Recent Fauna Research Articles

Systematics and paleoecology of Miocene brachyuran crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Cancroidea, Portunidae) from the St. Marys Formation, Maryland, USA

AbstractA collection of decapod fossils from the Miocene St. Marys Formation, Little Cove Point Member (Maryland, USA), yielded six species belonging to three genera of brachyuran crabs, NecronectesA. Milne-Edwards, 1881, CallinectesStimpson, 1860, and CancerLinnaeus, 1758. Cancer included four species, Cancer irroratusSay, 1817; C. borealisStimpson, 1859; and two new species, C. nancei and C. zahrae. Necronectes is represented by N. drydeniRathbun, 1935. Callinectes was also represented by a single species, C. sapidusRathbun, 1896. Most of the fossils were small relative to normal adult size, suggesting that the environment served as a nursery to developing individuals. The paleoecology of Chesapeake Bay was similar to the present-day ecology based on study of recent faunas, lithology, and paleoecology. The paleoenvironment was a shallow embayment within the temperate climate zone.

Late Miocene (Messinian) Stylasteridae (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) from Carboneras, southeastern Spain

AbstractFifteen species of stylasterids from the late Miocene (Messinian) are reported from the Carboneras region of southeastern Spain. Eleven of these species are described as new: Lepidopora fistulosa, Pliobothrus striatus, Pliobothrus nielseni, Distichopora patula, Stylaster (Group A) digitiformis, Stylaster multicavus, Stylaster tuberosus, Conopora forticula, Conopora alloporoides, Crypthelia zibrowii, and Crypthelia ingens. The other four have been identified as species previously described from the Recent fauna. On the basis of bathymetric ranges of similar living stylasterids and other associated fauna, the paleodepth of this fauna is estimated to be from the upper bathyal zone (200–600 m). All fossil stylasterid records, worldwide, are reviewed, resulting in four new combinations and the transfer of one species to the Bryozoa. The species reported herein increase the known number of named fossil stylasterids from 24 to 32 species.UUID: http://zoobank.org/e9140758-847c-44cb-8223-302cc0a0a14d

Palaeontological description of Nizhneirginsky Grotto Upper Holocene sediments (Ufa Plateau, Fore-Urals) with taphonomic and palaeoenvironmental remarks based on bird and small-mammal assemblages

Mammal and bird bone remains from Upper Holocene sediments at the Nizhneirginsky Grotto were studied. Nizhneirginsky Grotto is located in the northern part of the Ufa Plateau in the Middle Fore-Urals. The sequence of deposits contains three layers which have been accumulating during the last 4150 years. Identified mammal elements include 9839 bone remains of 29 species belonging to five orders, i.e., Eulipotyphla (435), Chiroptera (1608), Lagomorpha (52), Rodentia (7688), and Carnivora (56). Recovered bird remains include 1946 bones of 38 species. Most identified species currently inhabit the Nizhneirginsky Grotto area. The analysis of alterations in the first lower molars of arvicoline rodent species caused by the digestion showed that eagle owl (Bubo bubo, Linnaeus, 1758) is the most possible agent responsible for the accumulation of small mammal assemblages in the grotto sediments. An unusually high number of birch mouse fossils was noted over the entire sediment section of the grotto (MNI on average by layers is 8.1–15.4%). This phenomenon, probably, has a taphonomic origin and is associated with the predation activity of mustelids. Palaeoenvironmental analysis of small mammal assemblages based on the habitat weighting method showed the predominance of open landscapes and woodlands around the grotto during the Late Holocene. This landscape did not change in the last 4150 years. The connection of the history of the yellow-necked mouse in the northeast of its modern range with the palaeogeographic events of the second half of the Holocene was established. The material from the sediments of the Nizhneirginsky Grotto shows that the species was common in the northern part of the Ufa Plateau, in the Irgina River valley, in the period of 4150-3100 cal BP, which coincides with the maximum distribution of broad-leaved trees in the Fore-Urals during the mid-Subboreal thermal maximum (SB-2; 4200-3200 BP). Pika's (Ochotona, perhaps O. pusilla, Pallas, 1769) sinister mandible was found among osteological material from the upper part of layer 2 which dates to 710 ± 20 cal BP (1240 ± 20 cal AD). This is the first find of the pika's remains of such late age in the Middle Urals and in adjacent territories. The species was common in the northern part of the Ufa Plateau during Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene. Steppe pika is now disjunct from the Nizhneirginsky Grotto by approximately 200–300 km to the south and to the south-west. O. pusilla probably inhabited the valley of the Irgina River as a relic of the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene faunas as early as 12th and 13th centuries AD.

