Nature Conservation Research

21–39

Authors: Echevarría G., González N.

The Caura National Park encompasses the entire basin of the River Caura, one of the most biodiverse hydrographic systems of Venezuela, yet the ichthyofauna, particularly in the upper basin, has been poorly studied. In this study, the taxonomic and functional diversity of fishes in mesohabitats of the River Kakada, a main tributary of the upper River Caura in Southern Venezuela, are described. The fishes were sampled in four mesohabitat types with seines during four different occasions, representing the hydrological seasons of rising waters, high waters, falling waters and low waters. Functional diversity indices were calculated based on four traits: size, trophic guild, mouth orientation and body shape. A total of 56 fish species were registered. There were significant differences in species composition of the fish assemblages and their taxonomic diversities among mesohabitats and across hydrological seasons, and the taxonomic and functional diversities were higher in the mesohabitats with presence of riparian forest. However, there were no seasonal variations in functional composition or functional diversities. The rocky substrates had unique assemblages of habitat specialist species with a particular array of traits. On the other hand, the presence of riparian forest and more structurally complex substrates favors the coexistence of a high diversity of fishes with a variety of trait combinations, whereas the seasonal fluctuations in the water level might propitiate stochastic processes of dispersion and colonisation that generate variations in species composition and taxonomic diversity. Considering the spread of artisanal gold mines in the Caura National Park, the results of this investigation might serve as a reference for future studies that assess the impacts of the gold mining activities on the river integrity and their fish communities.

54–65

Authors: Bagrikova N.A., Chichkanova E.S.

The article deals with the problem of biological invasions, including the expansion of alien species into Protected Areas. The total area of the «Cape Martyan» Nature Reserve is 2.4 km2, of which 1.2 km2 is dry land and the other 1.2 km2 is the water surface of the Black Sea. It is located on the Southern Coast of the Crimea and is included in the list of priority areas for the conservation of biodiversity. Sixty-two species of vascular plants (11.2% of the Nature Reserve «Cape Martyan» flora) are classified as alien in the Protected Area. But the invasive status has been determined only for Bupleurum fruticosum, Clematis flammula, Senecio cineraria, and Rhamnus alaternus. The spontaneous dispersal of Opuntia engelmannii subsp. lindheimeri plants in anthropogenically transformed communities was indicated including the Artemisietea vulgaris class, as well as natural communities with a combination of species from the Quercetea pubescenti-petraeae and Cisto-Micromerietea julianae classes. It confirms that this Opuntia has been naturalised in the Protected Area and has the status of an invasive species. The research of the morphometric parameters of cultivated and naturalised prickly pears both on the Southern Coast of the Crimea and in the «Cape Martyan» Nature Reserve was conducted in 2014–2017. It was established that the largest size of segments and fruits is typical for plants growing in semi-open juniper-oak forest communities. The largerst number and the longest of spines were recorded on the cultivated plants in rarefied semi-shrubby communities and on open slopes.

76–90

Authors: Rozenfeld S.B., Kirtaev G.V., Rogova N.V., Soloviev M.Yu., Gorchakovsky A.A., Bizin M.S., Demianets S.S.

The Gydan Peninsula is one of the least explored and inaccessible Arctic regions in both the Yamalo-Nenetsky Autonomous Okrug and Russia as a whole. In 2016–2017 we conducted a survey of the Gydansky State Nature Reserve and adjacent areas, counted and assessed the quality of habitats of Anseriformes and their threats. The results of the study and the data volume obtained have proved the effectiveness of using ultralight aviation to study a hard-to-reach and vast area. We elaborated the methodology of aerial surveys and counting, the technique of population abundance extrapolation based on modern statistical methods and the use of Landsat images. According to the data obtained, we created GIS databases on abundance, biotopic distribution, key conservation areas of Anseriformes and threats. On their basis, it will be possible to develop a scheme of long-term monitoring of Anseriformes, and specific recommendations on the protection regime. By preliminary assessing the habitat quality on the selected plots, we found that Anseriformes form main groupings on salt marshes, although their areas on the Gydansky Peninsula are not large. The preliminary study of the feeding spectrum of herbivory Anseriformes (Anser, Branta, Cygnus) showed that on three studied sites, a significant proportion of their diet is occupied by common plant species of salt marshes (Carex subspathacea + Puccinellia phryganodes). Studies of the pastures quality on salt marshes on molting sites and on control sites demonstrated that Anser albifrons and Branta bernicla provoked a decrease in phytomass of dead grass by an average of 5.3 times. This increases the pasture quality and prevents turfness. On the molting sites examined, the phytomass of the main feeding plants was on average 4.6 times less than on the control sites. However, we can not consider it as a negative influence, since the constant pasture grazing stimulates the vegetation growth. Based on data obtained during the preliminary study, we established the impact of Anseriformes on invertebrates. We found that on control sites, the number of spider species was two times higher than on molting sites, and their number was four times higher than on molting sites. There were no significant differences in the Acarini number. The presence of mass concentrations of Aneriformes influences the structure of dominance in the microarthropod communities. We did not establish the influence of the Anseriformes concentrations on the diversity and species composition of Coleoptera and Heteroptera. Although on sites of mass concentration of Anseriformes, the number of Heteroptera predators greatly reduced (in 3–23 times). We showed that Ursus maritimus have became an important factor that influence the Anseriformes abundance, especially colonial species. We distinguished the nine sites which are the most important for Anderiformes. Within these areas, annual monitoring of Anseriformes using ultralight aviation is most relevant. On the distinguished key sites outside the Gydansky State Nature Reserve, it would be advisable to create regional-level complex sanctuaries with complete hunting ban. The presence of people and transport in protected areas will create an increase in the disturbance factor and poaching. It is necessary to strengthen the protection regime and conduct raids to combat poaching both in the Gydansky State Nature Reserve and on distinguished key sites. We propose the use of ultralight aviation as the most effective method for these targets. The results of obtained aerial surveys showed that the highest abundance of Polysticta stelleri, Somateria spectabilis and Clangula huemalis, the maximal concentrations of molting Cygnus bewickii, Anser albifrons, A. fabalis and Branta bernicla were recorded on Neupokoev Island and Vilkitsky Island. In this regard, we assert the necessity to revise the existing boundaries of the Gydansky State Nature Reserve by including into the Protected Area the following sites: Vilkitsky Island together with the Vostochnaya Spit and Shvede Bay, the Neupokoev Island together with the Neupokoeva Spit and water areas adjacent to these islands at a distance of 5 km from the coastline.

