Central European Populations Research Articles

Habitat use and foraging parameters of breeding Skylarks indicate no seasonal decrease in food availability in heterogeneous farmland.

Reduced food availability during chick raising is a major driver of farmland bird declines. For the Eurasian Skylark (Alauda arvensis), food availability is determined by various factors (i.e., arthropod abundance/diversity, accessibility of the vegetation, distance to foraging sites). In modern farmland, it is supposed to decrease over the breeding season due to less penetrable vegetation. We explored foraging habitat selection by chick‐raising Skylarks with a focus on the seasonal dynamics of habitat use and food availability. We investigated (i) habitat selection concerning prey biomass/diversity, vegetation cover, and distance to foraging sites, (ii) the overall and seasonal habitat use, and (iii) seasonal developments of foraging parameters (e.g., the feeding frequency) as indicators of food availability. We collected data on foraging habitats and foraging parameters of chick‐raising Skylark pairs at 51 nests from a Central European population in 2018 and 2019. Prey biomass/diversity and vegetation cover were measured for all habitats around 42 of these nests. As revealed by multivariate and compositional analyses, Skylarks mainly selected foraging habitats based on the proximity to nests. The most frequent habitats within home ranges could not be ranked according to an overall importance for foraging and their use partially changed over time. The feeding frequency increased throughout the breeding season, while other foraging parameters did not show significant changes. In contrast to our expectations, our data indicated therefore an increase, not a decrease in food availability in the late breeding season. This also implies that the way in which Skylarks used habitats was constantly suitable to raise offspring. We interpret this to be a consequence of the heterogeneous farmland composition of the study area that enabled Skylarks to establish a diverse home range and to benefit from the synergetic effects of neighboring habitat types. Thus, our findings provide support for the high importance of crop diversity in Skylark conservation.

Genetics of T2DM and Its Chronic Complications: Are We Any Closer to the Individual Prediction of Genetic Risk?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex disease that has risen in global prevalence over recent decades, resulting in concomitant and enormous socio-economic impacts. In addition to the well-documented risk factors of obesity, poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles, genetic background plays a key role in the aetiopathogenesis of diabetes and the development of associated micro- and macro-vascular complications. Recent advances in genomic research, notably next-generation sequencing and genome-wide association studies, have greatly improved the efficiency with which genetic backgrounds to complex diseases are analysed. To date, several hundred single-nucleotide polymorphisms have been associated with T2DM or its complications. Given the polygenic background to T2DM (and numerous other complex diseases), the degree of genetic predisposition can be treated as a “continuous trait” quantified by a genetic risk score. Focusing mainly on the Central European population, this review summarizes recent state-of-the-art methods that have enabled us to better determine the genetic architecture of T2DM and the utility of genetic risk scores in disease prediction.

Pinguicula vulgaris in central Europe

Pinguicula vulgaris is one of the most common carnivorous plants in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a member of the species complex (P. vulgaris agg.) of which in Europe six taxa are recognized at different taxonomic ranks. One of them is P. bohemica, a taxon considered endemic to the Czech Republic, for which there are varied reports on its chromosome number (ploidy level) and contrasting opinions on its taxonomic rank. Based on the persistent instability of the taxonomy of this group in central Europe, we investigated the ploidy level, genome size, seed structure and genetic differentiation of taxa of P. vulgaris agg. in order to resolve the questions connected with P. bohemica. We sampled all taxa currently recognized as members of P. vulgaris agg. in Europe. Karyological analysis supported the octoploid level for P. bohemica and all other taxa, and flow cytometry further supported cytotype uniformity. Although generally conservative, the absolute genome size differentiates the morphologically similar taxa in P. vulgaris agg. Molecular markers suggested the presence of distinct groups within the central European populations of P. vulgaris agg., where the groups correspond to already recognized or even unrecognized taxa at the infraspecific level. We identified another lineage from southern Poland within the P. vulgaris group (with provisional name P. “polonica”). Most probably it is a direct descendant of the P. bohemica lineage, which diversified under isolation. The taxa P. bohemica and P. “polonica” are genetically well differentiated from P. vulgaris s.s. and P. vulgaris var. bicolor. The molecular-genetic differentiation of P. bohemica is comparable to narrowly endemic taxa from central Italy. Spatial isolation seems to be an important force causing the gradual divergence of isolated lineages within the P. vulgaris agg. Considering all the distinctive features, we suggest a subspecific category for P. bohemica, thus P. vulgaris subsp. bohemica.