Ground squirrels of the genus Spermophilus from the Pleistocene and Holocene localities of the Middle and South Urals and Trans-Urals region: the dental features

ABSTRACT The dental features of fossil Spermophilus from eleven Pleistocene and Holocene localities of the Middle and South Urals and Trans-Urals region are described. The comparison with the recent species S. major, S. fulvus and S. pygmaeus from the same region was carried out. The most important features of the recent and fossil S. pygmaeus are: small and medium sizes; metaloph of P4-M2 bear constrictions or interruptions, metaconule is well pronounced and rounded; anterostyle often is well developed in P4; high frequency of meso- and metastylid in m1-3. In M3 the anterior inner and posterior roots are close together and tend to merge with each other in their upper parts. Also, S. major was a part of the Late Pleistocene and Holocene faunas. The most important features of S. major are: medium and large sizes; a small number of P4-M2 with the occlusal cusps, among them the most significant is the presence of parastyle; in m1-2 mesostylid commonly occurs. The tendency to complication of the root part of M3 of S. superciliosus is revealed from Late Pleistocene to Holocene. The comparison with the fossil S. superciliosus from Eastern Europe was carried out. No significant differences between S. superciliosus and S. major were found.

When did Cuon reach Java? – Reinvestigation of canid fossils from Homo erectus faunas

The presence of the genus Cuon during the Pleistocene of Java is attested by the endemic species C. sangiranensis and C. crassidens, sometimes classified as C. alpinus, a species that is also part of the Holocene fauna and has persisted until today. The current study revises the fossil canid material from the Sangiran Dome, previously assigned variously to C. sangiranensis, C. crassidens, C. alpinus, C. javanicus, and C. trinilensis. It aims to reinvestigate the arrival of Cuon in Java, in particular in relation to the late early Pleistocene endemic canid of Java: the Cuon-sized Xenocyontrinilensis, which had evolved in situ on Java from the large X. merriami, and which could be a potential competitor to early Cuon in case of contemporaneity. We found that a mandible fragment from Pandejan (holotype of C. crassidens) shows a morphology typical for C. alpinus. However, a maxilla and a mandible from the Bapang Formation at Sangiran, including the holotype of C. sangiranensis, is here assigned to the early dhole species C. priscus. Our results indicate that Cuon was already present in Java during the early middle Pleistocene and probably arrived as part of the immigration events during the Kedung Brubus faunal stage. Since X. trinilensis and Cuon are both hypercarnivorous medium-sized dogs, similar ecological niches are expected for both species. Thus, X. trinilensis probably was outcompeted and replaced by C. priscus. In turn, the latter species was replaced by the extant species, C. alpinus, during the Nangdong faunal stage, likely as part of the next immigration phase, which then disappeared during the tropical rainforest fauna of the Punung faunal stage and re-entered at the onset of the Holocene.

<p><strong>First lepidopsocid from the mid Miocene Dominican amber (Psocodea: Trogiomorpha: Lepidopsocidae)</strong></p>

Lepidopsocids are well diversified in recent fauna, but fossil records remain very scarce. Echmepteryx (Loxopholia) dominicanus sp. nov. from Dominican amber is herein described and illustrated. This species is attributed to subfamily Lepidopsocinae Enderlein, 1903 and assigned to genus Echmepteryx Aaron, 1886. This new record is the second oldest lepidopsocid. It is also the first species in this family to be described from Dominican amber and the only fossil record of Lepidopsocinae.

