Current position:Assistant professor, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.Education:2013 - 2018 PhD student, Institite of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. PhD thesis: "Molecular phylogeny of the Myotis mystacinus morphogroup (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in the Balkan Peninsula".2008 - 2011Master in Zoology, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Charles University in Prague,Czech Republic. Master thesis: "Phylogeography of Rousettus aegyptiacus in the Mediterranean region".2003 - 2007Bachelor in Biology, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski".Research interests:Phylogeny, phylogeography, cryptic diversity and conservation conservation in order Chiroptera.
All the information on the animal species diversity of the Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park included... more All the information on the animal species diversity of the Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park included in first and second parts of this issue was summarized. A total of 2290 species from Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park and some more 81 species from the region of Vrachanska Planina Mts., out of the park borders are recorded. From all, 348 are new records to the park and the mountain, and 354 species are of conservation importance. The local endemics are 21 species and 5 subspecies, 19 species and 2 subspecies are Bulgarian endemics, and 27 species and 16 subspecies are Balkan endemics. Almost all of the local endemics (20 species and 5 subspecies) are troglobites (14 sp.) and stygobites (6 sp.). Most of the troglobites are also and endemics, and/or preglacial relicts.
Three spinturnicid mite species (Mesostigmata: Spinturnicidae) have been discovered in South Kaza... more Three spinturnicid mite species (Mesostigmata: Spinturnicidae) have been discovered in South Kazakhstan during expedition that took place in July of 2022: Spinturnix emarginata, S. myoti and S. nobleti. Two of them (S. emarginata and S. nobleti) are rare species and have been recorded in Kazakhstan for the first time. Measurements of collected specimens are given in the article.
During the last few decades bat lyssaviruses have become the topic of intensive molecular and epi... more During the last few decades bat lyssaviruses have become the topic of intensive molecular and epidemiological investigations. Since ancient times rhabdoviruses have caused fatal encephalitis in humans which has led to research into effective strategies for their eradication. Modelling of potential future cross-species virus transmissions forms a substantial component of the recent infection biology of rabies. In this article we summarise the available data on the phylogeography of both bats and lyssaviruses in Europe and the adjacent regions, especially in the contact zone between the Palearctic and Ethiopian realms. Within these zones three bat families are present with high potential for cross-species transmission and the spread of lyssaviruses in Phylogroup II to Europe (part of the western Palearctic). The lack of effective therapies for rabies viruses in Phylogroups II and III generates impetus for additional phylogenetic and virological research within this geographical region.
Among many pathogens and pests, honey bee viruses are known as one of the most common cause of di... more Among many pathogens and pests, honey bee viruses are known as one of the most common cause of diseases in honey bee colonies. In this study, we demonstrate that pollen grains and bee bread are potential sources of viral DNA. We extracted DNA from 3 types of pollen samples: directly provided by beekeepers (n = 12), purchased from trade markets (n = 5), and obtained from honeycombs (bee bread, n = 10). The extracted DNA was used for molecular detection (RT-PCR analysis) of six of the most widely distributed honey bee viruses: deformed wing virus, sacbrood virus, acute bee paralysis virus, black queen cell virus, Kashmir bee virus, Israeli acute paralysis virus, and chronic bee paralysis virus. We successfully managed to establish only the deformed wing virus (DWV) and the sacbrood virus (SBV), with different distribution frequencies depending on the territory of the country. The phylogenetic analyses of Bulgarian isolates were performed with the most similar sequences available in mo...
The female, male and protonymph of Spinturnix otonycterisi Dundarova & Orlova, sp. nov. (Acari: S... more The female, male and protonymph of Spinturnix otonycterisi Dundarova & Orlova, sp. nov. (Acari: Spinturnicidae) are described from specimens collected on the enigmatic and rarely captured vespertilionid bat Otonycteris leucophaea (Severcov, 1873) in South Kazakhstan. A key for the identification of the species of Spinturnix von Heyden, 1826 found in Kazakhstan is provided.