The Subscapularis Muscle: A Proposed Classification System.

Background On the basis of the available literature, we proposed the hypothesis that the number of muscle bellies is morphologically constant. The main purpose of this study was to examine the morphological variability of the SM and to create a new classification of it based on number of muscle bellies. Methods Sixty-six adult cadavers of Central European population (45 females, 21 males) were obtained and fixed in 10% formalin before examination. Results The SM was found in all 66 specimens (45 females, 21 males, 31 left and 35 right sides). After meticulous dissection, we distinguished nine types on the basis of number of bellies. Type I was characterized by single belly and occurred in 1.5%. Type II had a double belly and was present in 3%. Type III, the most common type, occurring in almost 32% of the studied population, had three bellies. The frequency of type IV, characterized by four bellies, was also high, just over 30%. The following types were less frequent: type V with five bellies (18.2%), type VI with six bellies (7.6%), type VII with seven bellies (3%), type VIII with eight bellies (1.5%), and type IX with nine bellies (3%). All of the types had origin on the anterior surface of the scapula. Conclusions The SM is morphologically variable in the number of its bellies. Evolutionary changes are probably the reason. The most common type was the SM with three bellies, in line with Larson's model of the division of the SM into three parts. Subsequent studies should be carried out based on MRI or ultrasonography examination to confirm if it is possible to show all types (presented in this study) among group of patients during MRI.

Waking up from a taxonomist’s nightmare: emerging structure ofRanunculussectionBatrachium(Ranunculaceae) in central Europe based on molecular data and genome sizes

AbstractRanunculus section Batrachium (water crowfoot) ranks among the most taxonomically challenging aquatic plant groups due to morphological reduction, phenotypic plasticity, polyploidy and reticulate evolution. This study, for the first time in this group, linked morphology, genome size and genetic data (two non-coding regions of plastid DNA and the ITS region of nuclear ribosomal DNA). This extensive data set, including 258 central European populations, enables us to recognize widespread lineages from hybrids and to trace the evolutionary processes underlying the observed diversity. Most of the traditionally recognized species are supported. However, the presence of two morphologically cryptic but genetically well-differentiated lineages was detected within Ranunculus trichophyllus, and three separate lineages of different parentage were confirmed in the Ranunculus penicillatus complex. An allopolyploid origin was revealed in Ranunculus aquatilis, Ranunculus baudotii and in both lineages of R. trichophyllus, for which the parentage has not yet been studied, and allopolyploidy is suspected in all other polyploid taxa except for the triploid cytotype of Ranunculus fluitans, which is most likely autopolyploid. We detected putative F1 hybrids of seven different parentage combinations, including two involving Ranunculus rionii, representing the first known hybrids of this species. An additional 13 hybrid cytotypes (backcrosses or entailing additional polyploidization) were revealed; c. 20% of Ranunculus peltatus accessions seem to be influenced by introgression detectable only using sequence data. The Batrachium group is remarkable due to the coexistence of well-defined lineages with recently evolved biotypes arising due to hybridization and polyploidization.

