Distribution, diversity and structure of ectoparasite communities of cave-dweeling bats (Chiroptera) from the central Balkans

Studija predstavlja prvo sveobuhvatno istraživanje faune, brojnosti, učestalosti i specifičnosti različitih vrsta ektoparazita u odnosu na vrstu domaćina, kao i analizu ekoloških faktora koji utiču na brojnost i reprodukciju ektoparazita litofilnih slepih miševa na teritoriji centralnog Balkana. Trogodišnje terensko istraživanje je sprovedeno na 45 lokaliteta u Srbiji, Bosni i Hercegovini, Bivšoj Jugoslovenskoj Republici Makedoniji i Crnoj Gori. Prikupljeno je i analizirano preko 3500 jedinki ektoparazita klasifikovanih u 21 vrstu: tri vrste krpelja, sedam vrsta parazitskih grinja (uključujući jednog predstavnika familije Trombiculidae), osam vrsta parazitskih muva i tri vrste buva, od čega je najveći broj nalaza prvi za teritorije istraživanih država. Identifikovano je 75 asocijacija ektoparazit-domaćin. Veći broj vrsta ektoparazita slepih miševa identifikovane su kao specijalisti. Miniopterus schreibersii je domaćin sa najvećim brojem vrsta ektoparazita. Najrasprostranjenije vrste ektoparazita u studiji su bile Spinturnix psi i Penicillidia dufourii. Kod tri vrste slepih miševa (Miniopterus schreibersii, Myotis myotis i Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) utvrđeno je da postoji statistički značajan efekat pola domaćina na brojnost ektoparazita. Faza životnog ciklusa, pol, starost i reproduktivni status domaćina značajno su uticali na brojnost i reproduktivnu aktivnost vrsta ektoparazita karakterističnih za Miniopterus schreibersii. Osim originalnih podataka, studijom su obuhvaćeni i analizirani do sada objavljeni literaturni podaci o rasprostranjenju i domaćinima ektoparazita slepih miševa na istraživanoj teritoriji.The study represents first comprehensive research of fauna, abundance, prevalence and host specificity, as well as analysis of ecological factors influencing abundance and reproduction of ectoparasites parasitizing cave-dwelling bats at the territory of the central Balkans. Three years long field research was conducted at 45 localities in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Montenegro. Over 3,500 ectoparasite specimens belonging to 21 species were identified: three species of ticks, seven species of mites (including one specimen of Trombiculidae family), eight species of bat flies and three species of fleas, most being the first records at the territory of investigated countries. A total of 75 host-parasite associations were identified. A high level of host specificity in analysed ectoparasite species was registered. Miniopterus schreibersii was host species with the greatest number of ectoparasite species. Mite Spinturnix psi and bat fly Penicillidia dufourii were the most widely distributed species. There was significant effect of host sex on ectoparasite abundance in three bat species (Miniopterus schreibersii, Myotis myotis and Rhinolophus ferrumequinum). Significant effects of host life cycle, age, sex and reproductive status on total number and reproductive activity were identified in the case of ectoparasite species characteristic for Miniopterus schreibersii. Besides original data, the study includes and analyses published literature data about ectoparasite hosts and distribution of bat ectoparasites at the studied territory

Koncept zelenih gradova - novi pristup u planiranju urbanih sredina - iskustva i primeri