The south-western part of Kyrgyzstan is characterized by mountainous terrain and encloses the sou... more The south-western part of Kyrgyzstan is characterized by mountainous terrain and encloses the southern wall of Fergana Valley. These features suggest a variety of underground habitats which play an important role for the vulnerable bat communities. In addition, the life cycle of the cave-dwelling bat species is closely related to the underground sites. They form nursery colonies in the summer, which have high conservation priority. Unauthorized entry into the caves during this period has a negative impact on the new-born bats. Due to this fact, extensive studies on the summer bat underground roosts were carried out from June to July in the south-western part of the country. The obtained results for the summer monitoring will serve as a prerequisite to form the basis for a bat conservation framework in the region. Moreover, the study is a pilot for the transboundary territories of central Asia and is essential for future, more thorough, research on bats.
The study was conducted in Southwestern Kyrgyzstan, which is a transboundary territory. The prese... more The study was conducted in Southwestern Kyrgyzstan, which is a transboundary territory. The presence of limestone rocks from the Carboniferous and Devonian age determines the availability of many underground sites. These characteristics make the area an important place for cave-dwelling bat species. Assessment of bat abundance, species richness, and conservation priority of each cave was estimated using the Bat Cave Vulnerability Index (BCVI) for the first time outside the tropics. The method revealed that two underground sites are the most threatened and in need of protection. These caves are easily accessible and under constant anthropogenic pressure. Significant maternity colonies of Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Rh. lepidus, Myotis blythii and M. emarginatus were confirmed in five caves. The most abundant summer colonies were found for M. blythii in two of these caves. We report for first time a maternity colony of Rh. lepidus in Kyrgyzstan due to its long-term erroneous identification as Rh. hipposideros. The results show that the IUCN conservation status of Rh. hipposideros must be reviewed and changed to "Near Threatened" or "Vulnerable" for the Central Asia region. The study will be used as a baseline for future conservation research on cave-dwelling bats and underground habitats in the region.
Heterothermy, as a temperature-dependent physiological continuum, may affect host-pathogen intera... more Heterothermy, as a temperature-dependent physiological continuum, may affect host-pathogen interactions through modulation of immune responses. Here, we evaluated proliferation and functional performance of a macrophage cell line established from the greater mouse-eared (Myotis myotis) bat at 8, 17.5, and 37°C to simulate body temperatures during hibernation, daily torpor and euthermia. Macrophages were also frozen to −20°C and then examined for their ability to proliferate in the immediate post-thaw period. We show that bat macrophages can proliferate at lower temperatures, though their growth rate is significantly slower than at 37°C. The cells differed in their shape, size and ability to attach to the plate surface at both lower temperatures, being spheroidal and free in suspension at 8°C and epithelial-like, spindle-shaped and/or spheroidal at 17.5°C. While phagocytosis at temperatures of 8 and 17.5°C amounted to 85.8 and 83.1% of the activity observed at 37°C, respectively, ful...
Secondary contacts can play a major role in the evolutionary histories of species. Various taxa d... more Secondary contacts can play a major role in the evolutionary histories of species. Various taxa diverge in allopatry and later on come into secondary contact during range expansions. When they meet, their interactions and the extent of gene flow depend on the level of their ecological differentiation and the strength of their reproductive isolation. In this study, we present the multilocus phylogeography of two cryptic whiskered bat species, <i>Myotis mystacinus</i> and <i>M. davidii</i>, with a particular focus on their putative sympatric zone. Our findings suggest that <i>M. mystacinus</i> and <i>M. davidii</i> evolved in allopatry and came into secondary contact during range expansions. Individuals in the area of secondary contact, in Anatolia and the Balkans, have discordant population assignments based on the mitochondrial and the nuclear datasets. These observed patterns suggest that the local <i>M. mystacinus</i> pop...
