Impact of ice ages on phylogeographic patterns of forest bird species: Phylloscopus collybita, Prunella modularis and Certhia familiaris

izolaciju populacija u refugijumima za vreme glacijalnih maksimuma, i nakon toga rekolonizaciju šireg dela Evropskog kontinenta za vreme povlačenja lednika. Da bi se ova paradigma testirala, analizirani su filogenetski obrasci unutar tri šumske vrste ptica (Phylloscopus collybita, Prunella modularis i Certhia familiaris) koje su rasprostranjene širom Evroazije. Obrasci geografske varijacije jednog mitohondrijalnog i jednog nuklearnog gena su analizirani kod običnog zviždka (P. collybita). Kod običnog popića (P. modularis) u istraživanjima je korišćen jedan mitohondrijalni gen i 10 nuklearnih gena, dok kod kratkokljunog puzića (C. familiaris) tri mitohondrijalna i tri nuklearna gena. Analiza mitohondrijalnog gena kod običnog zviždka je pokazala postojanje šest filogenetskih linija koje odgovaraju postojećim podvrstama. Kod običnog popića, analize mitohondrijalnog gena, kao i analize nuklearnih gena i razgraničavanja podvrsta su ukazale na postojanje tri odvojene evolutivne linije: jedna je rasprostranjena na prostoru Pirinejskog poluostrva, druga na području Kavkaza i treća na području Apeninskog, Balkanskog poluostrva i ostatka Evrope. Kratkokljuni puzić se sastoji od dve filogenetske linije koje su se razdvojile u srednjem Pleistocenu: jedna paleoendemična koja ima alopatričko rasprostranjenje ograničeno na ostrvo Korzika i region Kavkaza i drugu, mlađu i široko rasprostranjenu, koja je prisutna u većem delu Evroazije i severnog dela Kine. Rezultati dobijeni u ovom istraživanju naglašavaju značaj glacijacija u oblikovanju evolucione istorije sve tri istraživane vrste ptica na prostoru Evroazije.Hewitt’s paradigm for effects of Pleistocene glaciations on European populations assumes their isolation in peninsular refugia during glacial maxima, followed by recolonization of broader Europe during interstadials. To test this paradigm, we analyzed the phylogenetic relationships within three forest bird species (Phylloscopus collybita, Prunella modularis and Certhia familiaris) which ranges includes parts of Eurasia. For Common Chiffchaff (P. collybita) the patterns of intraspecific geographic variation in one mitochondrial and one nuclear gene were analyzed, for Dunnock (P. modularis) one mitochondrial and 10 nuclear genes and for Eurasian Treecreeper (C. familiaris) three mitochondrial and three nuclear genes. Common Chiffchaff subspecies were differentiated in their mtDNA, and formed six distinct mtDNA lineages. Regarding Dunnock, mtDNA gene tree, multilocus species tree and species delimitation analyses indicate the presence of three distinct lineages: one in the Iberian refugium, one in the Caucasus refugium, and one comprising the Italian and Balkan refugia and broader Europe. Eurasian Treecreeper comprises of two lineages that diverged during the mid-Pleistocene: one palaeoendemic lineage has an allopatric range nowadays restricted to the Corsica Island and the Caucasus region whereas the second one, more recent and widespread, is distributed over most of Eurasia and in northern China. Results obtained in this study highlight the importance of glaciations in shaping the evolutionary history of these three forest bird species in Eurasia

Temporal and geographical distribution of the blood parasites in the Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio in Serbia.

Various species from family Laniidae have been widely studied for the presence of haemosporidians. However, temporal and geographical distribution of the blood parasites in the Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio has been studied partially. We investigated the presence and distribution of the blood haemosporidians in adult Red-backed Shrikes during a three year breeding season in Serbia. With the prevalence of 61.5%, Haemoproteus lanii was found to be the only parasite, present with all three known lineages. No significant differences were recorded in number of infected males and females. However, the distribution of parasite lineages was significantly different comparing the years and localities. The most common lineage RBS2, with the prevalence of 38.4%, was found during the all examined years, at most surveyed localities (from Eastern and Southern Serbia). Lineage, RB1 with prevalence of 19.2%, was found only in 2018 in birds sampled from Eastern Serbia, while the lineage RBS4 (prevalence 3.8%) was sampled just once in 2019 from the Red-backed Shrike caught in Vojvodina