Urbane sredine zemalja u razvoju nalaze se pred velikim izazovom: kako zadovoljiti potrebe za ekonomskim razvojem uz istovremeno unapređenje kvaliteta životne sredine? U svetlu klimatskih promena i drugih globalnih pretnji, neophodno je pronaći adekvatan odgovor kojim će se negativni uticaji minimalizovati, uspostaviti održivost, očuvati priroda i poboljšati uslovi života ljudi u gradovima. Jedan od savremenih modela planiranja gradova koji nudi mehanizme za rešavanje pomenutih problema jeste koncept Zelenih gradova. Koncept je veoma dobro prihvaćen na međunarodnom nivou, a važno je naglasiti da je 2016. godine Evropska banka za obnovu i razvoj pokrenula projekat pod nazivom EBRD Green cities i predstavila metodologiju izrade Akcionih planova za Zeleni grad (Green City Action Plan, GCAP) zajedno sa smernicama i alatima koje će gradovi - učesnici projekta moći da usvoje i primene na lokalnom nivou. Trenutno, inicijativa obuhvata 32 grada sa područja Centralne Evrope i Azije, regiona Južnog i Jugo-istočnog Mediterana i Zapadnog Balkana (EBRD Green city region). Zajedničko za sve gradove jeste to da se suočavaju sa brojnim razvojnim problemima, posebno infrastrukturnim, demografskim i ekološkim. U radu je dat kratak pregled tri do sada usvojena Akciona plana (GCAP Jerevan, Tbilisi i Tirana) sa ciljem indentifikovanja zajedničkih principa, smernica i planiranih aktivnosti. Primeri dobre prakse su kritički sagledani i data su konkretna planska rešenja kao polazna osnova prilikom planiranja budućeg održivog i zelenog razvoja Grada Beograda

Koncept zelenih gradova - novi pristup u planiranju urbanih sredina - iskustva i primeri

Urbane sredine zemalja u razvoju nalaze se pred velikim izazovom: kako zadovoljiti potrebe za ekonomskim razvojem uz istovremeno unapređenje kvaliteta životne sredine? U svetlu klimatskih promena i drugih globalnih pretnji, neophodno je pronaći adekvatan odgovor kojim će se negativni uticaji minimalizovati, uspostaviti održivost, očuvati priroda i poboljšati uslovi života ljudi u gradovima. Jedan od savremenih modela planiranja gradova koji nudi mehanizme za rešavanje pomenutih problema jeste koncept Zelenih gradova. Koncept je veoma dobro prihvaćen na međunarodnom nivou, a važno je naglasiti da je 2016. godine Evropska banka za obnovu i razvoj pokrenula projekat pod nazivom EBRD Green cities i predstavila metodologiju izrade Akcionih planova za Zeleni grad (Green City Action Plan, GCAP) zajedno sa smernicama i alatima koje će gradovi - učesnici projekta moći da usvoje i primene na lokalnom nivou. Trenutno, inicijativa obuhvata 32 grada sa područja Centralne Evrope i Azije, regiona Južnog i Jugo-istočnog Mediterana i Zapadnog Balkana (EBRD Green city region). Zajedničko za sve gradove jeste to da se suočavaju sa brojnim razvojnim problemima, posebno infrastrukturnim, demografskim i ekološkim. U radu je dat kratak pregled tri do sada usvojena Akciona plana (GCAP Jerevan, Tbilisi i Tirana) sa ciljem indentifikovanja zajedničkih principa, smernica i planiranih aktivnosti. Primeri dobre prakse su kritički sagledani i data su konkretna planska rešenja kao polazna osnova prilikom planiranja budućeg održivog i zelenog razvoja Grada Beograda

First records of Dirofilaria repens in wild canids from the region of Central Balkan

Dirofilaria repens causes an emerging zoonotic disease in Europe, particularly in its southern part, the Mediterranean region. Many reports on human dirofilariosis have been published recently, but little is known about the wildlife hosts and reservoirs of this parasite in nature. This paper presents the first records of adult D. repens specimens from free-ranging carnivores in Central Balkan countries (Serbia and Macedonia). During the period 2009–2013, a total of 145 regularly shot canids were examined for the presence of D. repens adults. In order to investigate their role as hosts and potential wild reservoirs of this zoonosis, 71 wolves (Canis lupus), 48 foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and 26 jackals (Canis aureus) were examined. Under the skin of two wolves (one from Serbia and one from Macedonia) and of a red fox from Serbia D. repens adults were found. In all three cases only one parasite was present. Further research on wild canids is needed, particularly on species widening their range (such as jackals) and those living near human settlements (foxes and jackals), which facilitates the transmission of the parasites to dogs and humans