97–102

Authors: Dhendup T.

The Clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa is a globally threatened species, and very little is known about its ecology, distribution, population trends and threats. We used camera trap data from the 2013–2014 season of long-term monitoring of tigers in Royal Manas National Park in southern Bhutan to study the Clouded leopard distribution and to identify threats to the species and their habitat. Clouded leopards were recorded at 17 camera trap stations (25% of the total) within the park's jurisdiction of which ten stations were located inside the multiple use park management zone and seven in the core zone. The altitude of occurrence ranged from 243 m a.s.l. to 2323 m a.s.l. The species is facing ongoing threats from habitat degradation and loss, poaching, and climate change. Extraction of resources and developmental activities in Clouded leopard habitats inside the multiple use zone should be strictly supervised and studied. Continued effort is encouraged towards active monitoring particularly along the Indo-Bhutan border. There is also a strong need for dedicated ecological studies and a detailed assessment of threats to the species.

110–115

Authors: Bashinskiy I.V., Osipov V.V.

The work presents the first results of annual monitoring of a beaver population on the territory of Ostrovtsovskaya Lesostep' (State Nature Reserve Privolzhskaya Lesostep', Penza region). In 2014–2017 all water-courses and water-bodies, including the River Khoper, River Selimutka, River Yuzhnaya and several oxbows of the Khoper were investigated twice a year for assessing the beaver abundance using the method of settlements capacity. The mean density of dams was 7.7 dams/km of watercourse, the maximum was on the River Yuzhnaya – 10.8 dams/km, and the minimum was on the River Selimutka – 5.5 dams/km. During the study period 10 to 13 beaver settlements were observed, the total abundance of beavers tends to decrease (from 42 to 30 animals). The present density of beavers and a lack of food resources limit a further increase of the species abundance.

17–27

Authors: Hernandez A., Hou M.

The natural history of newly discovered species among the genus Tylototriton in South-Eastern Asia is poorly known to date, and most of the species are threatened by extinction. The description of their ecology is crucial to determine their survival status and successful reproduction for conservation purposes. In this study, we assessed the microhabitat preferences of Tylototriton yangi at the type locality, Gejiu, Yunnan province, China, with the Visual Encounter Survey method and by using new important materials. The main habitat is located within a humid subtropical climate and is composed of a large karstic mountain containing some patch of secondary mixed forests and plantations such as tomato fields, pepper and cabbage that are surrounded by scrubs, grasses and small ponds. We provided a complete diagnosis with new morphological data analysing ten adult individuals from the type series to establish a formal description which is absent from the first original description. We compared our results with other related taxa of the genus Tylototriton to updated key determinants between similar species. Thus, we analysed the population structure and the behaviour of T. yangi during a period of ten years, 2008–2017, to assess its survival status and to determine the main threat factors. A total of 186 specimens were found during the whole study predicting a small population inhabiting the type locality, Gejiu. Consequently, T. yangi is now regarded as a highly threatened species that need more attention of Chinese authorities and we suggest regarding it as Endangered due to its small distribution range, the low number of adult specimens observed and ongoing exploitation.

36–50

Authors: Chikhlyaev I.V., Kirillova N.Yu., Kirillov A.A.