Apolipoprotein E polymorphism in Kazakhstani population with Alzheimer’s disease

AbstractBackgroundAdvanced age, apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE) and gender are well‐known risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD). At least one copy of APOE‐ε4 is present in around 60% of AD cases (1). However, there are worldwide variations of APOE‐ε4 carriers by region and by ethnicity (2). There is no available data on distribution of APOE polymorphism among Alzheimer’s patients in Kazakhstan. Thus, we assessed the apolipoprotein E allele and genotype frequencies in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and compared them to normal controls.MethodWe included 53 AD patients and 99 people with normal cognition recruited from city hospital in Astana, Kazakhstan. APOE genotypes were determined by Real Time PCR using TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assays.ResultThe APOE‐ε4 allele frequencies were found to be 82.7% for ε3, 1.9% for ε2, 41.5% for ε4 in AD group, and 92.9% for ε3, 8.1% for ε2 and 25.2% for ε4 in the control group. Genotype ε4/ε4 was found in 9.4% of AD patients compared to 1% in controls (p<0.005) Genotypic distribution of APOE polymorphism did not differ between gender in study group, however, APOE‐ε4 carrying status was significantly different by ethnic groups (p=0.04), where Kazakhs had 34.3% of APOE‐ε4 carriers, Russian and other ethnic groups 16.6% and 17.6% respectively.ConclusionThis is the first study of APOE polymorphism distribution in AD patients in Kazakhstan. APOE ε4 carrier frequency was similar to other Asian and Central European populations. Our findings are consistent with previous literature on the significance of the subjects' geographical region and ethnic context in the study of APOE genotypes in association with AD. Reference: 1. Riedel BC, Thompson PM, Brinton RD. Age, APOE and sex: Triad of risk of Alzheimer's disease. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2016 Jun;160:134‐47. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.03.012. Epub 2016 Mar 8. PMID: 26969397; PMCID: PMC4905558. 2. Crean S, Ward A, Mercaldi CJ, Collins JM, Cook MN, Baker NL, Arrighi HM. Apolipoprotein E ε4 prevalence in Alzheimer's disease patients varies across global populations: a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2011;31(1):20‐30. doi: 10.1159/000321984. Epub 2010 Dec 1. PMID: 21124030.

Abstract 14062: Nation-Wide Screening of Fabry Disease in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Czech Republic

Introduction: Fabry disease (FD) is a rare X-linked genetic disorder caused by α-galactosidase A (AGALA) deficiency. While "classic" variant has multisystemic manifestation, the more recently described "later-onset" variant is characterized by predominant cardiac involvement that often mimics hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Hypothesis: Routine screening in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may detect patients with Fabry disease who are not clinically characterized by a typical multi-organ disorder. Methods: Consecutive unrelated patients with HCM were screened for FD in 16 (out of 17) cardiac centers in the Czech Republic covering specialized cardiology care from June 2017 to December 2018. AGALA activity and globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb 3 ) levels were measured in all subjects using the dry blood spot method. FD was suspected in male patients with AGALA activity <1.2μmol/h/L and in females with either low AGALA activity or lyso-Gb 3 >3.5ng/mL. Positive screening results were confirmed by genetic testing. Results: We evaluated 589 patients (390 males, 66%) with HCM (mean maximal myocardial thickness 19.1±4.3 mm). The average age was 58.4±14.7 years. In total, 17 patients (11 males, 6 females) had a positive screening results and subsequently six of them (4 males and 2 females) had a genetically confirmed pathogenic variant (total prevalence of 1.02 %). Five of these patients were carrying the p.N215S mutation known to cause a typical later-onset cardiac FD. Conclusions: We confirmed the prevalence of FD repeatedly reported in previous screening programs (approximately 1 % irrespective of gender) in a non-selected HCM population in Central Europe. Our findings advocate a routine screening for FD in all adult patients with HCM phenotype including both genders. The dry blood spot method used led to identification of clearly pathogenic variants.

Genetic diversity of Salixlapponum populations in Central Europe.

Salixlapponum is a cold-tolerant relict species in Europe that occurs in several sites, probably reflecting previous migration routes of S.lapponum during the Pleistocene. However, only a few data are available on the genetic structures of populations of S.lapponum. In this study, we use PCR-ISSR markers to investigate genetic variation in 19 European populations of S.lapponum L. AMOVA analysis shows that most of the variation (55.8%) occurs within populations; variability among groups accounts for 19.7%. An AMOVA analysis based on four groups determined by STRUCTURE analysis shows similar results: variability of 54.1% within the population and variability of 18.9% between the four population groups, based on geographic regions. Within individual geographic groups, which are characterised by the studied populations, the lowest variability (as well as the highest homogeneity) was found in populations located in Belarus. The obtained results are consistent with our expectations that the European Lowland could be a significant geographic barrier for gene flow over large geographic distances for S.lapponum. Both the Scandinavian and Belarusian populations, as well as those coming from NE Poland, are characterised by significant genetic distinctiveness. However, some populations from NE Poland and the Sudetes show similarities with populations from other geographic regions, indicating existing genetic relationships between them. Moreover, the results suggest a fairly clear division of the population into 4 emerging geographic regions, although separated by a geographical barrier: the Polish lowland, which forms part of the larger geographic unit known as the European Lowland.