The first report of Linguatula serrata in grey wolf (Canis lupus) from Central Balkans

Linguatula serrata is a cosmopolitan, bloodsucking parasite found in both domestic and wild animals. Humans are not considered as its main hosts but can act as both intermediate (visceral linguatuliasis) and final hosts (nasopharyngeal linguatuliasis). Reports on wild canids as definitive hosts of this parasite are scarce. During 2009-2011 the autopsy was performed on 42 legally hunted grey wolves (Canis lupus) from Serbia and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). Only one specimen was infected with a single adult female of L. serrata. The parasite was found in the nasal cavity of the grey wolf. The infected male wolf was shot in the eastern part of the territory of Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). This finding is the first record of linguatuliasis in wolves from FYROM. Previous records of this parasite from the central Balkans region originated from dogs, cattle and hares. Only few records of this parasite are known for the grey wolf in general

ANALYSIS OF BEAVER (Castor fiber L.) MORTALITY IN CROATIA AND SERBIA

U sklopu monitoringa dabrova u Hrvatskoj i Srbiji nakon njihove reintrodukcije, evidentiraju se gubici dabrova prema mjestu i vremenu uginuća, uzroku, spolu i starosti jedinke. Podaci se prikupljaju pomoću mreže suradnika, odnosno po evidenciji događaja. Na temelju analize prikupljenih podataka o stradanju dabrova u proteklih 18 godina, uočava se porast stradalih dabrova, posebice nakon porasta populacije i prostornog širenja dabrova, odnosno 10 godina nakon ispuštanja u Hrvatskoj. U promatranom razdoblju u Hrvatskoj je evidentirano ukupno 111 gubitaka dabrova, dok je u Srbiji taj broj znatno manji i iznosi 36 jedinki. U Srbiji nije primjetan proporcionalni porast stradanja dabrova u odnosu na dinamiku populacije. Najviše dabrova stradava u prometu, 40 % u Hrvatskoj i 17 % u Srbiji, te nezakonitim lovom i ribolovom 22 % u Hrvatskoj i 19 % u Srbiji. Iznimku čini jedna jedinka koja je stradala uslijed pada stabla na odraslog dabra. Često se kod pronalaska lešine ne može utvrditi uzrok uginuća 21 % u Hrvatskoj i 28 % u Srbiji. U Srbiji je utvrđen značajan udio uginuća zbog bolesti, čak 25 % evidentiranih gubitaka. Što se tiče starosne strukture stradalih dabrova, najvećim dijelom stradavaju adultne jedinke a potom subadultne, dok je, s obzirom na brojne nepotpune informacije, često starost nepoznata. Kada se analizira spol stradalih jedinki, također je nepoznato najviše zastupljeno, što je donekle razumljivo jer ne postoji kod dabra izraženi spolni dimorfizam, a kod utvrđenog spola neznatno više stradava mužjaka. S obzirom na vrijeme stradavanja, najviše jedinki je evidentirano u proljeće i jesen, dok najmanje dabrova stradava tijekom zime. Kao mjere zaštite dabrova u prvom redu poziva se na poštivanje zakonskih propisa vezano za ilegalni lov i ribolov, a stradavanju u prometu moguće je smanjiti ili ponegdje u potpunosti spriječiti postavljanjem žičane ograde uz prometnicu na problematičnim prijelazima. Također se mogu uspješno spriječiti gubici kod radova na vodotocima u području koje nastanjuju dabrovi, da se stručno i tehničko osoblje koje obavlja zahvat na uređenju vodotoka educira i orijentira na mjere zaštite dabrova kod izvođenja radova (zaštita nastambi i jedinki od radnih strojeva). Takozvani „opasni“ objekti u koje dabrovi mogu upasti i u njima stradati, mogu se prilagoditi na način da se dabrovima onemogući ulazak u takav prostor ili da se osigura mogućnost izlaska iz takovog prostora. U biti, zaštita dabrova provodi se dobrom medijskom prezentacijom i informiranjem javnosti o dabru i njegovom način života, mjerama zaštite i edukacijom građana. Takva izravna komunikacija omogućava i jednostavnije prikupljanje podataka o dabrovima, uključujući i podatke o stradalim ili uginulim jedinkama.Population monitoring of beavers in Croatia and Serbia is being continuously run since the first release of beavers in 1996. in Croatia(Grubešić i Krapinec, 1998, Grubešić, 2014). Serbia has started with monitoring in 1999. When the first beak has been registered in the north of Vojvodina and it has been intensified since 2004. when they started with inhabitation – reintroduction (Ćirović, 2010). As a part of monitoring beavers in Croatia and Serbia since their reintroduction, beaver losses are being recorded by place and time of death, cause, sex and age of individuals. Information is being gathered with help of a network of associates, and by evidence of events. Based on the analysis of gathered information on beaver killings in the past 18 years a growth of killed beavers has been noticed, especially after the population growth and territorial expansion of beavers, and 10 years after the release in Croatia. In the observed period in Croatia a total of 111 beaver losses have been registered, while in Serbia this number is significantly lower and amounts to 36 individuals. Based on registered beaver losses a significant rise