Siwalik-age faunas from the Himalayan Foreland Basin of South Asia

The Himalayan foreland basin is characterised by three principal sedimentary successions. These are the Subathu Group (Palaeocene-Eocene), the Murree or Dharamsala Group (Oligocene-Miocene) and the Siwalik Group (Miocene-Pleistocene). The basin was linked in the east to the Bay of Bengal through the Bengal Basin and its western part was connected to the Arabian Sea through Rajasthan and Kachchh, Gujarat. The Himalayan foothills have long been known for yielding rich mammalian fossil occurrences and significant localities in the Indian Siwaliks include Kalagarh, Ramnagar, Haritalyangar, Chandigarh and Jammu regions. The Bugti Basin and Zinda Pir area of Sulaiman Range of Pakistan were also part of the foreland basin, as Lower and Middle Siwalik fossils are known from the Vihowa and Litra formations, respectively. The Marwat Formation of Bhittani and Marwat Ranges, Pakistan have also yielded Pinjor-age vertebrate fossils. The Middle and Upper Siwalik-age fossils are also known from the Irrawaddy Formation of Myanmar, where older Pegu beds have also yielded scanty Lower Siwalik-age fossils. This faunal succession in the Irrawaddy Valley may have geologically and biogeographically belonged to the Himalayan foreland basin in the past. Additional mammalian fossils having an affinity with the Lower and Middle Siwaliks are known from the Khari Nadi Formation of Kachchh. The Bokabil Formation of Tripura also yielded scanty Lower to Middle Siwalik fossils. A younger Siwalik late Miocene assemblage is known from Piram Island of Gujarat. These areas are also part of the foreland basin. Most recently, a late Miocene suid species was discovered and reported from near Baripada, Odisha. The paper discusses the respective faunal lists of the various successions mentioned above. Finally, the paper discusses the implications of the foreland faunas. The faunas of Lower and Middle Siwaliks of foreland basin have links with Europe, Turkey, Africa and Central Asia and throw light on the uplift of the Himalaya. The post-Siwalik faunas of central and Peninsular India and Indo-Gangetic Plains have also yielded remnant Siwalik taxa, including Stegodon insignis, Elephas hysudricus and Potamochoerus theobaldi. The Kurnool Cave Fauna and Recent Fauna of India have also generic resemblance with the foreland faunas.

Checklist of the freshwater snails (Mollusca: Gastropoda) of Mongolia

The paper is the first illustrated check-list of the freshwater Gastropoda of the state of Mongolia. The authors examined their own samplings made in 2009–2012 as well as collections of other explorers and zoological museums (mostly those of Russia). In total, 35 nominal species of four families (Valvatidae, Lymnaeidae, Physidae, and Planorbidae) have been included into annotated list, with remarks on their distribution, ecology, taxonomic status, and nomenclature. All species are illustrated by pictures of their shells (including some type specimens). The fauna of freshwater Gastropoda of Mongolia is taxonomically impoverished as compared to the fauna of southern Siberia and other adjacent areas. In particular, no representatives of such families as Acroloxidae and Bithyniidae were found to live there as well as no species of Anisus, Aplexa, Planorbarius, Planorbis, Stagnicola and some other genera of aquatic snails broadly distributed in Palearctic. From the zoogeographic point of view, the recent fauna of aquatic Gastropoda of Mongolia consists of species belonging to three diversification centers—northwestern Palearctic, Siberian, and Central-South Asian. The only species endemic to Mongolia is Choanomphalus mongolicus inhabiting the Hövsgöl Lake. A brief history of formation of the recent Mongolian fauna of freshwater snails is provided.

The fossil history of pseudoscorpions (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones)