Bats are presumed primary hosts of trypanosomes of the subgenus Schizotrypanum, including the hum... more Bats are presumed primary hosts of trypanosomes of the subgenus Schizotrypanum, including the human pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi. As such, research on bat trypanosomes has been focused on South America, where Chagas disease is a serious issue. While the majority of European studies have been performed in the United Kingdom, there is virtually no data available for Eastern and Central parts of Europe. To address this, the present study aims to identify and assess the prevalence and pathogenicity of trypanosomes in bats sampled in the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and Poland. Blood collected from 381 adult bats of eight species was tested for presence of trypanosomes using nested polymerase chain reactions. To assess possible impacts of trypanosome parasites on the health status of their hosts, haematological and biochemical analyses were performed for 56 greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis) emerging from hibernacula and 36 females of the same species from summer colonies. The overall p...
Mammalian Biology - Zeitschrift für Säugetierkunde, 2016
Abstract The Armenian whiskered bat, Myotis hajastanicus, is assumed to represent an independent ... more Abstract The Armenian whiskered bat, Myotis hajastanicus, is assumed to represent an independent species with an exceptionally small distribution range that is restricted to the basin of Lake Sevan in the Southern Caucasus. The species has not been recorded during the last 25 years and thus was classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In 2013, we found an extant population of the Armenian whiskered bat and caught one male and eleven pregnant females next to Lake Sevan. Morphological analysis revealed close similarity and largely overlapping phenotypic variation between M. hajastanicus and Myotisaurascens. This morphological similarity and the lack of genetic differentiation in a fast-evolving mitochondrial gene between both taxa strongly argue for a single species (M. aurascens) and the rejection of a local endemism.
The IPBES Bureau and Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP) authorized a workshop on biodiversity a... more The IPBES Bureau and Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP) authorized a workshop on biodiversity and pandemics that was held virtually on 27-31 July 2020 in accordance with the provisions on "Platform workshops" in support of Plenary-approved activities, set out in section 6.1 of the procedures for the preparation of Platform deliverables (IPBES-3/3, annexe I). This workshop report and any recommendations or conclusions contained therein have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by the IPBES Plenary. The workshop report is considered supporting material available to authors in the preparation of ongoing or future IPBES assessments. While undergoing a scientific peer-review, this material has not been subjected to formal IPBES review processes. <strong>Workshop report:</strong> "<em>IPBES Pandemics Workshop Report 20201029 v1.1.pdf</em>"<br> This workshop report is released in a non-laid out format. It will undergo minor editing bef...
The Myotis mystacinus species group is represented by two morphotypes within the Palearctic regio... more The Myotis mystacinus species group is represented by two morphotypes within the Palearctic region: a larger form described as M. davidii in the East and a smaller form, M. mystacinus, in the West. We used a novel approach and conducted analysis based on both the mitochondrial ND1 and three nuclear introns (ACOX2, ROGDI and ABHD11). Results demonstrate that M. davidii and M. mystacinus are separate genetic lineages in all sampled regions, except the Balkan Peninsula. All individuals across the Adriatic region and most Bulgarian animals, assigned to M. davidii by the nuclear genetic marker and morphology, carried mitochondria of M. mystacinus. M. davidii individuals from Bulgaria showed reduced level of mitochondrial variation and their haplotypes resembled those of typical M. mystacinus from central Europe. Overall, of 56 analyzed animals from Bulgaria only two carried mitochondrial M. davidii haplotype which indicate almost complete replacement of their mtDNA by the M. mystacinus mtDNA. Ancient allopatric divergence followed by subsequent secondary contact in the Balkan Peninsula might be the cause for the discrepancy between mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Mitochondrial introgression is hence preceded by hybridization events which raises the question about the effectiveness of the reproductive isolation barriers between both lineages.
All the information on the animal species diversity of the Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park included... more All the information on the animal species diversity of the Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park included in first and second parts of this issue was summarized. A total of 2290 species from Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park and some more 81 species from the region of Vrachanska Planina Mts., out of the park borders are recorded. From all, 348 are new records to the park and the mountain, and 354 species are of conservation importance. The local endemics are 21 species and 5 subspecies, 19 species and 2 subspecies are Bulgarian endemics, and 27 species and 16 subspecies are Balkan endemics. Almost all of the local endemics (20 species and 5 subspecies) are troglobites (14 sp.) and stygobites (6 sp.). Most of the troglobites are also and endemics, and/or preglacial relicts.