in beaver losses in the past 7 years has been noticed on the territory of Republic of Croatia. Actually the number of killed individuals has risen significantly when the beaver population has stabilized and increased its numbers and after 10 years since the inhabitation. In Serbia, despite the stabilization and territorial expansion, registered losses are relatively small, and stagnation or slight drop in killed or died animals has been noted. The main factor of mortality in Croatia and Serbia has been traffic. About one third of beavers (50 individuals) have been killed in traffic accidents. Traffic share in beaver mortality is equal or even somewhat smaller when compared to results from some parts of Germany, where this share is from 50 % to even 86,5 % (Pokorny and associates 2014., Muller 2014).Strangulation in fishing nets has been the second most significant beaver loss in populations on the territory of Posavina and Podravina (22 beavers – 15 %). Autopsy unquestionably proved that 17 beavers (11.6 %) died from illness. For 33 of them (22,4 %), due to untimely findings or delivery to autopsy, a precise cause of death could not have been determined. When we look at beaver loss causes on the territory of Republic of Croatia traffic absolutely dominates, followed by unknown causes, and in third place illegal hunting and fishing (especially gillnets). In Serbia alongside unknown causes significant influences have diseases. From all 147 losses, only one beaver has been killed underneath a tree. Even though it has been noted he has been “killed at work” the position of the beavers body and tree points that the killing was not a consequence of knocking down the tree in question (Picture 1 and 2), but that the tree fell on the beaver as it has been passing by, most likely as a consequence of wind blowing the bitten tree down or exceptionally that an another individual knocked down the tree and it fell on the beaver passing by.Mostly adult individuals are being killed (Croatia 39, Serbia 14 beavers) which is linked to their increased activity in search for food and in moving about in general. Reasearch of other authors also shows that adult individuals are mostly being killed and mainly females (Pokorny and associates 2014).Sub adult individuals are being killed when exploring the territory (new locations) or when they inhabit a zone where the get killed easily, especially in traffic. This age group has mostly been killed in Serbia (15 beavers).In relation to sexual structure in Croatia and in Serbia a larger number of males were killed than females. Unfortunately, for half of killed beavers we were not able to tell the sex.If we look at beaver killing on a seasonal level, then two periods stick out, mostly spring then autumn. In spring beavers move more, especially the sub adult ones in search for foo and exploration of new habitats, while in autumn when they are more active in agricultural lands, they are being killed in traffic or in illegal hunting (this influence is most likely significantly bigger than the recorded one, but the prefix “illegal” points to unavailability of information and data on individuals killed this way).Illness for now are not a more significant cause of population loss, but in the future, especially in areas overcrowded by beaver, the might have a more significant role in the reduction of population, considering that we are dealing with a species (rodents) that are sensitive to certain diseases (leptospirosis, tularemia) (Parker and ass. 1951, Hopla 1974, Hornfeldti sur. 1986, Morneri sur., 1988, Wolli sur. 2012).Certain problems or flaws in delivering information on losses emerge due to associates not being educated; these are accidental findings by people who have seen this species most likely for the first time. Apart from that some information has been delivered without details that would give a clearer picture in determining a cause of death, age and sex.As a measure of protecting beavers first in line is respecting the legislation connected to illegal hunting and fishing, and the traffic killing might be decreased or somewhere completely prevented by setting up a wire fence alongside roads in troubling crosses. Also losses can be successfully prevented in watercourse construction in territories inhabited by beavers, that the personnel that is carrying out the construction is being educated and pointed to beaver protection measures while carrying out the work (lodge and animal protection from excavators). So called “dangerous” objects in which beavers can fall into and get hurt, can be adjusted in a way that beavers are enabled to get into such spaces but also to ensure the possibility of getting out from such a space. Beaver protection is being carried out by good media presentation and informing the public of beavers and their way of life, protection measures and citizen education. Such direct communication enables and simplifies information gathering on beavers, also including information on killed or died individuals

