Mihails Pupins
Daugavpils University, Department of Ecology, Department Member
- Herpetology, Herpetofauna, Freshwater turtles, Emys orbicularis, Amphibian Conservation, Freshwater Turtle Biology and Conservation, and 34 moreEcology and Conservation of Amphibians and Reptiles, Reptile Biology and Conservation, Herpetoculture, Turtles, Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management, Herpetologia, Trachemys scripta elegans, Nature/wildlife Conservation, Conservation Biology, Wildlife Conservation, Conservation Ecology, Biodiversity Conservation, Nature Conservation, Reptilia, Reptiles, Ecology of Amphibians and Reptiles, Systematics and Zoogeography of Amphibians and Reptiles, Amphibians and Reptiles, Reptile, Thermal Biology of Reptile, Reptiles Reproduction Ecology and Conservation, Ampphibians and reptiles, Amphibians, Amphibian Biology, Amphibia, Amphibian, Amphibian Ecology, Ecology and conservation of Amphibians, Anurans, Anura, Diversity of Anurans, Feeding Habits of Anurans, Anuran ecology, and Anuran Tadpolesedit
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Helminth infracommunities were studied at 174 sites of Latvia in seven hosts from six amphibian taxa of different taxonomical, ontogenic and ecological groups. They were described using a standard set of parasitological parameters,... more
Helminth infracommunities were studied at 174 sites of Latvia in seven hosts from six amphibian taxa of different taxonomical, ontogenic and ecological groups. They were described using a standard set of parasitological parameters, compared by ecological indices and linear discriminant analysis. Their species associations were identified by Kendall's rank correlation, but relationships with host size and waterbody area were analysed by zero-inflated Poisson and zero-inflated negative binomial regressions. The richest communities (25 species) were found in post-metamorphic semi-aquatic Pelophylax spp. frogs, which were dominated by trematode species of both adult and larval stages. Both larval and terrestrial hosts yielded depauperate trematode communities with accession of aquatic and soil-transmitted nematode species, respectively. Nematode loads peaked in terrestrial Bufo bufo. Helminth infracommunities suggested some differences in host microhabitat or food object selection not detected by their ecology studies. Associations were present in 96% of helminth species (on average, 7.3 associations per species) and dominated positive ones. Species richness and abundances, in most cases, were positively correlated with host size, which could be explained by increasing parasite intake rates over host ontogeny (trematode adult stages) or parasite accumulation (larval Alaria alata). Two larval diplostomid species (Strigea strigis, Tylodelphys excavata) had a negative relationship with host size, which could be caused by parasite-induced host mortality. The adult trematode abundances were higher in larger waterbodies, most likely due to their ecosystem richness, while higher larval abundances in smaller waterbodies could be caused by elevated infection rates under high host densities.
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The study of the distribution of protected animal species in Europe is especially relevant in a changing climate. Therefore, in this work, we tried to solve the problem of the possibility of habitation of tortoises Testudo graeca... more
The study of the distribution of protected animal species in Europe is especially relevant in a changing climate. Therefore, in this work, we tried to solve the problem of the possibility of habitation of tortoises Testudo graeca Linnaeus, 1758 and Testudo hermanni Gmelin, 1789 in Eastern Europe by using species distribution models (SDMs). We used bioclimatic variables from the CliMond dataset (18 uncorrelated variables of 35) and 19 Paleoclim variables of the “early-Holocene” and “mid-Holocene”. Packages Maxent and 'ntbox' were employed. In addition to our data, we used findings listed in the GBIF databases: 1,935 points for T. graeca and 991 points for T. hermanni. It has been shown that subspecies of tortoises differ in the characteristics of the ecological niche. In addition to direct anthropogenic influences, the limiting factor is the “Mean temperature of coldest quarter” (bio11) for both species. Moreover, T. graeca is less demanding and can tolerate both frost and hi...