Migratory movements of Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo: contemporary and historical perspectives

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) mainly breeds in Serbian upper province Vojvodina, in 15 colonies, along big rivers, fishponds and artificial lakes. According to recoveries of ringed birds, Eastern European populations show dispersal movements, while during harsh winters they often move to Mediterranean or Black Sea. Data used in this study were divided in historical part, before 1993 when Centre for Animal Marking was established and contemporary part, from 1993 onward. Although ringing activities in Serbia started in 1908, until 1987 there had not been recorded any recovery of Great Cormorant ringed in Serbia and found abroad. Between 1987 and 1993, 68 recoveries had been reported. From 1993 until 2016, only 6 recoveries were found abroad. Contemporary analysis is based on 73 ringed birds, while historical is based on about 200 ringed birds. According to recoveries 69% of first – year old birds from both analyzed groups showed dispersal movements to surrounding countries, predominantly in Hungary. During migration and wintering, birds were found in Hungary, Croatia, Bulgaria and Greece. Recoveries of wintering Great Cormorants ringed abroad were found mainly in Vojvodina. Birds originated from Baltic countries (predominantly Estonia) make 95% of foreign recoveries. First year birds make 43% of all recovered birds ringed in abroad. Illegal hunting and fishing have been identified as the most important threats within wintering areas. Lack of hunter’s and fisherman’s awareness to report ring of dead Cormorant would increase number of recoveries and better identification of migration routes and wintering areas

Hemosporidije, krvni paraziti kod divljih ptica pevačica u Srbiji

Diversity and prevalence of Haemosporidian blood microorganisms in wild birds are rather well studied across Western Europe from Sweden to Spain, while little has been known about the distribution and the ecology of avian blood parasites across the Balkan Peninsula. Contemporary data were published for Bulgaria but researches on avian malaria have never been conducted before in Serbia. The prevalence and intensity of avian haemosporidian infection were investigated by using and microscopy. To examine genetic diversity of cytochrome b lineages from blood parasites of genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon we used a nested PCR protocol. In total 150 passerine birds of 43 species and 15 families were examined for the resence of infection. Birds caught by mist were ringed and sampled for a small drop of blood during the breeding season in 2011, 2013 and 2016 at five different localities in the Republic of Serbia. Out of 150 birds, 58 were recognized as infected with haemosporidian species. The overall prevalence of haemosporidian was 38.6 %. We recorded one mixed infection. The most common parasite genus was Haemoproteus, recorded in 35 birds. We identified 32 lineages of haemosporidian parasites: 16 of Haemoproteus, 8 of Plasmodium and 8 of Leucocytozoon. Differences between juvenile and adult were found, but there was also a difference between males and females (32 males from eleven species were infected in regards to 10 females from seven species). The composition of parasites varied geographically

BIRD MIGRATORY MOVEMENTS AND THEIR POSSIBLE IMPACT ON AVIAN INFLUENZA AND WEST NILE DISEASE SPREADING

Birds, as mobile organisms, do not know about political borders. Moving from north to south and vice versa, each year birds undertake exhausting seasonal migrations, that are worthy of admiration. During migration, birds are using energy reserves stored in the form of fat deposits that are used as fuel. For many species continuous flying is impossible, so they need to renew their energy before continuing their journey. There are several methods used in the study of bird migration their migratory routes, but the mostly used is ringing, a basic scientific method. The ringing is based on individual bird marking, with an aluminium leg ring. Recoveries of ringed birds provide numerous data such as the beginning and ending of migration, migration routes, length of migration, productivity, survival or mortality rate. Birds are also good indicators for monitoring changes in the environment induced by human activities and they give us insight into the speed of species adaptation in response to new climate change. Tracking of marked bird individuals, through space and time, help us to understand the ways of spread and transmission of various diseases.In this sense Ringing schemes are an important tool for studying the characteristics and monitoring of zoonotic epidemics