Three spinturnicid mite species (Mesostigmata: Spinturnicidae) have been discovered in South Kaza... more Three spinturnicid mite species (Mesostigmata: Spinturnicidae) have been discovered in South Kazakhstan during expedition that took place in July of 2022: Spinturnix emarginata, S. myoti and S. nobleti. Two of them (S. emarginata and S. nobleti) are rare species and have been recorded in Kazakhstan for the first time. Measurements of collected specimens are given in the article.
During the last few decades bat lyssaviruses have become the topic of intensive molecular and epi... more During the last few decades bat lyssaviruses have become the topic of intensive molecular and epidemiological investigations. Since ancient times rhabdoviruses have caused fatal encephalitis in humans which has led to research into effective strategies for their eradication. Modelling of potential future cross-species virus transmissions forms a substantial component of the recent infection biology of rabies. In this article we summarise the available data on the phylogeography of both bats and lyssaviruses in Europe and the adjacent regions, especially in the contact zone between the Palearctic and Ethiopian realms. Within these zones three bat families are present with high potential for cross-species transmission and the spread of lyssaviruses in Phylogroup II to Europe (part of the western Palearctic). The lack of effective therapies for rabies viruses in Phylogroups II and III generates impetus for additional phylogenetic and virological research within this geographical region.
Among many pathogens and pests, honey bee viruses are known as one of the most common cause of di... more Among many pathogens and pests, honey bee viruses are known as one of the most common cause of diseases in honey bee colonies. In this study, we demonstrate that pollen grains and bee bread are potential sources of viral DNA. We extracted DNA from 3 types of pollen samples: directly provided by beekeepers (n = 12), purchased from trade markets (n = 5), and obtained from honeycombs (bee bread, n = 10). The extracted DNA was used for molecular detection (RT-PCR analysis) of six of the most widely distributed honey bee viruses: deformed wing virus, sacbrood virus, acute bee paralysis virus, black queen cell virus, Kashmir bee virus, Israeli acute paralysis virus, and chronic bee paralysis virus. We successfully managed to establish only the deformed wing virus (DWV) and the sacbrood virus (SBV), with different distribution frequencies depending on the territory of the country. The phylogenetic analyses of Bulgarian isolates were performed with the most similar sequences available in mo...
The female, male and protonymph of Spinturnix otonycterisi Dundarova & Orlova, sp. nov. (Acari: S... more The female, male and protonymph of Spinturnix otonycterisi Dundarova & Orlova, sp. nov. (Acari: Spinturnicidae) are described from specimens collected on the enigmatic and rarely captured vespertilionid bat Otonycteris leucophaea (Severcov, 1873) in South Kazakhstan. A key for the identification of the species of Spinturnix von Heyden, 1826 found in Kazakhstan is provided.
The south-western part of Kyrgyzstan is characterized by mountainous terrain and encloses the sou... more The south-western part of Kyrgyzstan is characterized by mountainous terrain and encloses the southern wall of Fergana Valley. These features suggest a variety of underground habitats which play an important role for the vulnerable bat communities. In addition, the life cycle of the cave-dwelling bat species is closely related to the underground sites. They form nursery colonies in the summer, which have high conservation priority. Unauthorized entry into the caves during this period has a negative impact on the new-born bats. Due to this fact, extensive studies on the summer bat underground roosts were carried out from June to July in the south-western part of the country. The obtained results for the summer monitoring will serve as a prerequisite to form the basis for a bat conservation framework in the region. Moreover, the study is a pilot for the transboundary territories of central Asia and is essential for future, more thorough, research on bats.