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The research explores the possibilities of biogas extraction from aquaculture waste. Samples of fishfarming pool sludge were taken from a fish farm, which is located in the Krāslava district, Kalnieši rural municipality. Prior to... more
The research explores the possibilities of biogas extraction from aquaculture waste. Samples of fishfarming pool sludge were taken from a fish farm, which is located in the Krāslava district, Kalnieši rural municipality. Prior to experimental fermentation and extraction of biogas, samples were analyzed in order to determine their moisture and organic matter content (OMC). For purpose of increasing OMC available for fermentation, sludge was mixed with crushed reeds. Biogas was obtained from the samples at various ratios of sludge and reed residues. During the experiments, 3.81 liters of biogas were obtained from a mixture of fish-farming pool sludge and crushed reed at reed mass 100 g. The results of experimental research indicate that aquaculture residues can be used to produce biogas.
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The research summarizes information on biochemical processes of biogas production and the parameters that affect the results of its production. The research examines the result of obtaining biogas from bog sludge and a mixture of crushed... more
The research summarizes information on biochemical processes of biogas production and the parameters that affect the results of its production. The research examines the result of obtaining biogas from bog sludge and a mixture of crushed reed. Particular attention is given to temperature, as a parameter that affects the results of methane and biogas production. The yield of biogas and methane during the bioprocess depends on the effect of temperature. During the experiment, 2.78 L of biogas with an average methane content of 38.7% was obtained from a mixture of bog sludge and crushed reeds. If the content of organic compounds in the sludge was higher, the biogas yield would increase during the process. It is more advantageous to use the raw material mixture for biogas production.
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Semi-aquatic European water frogs (Pelophylax spp.) harbour rich helminth infra-communities, whose effects on host population size in nature are poorly known. To study top-down and bottom-up effects, we conducted calling male water frog... more
Semi-aquatic European water frogs (Pelophylax spp.) harbour rich helminth infra-communities, whose effects on host population size in nature are poorly known. To study top-down and bottom-up effects, we conducted calling male water frog counts and parasitological investigations of helminths in waterbodies from different regions of Latvia, supplemented by descriptions of waterbody features and surrounding land use data. We performed a series of generalized linear model and zero-inflated negative binomial regressions to determine the best predictors for frog relative population size and helminth infra-communities. The highest-ranked (by Akaike information criterion correction, AICc) model explaining the water frog population size contained only waterbody variables, followed by the model containing only land use within 500 m, while the model containing helminth predictors had the lowest rank. Regarding helminth infection responses, the relative importance of the water frog population s...
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Amphibians are the most threatened group of vertebrates. While habitat loss poses the greatest threat to amphibians, a spreading fungal disease caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Longcore, Pessier & D.K. Nichols 1999 (Bd) is... more
Amphibians are the most threatened group of vertebrates. While habitat loss poses the greatest threat to amphibians, a spreading fungal disease caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Longcore, Pessier & D.K. Nichols 1999 (Bd) is seriously affecting an increasing number of species. Although Bd is widely prevalent, there are identifiable heterogeneities in the pathogen’s distribution that are linked to environmental parameters. Our objective was to identify conditions that affect the geographic distribution of this pathogen using species distribution models (SDMs) with a special focus on Eastern Europe. SDMs can help identify hotspots for future outbreaks of Bd but perhaps more importantly identify locations that may be environmental refuges (“coldspots”) from infection. In general, climate is considered a major factor driving amphibian disease dynamics, but temperature in particular has received increased attention. Here, 42 environmental raster layers containing data on climate, s...
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Salmonellosis infection is caused by bacteria of the genus Salmonella. There are many pathways for the pathogenic bacteria to spread which is through contaminated food, water, and contact with animals. The research was conducted to detect... more
Salmonellosis infection is caused by bacteria of the genus Salmonella. There are many pathways for the pathogenic bacteria to spread which is through contaminated food, water, and contact with animals. The research was conducted to detect Salmonella spp. carriage in free-living aquatic turtles and zoo turtles. Turtles are frequent inhabitants of zoos and the owners of a large number of bacteria in their outer skin and shell surfaces that under adverse conditions can multiply and lead to the development of infection. However, they are known to be a frequent source of Salmonella infection without showing signs of disease. The risk of human infection exists if personal hygiene is not followed after contact with a turtle. Identification of bacteria of the genus Salmonella, the main causative agent of the disease was determined by the standard method on chromogenic Salmonella LAB-Agarᵀᴹ (BIOMAXIMA, Poland) agar. The inoculation was incubated under aerobic conditions at 37 ± 1°C for 72 h....