A comparative analysis of the trematode fauna of the marsh frog Pelophylax ridibundus from different habitats of the National Park «Samarskaya Luka» is given. It is based on the authors' own materials collected in 1998‒2001 on three locations: on the coast of the Volga channel, floodplain lakes and nearby islands. Twenty-two trematode species were found. Differences in the composition of trematodes and the nature of infestation of amphibians from different biotopes have been revealed. It has been established that the diversity of trematodes and their infectivity are higher in amphibians in floodplain lakes with relatively constant environmental conditions. Frogs from river coast habitats with dynamic environmental conditions are less infected with the same diversity of species. Amphibians of isolated island habitats are characterised by relatively small number of trematode species and a low level of helminth invasion. The causes of differences in amphibian infestation by trematodes in different biotopes are complex. Diversity, high abundance of mollusks and arthropods (intermediate hosts) cause a high level of infestation of frogs with sexually mature flukes, transmitted through food chains. The high density of the amphibians themselves, and, accordingly, of the predators batrachophages, leads to intensive infestation of frogs by larval stages of trematodes. A literature review of the data on the influence of abiotic and biotic factors of the environment on amphibian trematode is given. The formation of the trematode fauna of frogs is influenced by a number of environmental factors acting in the aggregate: the hydrological regime of the reservoir, the diversity and density of populations of intermediate, reservoir and definitive hosts of trematodes in the biocoenosis.

61–72

Authors: Maslova I.V., Portnyagina E.Yu., Sokolova D.A., Vorobieva P.A., Akulenko M.V., Portnyagin A.S., Somov A.A.

Information is given on new findings of five rare and endangered species of amphibians and reptiles inhabiting the Primorsky Krai: Onychodactylus fischeri, Pelodiscus maackii, Takydromus wolteri, Oocatochus rufodorsatus and Hebius vibakari. New locations are presented for the studied amphibians and reptiles. For the first time, Onychodactylus fischeri is reported here for the Partizanky Ridge, thus expanding its known habitat range in the south-western direction. Data on Takydromus wolteri, Oocatochus rufodorsatus and Hebius vibakari findings in western Primorsky Krai are provided for the first time. Habitat borders of Takydromus wolteri in the northern part of its distribution has been updated in various directions: to the west (Khankaysky District), north (Krasnoarmeysky District) and northeast (Olginsky District). The current model of habitat range and breeding places of Khankaysky population of Pelodiscus maackii has been demonstrated, taking into account submerging sandy spits on the western coast of Lake Khanka in 2014–2017. Rivers flowing into Khanka from the western site were shown to play an important role for inhabitance and reproduction of this species. Detailed information on distribution of Hebius vibakari in Primorsky Krai is given for the first time. This species is indicated to be common and sometimes numerous in the south and central parts of Primorsky Krai. The current state of this species' population was researched at locations indicated previously in the references. Some Protected Areas were analysed in the way they protect rare species of the Far Eastern herpetofauna. Hebius vibakari occurs consistently in the State Nature Reserve «Ussuriysky», State Nature Reserve «Kedrovaya Pad» and National Park «Land of the Leopard». Within their borders, the National Park «Bikin» and National Park «Udegeyskaya Legenda» are shown to have no effect on conserving populations of Pelodiscus maackii and Oocatochus rufodorsatus inhabiting basins of the River Bikin and River Bolshaya Ussurka. Their populations are distributed to the west of the national parks. Organising new Protected Areas is urgent for the Primorsky Krai in its western part (River Komissarovka basin) and in its south-eastern part (Livadiysky Ridge).

83–97

Authors: Askenderov A.D., Mazanaeva L.F., Mikhaylov R.A., Fayzulin A.I.

Environmental conditions in spawning waters are determined by a variety of abiotic and biotic factors. They are the most significant and therefore limiting in the selection of breeding sites and spawning grounds for amphibians. For conservation of the various amphibian populations it is necessary to establish an ecological optimum of specific species. The study has been conducted in a wide range of environmental conditions typical for the mountainous regions of the Caucasus. We studied 358 water bodies in the foothills of Dagestan. There are eight species of amphibians spawning here. Bufotes variabilis and Rana macrocnemis to adverse abiotic and biotic conditions in spawning waters are resistant. Lissotriton lantzi, Triturus karelinii, Pelobates fuscus, and P. syriacus are sensitive to different adverse environmental conditions in spawning waters. Lissotriton lantzi prefers non-flowing ponds, shaded areas, depth of reservoirs 50–100 cm and lots of aquatic vegetation, but Triturus karelinii prefers flowing ponds. Pelobates fuscus prefers unshaded ponds, but Pelobates syriacus prefers deep waters. Hyla arborea and Pelophylax ridibundus prefer flowing, shaded ponds with lots of aquatic vegetation. Bufotes variabilis and Rana macrocnemis are very tolerant to the environment. On the basis of the method of multivariate statistics, the main environmental factors significantly (p = 0.001) affecting the choice of spawning grounds by different types of amphibians: shading, depth, flow and overgrowing were established. It was revealed that the spawning grounds, which are of great importance for the conservation of rare amphibian species in the foothills of Dagestan is limited, this is due to the arid climatic conditions of the region. Recommendations for the conservation of amphibians and the development of protected areas in the foothills of the Republic of Dagestan are given.