The study was conducted in Southwestern Kyrgyzstan, which is a transboundary territory. The prese... more The study was conducted in Southwestern Kyrgyzstan, which is a transboundary territory. The presence of limestone rocks from the Carboniferous and Devonian age determines the availability of many underground sites. These characteristics make the area an important place for cave-dwelling bat species. Assessment of bat abundance, species richness, and conservation priority of each cave was estimated using the Bat Cave Vulnerability Index (BCVI) for the first time outside the tropics. The method revealed that two underground sites are the most threatened and in need of protection. These caves are easily accessible and under constant anthropogenic pressure. Significant maternity colonies of Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Rh. lepidus, Myotis blythii and M. emarginatus were confirmed in five caves. The most abundant summer colonies were found for M. blythii in two of these caves. We report for first time a maternity colony of Rh. lepidus in Kyrgyzstan due to its long-term erroneous identification as Rh. hipposideros. The results show that the IUCN conservation status of Rh. hipposideros must be reviewed and changed to &quot;Near Threatened&quot; or &quot;Vulnerable&quot; for the Central Asia region. The study will be used as a baseline for future conservation research on cave-dwelling bats and underground habitats in the region.
Heterothermy, as a temperature-dependent physiological continuum, may affect host-pathogen intera... more Heterothermy, as a temperature-dependent physiological continuum, may affect host-pathogen interactions through modulation of immune responses. Here, we evaluated proliferation and functional performance of a macrophage cell line established from the greater mouse-eared (Myotis myotis) bat at 8, 17.5, and 37°C to simulate body temperatures during hibernation, daily torpor and euthermia. Macrophages were also frozen to −20°C and then examined for their ability to proliferate in the immediate post-thaw period. We show that bat macrophages can proliferate at lower temperatures, though their growth rate is significantly slower than at 37°C. The cells differed in their shape, size and ability to attach to the plate surface at both lower temperatures, being spheroidal and free in suspension at 8°C and epithelial-like, spindle-shaped and/or spheroidal at 17.5°C. While phagocytosis at temperatures of 8 and 17.5°C amounted to 85.8 and 83.1% of the activity observed at 37°C, respectively, ful...
Secondary contacts can play a major role in the evolutionary histories of species. Various taxa d... more Secondary contacts can play a major role in the evolutionary histories of species. Various taxa diverge in allopatry and later on come into secondary contact during range expansions. When they meet, their interactions and the extent of gene flow depend on the level of their ecological differentiation and the strength of their reproductive isolation. In this study, we present the multilocus phylogeography of two cryptic whiskered bat species, <i>Myotis mystacinus</i> and <i>M. davidii</i>, with a particular focus on their putative sympatric zone. Our findings suggest that <i>M. mystacinus</i> and <i>M. davidii</i> evolved in allopatry and came into secondary contact during range expansions. Individuals in the area of secondary contact, in Anatolia and the Balkans, have discordant population assignments based on the mitochondrial and the nuclear datasets. These observed patterns suggest that the local <i>M. mystacinus</i> pop...
Bats are presumed primary hosts of trypanosomes of the subgenus Schizotrypanum, including the hum... more Bats are presumed primary hosts of trypanosomes of the subgenus Schizotrypanum, including the human pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi. As such, research on bat trypanosomes has been focused on South America, where Chagas disease is a serious issue. While the majority of European studies have been performed in the United Kingdom, there is virtually no data available for Eastern and Central parts of Europe. To address this, the present study aims to identify and assess the prevalence and pathogenicity of trypanosomes in bats sampled in the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and Poland. Blood collected from 381 adult bats of eight species was tested for presence of trypanosomes using nested polymerase chain reactions. To assess possible impacts of trypanosome parasites on the health status of their hosts, haematological and biochemical analyses were performed for 56 greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis) emerging from hibernacula and 36 females of the same species from summer colonies. The overall p...
Mammalian Biology - Zeitschrift für Säugetierkunde, 2016
Abstract The Armenian whiskered bat, Myotis hajastanicus, is assumed to represent an independent ... more Abstract The Armenian whiskered bat, Myotis hajastanicus, is assumed to represent an independent species with an exceptionally small distribution range that is restricted to the basin of Lake Sevan in the Southern Caucasus. The species has not been recorded during the last 25 years and thus was classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In 2013, we found an extant population of the Armenian whiskered bat and caught one male and eleven pregnant females next to Lake Sevan. Morphological analysis revealed close similarity and largely overlapping phenotypic variation between M. hajastanicus and Myotisaurascens. This morphological similarity and the lack of genetic differentiation in a fast-evolving mitochondrial gene between both taxa strongly argue for a single species (M. aurascens) and the rejection of a local endemism.