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Wetlands are of great importance for biodiversity and nature conservation, especially geographically isolated wetlands (GIW). Yet literature about the ecological value of such GIW is missing, especially at the edge of the distribution of... more
Wetlands are of great importance for biodiversity and nature conservation, especially geographically isolated wetlands (GIW). Yet literature about the ecological value of such GIW is missing, especially at the edge of the distribution of endangered species such as amphibians. In 2018 and 2022, we monitored amphibian communities in 15 isolated (GIW) and 12 non-isolated (nGIW) ponds by counting individuals using three methods: (1) capturing with hand nets, (2) visual counting, and (3) capturing with fyke traps. The three methods provided similar results, showing the great importance of GIW for amphibians, especially newts, whose abundance was 5–13 times greater in GIW compared to nGIW. The largest numbers of species and individuals (adults and larvae) were found in isolated wetlands (GIW). In non-isolated water bodies (nGIW) where more than 10 individuals of the Chinese sleeper Perccottus glenii, an alien invasive fish, were found, amphibians were not found at all. Importantly, betwee...
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Research Interests: PEST analysis and Locust
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The spread and outbreaks of phytophagous pests are often associated with global warming. In addition to economic interest, these species may be of interest in terms of biological indication of climate changes. In this context, we... more
The spread and outbreaks of phytophagous pests are often associated with global warming. In addition to economic interest, these species may be of interest in terms of biological indication of climate changes. In this context, we considered the locust digitate leafminer Parectopa robiniella Clemens, 1863 (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae). This phytophage was first discovered in Europe in 1970 near Milano in Italy. Since then, it has been spreading across the continent. In Ukraine, it was recorded for the first time in 2003. In 2020–2021, we found areas of massive leaf damage caused by the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) in locations on Trukhaniv Island in Kyiv and some places in the Kyiv administrative region. Using 1041 georeferenced records of P. robiniella across Europe and a Bayesian additive regression trees algorithm (BART), we modeled the distribution of the moth. Predictors of current climate (WorldClim v.2, CliMond v.1.2 and ENVIREM) and a black locust habitat suitability r...
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Ecological and evolutionary consequences of population-genetic processes that occur because of natural cross-species hybridization can show mechanisms of overcoming the reproductive barrier and obtaining the species status by a hybrid... more
Ecological and evolutionary consequences of population-genetic processes that occur because of natural cross-species hybridization can show mechanisms of overcoming the reproductive barrier and obtaining the species status by a hybrid taxon. This is clearly seen in the population systems of Eurasian water frogs – Pelophylax esculentus complex. The P. esculentus (E) hybrid usually discards one of the parental genomes of P. lessonae (L) or P. ridibundus (R) and reproduces semi-clonally. The genetic structure and direction of gene flows precisely depend on the type and distribution of mixed or pure population systems of water frogs. Three population systems in the south of Ukraine were identified and confirmed as RR, RE and REL. The populations of P. ridibundus are most common (76.2%). A mixed population systems of P. ridibundus and P. esculentus (20.0%) are concentrated in the floodplains of large rivers where triploids were found and the unisexual hybrids (1.0♂ : 0.1♀) were proved. P...