110–119

Authors: Korzikov V.A., Aleksanov V.V.

A better understanding of the factors influencing the distribution of amphibians is needed to conserve amphibian species in regions highly populated by people. A total of 71 water bodies were examined in the Upper Oka Basin (the Central Part of the Russian Plain, Russia, Kaluga Oblast and adjacent regions). For each site, the presence and absence of 11 amphibian species were determined. We use the logistic regression within the glm function from the R Stats Package to estimate the influence of predictors on the probability of the species presence. The species with the highest occurrence were Pelophylax lessonae, P. ridibundus, Rana temporaria, and Bufo bufo. The type of terrestrial vegetation that surrounded the water body was a significant factor for three amphibian species. We found R. temporaria and B. bufo avoiding open habitats; and P. ridibundus avoiding wooded habitats. The degree of water moving was a significant factor for two amphibian species. Lissotriton vulgaris was present more frequent at lentic waters, and P. ridibundus preferred lotic waters. The percentage of the vegetation covering the water surface was a significant factor for Rana arvalis, which was more often present in water with 50% or more coverage. Acidity was a significant factor for Pseudepidalea viridis, which was detected only in neutral and alkaline waters. Total dissolved salts and the area of water body were significant predictors for no amphibian species. The presence of the Chinese sleeper (Perccottus glenii), an invasive fish species, was not significantly important in predicting detection or non-detection for any species. Many water bodies in the Upper Oka Basin that were likely once suitable for amphibians may not be occupied by amphibians due to barriers to dispersal from other sites and due to stochastic extinction. To estimate the capability of amphibian immigration from other sources, we identified the presence of lotic and lentic permanent water bodies within 1 km of a surveyed site. These factors were not significant for any species. Further investigations may achieve the best measure of connectivity of amphibian habitats. To conserve amphibians we need to keep terrestrial habitats surrounding the water bodies, especially wooded habitats.

125–130

Authors: Zhigileva O.N., Artishevskaya V.S., Burakova A.V., Baitimirova E.A.

Amphibians are an important but vulnerable component of biodiversity. Climatic changes and anthropogenic transformation of the environment can lead to changes in spawning times and habitat boundaries, causing adverse genetic processes in populations. In the present study, we assess genetic variation and differentiation among 184 individuals of four amphibian species (Rana arvalis, Rana amurensis, Rana temporaria, Bufo bufo) from seven localities of the south of Western Siberia and the Urals, Russia. To investigate the genetic diversity of these species, we used six primers for inter simple sequences repeat (ISSR) markers. Nei's gene diversity (h) varied from 0.169 to 0.311 in the local populations of amphibians; the diversity was the smallest in the common toad B. bufo and the highest in the Siberian wood frog R. amurensis. Populations of B. bufo and the moor frog R. arvalis were highly differentiated (mean multilocus GST = 0.249 and 0.268, respectively). Nei's original measures of genetic identity (I) and genetic distance (D) among the toad populations were comparable with these indexes among the studied brown frog populations. These results indicate that B. bufo and R. arvalis have a well-defined population structure with restricted gene flow between populations. We also identified a high level of genetic diversity among eggs of R. arvalis not observed in adults. Our results provide genetic evidence that all the studied species have high adaptive potential and genetic structure typical for amphibian populations. The presented data are intended to fill the gap in studying the genetic structure of the amphibian populations of the south of Western Siberia and the Urals. The data on different levels of genetic variability in amphibian populations from protected areas show their different value for conservation management. The presence of genetically impoverished populations requires monitoring of genetic diversity of amphibians. These data will be useful for conservation concerns, especially for developing appropriate management strategies.

136–139

Authors: Kurnaz M., Kutrup B.

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.

17–31

Authors: Setyawan E., Sianipar A.B., Erdmann M.V., Fischer A.M., Haddy J.A., Beale C.S., Lewis S.A., Mambrasar R.