Simulated patterns of mitochondrial diversity are consistent with partial population turnover in Bronze Age Central Europe.

ObjectivesThe analysis of ancient mitochondrial DNA from osteological remains has challenged previous conclusions drawn from the analysis of mitochondrial DNA from present populations, notably by revealing an absence of genetic continuity between the Neolithic and modern populations in Central Europe. Our study investigates how to reconcile these contradictions at the mitochondrial level using a modeling approach.Materials and MethodsWe used a spatially explicit computational framework to simulate ancient and modern DNA sequences under various evolutionary scenarios of post Neolithic demographic events and compared the genetic diversity of the simulated and observed mitochondrial sequences. We investigated which—if any—scenarios were able to reproduce statistics of genetic diversity similar to those observed, with a focus on the haplogroup N1a, associated with the spread of early Neolithic farmers.ResultsDemographic fluctuations during the Neolithic transition or subsequent demographic collapses after this period, that is, due to epidemics such as plague, are not sufficient to explain the signal of population discontinuity detected on the mitochondrial DNA in Central Europe. Only a scenario involving a substantial genetic input due to the arrival of migrants after the Neolithic transition, possibly during the Bronze Age, is compatible with observed patterns of genetic diversity.DiscussionOur results corroborate paleogenomic studies, since out of the alternative hypotheses tested, the best one that was able to recover observed patterns of mitochondrial diversity in modern and ancient Central European populations was one were immigration of populations from the Pontic steppes during the Bronze Age was explicitly simulated.

Unusual case of automutilation in a free-ranging grey wolf (Canis lupus)

• Information on Wolves in Germany aggregated by the Federal Documentation and Consultation Centre on Wolves (DBBW). • Automutilation in a wild animal are rarely documented. • Various infectious, traumatic, hereditary and psychogenic causes could lead to automutilation in animals. • The lives of individual wolves can be randomly endangered by humans. In Germany, all information about the Central European Lowland Wolf population is aggregated by the Federal Documentation and Consultation Centre on Wolves (DBBW). The dataset on wolves found dead was an important source of supplementary information for this study in particular. In January 2020, our examination of a wolf cadaver revealed a vertebral fracture that caused a complete severance of the spinal cord. Furthermore, the presence of a canid claw in the stomach of the specimen indicated that we encountered a rare case of automutilation in a wild animal, which was subsequently confirmed when the genetic analysis determined that the claw belonged to the examined wolf.

Simultaneous Infection of Elaphostrongylus Nematode Species and Parasite Sharing between Sympatrically Occurring Cervids: Moose, Roe Deer, and Red Deer in Poland.

It is important to assess the distribution of parasite species across wildlife populations, to design strategies for game management and effective disease control in nature. In this project we quantified the prevalence of Elaphostrongylus species in eight moose populations. We used molecular methods for identification of parasite species and host individual genotypes from fecal samples. We also demonstrated sharing of parasite species between three cervid hosts sympatrically occurring in the Biebrza River valley, North-Eastern Poland, which is occupied by the largest autochthonous, non-harvested moose population in Central Europe. Nematode species from the genus Elaphostrongylus are ubiquitous in the studied moose populations. The presence of a single parasite species (e.g., E. alces) in moose individuals was more common than simultaneous infection with E. alces and E. cervi. The prevalence of both E. alces and E. cervi was higher in males than females. The distribution of E. alces and E. cervi prevalence in moose, roe deer, and red deer were in accordance with the membership of a host to a subfamily. Simultaneous occurrences of both Elaphostrongylus species were significantly more frequently noted in red deer fecal samples than those collected from moose or roe deer. Thus, we consider red deer to play a dominant role in sharing of those nematodes to other cervids. Our findings promote applications of molecular methods of identifying parasite species and the assessment of the exchange of parasite community between wild ruminant species in management and health monitoring of game animal populations.

