Comparative analysis of the helminth fauna of domestic water birds in Azerbaijan

One of the factors that prevent the production of high - quality food products from geese and ducks, which contribute to sati s fying people's demand for poultry meat, is helminthiasis. Determining the species composition of pathogens and determining the changes in the composition of the fauna over a certain period and its comparative analysis are of great scientific interest. For this purpose, in the years 2012 – 2024 , 940 domestic water birds ( Anser anser dom. and Anas platherhynchos dom.) from various economic regions of the Azerbaijan Republic were studied by the method of complete parasitological dissection. Some of the collected helminths was fixed in 70% alcohol or 4% formaldehyde, and permanent preparations were prepared from the rest and examined under light microscopes. Helminths were identified with the us e of identification guides . It was found that in the period of study (2012 – 2024) 29 species of helminths (cestodes – 8, trematodes – 7, nematodes – 13, acanthocephalans – 1) we re parasi t ic in domestic water birds. The results of studies conducted in the country in the years 1935 – 1982 were compared with these data. It was determined that the helminth list of domestic geese and ducks in the country in all periods consisted of 54 species (cestodes – 14, trematodes – 20, nematodes – 17, acanthocephal ans – 3). As a result of the comparative analysis of the parasitic fauna, it was found that the number of species parasitic in birds decreased from 49 to 29. On the other hand, 5 new species of parasitic worms (cestodes – Diorchis inflata , Ligula intestinalis , trematode – Echinostoma chloropodis , nematode – Hystrichis tricolor and acanthocephala n – Polymorphus magnus ) were included in the fauna. These species have a wide host range and are also found to infest waterfowl at high intensity. Twenty-five species of parasites mentioned in previous studies have not been encountered in the named hosts in the country in recent years. They include Dicranotaenia coronula , Microsomacanthus coll a ris , M. compressa , M. paracompressa , Sobolevicanthus gracilis , S. octacanthus cestodes and Cyclocoelum mutabile , Echinop a ryphium westsibiricum , Echinostoma grande , E. robustum , E. stromi , Neoacanthoparyphium petrovi , Paryphostomum pental o bum , Psilochasmus caspicum , P. gaibovi , P. skrjabini , Typhlocoelum cucumerinum , Catatropis verrucosa , Notocotylus parv i ovatus trematodes. Nematodes ( Amidostomum anseris , Echinuria uncinata , Baruscapillaria anseris , Trichostrongylus medius ) and acanthocephal an s ( Polymorphus kostylewi , P. diploinflatus ) are among the systematic groups that have undergone relatively few changes. Separately, it was found that the number of helminth species in domestic geese decreased from 32 to 22, and in domestic ducks from 41 to 21. When looking at the systematic groups of helminths, while there is few change in the number of nematodes, a significant decrease in the diversity of digenetic worms (from 19 to 7 species) is observed. This is most likely due to the decrease in the number of intermediate hosts involved in the development cycle of helminths or their absence in the current changing ecological conditions

Feeding ecology of Tropidophoxinellus callensis (Cyprinidae) in Algeria

Understanding species diet is crucial for comprehending ecosystem functions and trophic dynamics within food webs. The Maghreb b leak Tropidophoxinellus callensis (Guichenot, 1850 ) ( Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae) is an endemic fish species with populations isolated in Algeria and Tunisia. Unlike other species within the genus, ecological studies on the Maghreb b leak, particularly regarding its diet, are lacking. This study analyzed the diet composition of the Maghreb bleak over an annual cycle in northeastern Algeria. Diet analysis was conducted by examining the contents of 212 digestive tracts collected during seasonal sampling from February to September 2023. The diversity of the Maghreb bleak 's diet was assessed based on the presence and abundance of each prey, differentiating between terrestrial and aquatic prey. Additionally, Costello’s graphical method was utilized to evaluate potential prey and feeding strategies. Results indicate that insects (relative abundance = 86.1%) were more prevalent in the diet compared to plant material (relative abundance = 7.1%). The diet composition was more diverse in summer (Shannon-Weaver index H' = 4.43) and less diverse in spring (Shannon-Weaver index H' = 1.04). The Maghreb bleak exhibits a diverse diet with an omnivorous feeding strategy. The main prey and their abundance varied seasonally, with a consistent preference for dipteran larvae, namely, Chironomus sp. and Simuliidae sp. and plant material of Alnus glutinosa as predominant prey items throughout the year. The species also demonstrated opportunistic feeding behavior when these primary prey types were less abundant. These findings provide significant insights into the feeding ecology of th e Maghreb bleak , with implications for understanding its role in the ecosystem and infor m ing conservation efforts