The IPBES Bureau and Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP) authorized a workshop on biodiversity a... more The IPBES Bureau and Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP) authorized a workshop on biodiversity and pandemics that was held virtually on 27-31 July 2020 in accordance with the provisions on "Platform workshops" in support of Plenary-approved activities, set out in section 6.1 of the procedures for the preparation of Platform deliverables (IPBES-3/3, annexe I). This workshop report and any recommendations or conclusions contained therein have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by the IPBES Plenary. The workshop report is considered supporting material available to authors in the preparation of ongoing or future IPBES assessments. While undergoing a scientific peer-review, this material has not been subjected to formal IPBES review processes. <strong>Workshop report:</strong> "<em>IPBES Pandemics Workshop Report 20201029 v1.1.pdf</em>"<br> This workshop report is released in a non-laid out format. It will undergo minor editing bef...
The Myotis mystacinus species group is represented by two morphotypes within the Palearctic regio... more The Myotis mystacinus species group is represented by two morphotypes within the Palearctic region: a larger form described as M. davidii in the East and a smaller form, M. mystacinus, in the West. We used a novel approach and conducted analysis based on both the mitochondrial ND1 and three nuclear introns (ACOX2, ROGDI and ABHD11). Results demonstrate that M. davidii and M. mystacinus are separate genetic lineages in all sampled regions, except the Balkan Peninsula. All individuals across the Adriatic region and most Bulgarian animals, assigned to M. davidii by the nuclear genetic marker and morphology, carried mitochondria of M. mystacinus. M. davidii individuals from Bulgaria showed reduced level of mitochondrial variation and their haplotypes resembled those of typical M. mystacinus from central Europe. Overall, of 56 analyzed animals from Bulgaria only two carried mitochondrial M. davidii haplotype which indicate almost complete replacement of their mtDNA by the M. mystacinus mtDNA. Ancient allopatric divergence followed by subsequent secondary contact in the Balkan Peninsula might be the cause for the discrepancy between mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Mitochondrial introgression is hence preceded by hybridization events which raises the question about the effectiveness of the reproductive isolation barriers between both lineages.
This report details the expedition carried out by members and friends of Bulgarian Caving Socie... more This report details the expedition carried out by members and friends of Bulgarian Caving Society collaboration with the members of Kosovo Institute for Nature Conservation (KINP) . The aim of the expedition was the exploration of caves in the vicinity of Zatriq vill located at Akovan Mt. Six speleologists from Bulgaria and two from Kosovo took part in the expedition carried between 9 and 13th April 2017. During the expedition 5 caves with total length of 199.72 m and depth of 99.72 m were studied and mapped. Shpella (Cave) Banuar (Gërgavica) next to Zatric village was the longest cave explored by the team. Its length was measured to be 92.97 m . Rich cave-dwelling fauna was collected from all of the caves .
The south-western part of Kyrgyzstan is characterized by mountainous terrain and encloses the sou... more The south-western part of Kyrgyzstan is characterized by mountainous terrain and encloses the southern wall of Fergana Valley. These features suggest a variety of underground habitats which play an important role for the vulnerable bat communities. In addition, the life cycle of the cave-dwelling bat species is closely related to the underground sites. They form nursery colonies in the summer, which have high conservation priority. Unauthorized entry into the caves during this period has a negative impact on the new-born bats. Due to this fact, extensive studies on the summer bat underground roosts were carried out from June to July in the south-western part of the country. The obtained results for the summer monitoring will serve as a prerequisite to form the basis for a bat conservation framework in the region. Moreover, the study is a pilot for the transboundary territories of central Asia and is essential for future, more thorough, research on bats.