Though extremely valuable to the local marine tourism industry, there is a dearth of published information on the ecology and population dynamics of reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) in Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia. Knowledge of the movement ecology in particular of this large and scattered population is urgently needed to better manage the rapidly expanding manta-focused tourism. Here we report the results of an initial passive acoustic telemetry study designed to provide local managers with the first detailed knowledge of the site use and movement patterns of reef mantas in northern Raja Ampat. A total of 39 reef mantas were tagged with Vemco V16 acoustic transmitters over a 15-month period between 27 November 2013 and 22 February 2015. To monitor their movements, VR2W acoustic receivers were deployed at eight sites corresponding to known manta cleaning and feeding aggregation sites, with receivers downloaded every six months over a two-year initial monitoring period. The duration between tag deployments and last date of detections at sites ranged from 1 to 682 days (mean ± SE = 237 ± 27). The cumulative number of days of manta detections at receiver sites by individual mantas ranged from 1 to 188 days (mean ± SE = 42 ± 7). Manta Ridge was the most visited site with 565 days of detections. The tagged mantas demonstrated strong site fidelity to the observed aggregation sites. At the same time, they also exhibited seasonal movements within an approximately 150 km long corridor between sites in the Dampier Strait and the northwest of Waigeo Island. Data analysed from a nearby array of six VR2W receivers in southern Raja Ampat (approximately 180 km to the south of the study area) confirmed that none of the tagged mantas were detected in this array, providing further evidence of strong site fidelity and limited movements within northern Raja Ampat. More than 96% of detections occurred during the daytime. The number of detections reached a peak around noon at Yefnabi Kecil and Eagle Rock and slightly earlier at Manta Ridge. These findings have been shared with the Raja Ampat Marine Protected Area Management Authority and are now being used in the formulation of a management plan for this vulnerable and economically important species to ensure the long-term health of Raja Ampat's reef mantas and the sustainability of manta tourism in the region.

44–58

Authors: Mamaev E.G.

The Kuril Seal Phoca vitulina ssp. stejnegeri is a permanent inhabitant of the coast of the Commander Islands. The ecology of the Kuril Seal, and in particular, the features of its life cycle, the population structure and the level of fertility are poorly known. Most publications are devoted to the study of populations and spatial distribution of this animal on the islands. From June to October 2017, the current occurrence, features of spatial distribution, reproductive success of Phoca vitulina ssp. stejnegeri, seasonal dynamics of the number and the comparison of the accuracy of various methods of its counting have been carried out on Bering Island, Toporkov Island, Ariy Kamen Island, and at a site Bobroviye Kamni on Medniy Island. The material on the number and spatial distribution of the seals was collected using an unmanned aerial vehicle, quadrocopter (drone). In this study, the Kuril Seal was first counted on the islands by aerophotography. The determination of the population size has been carried out during the active reproduction phase of the Kuril Seal– from mid-June to 10th July 2017. Our study showed that the accounted abundance of the Kuril Seal was 1543 individuals, including 343 pups on Bering Island and Toporkov Island. The abundance of Phoca vitulina ssp. stejnegeri on Medniy Island has been counted using the extrapolation method. It was estimated at 689 individuals. And the total number of this animal on the Commander Islands was 3344 individuals. For the first time, we obtained data on the proportion of pups (22.2%) of the Kuril Seal on the Commander Islands in rookeries during the breeding season and the specific birth rate (17.4%) was calculated. Up to 69.3% of the total number of Kuril Seals is present in large rookeries and only a small portion is presented by small groups or individuals. The proportion of pups born in large rookeries is 72%. We found an increase of the Phoca vitulina ssp. stejnegeri abundance in the rookeries during the moult period (August). The abundance of individuals continued to grow in some rookeries in September. A comparison of the accuracy of the visual, traditional on the Commander Islands, method of animal counting with data obtained using the aerophotography method showed that in the case of counting from the boat, an observer can register an average of 67.7% of adult individuals and 24% of pups. In case of observation from the first seaside terrace of a shore, the observer can see 39.6% of individuals (adults and pups). And in case of observation from the slopes (height of 17 m and higher) the observer can see up to 62% of individuals (adults and pups). To discuss the long-term dynamics of the number of Kuril Seals on the Commander Islands it is required to conduct a detailed analysis of all available data, as they were collected by using different methods, which are not correctly comparable with the newly obtained results.

68–72

Authors: Zaytsev A.A., Stepanov S.Yu., Makarevich P.R., Ishkulov D.G., Troshichev A.R., Litvinov Yu.V., Mosalov V.A., Skarednov S.Yu., Galchansky V.A.

The most important stage of keeping seals in captivity conditions is training of pups which have finished breastfeeding to feed on solid food (fattening). On expedition in 2016 the Murmansk Marine Biological Institute (MMBI) staff captured five pups of the Atlantic gray seal (Halichoerus grypus grypus) for the purpose of carrying out experimental studies. The caught animals were transported to the MMBI aqua complex in Gadzhievo. Three of the five captured animals began to feed on thawed fish without additional measures. A forced battening method was successfully applied for the two remaining animals. Additions made to the original technique of forced battening have proved its efficiency.

78–81

Authors: Pinheiro F.C.F., Pinheiro H.T., Costa T.J.F., Teixeira J.B., Gasparini J., Joyeux J.-C., Martins A.S.