The effect of spices, essential oils and extracts on the locomotor activity of Porcellio laevis (Isopoda, Porcellionidae)

Porcellio laevis Latreille, 1804 plays a significant role in soil formation processes, in particular in the decomposition of organic residues. It is also an important component of food chains. At the same time, when present in excessive numbers, woodlice can act as secondary pests, particularly in the storage of plant products. This study examines the effects of 20 natural aromatic plant materials – spices, essential oils, and plant extracts – on the locomotor activity of P. laevis. The movement of the individuals was analyzed over a 3-min period using a T-shaped experimental chamber. Most of the tested materials significantly reduced the isopod motility compared with the control conditions. Notably, nutmeg, coffee, and basil demonstrated both attractant and deterrent effects, while allspice, clove, essential oils of Mentha piperita and Melaleuca alternifolia, and extract of Petroselinum crispum acted as repellents. These findings highlight the potential of natural aromatic compounds as environmentally friendly means to regulate isopod populations without the use of toxic insecticides

Morphometric differences in ground beetle populations in managed and natural habitats

The impacts of anthropogenic activity and environmental factors on ecosystems are also reflected in the morphometric variable of ground beetles, based on which we can determine the state of habitat quality. During 2020 – 2022, we recorded 1 , 304 individuals belonging to 24 species of ground beetles in forest habitats located in an a grarian landscape and the Dunajské Luhy P rotected L andscape A rea (important European habitats), using pitfall traps. For each individual, we measured the following morphometric characters: head length, head width, pronotum length, pronotum width, right elytra, and left elytra. Using PCA analysis, we confirmed the connection of morphometric characters to study areas belonging to the Dunajské Luhy Protected Landscape Area. Based on the flight ability of ground beetles under different land use conditions, we found that morph o metric variability is greater in agrarian landscape conditions compared to the Dunajské Luhy Protected Lan d scape Area. In habitats exposed to higher anthropogenic impact, ground beetles do not have their food opt i mum, and there is greater variability in morphometric characters. On the contrary, the habitats in the Dunajské Luhy P rotected L andscape A rea provided sufficient food supply and a stable environment, so the variability was lower. We also found higher median values in this area, which indicates larger individuals compared to habitats in the a grarian landscape. For the preservation of habitats of European importance, it is important to determine the interactions between the ecosystem and species from the Carabidae family, which are important bioindicators of the environment

Phylogenetic and biogeographic reconstruction of Lamiini sensu lato (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) reveals South Gondwanan origin and Panthalasso-Tethyan dispersal pathways