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The registration of distribution of Perccottus glenii in Latvia started since 2004 as a part of the research on aquatic ecosystems of the target species Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis. The methods: scoop netting, angling, interviews... more
The registration of distribution of Perccottus glenii in Latvia started since 2004 as a part of the research on aquatic ecosystems of the target species Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis. The methods: scoop netting, angling, interviews with fishermen, and analyzes of the data bases and publications. P. glenii was determined to be present in 55 points in Latvia. Our first finding of P. glenii in Latvia took place in 1974. The registered points of finding P. glenii are mostly located in the central and south-eastern part of Latvia, the total registered areal of P. glenii covers at least the central and eastern part of Latvia. The extreme northern point of finding P. glenii in Latvia is located on the border with Estonia; the extreme southern points are located right on the border with Belarus and Lithuania. The extreme eastern point is located at a distance not farther than 17 km from the border with Russia. The species was registered in the water bodies which were inhabited by Bombina bombina and Emys orbicularis and in Natura 2000 territories. P. glenii is distributed by people in Latvia. Fisheries farm trades the subadult and young adult of P. glenii with length of 5 – 10 cm in the Internet in Latvia. The typical ecosystems of P. glenii are lakes and ponds of a medium and small size, reclamation canals and beaver dams. The conditions of the environment and ecosystems in Latvia allow P. glenii to reach its maximal sizes.
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The slow-worm lizards (Anguis) comprise five species occurring throughout most of the Western Palearctic. Although these species are relatively uniform morphologically – with the exception of A. cephallonica, which exhibits a quite unique... more
The slow-worm lizards (Anguis) comprise five species occurring throughout most of the Western Palearctic. Although these species are relatively uniform morphologically – with the exception of A. cephallonica, which exhibits a quite unique morphology – they are genetically deeply divergent. Here, we provide detailed distribution maps for each species and discuss their biogeography and conservation based on updated genetic data and a robust distribution database. We pay particular attention to the so called ‘grey zone’, which typically represents secondary contact zones and in some cases confirmed or presumed hybrid zones. Four of the five species live in parapatry, while only two species, A. cephallonica and A. graeca from the southern Balkans occur in partial sympatry. Further research should focus on the eco-evolutionary interactions between species in contact, including their hybridization rates, to reveal deeper details of the slow-worm evolutionary and natural history.
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The aim of our study was to provide a first overview of the population genetic structure of the invasive Chinese sleeper, Perccottus glenii, (Actinopterygii: Odontobutidae) in European water bodies. This species originates from inland... more
The aim of our study was to provide a first overview of the population genetic structure of the invasive Chinese sleeper, Perccottus glenii, (Actinopterygii: Odontobutidae) in European water bodies. This species originates from inland waters of north-eastern China, northern North Korea and the Russian Far East. The 1172 bp long portion of the cytochrome b gene was sequenced from Chinese sleeper specimens collected from a variety of water bodies in Belarus, Bulgaria, Hungary, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia (European part) and Ukraine. Our study revealed that the invasive Chinese sleeper in Europe consists of at least three distinct haplogroups that may represent independent introduction events from different parts of its native area; i.e. three founding populations: (1) Baltic haplogroup that may originate either from fish introduced inadvertent from Russia or from some unidentified source (release by aquarists). So far, this haplogroup has been found only in the Daugava ...
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Riassunto. Espansione popolazionistica di Bombina bombina L. (Anura: Bombinatoridae) nel 2010 in Lettonia. Le popolazioni di ululone dal ventre rosso, Bombina bombina della Lettonia sono localizzate all'estremo settentrionale... more
Riassunto. Espansione popolazionistica di Bombina bombina L. (Anura: Bombinatoridae) nel 2010 in Lettonia. Le popolazioni di ululone dal ventre rosso, Bombina bombina della Lettonia sono localizzate all'estremo settentrionale dell'areale della specie. Nel presente contributo si chiarisce la distribuzione della specie in Lettonia, riportando segnalazioni di nuovi siti identificati in base alle vocalizzazioni dei maschi. La ricerca è stata condotta principalmente nella parte meridionale del paese nel 2010. In totale, 391 vocalizzazioni di B. bombina sono state registrate nel 2010 in 87 siti; di questi, 33 sono risultati nuovi, localizzati tutti nel distretto di Daugavpils.