High degree of mitochondrial gene heterogeneity in the bat tick species Ixodes vespertilionis, I. ariadnae and I. simplex from Eurasia

Background: Phylogeographical studies allow precise genetic comparison of specimens, which were collected over large geographical ranges and belong to the same or closely related animal species. These methods have also been used to compare ticks of veterinary-medical importance. However, relevant data are missing in the case of ixodid ticks of bats, despite (1) the vast geographical range of both Ixodes vespertilionis and Ixodes simplex, and (2) the considerable uncertainty in their taxonomy, which is currently unresolvable by morphological clues. Methods: In the present study 21 ticks were selected from collections or were freshly removed from bats or cave walls in six European and four Asian countries. The DNA was extracted and PCRs were performed to amplify part of the cytochrome oxidase I (COI), 16S and 12S rDNA genes, followed by sequencing for identification and molecular-phylogenetic comparison. Results: No morphological differences were observed between Ixodes vespertilionis specimens from Spain and from other parts of Europe, but corresponding genotypes had only 94.6 % COI sequence identity. An I. vespertilionis specimen collected in Vietnam was different both morphologically and genetically (i.e. with only 84.1 % COI sequence identity in comparison with I. vespertilionis from Europe). Two ticks (collected in Vietnam and in Japan) formed a monophyletic clade and shared morphological features with I. ariadnae, recently described and hitherto only reported in Europe. In addition, two Asiatic specimens of I. simplex were shown to differ markedly from European genotypes of the same species. Phylogenetic relationships of ticks showed similar clustering patterns with those of their associated bat host species. Conclusions: Although all three ixodid bat tick species evaluated in the present study appear to be widespread in Eurasia, they exhibit pronounced genetic differences. Data of this study also reflect that I. vespertilionis may represent a species complex

Distribution, diversity and structure of ectoparasite communities of cave-dweeling bats (Chiroptera) from the central Balkans