In this study I conduct the phylogenetic and biogeographical analysis of Lamiini sensu novo (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae), confirming it as a monophyletic group that is broader than previously assumed and supporting the redefinition of it as a unified tribe – Lamiini sensu novo. The group consist of eight major clades (TAENI, DORCA, ACALO, BATOC, PSACO, ANOLPL, MONOC, LAMIA) and integrates together several traditionally recognized tribes (Dorcaschematini, Batocerini, Petrognathini, Rhodopini, Monochamini, Dorcadionini, Phrissomini). Most of them, including Monochamini, Petrognathini, Dorcadionini, and Phrissomini are polyphyletic, representing multiple lineages with intricate evolutionary history. Phylogeographic analysis suggests a South Gondwanan origin of Lamiini s. l., with its ancestral lineage (LaCA) emerging in the Antarctica–South America suture zone before global expansion through three key migration routes: northeast Pantalassic, Trans-Tethyan, and southwest Pantalassic. Continental drift and climate oscillations influenced this process. Initial diversification (~70–60 Ma) led to vicariant taxa due to continental isolation, with basal clades (TAENI, DORCA, ACALO) distributed across South America, North America, and Australia. Extinction events, including the K–T boundary (~66 Ma) and Cenozoic glaciations, further shaped diversification. The rise of the BATOC and PSACO clades marked the early diversification of crown-group Lamiini s. l. within the island continent of Greater India and the multiple archipelagos of the Trans-Tethyan Arc (~60–50 Ma). The collision of Greater India with Asia (~50–45 Ma) facilitated faunal exchanges, aiding dispersal into Africa and Southeast Asia and driving ANOPL diversification (45–35 Ma). The ACALO clade underwent secondary diversification during the initial collision of Australia and Eurasia (~25–20 Ma), coinciding with the uplift of New Guinea in the Miocene. The LAMIA clade likely originated in East Asia (~25–20 Ma). During the Miocene Climatic Optimum, it expanded into Africa via the Gomphotherium Land Bridge (~16 Ma) and colonized Europe. Later cooling and aridification (~5–11 Ma) drove further diversification, particularly in Eurasian steppes. The MONOC clade also originated in East Asia, adapting to montane coniferous forests during the Miocene cooling. It spread across Eurasia during the Miocene glaciations (~20 Ma, ~14 Ma) and entered North America via Beringia. Expansion into Mesoamerica, northern South America, and the Caribbean likely occurred during the Pleistocene glaciations (~0.01–2 Ma) when climate and fluctuating sea levels enabled dispersal. In summary, the findings refine Lamiini s. l. phylogeny and highlight the impact of geological and climatic events on its evolution. This study clarifies taxonomic ambiguities and provides a framework for future research on diversification and biogeographic patterns

Diversity and regeneration of native woody plant species as indicators of sustainable ecosystem service provisioning in Menagesha Suba Forest, Central Ethiopia

Biodiversity loss poses significant threats to forest ecosystem services (FES) and human well-being. Despite their critical importance, understanding FES dynamics in developing countries like Ethiopia remains limited due to a lack of comprehensive data on biodiversity, vegetation structure, and their relationships with FES. This study aimed to address these gaps by investigating the diversity, structure, regeneration status, and FES provision of woody plant species in Menagesha Suba Forest, one of Ethiopia’s oldest dry Afromontane forests. A vegetation inventory conducted across 94 systematically sampled plots (20 × 20 m) identified 71 woody species, comprising 42.3% trees, 46.5% shrubs, and 11.3% woody climbers, belonging to 56 genera and 43 families. Dominant species included Juniperus procera (IVI = 86.5%) and Olea europaea (IVI = 28.2%). Diversity indices indicated high species richness (H’ = 3.06), moderate evenness (0.72), and high biodiversity (D = 0.93). Household surveys (n = 145) revealed that 43 woody species were utilized for nine key uses. Fuelwood was the most common use (26 species), followed by fences (22 species), farming tools (21 species), house construction (17 species), and household utilities (16 species). Apart native woody species, exotic species, including Eucalyptus globulus, Cupressus lusitanica, and Grevillea robusta, were among the most utilized. Despite disturbances such as illegal fuelwood collection and grazing, the forest remains a critical biodiversity hotspot and an essential provider of ecosystem services. Strengthening landscape multifunctionality through assisted regeneration, targeted reforestation, and afforestation is imperative to balance biodiversity conservation with FES provision. Future research should integrate biodiversity and ecosystem service data to guide evidence-based conservation strategies, fostering socioecological resilience in Ethiopia and similar regions