Lurë Mountain is located in the region of Diber, East Albania. The aims of the expedition were ex... more Lurë Mountain is located in the region of Diber, East Albania. The aims of the expedition were exploration, mapping and biospeleogical study of the Sopanik cave, Loshnesh cave and Russit cave. In Soponik cave three bat species were detected: Myotis blythii Tomes, 1857, Myotis capaccinii Bonaparte, 1837 and Rhinolophus еuryale Blasius, 1853. Moreover, Rhinolophus еuryale use the cave as a summer roost, where females give birth. Invertebrate fauna of Soponik were present by spiders, crickets, snails and centipedes. Three spider species from three genera were identified: Metellina merianae (Scopoli, 1763) – 3 juv., Segestria senoculata (Linnaeus, 1758) – 1 juv. and Nesticus cellulanus (Clerck, 1758) – 1 f. Crickets, centipedes and snails were present with only one genus - Troglophilus Krauss, 1879 – 1 juv., Lithobius (Linnaeus, 1758) – 5 juv. and Vitrea Fitzinger, 1833 respectively. Invertebrate fauna of Loshnesh cave were present by the spider Metellina merianae – 2 f., the snail Clausilia montenegrina (Pfeiffer, 1848) 1 add., the wasp Diphyus quadripunctorius (Müller, 1776) – 3f and two juvenile millipedes from the genus Acanthopetalum Verhoeff, 1900. Invertebrate fauna of Russit cave were present by the spider Nesticus cellulanus – 2 f. and new described beetle Albanodirus ivanpetrovii Giachino, Vailati, Casale 2016 – 3 ind.
The Myotis mystacinus species group is represented by two morphotypes within the Palearctic regio... more The Myotis mystacinus species group is represented by two morphotypes within the Palearctic region: a larger form described as M. davidii in the East and a smaller form, M. mystacinus, in the West. We used a novel approach and conducted analysis based on both the mitochondrial ND1 and three nuclear introns (ACOX2, ROGDI and ABHD11). Results demonstrate that M. davidii and M. mystacinus are separate genetic lineages in all sampled regions, except the Balkan Peninsula. All individuals across the Adriatic region and most Bulgarian animals, assigned to M. davidii by the nuclear genetic marker and morphology, carried mitochondria of M. mystacinus. M. davidii individuals from Bulgaria showed reduced level of mitochondrial variation and their haplotypes resembled those of typical M. mystacinus from central Europe. Overall, of 56 analyzed animals from Bulgaria only two carried mitochondrial M. davidii haplotype which indicate almost complete replacement of their mtDNA by the M. mystacinus mtDNA. Ancient allopatric divergence followed by subsequent secondary contact in the Balkan Peninsula might be the cause for the discrepancy between mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Mitochondrial introgression is hence preceded by hybridization events which raises the question about the effectiveness of the reproductive isolation barriers between both lineages.
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Papers by Heliana Dundarova
The obtained results for the summer monitoring will serve as a prerequisite to form the basis for a bat conservation framework in the region. Moreover, the study is a pilot for the transboundary territories of central Asia and is essential for future, more thorough, research on bats.
In Soponik cave three bat species were detected: Myotis blythii Tomes, 1857, Myotis capaccinii Bonaparte, 1837 and Rhinolophus еuryale Blasius, 1853. Moreover, Rhinolophus еuryale use the cave as a summer roost, where females give birth. Invertebrate fauna of Soponik were present by spiders, crickets, snails and centipedes. Three spider species from three genera were identified: Metellina merianae (Scopoli, 1763) – 3 juv., Segestria senoculata (Linnaeus, 1758) – 1 juv. and Nesticus cellulanus (Clerck, 1758) – 1 f. Crickets, centipedes and snails were present with only one genus - Troglophilus Krauss, 1879 – 1 juv., Lithobius (Linnaeus, 1758) – 5 juv. and Vitrea Fitzinger, 1833 respectively.
Invertebrate fauna of Loshnesh cave were present by the spider Metellina merianae – 2 f., the snail Clausilia montenegrina (Pfeiffer, 1848) 1 add., the wasp Diphyus quadripunctorius (Müller, 1776) – 3f and two juvenile millipedes from the genus Acanthopetalum Verhoeff, 1900.
Invertebrate fauna of Russit cave were present by the spider Nesticus cellulanus – 2 f. and new described beetle Albanodirus ivanpetrovii Giachino, Vailati, Casale 2016 – 3 ind.