HAEMOSPORIDIAN PARASITES IN LONG-EARED OWLS WINTERING IN BANAT, SERBIA

Parasites from the Phylum Apicomplexa (genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon) are the vector-born blood parasites distributed worldwide. This group of parasites has been the subject of extensive study in passerines, but less so in other groups of birds, such as owls. Four haemosporidian species have been discovered in the Long-eared Owl Asio otus so far. As there are only a few records of haemosporidian infection in wintering Long-eared Owls, in our pilot project we studied the prevalence, parasitemia, and diversity of the blood parasites of owl mentioned above in Banat, Serbia. We found the presence of all three genera, of which Leucocytozoon was the most abundant. The total prevalence was 52.2%, while the average parasitemia in winter was low, only 0.16%. We also observed two cases of co-infection. Interestingly, the presence of parasites did not affect the SMI (scaled mass index) and the health status of the birds

Case study: Beak deformity of a Monticola solitarius individual in Gavdos, Crete

Beak deformities in the wild are a rare sight as the deformity reduces the individual’s ability to feed, maintain the plumage and attract mates while increasing the susceptibility to infections, thus significantly impacting the individual’s fitness. The etiology of a beak abnormality can be caused by anatomical maldevelopment, and/or a keratin disorder caused by nutritional deficiencies, infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic) or exposure to environmental toxins, primarily agrochemicals. We report here the case of an extreme, debilitating crossbill deformity of a male blue rock thrush trapped on the island of Gavdos during a bird ringing survey in May 2022. The individual was estimated as being at least one year old based on its plumage and in a good body condition, with normally developed and maintained feathers. The survival of this individual, seemingly incapable of using its beak to manipulate food items is difficult to explain, especially since Gavdos does not provide soft easily manipulated food apart from olives and some berries and figs. The only other food that could provide sustenance on Gavdos are snails and possibly, bees and other insects. However, the extent of the deformity would severely impede preying on a hard-bodied prey such as snails or beetles, with preying on moving venomous prey that needs to be first stunned such as bees even less likely. The survival of this individual demonstrates a fascinating adaptive response to environmental conditions through problem solving, as well as the plasticity of the dietary niche capable of sustaining an individual

Roll and importance of accumulation lake Gruža in bird migration

Artificial accumulation Lake Gruža fills the depression of the Knićko Field, situated between the mountains Gledićke and Kotlenik. It was formed mostly in order to provide water supply for industry and residential of the Kragujevac District. According to its advantage location, it lays on predicted moravsko-vardarskom migratory route. In this paper it has been showed ringing data within this area during autumn and spring migration of resident and transitory population of passerines and data obtained during the winter months, for lake’s surface is rarely frozen, so it presents wintering area for numerous waterfowl flocks. During the research, it has been recorded in total 153 bird species. The most abundant month was January, when there were detected 9577 waterfowl individuals from 29 species. During the spring and autumn migration, 370 bird individuals were banded, form 32 mostly passerines species. Ringing data showed that accumulation Gruža indeed has important roll in bird migration, along mentioned migratory route, for it enables the migrating birds to rest, regain their strength and recharge the energy supplies before continuing the migration. Moreover, importance of accumulation is greater when we know that significant number of wintering and migrating birds are rare and endangers, not only in Serbia, but allover the Europe

NONLINEAR MOTION CONTROL OF HUMANOID ROBOT UPPER-BODY FOR MANIPULATION TASK

This paper presents nonlinear control algorithm for motion control of humanoid robot upper-body. Upper-body consists of two arms, each having seven degrees of freedom (DOFs), and multi-segment lumbar spine with six DOFs which enables motion of the trunk, increases the workspace of robot arms and contributes to anthropomorphic appearance of the robot movements. Manipulation task, where robot is supposed to move an object of unknown mass, in presence of parameter uncertainties and external disturbance has been considered. Weight of the object has been considered as an external disturbance. Nonlinearity of  the  robot dynamical model and coupling between robot segments have been taken into account during control design. Sliding mode control with disturbance estimator has been used in order to provide accurate trajectory  tracking in presence of disturbances. Efficiency of the proposed control algorithm is verified through a numerical simulation and results are presented