Studija predstavlja prvo sveobuhvatno istraživanje faune, brojnosti, učestalosti i specifičnosti različitih vrsta ektoparazita u odnosu na vrstu domaćina, kao i analizu ekoloških faktora koji utiču na brojnost i reprodukciju ektoparazita litofilnih slepih miševa na teritoriji centralnog Balkana. Trogodišnje terensko istraživanje je sprovedeno na 45 lokaliteta u Srbiji, Bosni i Hercegovini, Bivšoj Jugoslovenskoj Republici Makedoniji i Crnoj Gori. Prikupljeno je i analizirano preko 3500 jedinki ektoparazita klasifikovanih u 21 vrstu: tri vrste krpelja, sedam vrsta parazitskih grinja (uključujući jednog predstavnika familije Trombiculidae), osam vrsta parazitskih muva i tri vrste buva, od čega je najveći broj nalaza prvi za teritorije istraživanih država. Identifikovano je 75 asocijacija ektoparazit-domaćin. Veći broj vrsta ektoparazita slepih miševa identifikovane su kao specijalisti. Miniopterus schreibersii je domaćin sa najvećim brojem vrsta ektoparazita. Najrasprostranjenije vrste ektoparazita u studiji su bile Spinturnix psi i Penicillidia dufourii. Kod tri vrste slepih miševa (Miniopterus schreibersii, Myotis myotis i Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) utvrđeno je da postoji statistički značajan efekat pola domaćina na brojnost ektoparazita. Faza životnog ciklusa, pol, starost i reproduktivni status domaćina značajno su uticali na brojnost i reproduktivnu aktivnost vrsta ektoparazita karakterističnih za Miniopterus schreibersii. Osim originalnih podataka, studijom su obuhvaćeni i analizirani do sada objavljeni literaturni podaci o rasprostranjenju i domaćinima ektoparazita slepih miševa na istraživanoj teritoriji.The study represents first comprehensive research of fauna, abundance, prevalence and host specificity, as well as analysis of ecological factors influencing abundance and reproduction of ectoparasites parasitizing cave-dwelling bats at the territory of the central Balkans. Three years long field research was conducted at 45 localities in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Montenegro. Over 3,500 ectoparasite specimens belonging to 21 species were identified: three species of ticks, seven species of mites (including one specimen of Trombiculidae family), eight species of bat flies and three species of fleas, most being the first records at the territory of investigated countries. A total of 75 host-parasite associations were identified. A high level of host specificity in analysed ectoparasite species was registered. Miniopterus schreibersii was host species with the greatest number of ectoparasite species. Mite Spinturnix psi and bat fly Penicillidia dufourii were the most widely distributed species. There was significant effect of host sex on ectoparasite abundance in three bat species (Miniopterus schreibersii, Myotis myotis and Rhinolophus ferrumequinum). Significant effects of host life cycle, age, sex and reproductive status on total number and reproductive activity were identified in the case of ectoparasite species characteristic for Miniopterus schreibersii. Besides original data, the study includes and analyses published literature data about ectoparasite hosts and distribution of bat ectoparasites at the studied territory

Patterns of Abundance and Host Specificity of Bat Ectoparasites in the Central Balkans

Bats are hosts to a number of ectoparasites-acarines (ticks, chiggers, other mites), bat flies, and fleas. Bat ectoparasites might have significant ecological and public health importance as they may be potential vectors of zoonotic agents. It is important to identify their distribution, diversity, and host-parasite associations. Bat ectoparasites in the central Balkans have been largely understudied. The present research was conducted in 45 localities at the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. In total, 1,143 individuals of 18 species of bats have been examined for the presence and abundance of ectoparasite species during 3 yr of research. In total, 21 ectoparasite species have been identified: three species of ticks, seven species of mites (including one species of chigger), eight species of bat flies, and three species of fleas. In total, 80 host-parasite associations have been identified. The largest number of ectoparasites parasitized primarily only one host species. The highest total number of hosts was identified for ectoparasite species Ixodes vespertilionis Koch, Nycteribia schmidlii Schiner, and Spinturnix myoti Kolenati. The spinturnicid mite Spinturnix psi Kolenati was the most abundant ectoparasite species and together with Penicilidia dufouri Westwood the most widely distributed species of bat ectoparasite, being present at 21 localities in the central Balkans. The presented data include the first systematic records of patterns of prevalence, mean intensity, mean abundance, and host specificity for bat ectoparasites in the central Balkans