The harvesting of marine organisms for aquarium and ornamental art crafts is a very common and widespread activity, threatening a number of coral reef species. The goal of this manuscript is to report the intensive harvesting of two marine invertebrate species, the starfish Oreaster reticulatus and the gorgonian Phyllogorgia dilatata, in reef environments of a national priority area for the creation of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Espírito Santo State, central coast of Brazil. These species were present on the 2003 Brazilian Red List of Endangered species as threatened of extinction, but P. dilatata was removed from the most recent 2014 Brazilian Red List, while O. reticulatus is currently considered vulnerable. Neither species have been assessed by IUCN. The harvest of these invertebrates was registered in 17% of the 51 days of monitoring (ten expeditions between March 2005 and February 2006), with catches of up to 24 starfishes and 1000 gorgonians in a single day. Starfishes used to be sold to local traders for US$ 0.50 each, and each gorgonian for US$ 0.15. This starfish is already in decline on a regional scale, and the actual harvesting rate of the gorgonian could lead to the extinction of the local population in about 17 years of exploitation. Due to the ecological importance of these two endangered species, their harvest threatens the entire local rocky reef ecosystem. Further ecological and fisheries studies on these species should be conducted, and the definition and creation of the MPA could help to manage all the unsustainable activities conducted and expected in the region.

88–90

Authors: Zaytsev A.A., Yakovlev A.P., Pakhomov M.V.

Lagenorhynchus albirostris is one of the most common Cetacean species in the Barents Sea. However, there is not a mention of its appearance in the Kola Bay. The present report confirms the appearance of a group of Lagenorhynchus albirostris in the Kola Bay near the aquacomplex of the Murmansk Marine Biological Institute of the Kola Research Centre of RAS, Polyarny town, in autumn 2011.

15–27

Authors: Stojko T.G., Senkevich V.A.

The present study is devoted to the study of species diversity and spatial distribution of the structural parameters of zooplankton community in the lake-oxbow Inorki in 2014 and 2016. The lake is in the middle right-bank floodplain of the River Moksha. The area of the lake is 0.209 km2, the maximum length is about 3.7 km, the average width is about 95 m and the depth is 3.5–5.5 m. The riparian part of the lake is steep. And at a distance of 1–2 m from the shore the depths reach 1.5 m in most places. Zooplankton samples were taken on three stems (one in the centre, at a depth of >200 cm, and each shore, at a depth of 80 cm) in three sections from the boats early July 2014 (water temperature: 24–27ºC) and 2016 (water temperature: 21.5–22ºC) and treated by conventional methods. By compiling the list of zooplankton species, in Lake Inorki we have obtained the data of the three samples in June 2009 (54.7265º N; 43.1523º Е) and five samples early July 2013. We have detected 93 species and forms of zooplankton. There are rotifer species of the Middle Volga region: Asplanchnopus multiceps, Euchlanis proxima, Squatinella mutica, S. rostrum, S. tridentatа, Trichocerca weberi which prefer the overgrown and waterlogged water bodies. 11 species in Lake Inorki have been registered in all years of study: Asplanchna priodonta, Conochilus hippocrepis, Keratella cochlearis, Lecane closterocerca, Mytilina ventralis, Synchaeta pectinata, Testudinella patina, Chydorus sphaericus, Graptoleberis testudinaria, Sida crystallina, Mesocyclops leuckarti. The average abundance of zooplankton is significantly higher in the pelagic part of the lake than in its coastal zone (t = 8.82–11.38, at p < 0.05). The taxonomic structure of zooplankton community showed differences. So, in 2014 rotifers dominated, while in 2016 the abundance of nauplial stages copepod was the highest. Perhaps, at the time of sampling in 2016, the zooplankton community was at the earlier stage of seasonal dynamics due to low water temperature. This year there was a smaller number of dominant species and a high spatial homogeneity. The ratio of ecological zooplankton groups was different through the years and parts of sampling. In 2014 verticators mainly dominated. Moreover, their percentage was the highest (78%) in the open part of the lake. In 2016 apart from filter-feeders, the zooplankton community was presented by a high proportion of grabbers, nauplii and Copepods larvae: their proportions were 65% and 50% near the lake shores and 44% in the centre of the lake. The state of Lake Inorki has been estimated as mesotrophic according to the Shannon index and the trophy coefficient.

37–45

Authors: Grichanov I.Ya., Khruleva O.A.

Original data on five Dolichopodidae species from the Wrangel Island resulted from the 2006 and 2015 surveys in the Wrangel Island State Nature Reserve are presented. Two sites in the northern variant of the typical tundra subzone in the central part of the Wrangel (i.e. the middle course of the River Mamontovaya and the upper reaches of the River Neizvestnaya) have been thoroughly studied by use of net sweeping (both seasons) and yellow pan traps (only 2015). In total, about 780 specimens have been sampled on the Wrangel Island. The yellow pan traps have gathered the most part of material, i.e. about 650 specimens. One of the collected species, Dolichopus humilis appears to be the only circum-arctic species of the group. Other species, Chrysotus komovi, Dolichopus terminasianae, Hydrophorus alpinus, and Rhamphium beringiense have mainly a hypoarctic distribution. The latter is the rarest species in the material obtained. It is suggested that the high abundance of dolichopodids during the 2015 survey is related to favourable summer weather conditions due to climate warming since the beginning of the 21st century. Chrysotus komovi and Dolichopus terminasianae are recorded for the first time from the Chukotka Autonomous District. Photographs of habitus and habitats for species recorded from the Wrangel Island are provided.