The impact of strike UAV explosions on soil acidity and vegetation dynamics

The article studies the predicted changes in vegetation self-regeneration vectors caused by soil acidity changes resul t ing from the explosion of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In the area s where the UAVs exploded , the pH range for active soil acidity is 6.62–7.41, with an average of 7.14; for exchangeable soil acidity, it is 6.68–7.28, with an average of 7.02. The decrease in acidity is likely due to the release of carbonate parent rocks from the blast crater. Within this range of acidity, communities of herbaceous, segetal, and ruderal vegetation in the early stages of autogenous succession exist. According to the Br aun -Blan quet system from the “EcoDBase 5g” database, these communities belong to eight classes, nine orders, ten unions, and eleven associations of higher vascular plant communities. In most observed cases, synatropiz a tion of the flora in the affected area is high. This leads to the formation of several types of anthropotolerant plant commun i ties. Areas where the upper fertile soil layer is partially or fully preserved are covered with Stellarietea mediae vegetation. Poo compressae-Tussilaginetum farfarae communities (class Artemisietea vulgaris ) most often form at the bottom of deep sinkholes with exposed bedrock or transitional rocks. This occurs within one to two growing seasons after the explosion. The vegetation of the Agropyretum repentis association (class Artemisietea vulgaris ) forms at sites of disturbance in the absence of an impermeable horizon. This is the most widespread variant. It occurs during primary tillage, spontaneous turf disturbance, overgrowth of fallow land, and mining operations. It also occurs in ecosystems that have been disturbed by military operations, such as the movement of heavy tracked vehicles, the construction of fortifi cations, and the formation of explosive craters. Once natural vegetation communities are established, their subsequent dynamics are less dependent on the impact of the explosion. This occurs due to biogenic and abiotic transformations of the edaphic environment, changes in microrelief caused by water and wind erosion, and structural transformations of ecosystems. If UAVs use thermobaric charges in areas where the seed bank is depleted, human intervention in the self-regeneration process is nece s sary. This intervention should involve planting trees, shrubs, and other flora typical of this stage of succession. If the level of nitrates and ammonium salts exceeds the threshold, vegetation dynamics shift towards forming nitrophilic phytoco e noses. Vegetation self-regeneration is an effective method of restoring disturbed ecosystems. However, the changes that occur in the edaphic environment due to explosions, along with the destruction of niches, create favorable conditions for invasive species to enter these areas. The presence of these species leads to dynamic changes in vegetation. Sometimes, this results in a catastrophic climax. Controlling invasive species during the self-regeneration of vegetation after distu r bances is one of the main tasks of postwar reconstruction of natural ecosystems

New record of Sumatran barb (Puntigrus tetrazona) as an introduced species in Lake Toba, Indonesia: Invasiveness risk

Lake Toba is an important habitat for native Indonesian fish species, but in recent years it has experienced pressure due to invasive introduced fish species. Introduced fish species that have been identified include Amphilophus labiatus, Aplocheilus panchax, Cyprinus carpio, Mystacoleucus marginatus, M. padangensis, Oreochromis mossambicus, O. niloticus, and Parambassis siamensis, while a newly recorded species has been discovered, namely Puntigrus tetrazona. Therefore, data are needed regarding the distribution, density, growth pattern, and risk of invasiveness of this species in Lake Toba as a basis for future management. This research uses an exploratory method. The frequency index value of P. tetrazona reached 70%, where absences were found in three locations, namely Ajibata, Silalahi, and Tongging. Population density values show that P. tetrazona has average value reaching 0.08 ind./m2, where the highest density was found in Muara reaching 0.39 ind./m2. The results of the Fish Invasiveness Screening Test (FIST) analysis showed that P. tetrazona was within the moderate risk category for the biodiversity of Lake Toba with frequency distribution (FD) values reaching 50%. The results of the length-weight relationship analysis of P. tetrazona showed a value of 3.027 (isometric growth pattern). The relative weight (Wr) condition factor showed a value of 102.96, which indicates a stable condition. The growth pattern values indicate that Lake Toba is a suitable habitat for P. tetrazona. Available food sources and a low level of competition are beneficial for P. tetrazona in this new habitat. The moderate risk posed by P. tetrazona to biodiversity in Lake Toba could possibly turn into a high risk if the P. tetrazona population is not controlled. Moreover, if the species that are natural enemies of this fish do not yet exist in Lake Toba, then in the next few years the population of P. tetrazona could experience an explosion. This will add pressure and threats to the survival of native fish species in Lake Toba, namely the Neolissochilus and Tor groups. The results of this research are useful for managing the population of P. tetrazona as a newly recorded species in Lake Toba, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Pesticides as a cause of honeybee (Apis mellifera) mortality and their persistence in honey

