare representative of the Pampliliidae family, namely the Pamphilius ignymontiensis Lacourt. Four specimens of this species were caught in the centre of the country, in Kampinos National Park. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A specimen of the Chameleon sand tilefish Hoplolatilus chlupatyi was collected off Mozambique during a 2014 FAO Marine Ecosystem Survey by the R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen. Three additional larval specimens of H. chlupatyi were collected in the Mozambique Channel in 2008. These four specimens represent the first records of H. chlupatyi from the Western Indian Ocean, previously known to occur exclusively in the Western Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, the occurrence of the Indian tilefish Hoplolatilus fronticinctus, originally described from Mauritius, is reported for South Africa and Mozambique based on newly collected specimens. Identification of these species is based on genetic and morphological characteristics. Genetic, meristic and morphometric data of H. chlupatyi and H. fronticinctus are provided along with illustrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, one death Platyceps najadum was found on road in Aşağıyanlar Village/Çankırı in Northern Turkey. The distribution range of the species has been extended 88 km from known localities. The specimen was evaluated in terms of morphology and colour-pattern characteristics. The climatic preference of P. najadum was analyzed. The average AUC value was 0.771 and the most effected bioclimatic variable of P. najadum distribution range is precipitation of wettest month (bio13) (47.5%). Under the distribution model, coast of Aegea, Northern Black Sea and Mediterranean is seen more suitable places for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agriculture & Nature / Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım & Doğa Dergisi is the property of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Universitesi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Skippers remain one of the most diverse and least known butterfly group. In this work the presence of the skipper Rhinthon cubana is reported from localities of La Lisa and Guanabacoa municipalities, Havana province, Cuba. Mature larva and pupa of the species are described, alongside characteristics of larval behavior. The species seems to be widespread in Cuba and could inhabit a great variety of ecosystems where its hostplants are found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two previously known northernmost localities of the Sharp-snouted rock lizard in Montenegro were the entrance of the Komarnica Canyon (Nevidio), and the middle part of the Tara River Canyon (village Tepca). It was presumed that Komarnica and Piva canyons were once corridors for the spreading of this species from the Eastern Adriatic sub-Mediterranean area to the Tara River Canyon in the north. However, it had not been hitherto known if there were any other relict populations in the area. In the autumn of 2019 a localized population of D. oxycephala was discovered in the middle part of the Komarnica Canyon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four voucher specimens and two photos of the Striped Dwarf Snake, Eirenis lineomaculatus Schmidt, 1939 from Elazığ, Adıyaman, and Mardin provinces, are presented based on photos and our fieldwork performed in south-eastern and eastern Anatolia between 2015 and 2018. With this study, the records of E. lineomaculatus extend the known distribution of species about 74 km to the northwest and filled the gaps in the distribution range. All data including morphometric measurements and pholidolial are compatible with the published one. Moreover, some ecological features of the collection habitats are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new locality for Triturus ivanbureschi is recorded in the inner part of western Anatolia. Morphological variation in a series of the thirteen newt specimens is also presented and morphological characteristics of the specimens compared with the previous studies in western Anatolia, Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species Tetragnatha nitens is recorded for the first time from Iraq. Its general habitus and genitalia are illustrated. Locality data of this species are also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ussurian wax bee, Apis cerana ussuriensis, is a threatened subspecies distributed in Russia only in the south of the Far East. This study presents ten new localities of this taxon from Primorsky Krai (Terneyskiy district, Krasnoarmeyskiy district, Nadezhdinskiy district, Khasanskiy district). Records from Terneyskiy district extend the species' range 100 km north-east. We hypothesised that the A. cerana ussuriensis population, living at the edge of its range under severe climatic conditions, could acquire resistance to extremely low temperatures.

This paper deals with distribution and conservation status of the Golden Himalayan Spike Phlomoides superba (Royle ex Benth.) Kamelin & Makhm. (syn. Eremostachys superba Royle ex Benth.), an endangered herb in India. A new locality report from Jammu & Kashmir along with population status in previously reported localities of occurrence of this species is also provided. Since the species is reported from a very few localities in India and is facing critical threats in the wild, the addition of a new locality holds significance in terms of its declining population status.

During field studies conducted in 2014 and 2017, Rhogogaster (Cytisogaster) chambersi was found in the Mordovia State Nature Reserve (Republic of Mordovia, Russia). Data on this record are presented here. The studied species has been found for the first time in Russia. We present data of the Russian location and some information on the species distribution.

Here, we describe a new variety of the mycoheterotrophic genus Lecanorchis (Orchidaceae), namely, L. thalassica T.P. Lin var. laoensis Suetsugu & T.C. Hsu, which was discovered during a botanical survey in Xieng Khouang Province, Laos. The new variety resembles Lecanorchis thalassica var. thalassica from Taiwan, owing to its relatively large tepals, tri-lobed lip, loosely flowered rachis, and obtuse sepals and petals, but is distinguished by a lip midlobe that is only centrally hairy and by additional projections below the column wings. An illustration and rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (i.e., DNA barcode) sequence of the new variety from Laos are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the phylogeny of the "Kotschy's gecko" (Mediodactylus kotschyi Steindachner, 1870) was revised, and the Black sea populations were distinguished as a new species - the Bulgarian Bent-toed Gecko (Mediodactylus danilewskii Strauch, 1887). This species was never reported for the inland of north Bulgaria (except for one already extinguished population near the Danube river) until 2015. New information on the distribution of the geckos on the territory of Shumen is presented and notes on the sustainability of the population in the region in the last five years are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first record of a single specimen of alligator gar, Atractosteus spatula (Lacepède, 1803), native to North America, is reported from the inland waters of Iraq. The specimen was caught from southern reaches of the Shatt al-Arab River at Om-al-Rasas Island, Basrah, Iraq during an ichthyologic survey in September 2016 using gillnets with mesh size of 40 mm. The capture of a sub-adult specimen, 900 mm in total length, marks the first record of a member of the family Lepisosteidae in the freshwater system of Iraq. Aquarium trade pathway is the suspected factor for the presence of this species in the Iraqi freshwater area.