Occurrence of juvenile Dermacentor reticulatus ticks in three regions in Poland: the final evidence of the conquest

BackgroundTwo populations of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks (Western and Eastern) in Poland are among the most dynamic tick populations in Central Europe. Expansion and settlement of ticks in new localizations depend on the presence of suitable hosts, for both adult and juvenile ticks.MethodsThe current study was planned to complement our previous studies on questing adult ticks and was focused on a collection of juvenile D. reticulatus ticks from rodents from three regions in Poland, defined by the presence/absence of adult ticks (regions of the Western and Eastern tick population and the gap area between them) to confirm the existence of stable populations. Rodent trapping was conducted in open habitats (fallow lands, wasteland and submerged meadows) in 2016–2018 in June, July and/or August to encompass seasonal peaks of larvae and nymph activity.ResultsAltogether, three tick species were collected, 2866 D. reticulatus, 2141 Ixodes ricinus and 427 Haemaphysalis concinna. Dermacentor reticulatus was the most common (72.3%) and abundant (mean 17.94 ± 2.62 ticks/rodent) tick species on rodents from the Eastern region; in the Western region infestation of rodents was only 6.8%. Ixodes ricinus was found in all three regions and was the only tick species collected from rodents from the gap area. Haemaphysalis concinna was noted only in the Western region. The highest infestation of juvenile D. reticulatus was recorded on voles (Myodes and Microtus spp.), infestation of I. ricinus was the highest on Apodemus mice, and the majority of H. concinna ticks were collected from root voles Alexandromys oeconomus.ConclusionsOur study confirmed a stable population of D. reticulatus in Eastern and Central Poland and a lower prevalence and mean abundance of this tick species among rodents from the Western region. A lack of juvenile D. reticulatus on rodents in Niewiadów confirmed the existence of the gap area, free of D. reticulatus ticks.Graphical abstract

Morphological variability of the fibularis longus tendon in human fetuses

IntroductionThe morphological variability of the fibularis longus tendon (FLT) in adults is well understood. However, no comprehensive classification exists in human fetuses. The goal of this study was to prepare the first comprehensive classification of the fibularis longus tendon based on its insertion in human fetuses. Material and methodsForty-seven spontaneously-aborted human fetuses were examined: 38 male, 56 female, a total of 94 lower limbs (Central European population). Age ranged from18–38 weeks of gestation at death. ResultsThe classification comprised three types of FLT. The most common type was Type I (49%), characterized by the single distal attachment. This type was divided into two subtypes (A-B): A – the tendon inserts to the lateral tubercle of the base of the 1st metatarsal bone, B – the tendon inserts to the head of the 1st metatarsal bone. The second most type was Type II, characterized by a bifurcated distal attachment (24.5%). This type was divided into three subtypes (A–C): A – the main tendon inserts to the lateral tubercle of the base of the 1st metatarsal bone and the accessory band inserts to the medial cuneiform bone; B – the strong, main tendon inserts to both the base of the 1st metatarsal bone and medial cuneiform bone, including the first metatarsal-cuneiform joint, and the accessory bands inserts to the fourth interosseus dorsalis muscle; C – the main tendon inserts to the lateral tubercle of the base of the 1st metatarsal bone and the accessory band inserts to the first interosseus dorsalis muscle. The rarest type was Type III, characterized by a trifurcated distal attachment: the main tendon inserts to the lateral tubercle of the base of the 1st metatarsal bone and the first accessory band inserts to the medial cuneiform bone and the second accessory bands inserts to the first interosseus dorsalis muscle. The anterior frenular ligament was observed in 16% of all cases, and posterior frenular ligament in 6.4%. ConclusionThe FLT displays high morphological variability. The proposed classification consists of three main types, with Type I and Type II divided into sub-types; it also provides additional data regarding its accessory tendon bands.

Spatially explicit paleogenomic simulations support cohabitation with limited admixture between Bronze Age Central European populations

The Bronze Age is a complex period of social, cultural and economic changes. Recent paleogenomic studies have documented a large and rapid genetic change in early Bronze Age populations from Central Europe. However, the detailed demographic and genetic processes involved in this change are still debated. Here we have used spatially explicit simulations of genomic components to better characterize the demographic and migratory conditions that may have led to this change. We investigated various scenarios representing the expansion of pastoralists from the Pontic steppe, potentially linked to the Yamnaya cultural complex, and their interactions with local populations in Central Europe, considering various eco-evolutionary factors, such as population admixture, competition and long-distance dispersal. Our results do not support direct competition but rather the cohabitation of pastoralists and farmers in Central Europe, with limited gene flow between populations. They also suggest occasional long-distance migrations accompanying the expansion of pastoralists and a demographic decline in both populations following their initial contact. These results link recent archaeological and paleogenomic observations and move further the debate of genomic changes during the early Bronze Age.