61–69

Authors: Markevich G.N., Esin E.V.

Dwarf males and fluvial groups were found in the population structure of endemic Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) morphs dwelling the Lake Kronotskoe basin. Apart from the lacustrine-riverine charrs, dwarf males and fluvial groups stay in the vicinity of their own spawning grounds for their whole life at the upper reaches of the lake tributaries. Fluvial males and females were found only for white charr morph which can be defined as the biggest generalist among the endemic Lake Kronotskoe charrs. It was found that propensity for dwarf males' formation for different morphs of nosed charrs corresponds to the complexity of the river habitats i.e. amount of the covers and lateral branches. No fluvial individuals were registered for longhead charr regarded as one of deep-specialised predatory morph. It was revealed that all riverine dwelling groups are defined by a similar lifestyle; however they are distant from each other by body shape and closer to the corresponding morph representatives rather than to each other or to the ancestral Dolly Varden. The morphology data underlines that riverine dwelling groups are an inherent part of each morph and should be considered as a life strategy variance, but not as distant morphs. The unidirectional patterns of the morphological development for riverine-lacustrine and fluvial groups point to the heritability bases for those traits. The conserving of specific morphology within the fluvial groups lets us suggest an approach for allowing a reconstruction of the populations heavily damaged by anthropogenic activity.

80–85

Authors: Korb S.K.

The quantitative accounting of Sphingidae of Kyrgyzstan using automatic autonomous light traps is presented. 16 species with nocturnal activity were recorded, four of them are most numerous, eight are of average abundance, one is a migrant and three are rare. Two species are proposed for inclusion in the Red Data Book of Kyrgyzstan (Sphingonaepiopsis kuldjaensis, Proserpinus proserpina).

92–97

Authors: Mikhaylov R.A., Vinarski M.V.

The eastern boundary of the range of the freshwater snail Stagnicola (Corvusiana) corvus has been clarified. The species was found in the State Nature Reserve «Prisurskiy» (Lake Buymas, floodplain of the River Sura). Previously, S. corvus was registered from the River Oka basin (Moscow Region), and it was considered as the easternmost area of its distribution. The morphometric characterisation of S. corvus, some features of its ecology as well as the diagnostic characters are given.

103–105

Authors: Tomaszewska W., Egorov L.V., Ruchin A.B., Vlasov D.V.

During field investigations in 2017, Clemmus troglodytes was found in the Mordovia State Nature Reserve (Republic of Mordovia, Russia). Earlier, C. troglodytes was collected in Yaroslavl City (Yaroslavl region, Russia). In this paper we are reporting for the first time both genus Clemmus and species C. troglodytes for the fauna of Russia. These records of the species in Russia extend remarkably its range to the north and east.

13–25

Authors: Zlatanova D.P., Popova E.D.

Inventorying mammal assemblages is vital for their conservation and management, especially when they include rare or endangered species. However, obtaining a correct estimation of the species diversity in a particular area can be challenging due to uncertainties regarding study design and duration. In this paper, we present the biodiversity estimates derived from three unrelated camera trap studies in Osogovo Mt., Bulgaria. They have different duration and positioning schemes of the camera trap locations: Study 1 – grid based, 34 days; Study 2 – random points based, 138 days; Study 3 – locations based on expert opinion, 1437 days. Utilising EstimateS, we compare a number of estimators (Shannon diversity index, Coleman rarefaction curve, ACE (Abundance-based Coverage Estimator), ICE (Incidence-based Coverage Estimator), Chao 1, Chao 2 and Jackknife estimators) to the number of present and confirmed and/or potentially present mammals (excluding bats) in the mountains. A total of 17 mammal species were registered in the three studies, which represents around 76% of the permanently present mammals in the mountain that inhabit its forested area and can be detected by a camera trap. The results point to some guidelines that can aid future camera trap research in temperate forested areas. A grid-based design works best for very short study periods (e.g. 10 days), while the opportunistic expert-based positioning scheme provides good results for longer studies (approx. a month). However, the grid-based design needs to be further tested for longer periods. Generally, the random points approach does not yield satisfactory results. In agreement with other studies, analysis based on the Jackknife procedure (Jack 2) appears to result in the best estimate of species richness. When performing camera trap studies, special care should be taken to minimise the number of unidentifiable photos and to take into account «trap-shy» individuals. The results from this study emphasise the need for careful preliminary planning of camera trap studies depending on aims, duration and target species.

36–46

Authors: Mohd-Azlan J., Kaicheen S.S., Yoong W.C.