Research Interests: Anurans, Amphibian Conservation, Amphibia, Latvia, Ecology of Amphibians and Reptiles, and 10 moreAnura, Nature Conservation, Amphibians, Ecology and Conservation of Amphibians and Reptiles, Systematics and Zoogeography of Amphibians and Reptiles, Anuran distribution, Amphibians and Reptiles, Feeding Habits of Anurans, Anuran conservation, and Biodiversity and conservation of anurans
The project " Conservation of rare reptiles and amphibians in Latvia " (LIFE-HerpetoLatvia) was established with co-financing of European Commission and realized in 2010 – 2014. Project target goal on Bombina bombina was to... more
The project " Conservation of rare reptiles and amphibians in Latvia " (LIFE-HerpetoLatvia) was established with co-financing of European Commission and realized in 2010 – 2014. Project target goal on Bombina bombina was to facilitate the enlargement of Bombina bombina largest population Demene and to ensure Bombina bombina long-time persistence in Latvia by combining in-situ, ex-situ methods, and legal protection improvement. As a result of the Project two new microreserves Natura 2000 territories (Katriniski and Strauti) were created for conservation of Bombina bombina. For the B. bombina 27 ponds were created or restored in Demene (14 in Katriniski and 13 in Strauti). More than 4 000 Bombina bombina juveniles were raised in aquaculture and released for population enforcement.
Research Interests: Anurans, Amphibian Conservation, Reptile, Reptiles, Amphibia, and 12 moreLatvia, Turtles, Anura, Nature Conservation, Reptilia, Amphibians, Ecology and Conservation of Amphibians and Reptiles, Freshwater turtles, Amphibians and Reptiles, Freshwater Turtle Biology and Conservation, Reptile Biology and Conservation, and Reptiles Reproduction Ecology and Conservation
The potential distribution of tropical fish species in Eastern Europe—Gambusia holbrooki (introduced for biological control) and Poecilia reticulata (aquarium species, found in waste waters of big cities)—tend to be of particular interest... more
The potential distribution of tropical fish species in Eastern Europe—Gambusia holbrooki (introduced for biological control) and Poecilia reticulata (aquarium species, found in waste waters of big cities)—tend to be of particular interest in terms of global climate change. After GIS modeling of our own data and findings listed in the GBIF databases (2278 points for G. holbrooki and 1410 points for P. reticulata) using the Maxent package and ‘ntbox’ package in R, 18 uncorrelated variables of 35 Bioclim climatic parameters from CliMond dataset, it was found out that by 2090 guppies will appear in the south of Ukraine (Danube river’s estuary, as well as in several places in the Caucasus and Turkey with habitat suitability > 0.3–0.5). G. holbrooki will also slightly expand its range in Europe. Limiting factors for G. holbrooki distribution are: bio1 (Annual mean temperature, optimum +12–+24 °C) and bio19 (Precipitation of coldest quarter (mm). Limiting factors for P. reticulata are: ...
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The article describes the potential distribution area of B. bombina and fi gure out the signifi cant climatic factors of the species at a home range scale. Th is species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and on Annexes II... more
The article describes the potential distribution area of B. bombina and fi gure out the signifi cant climatic factors of the species at a home range scale. Th is species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and on Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive. It is protected by national legislation in many countries, occurs in many protected areas, and is listed in many national and sub-national Red Data books and lists. We collected the occurrence records and a set of climatic variables including 19 factors from 10’ resolution historical (summarizing annual trends, seasonality and extreme conditions during 1961-1990) and projected data (2050) available at the CliMond database. As a result, under climate predictions for 2050 there may be a substantial north and north-west shift of optimal habitat. Under such a scenario B. bombina populations may suff er mostly in the east and south of Ukraine. Under the modelled scenario the species representation in protected a...
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An exotic turtle invasive species Trachemys scripta elegans Seidel 2002 was imported to Latvia with commercial purposes for sale in pet-shops. Now illegal introduction has resulted in invasion of the species into the nature of Latvia. In... more
An exotic turtle invasive species Trachemys scripta elegans Seidel 2002 was imported to Latvia with commercial purposes for sale in pet-shops. Now illegal introduction has resulted in invasion of the species into the nature of Latvia. In the study, the author checked reports from Latvian local inhabitants about their observation of Trahemys scripta elegans in Latvia. In fi ve cases single animals were observed. In one case, for the fi rst time in Latvia a group of six adult Trahemys scripta elegans individuals was observed in Sigulda area, village Nitaure. Th e problems of import of the invasive species Trahemys scripta elegans to Latvia and the subsequent illegal introduction of species in nature are examined and possible measures of preventing invasion of Trahemys scripta elegans are off ered in Latvia.