Recently, there has been a widespread decline in honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies globally, disrupting ecological balance and reducing the pollination capacity of many entomophilous plants. One of the primary causes of bee family deaths is the increasing use of pesticides, particularly insecticides, in agricultural practice. This study aimed to identify the causes of bee family mortality in various regions of Ukraine during 2021–2022 and to determine the breakdown potential of different pesticide groups in honey. Pesticide residues in biological samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). In the bodies of dead bees, residues of various pesticides from different chemical groups, as well as their mixtures, were detected. In most cases, the cause of bee poisoning was mixtures of pyrethroids and neonicotinoids: thiamethoxam, clothianidin, and lambda-cyhalothrin; imidacloprid, lambda-cyhalothrin, and thiamethoxam; as well as clothianidin and lambda-cyhalothrin. The primary pesticides found in honey were neonicotinoids (58.8%), triazoles (29.6%), strobilurins (6.5%), and benzimidazoles (5.1%). Most pesticide levels did not exceed the maximum allowable levels in honey. The neonicotinoids detected in honey included thiacloprid, acetamiprid, imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam. The triazoles detected included tebuconazole, cyproconazole, flutriafol, and epoxiconazole; strobilurins included picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, and azoxystrobin; and benzimidazoles included carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl. Residues of neonicotinoids, triazoles, benzimidazoles, and strobilurins in honey did not undergo degradation over 12 months of storage at 4 °C. Storing honey at 20 °C after 12 months increased the degradation of thiacloprid by 21.2%, acetamiprid by 20.7%, and flutriafol by 36.3%. Between the 9th and 12th months at 20 °C, picoxystrobin concentration decreased by 24.5–38.0%, and carbendazim concentration decreased by 80.0% to a complete breakdown of residues in honey. The degradation of thiophanate-methyl in honey at 20 °C reached 28.0% by the 6th month, 46.0% by the 9th month, and 55.4% by the 12th month. This persistence of most pesticides in honey poses a significant risk of toxic effects on bee families as well as on human health

Helminths of domestic and wild artiodactyls (Mammalia, Artiodactyla) in Uzbekistan

The article discusses some features of the helminthofauna of domestic and wild artiodactyls in Uzbekistan, represented by the families Suidae, Cervidae , and Bovidae. The total of 14 species turned out to be hosts to helminths. The prevalence ranged 75.5 % to 100 .0 %. Our research team identified 103 helminth species , belonging to the classes Cestoda (13 species), Trematoda (10), Acanthocephala (1) , and Nematoda (79). The highest parasite species diversity was recorded in the domestic animals: 48 species in sheep, 34 in goats, and 40 in cattle. The number of helminth species in wild artiodactyls varied from 13 to 28. Most of the recorded helminths parasitise d different parts of the artiodactyls' bodies, causing serious diseases. They we re found in almost all organs. The most widespread helminths in the animals studied include d the representatives of the class Cestoda – Moniezia expansa , M. benedeni , Avitellina centripunctata , and Echinococcus granulosus . From the class Trematoda, these include d Fasciola hepatica , F. gigantica , Gastrothylax crumenifer , Calicophoron erschowi , Dicrocoelium dendriticum , and Schistosoma turke s tanicum . The class Nematoda in this regard wa s represented by Trichocephalus ovis , Chabertia ovina , Dictyocaulus filaria , Metastrongylus elongatus , Ostertagia occidentalis , Marshallagia marshalli , Nematodirus helvetianus , Tel a dorsagia circumcincta , Gongylonema pulchrum , Parabronema skrjabini , and Setaria labiatopapillosa . Of the total number of helminths species of artiodactyls , a number of species are of interest from the point of view of medical parasitology. According to their life cycle, the helminths can be divided into two groups: homoxenous and heteroxe n ous. The first one , homoxenous , consists of parasites that do not change hosts throughout their life. According to our materials, this group included nematodes from the genera Trichocephalus , Strongyloides , Bunostomum , Chabertia , Oesophagostomum , Trichostrongylus , Haemonchus , Marshallagia , Nematodirus , Ostertagia , Dictyocaulus , Skrjab i nema , Ascaris, and Neoascaris . The second, he heteroxenous, group was formed by all representatives of the classes Cestoda, Trematoda, and Acanthocephala, and also some Nematoda species. We identified oligochaetes, molluscs, and insects as intermediate hosts. The artiodactyls of Uzbekistan were also determined as intermediate hosts to par a sites from the family Taeniidae, class Cestoda. The hosts and their parasites exerted close topical (in relation to biosy s tems) and trophic relationships, which ensures contacts with components of the parasitic system and contributes to the formation of the helminthofauna and the circulation of parasites in the wild of Uzbekistan