Research on ecological impacts of roads has seldom been studied on Borneo. This includes information on their influence on wildlife dynamic in National Parks and other areas harbouring biodiversity. This knowledge is important to prescribe best management practices, by avoiding, minimising and compensating for adverse impacts such structures may have on individuals, populations and communities. In order to understand the effects of a paved road, located within a protected area (Kubah National Park, Sarawak, western Borneo), on the local mammal species, we set up an array of 20 camera traps using stratified sampling, along a spatial gradient of five distance categories from the road. This ranged from the edge of the road to the interior part of the forests, in the following manner: A) 0–5 m at the edge, B) 5–100 m, C) 100–200 m, D) 200–300 m, and E) 300–400 m. We explored the relationships between the distance to the road with mammalian species richness, and subsequently, for carnivores, ungulates, and Viverridae sp. (civets) and finally, attempted to estimate the density of these animal groups. Camera trap surveys accumulated 2161 camera days, which resulted in 1938 independent animal photos that consisted of19 species of wild mammals, six species of birds and one reptile species along the gradient. This study suggests that areas close to the road (0–5 m) are used significantly less than other areas (n = 8), while cameras located within the distance range from 5–100 m and 100–200 m detected the highest number of species (n = 18). The highest numbers of ungulates and members of the family Viverridae (civets) were recorded at 5–100 m, while the distance category 100–200 m recorded the most numbers of carnivores. Several species that could be tolerant to some level of disturbance, such as the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), banded palm civet (Hemigalus derbyanus), long-tailed porcupine (Trichys fasciculata), and lesser mousedeer (Tragulus kanchil) showed preference at 5–100 m. This might be due to their general diet behaviour and abundance of food resources nearby the forest edge. The findings from this study need to be carefully interpreted as it is based on a small scale project, therefore may not provide information required to quantify and mitigate the negative effects of roads in protected areas. Comprehensive long-term monitoring with appropriate replications, will be required for making appropriate management recommendations for enhancing conservation within the protected areas of Sarawak.

57–67

Authors: Porfirio G., Foster V.C., Sarmento P., Fonseca C.

Although known globally for its biodiversity, only around 5% of the Brazilian Pantanal is protected. The Network for Protection and Conservation of Amolar Mountain Ridge is an informal initiative that legally protects over 2000 km2 of the Pantanal biome. Several camera-trapping surveys were carried out at Amolar Mountain Ridge from August 2011 to September 2013 in order to increase our knowledge of the species occurrence and its ecological requirements. The aims of this study were : 1) to inventory the carnivore species occurring within this network of protected areas; 2) to describe their activity patterns and 3) to discuss threats for those species' conservation in the region. We used the Kernel density method to describe the species' activity patterns. We obtained 764 records (from 12703 camera-days) of eight carnivores, including endangered species in Brazil, such as the jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor), and ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), that were among the most frequently recorded by camera traps. The other species detected were the South America coati (Nasua nasua), the tayra (Eira barbara), the crab-eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) and the jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi). We provided information on activity patterns of the jaguar and puma, which exhibited cathemeral activity patterns, on the ocelot and crab-eating fox, which were mostly nocturnal, and on the Southern coati and jaguarundi, which were diurnal. Scansorial and species that occur naturally in low densities as the tayra and the crab-eating raccoon were difficult to be detected with the used camera trapping setting. However, due to the natural characteristics of the study area, camera trapping is among the most appropriate tools for providing data about carnivores and their prey. This information is essential to delineate conservation plans for Amolar Mountain Ridge.

89–99

Authors: Ngama S., Korte L., Johnson M., Bindelle J., Ndoutoume Ndong A., Vermeulen C.

Bees and elephant interactions are the core of a conservation curiosity since it has been demonstrated that bees, one of the smallest domesticated animals, can keep away elephants, the largest terrestrial animals. Yet, insects' parasites can impact the fitness and activity of the bees. Since their activity is critical to the repellent ability against elephants, this study assessed the impact of small hive beetles (Aethina tumida) on bee (Apis mellifera adansonii) reproduction and ability to keep forest elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) away. Because interspecies interactions are not easy to investigate, we have used camera traps and digital video to observe the activity of bees and their interactions with wild forest elephants under varying conditions of hive infestation with the small hive beetle, a common bee pest. Our results show that queen cells are good visual indicators of colony efficiency on keeping away forest elephants. We give evidences that small hive beetles are equivalently present in large and small bee colonies. Yet, results show no worries about the use of bees as elephant deterrents because of parasitism due to small hive beetles. Apis mellifera adansonii bees seem to effectively cope with small hive beetles showing no significant influence on its reproduction and ability to keep elephants away. This study also reports for the first time the presence of Aethina tumida as a constant beekeeping pest that needs to be addressed in Gabon.

104–107

Authors: Sedash G.A., Matiukhina D.S., Sonin P.L., Blidchenko E.Yu., Storozhuk V.B.

We report the first case of a super-large brown bear (Ursus arctos) litter surviving until the second year of life. In the Land of the Leopard National Park, using camera traps, we recorded a female with five cubs two times – in March and in December 2017. Litters with more than four cubs are extremely rare for brown bears, and are known for newborn cubs only. We report the first documented evidence of a five-cub litter, which are very close to surviving through the first two years of their life while bear cub mortality is extremely high.