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ABSTRACT Emys orbicularis is the species of turtles that is the most distributed to the north in Europe the known at present extremely northern European edge of the species' area, where breeding was registered, passes through... more
ABSTRACT Emys orbicularis is the species of turtles that is the most distributed to the north in Europe the known at present extremely northern European edge of the species' area, where breeding was registered, passes through Latvia. Actions of Emys-connected projects can affect the state of Emys orbicularis natural population and its habitats and affect results of carried out and future studies of pond turtles in Latvia. 42 young adult Emys orbicularis were released in wild in Silene Nature Park, Latvia in 2014 for the first time. In the research 9 Emys-connected projects, carried out in 1984 – 2014, were described; their biological aspects, results and effect on Emys orbicularis population and ecosystems were estimated.
Research Interests: Geography, European Union, Management and evaluation of habitat for wildlife, Reptiles, Latvia, and 14 moreEcology of Amphibians and Reptiles, Belarus, Turtles, Nature Conservation, Ecology and Conservation of Amphibians and Reptiles, Systematics and Zoogeography of Amphibians and Reptiles, Freshwater turtles, Emys orbicularis, Amphibians and Reptiles, Freshwater Turtle Biology and Conservation, Bombina, Reptile Biology and Conservation, Reptiles Reproduction Ecology and Conservation, and Biosphere Reserve and Other Protected Areas
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In order to use an integrated approach for studying the influence of risk factors on the distribution of the native turtle species E. orbicularis and accompanying invasive species (T. scripta and N. procyonoides) in the northeast of their... more
In order to use an integrated approach for studying the influence of risk factors on the distribution of the native turtle species E. orbicularis and accompanying invasive species (T. scripta and N. procyonoides) in the northeast of their range, we used GIS modelling and a database (GAEZ, human footprint, CliMond) of 55 preselected variables, which represent a system of bioclimatic and anthropogenic factors. The main variables that influenced the results were factors related to temperature. There was a high correlation (r = 0.6) between the species distribution model’s habitat suitability for E. orbicularis and the corresponding “human footprint” values within the European part of the species’ natural range. Its unpretentiousness towards anthropogenic factors would likely help the further expansion of its range in eastern Europe, because the areas with the highest habitat suitability (r > 0.7) were projected to increase 3.3-fold. When comparing the E. orbicularis model to those o...
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Audial surveys of anuran amphibians (frogs, toads and similar) are cost-effective and allow for the coverage of large areas, but they are usually regarded as unsuitable for population size estimations due to imperfect detection. Our study... more
Audial surveys of anuran amphibians (frogs, toads and similar) are cost-effective and allow for the coverage of large areas, but they are usually regarded as unsuitable for population size estimations due to imperfect detection. Our study demonstrated a method for obtaining minimum adult population size estimates from vocalising anuran counts by using sex ratios, life history and vocalising behaviour parameters from other studies. We collected data from 2016 to 2018 for seven taxa on 65 plots (each 25 km2) representing the entirety of Latvia. Among taxa, average breeding waterbody audible detection probabilities ranged from 0.56 to 0.88 per plot, minimum adult frog density (MAFD) estimates were from 12.0 to 51.7 individuals per km2, but the estimated fraction of population covered by MAFD varied from 57 to 86%. The least accurate density estimates were in taxa with brief calling activity and quiet mating calls (Rana temporaria), and in taxa with a calling activity dependent on the n...