Genotypic variability of Sorbus domestica in Central Europe revealed by the SSR markers

The service tree (Sorbus domestica) is a rare tree species with a scarce distribution across Europe. In Central Europe, where it occurs at northern distribution limits, it is confined to several areas with a very scattered distribution affected by the human impact on the landscape. In this study, we aimed to understand the genetic diversity of its Central European population in a fragmented landscape and its relationship to the origin of different populations. We used 5 microsatellite loci to analyse 189 individuals from 13 populations, mainly from Central Europe with additional sampling from other parts of Europe and Asia. Standard population genetic characteristics and investigation on population structure revealed relatively high genetic diversity within populations, suggesting long-distance pollen dispersal and/or dispersion influenced by humans. All populations showed weak to moderate genetic differentiation, revealing that the marginal Central European population forms clusters that are linked to other Pannonian or Mediterranean populations, whereas Bohemian ones are linked to German populations, suggesting different origins for the populations in the eastern vs. western parts of Central Europe. Genetic variation suggests a natural continuum with neighbouring populations; however, relatively high genetic variation, the character of localities and population structure suggest an anthropogenic origin.

Strong evidence supporting a relationship between colour pattern and apparent survival in common crossbills

Carotenoid staining has been repeatedly shown to serve as a sexually selected individual quality signal. In different species, individuals that show brighter carotenoid-based signals have been found to have superior feeding abilities, recover faster from disease, and generally enjoy better body condition. In the common crossbill (Loxia curvirostra), the colour has also been related to the different populations, with northern and central European populations being described as redder than those in the Mediterranean region. A study in the Pyrenees showed that long-winged individuals had lower apparent survival, and the proportion of red individuals was higher in long-winged birds, concluding that they could be nomadic birds (that travel long distances). A priori, if the red crossbills are more mobile than the yellow and orange ones, their apparent survival will be lower. However, in our study, red males showed a greater survival than males of other colours and almost double than that of the yellow ones. These results suggest that red coloration is linked to higher quality individuals regardless of their mobility.

Phylogeography of a widely distributed plant species reveals cryptic genetic lineages with parallel phenotypic responses to warming and drought conditions.

To predict how widely distributed species will perform under future climate change, it is crucial to understand and reveal their underlying phylogenetics. However, detailed information about plant adaptation and its genetic basis and history remains scarce and especially widely distributed species receive little attention despite their putatively high adaptability.To examine the adaptation potential of a widely distributed species, we sampled the model plant Silene vulgaris across Europe. In a greenhouse experiment, we exposed the offspring of these populations to a climate change scenario for central Europe and revealed the population structure through whole‐genome sequencing. Plants were grown under two temperatures (18°C and 21°C) and three precipitation regimes (65, 75, and 90 mm) to measure their response in biomass and fecundity‐related traits. To reveal the population genetic structure, ddRAD sequencing was employed for a whole‐genome approach. We found three major genetic clusters in S. vulgaris from Europe: one cluster comprising Southern European populations, one cluster of Western European populations, and another cluster containing central European populations. Population genetic diversity decreased with increasing latitude, and a Mantel test revealed significant correlations between F ST and geographic distances as well as between genetic and environmental distances. Our trait analysis showed that the genetic clusters significantly differed in biomass‐related traits and in the days to flowering. However, half of the traits showed parallel response patterns to the experimental climate change scenario. Due to the differentiated but parallel response patterns, we assume that phenotypic plasticity plays an important role for the adaptation of the widely distributed species S. vulgaris and its intraspecific genetic lineages.

Reproductive Potential of Stone Moroko (Pseudorasbora parva, Temminck et Schlegel, 1846) (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Gobionidae) Inhabiting Central Europe.