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Supplementary material 2 from: Grabowska J, Kvach Y, Rewicz T, Pupins M, Kutsokon I, Dykyy I, Antal L, Zięba G, Rakauskas V, Trichkova T, Čeirāns A, Grabowski M (2020) First insights into the molecular population structure and origins of the invasive Chinese sleeper, Perccottus glenii, in Europe....more
Supplementary material 1 from: Grabowska J, Kvach Y, Rewicz T, Pupins M, Kutsokon I, Dykyy I, Antal L, Zięba G, Rakauskas V, Trichkova T, Čeirāns A, Grabowski M (2020) First insights into the molecular population structure and origins of the invasive Chinese sleeper, Perccottus glenii, in Europe....more
The study of the dynamics of the European pond turtle’s Emys orbicularis range and distribution as an indicator of climate change in the past, present, and future is most relevant in connection with the protected status of this species in... more
The study of the dynamics of the European pond turtle’s Emys orbicularis range and distribution as an indicator of climate change in the past, present, and future is most relevant in connection with the protected status of this species in Europe. Based on our original finds, 25 archaeological sites yielding 1623 remains of 1504 individuals of subfossil pond turtles, current marginal distribution in Latvia, Ukraine, Russia, and literature data, we analyzed 437 records of Holocene turtles and 2847 current records of pond turtles. We identified areas that could serve as refugia for E. orbicularis, as a result of GIS modeling, while using 19 bioclimatic variables from the Worldclim and PaleoClim data bases. The data obtained confirm current hypotheses regarding the origin of more than 10 mtDNA lineages of E. orbicularis and the existence of multiple glacial refugia, and considerable Holocene home range dynamics.
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Creation and expansion of the Emerald Network (EN) objects is one of the most promising directions of the nature conservation development in Ukraine according to European standards. The aim of EN objects designing is to assess the state... more
Creation and expansion of the Emerald Network (EN) objects is one of the most promising directions of the nature conservation development in Ukraine according to European standards. The aim of EN objects designing is to assess the state of conservation of habitats and flora/fauna species’ populations on a pan-European level. It is assumed that the EN should cover at least 60% of the populations of species and the area of habitats mentioned in Resolutions (4 and 6) of the Berne Convention (1979). Later on, the EN will be integrated into Natura 2000 system. The other countries’ experience is of great importance in creating such territories. Since 2004 Latvia have joined this network and included 333 sites (12% of its territory). In Ukraine, such network is only being developed. Four Ukrainian biogeographical regions are inhabited by 6 amphibian and 5 reptile species for which according to Emerald Biogeographical Seminar ALP (Carpathians) - CON - PAN, 11-13 May 2016, Chisinau, Moldova,...
Habitat modification affects amphibians indirectly by reducing energy reserves and energy allocated to growth and reproduction, and by affecting population dynamics and viability. Marginal populations of amphibians in Latvia and Ukraine... more
Habitat modification affects amphibians indirectly by reducing energy reserves and energy allocated to growth and reproduction, and by affecting population dynamics and viability. Marginal populations of amphibians in Latvia and Ukraine are particularly vulnerable. On the other hand, several studies have shown a positive relationship between human density and biodiversity, indicating that species-rich areas and human enterprises quite often co-occur. Therefore, both positive and negative correlations between human population and species richness may be expected. For a better understanding of what constitutes suitable habitat we used a habitat modeling approach, where modeling can be used for revealing species ecological requirements and relationships between the distribution of species and predictive variables, as well as the importance of each variable in model building. Here we employed maximum entropy (MaxEnt) niche modeling, as a tool to assess potential habitat suitability (HS)...
Benzanthrone derivates are now widely used in many industrial and scientific applications as dyes for polymers and textiles. In biochemical, biomedical and diagnostics investigations benzanthrone dyes are used as a lipophilic fluorescent... more
Benzanthrone derivates are now widely used in many industrial and scientific applications as dyes for polymers and textiles. In biochemical, biomedical and diagnostics investigations benzanthrone dyes are used as a lipophilic fluorescent probe since many benzanthrone derivates demonstrate bright fluorescence and they have ability to intercalate between membrane lipids. The aim of research presented here was to assess the luminescence ability of benzanthrone derivatives using microscopic visualization of biological objects. Accordingly, specimens of freshwater trematodes: Diplostomum spathaceum, Diplodiscus subclavatus and Prosotocus confusus, were stained by novel benzanthrone dyes using different fixatives. The samples were examined under a confocal laser scanning microscope. All of the dyes tested demonstrated good results for digestive and reproductive system visualization. Based on obtained results we conclude that benzanthrone dyes could be used for internal and external struct...