Simple SummaryStone moroko (topmouth gudgeon, Pseudorasbora parva) is a small fish that originates from the East Asia. The fish is an invasive species that extends its global distribution. The study aimed to assess the reproductive potential of the stone moroko in a new habitat in central Europe based on an analysis of the sexual cycle. A rapid sexual maturation and high-fecundity spawning in portions prolonged the four-month reproductive period, which enables a rapid increase in population size and density on a newly inhabited area. Furthermore, the smaller investment in gonad development in males allows them to retain vitality for nest protection and a longer reproductive season compared to the autochthonous cyprinid fish. The present study suggests that stone moroko population in Central Europe may exhibit a higher reproductive potential than native populations.Similar to other invasive species, stone moroko is extending its global distribution. The present study aimed to assess the reproductive potential of stone moroko fish in a new habitat in Poland based on analysing the sexual cycle and fecundity. Fish morphometric data, age, and gonadal structures were analysed. Fish age ranged from 0+ to 5+ years. Most females and males (93% and 60%, respectively) had reached sexual maturity in the first year of their life, with the smallest length of 25 mm and 28 mm, respectively. The mean, standard length of the body was 50 mm. The spawning season was spread over four months from late-April to mid-August. Females laid eggs in portions, and the absolute and relative fecundity was 1372 and 1691, respectively. Stone moroko males were ready to spawn for a longer time period than females. The present study shows greater reproductive potential of stone moroko population in the central Europe than the native population, suggesting its successful colonisation in the new habitat.

Where did the Central European populations of Ornatoraphidia flavilabris (Costa) come from? (Neuropterida, Raphidioptera, Raphidiidae)

Ornatoraphidia flavilabris (Costa, 1851) is one of 15 snakefly species occurring in southern parts of Central Europe. It is a polycentric Mediterranean faunal element with refugia in the Apennine Peninsula and the Balkan Peninsula. Two phylogeographic questions are dealt with in this paper: (1) Is it possible to differentiate, morphologically or genetically, the Balkanic populations from the Italian? (2) Did the species reach Central Europe from the Balkan or Apennine Peninsula? These questions were investigated using morphological and molecular biological methods. No morphological characters were uncovered which could serve to differentiate specimens from either distribution center. However, differences were detected in cox1, cox3 and 28S genes which allow for a reliable differentiation. Central European populations were largely identical with populations from Italy, but distinctly different from specimens from Greece. This could lead one to assume that the species migrated from Italy to Central Europe, although colonization from the southeast would appear easier due to more favorable orographic conditions. This discrepancy may be explained by the apparent absence of O. flavilabris from the large central part of the Balkan Peninsula, so that a gap exists between the southern and northern areas inhabited by O. flavilabris. Moreover, the species does not occur in eastern parts of Europe. Thus it would be more probable to assume that the occurrence of the species in the northwest Balkan Peninsula can be traced to migrations from the Apennine Peninsula to areas north and northeast of the Adriatic Sea, where O. flavilabris may have colonized the southeast of Central Europe. A migration of Adriatomediterranean faunal elements from the northwest Balkan Peninsula to Central Europe might be of more significance than previously assumed.

Dispersal from the Natal Colony of the Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Nesting in Poland

Natal dispersal is the movement from the natal site to the colony of the first reproduction, while breeding dispersal is the movement from one breeding colony to another within or between breeding seasons. These processes are major determinants of genetic structure and a key component of population dynamics. In this study we investigated whether age of recovered bird (immatures, adults) and/or period (three multi-year periods characterized by various climate change dynamics) of recovery from the breeding season affect distance and direction of dispersal from the natal colony in Grey Herons Ardea cinerea nesting in Central Europe, in Poland. We found that the distance of dispersal from the natal area for Grey Herons ranged from 0 to 392 km with mean ± SD 84.1 ± 99.1 km (N = 72). Independently of periods, individuals recovered as immatures had longer dispersal distance than those recovered as adults. Our study revealed that proportion of recoveries representing strong natal fidelity (within the distance of ≤ 38 km around the natal colony, N = 37, 51.4%) differed significantly between the studied periods with the highest proportion (71%) in 1981–2014 and lower proportions in periods 1932–1939 (35%) and 1940–1980 (27%). We also found that the distance of dispersal from the natal colony was affected significantly by the period, with the distance in 1980–2014 being significantly shorter compared to 1940–1980 and with a tendency to be shorter than in 1932–1939. Direction of dispersal from the natal colony was affected significantly neither by period nor age of recovered birds. On average Grey Herons dispersed with a marked SW directional component. Our results indicate that Central European population of Grey Herons have shortened average distance of dispersal from the natal colony since the 1930s. This observation is concordant with changes reported for other European waterbirds.