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Research Interests: Fisheries, Salmonids, Lakes, Reptile, Reptiles, and 12 moreLatvia, Ecology of Amphibians and Reptiles, Turtles, Reptilia, Ecosystems & Diversity of Salmonids, Ecology and Conservation of Amphibians and Reptiles, Systematics and Zoogeography of Amphibians and Reptiles, Freshwater turtles, Amphibians and Reptiles, Freshwater Turtle Biology and Conservation, Reptile Biology and Conservation, and Zoogeography of Fishes
Research Interests: Fisheries, Invasive species ecology, Anurans, Invasive Species, Biological invasions, and 15 moreFish Ecology, Amphibian Conservation, Latvia, Ecology of Amphibians and Reptiles, Invasive Alien Species, Anura, Amphibians, Ecology and Conservation of Amphibians and Reptiles, Amphibians and Reptiles, Feeding Habits of Anurans, Anuran Tadpoles, Anuran conservation, Anuran ecology, Fish Invasions, and Biodiversity and conservation of anurans
Grāmatas atjaunotā, otra izdevuma uzdevums ir Eiropas purva bruņurupuča Emys orbicularis Sugas aizsardzības Plāna un moderno pētījumu datu, kas arī veidoja grāmatas pamatsaturu, adaptācija un izplatīšana studentu un maģistrantu biologu,... more
Grāmatas atjaunotā, otra izdevuma uzdevums ir Eiropas purva bruņurupuča Emys orbicularis Sugas aizsardzības Plāna un moderno pētījumu datu, kas arī veidoja grāmatas pamatsaturu, adaptācija un izplatīšana studentu un maģistrantu biologu, akvakultūru biologu un vides speciālistu mācību mērķiem, ka arī sugas aizsardzībai un pētniecībai.
Eiropas purva bruņurupucis ir ļoti reta un aizsargājama suga Latvijā. Galvenais dabiskais limitējošais faktors sugai Latvijā ir auksts klimats, kas traucē olu attīstību, dzīvotņu degradācija, kā arī bīstamie purva bruņurupučiem invazīvie plēsēji: ondatra Ondatra zibethicus, jenotsuns Nyctereutes procyonoides, Amerikas ūdele Neovison vison; sarkanausu bruņurupucis Trachemys scripta, mīkstādainais bruņurupucis Pelodiscus sinensis un citi bruņurupuči, zivs Perccottus glenii. Arī izķeršana apdraud purva bruņurupučus Latvijā.
Grāmata var noderēt herpetologiem, dabas aizsardzības speciālistiem, dabas draugiem, zemes īpašniekiem, zookultūru un akvakultūru speciālistiem un visiem, kas interesējas par šo Latvijas retāko rāpuļi un grib saglabāt to Latvijā.
Eiropas purva bruņurupucis ir ļoti reta un aizsargājama suga Latvijā. Galvenais dabiskais limitējošais faktors sugai Latvijā ir auksts klimats, kas traucē olu attīstību, dzīvotņu degradācija, kā arī bīstamie purva bruņurupučiem invazīvie plēsēji: ondatra Ondatra zibethicus, jenotsuns Nyctereutes procyonoides, Amerikas ūdele Neovison vison; sarkanausu bruņurupucis Trachemys scripta, mīkstādainais bruņurupucis Pelodiscus sinensis un citi bruņurupuči, zivs Perccottus glenii. Arī izķeršana apdraud purva bruņurupučus Latvijā.
Grāmata var noderēt herpetologiem, dabas aizsardzības speciālistiem, dabas draugiem, zemes īpašniekiem, zookultūru un akvakultūru speciālistiem un visiem, kas interesējas par šo Latvijas retāko rāpuļi un grib saglabāt to Latvijā.