Abstract. Pseudoscorpions, given their resemblance to scorpions, have attracted human attention since the time of Aristotle, although they are much smaller and lack the sting and elongated tail. These arachnids have a long evolutionary history but their origins and phylogenetic affinities are still being debated. Here, we summarise their fossil record based on a comprehensive review of the literature and data contained in other sources. Pseudoscorpions are one of the oldest colonisers of the land, with fossils known since the Middle Devonian (ca. 390 Ma). The only arachnid orders with an older fossil record are scorpions, harvestmen and acariform mites, plus two extinct groups. Pseudoscorpions do not fossilise easily, and records from the Mesozoic and Cenozoic consist almost exclusively of amber inclusions. Most Mesozoic fossils come from Archingeay and Burmese ambers (Late Cretaceous) and those from the Cenozoic are primarily from Eocene Baltic amber, although additional fossils from, for example, Miocene Dominican and Mexican ambers, are known. Overall, 16 of the 26 families of living pseudoscorpions have been documented from fossils and 49 currently valid species are recognised in the literature. Pseudoscorpions represent a case of morphological stasis and even the Devonian fossils look rather modern. Indeed, most amber fossils are comparable to Recent groups despite a major gap in the fossil record of almost 250 Myr. Baltic amber inclusions indicate palaeofauna inhabiting much warmer climates than today and point to climatic shifts in central Europe since the Eocene. They also indicate that some groups (e.g. Feaellidae and Pseudogarypidae) had much wider Eocene distributions. Their present-day occurrence is relictual and highlights past extinction events. Faunas from younger tropical amber deposits (e.g. Dominican and Mexican amber) are comparable to Recent ones. Generally, there is a strong bias in the amber record towards groups that live under tree bark, whereas those from litter habitats are underrepresented. We also discuss challenges in interpreting fossils: their cryptic morphology warranting novel techniques of morphological reconstruction, the massive gap in the fossil record between the Palaeozoic and Mesozoic, and problems with the classification of (historically) old amber material. Finally, we discuss aspects of the palaeoecology and biology of the fossils compared with the Recent fauna, such as phoresy.

First record of a Late Holocene fauna associated with an ephemeral fluvial sequence in La Pampa Province, Argentina. Taphonomy and paleoenvironment

The first Late Holocene mammal assemblage (mainly micromammals) of La Pampa Province was found in Quehué paleontological site, associated with an ephemeral fluvial sequence. Taphonomical features of the collected materials were evaluated in order to increase the knowledge of the ancient vertebrate communities of this area and to interpret the origin of the assemblages. Field data and taphonomic analysis of the specimens, suggested the recognition of three assemblages with different taphonomic histories: 1) large to medium sized mammals; 2) micromammals found inside burrows or associated with them; and 3) discrete accumulations of micromammals and other microvertebrates (amphibians, reptiles and birds). Additionally, the paleoenvironmental analysis based mainly on the record of small mammals reflected the predominance of semi-arid conditions associated with a mosaic of open shrub steppe, grasslands and xerophytic forests of Espinal, similar to the present one in the Quehué valley area. However, the presence of Lestodelphys halli in the Quehué site during the Late Holocene (∼1.2 ky BP), suggests a more heterogeneous environment and perhaps relative colder and drier than current times, which are featured by more mesic conditions and anthropic activities, mainly agriculture and livestock during the last centuries.

A new species of the genusCoccidohystrix(Homoptera: Coccinea: Pseudococcidae) from Madagascar

Coccidohystrix primigenia n. sp. is described and illustrated. The new species is considered as a most primitive member of the genus in the recent fauna. An identification key for all 17 nominal species of the genus is provided. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:BC2F3B54-AB5F-49E3-9998-E34A8E09D034

Diverse Orthorrhaphan Flies (Insecta: Diptera: Brachycera) in Amber From the Cretaceous of Myanmar: Brachycera in Cretaceous Amber, Part VII

A remarkable diversity of new nonempidoid orthorrhaphan flies from the mid-Cretaceous of Myanmar (Late Albian–Early Cenomanian, ca. 99 Ma) is presented, including 28 species (all but one new) in 22 genera (13 new), and at least 12 families. Two families are new; three genera are unplaced in Tabanomorpha and one unplaced within Brachycera. Comparisons are presented between the amber taxa and extensive lithified taxa from the Jurassic and Cretaceous of eastern Laurasia.In Stratiomyomorpha: A new species of Zhangsolvidae has color patterns and body shape that apparently mimic Vespidae or other stinging aculeate wasps. Diverse new Xylomyidae and Stratiomyidae are described, the latter with male terminalia preserved in detail. In Tabanomorpha: The genus Athericites Mostovski et al. is synonymized with Palaepangonius Ren, and a new species of Galloatherix Nel is described in which the female proboscis is much longer than that of the male. All three genera were attributed to Athericidae, but the amber species reveal they are more basal tabanomorphs. Described are a new genus of stem-group Tabanoidea and a new species of Cratotabanus Martins-Neto and Kucero-Santos (Tabanidae), previously known from the Cretaceous of Brazil and New Jersey. In Nemestrinoidea: Three species of Hirmoneura Meigen are the first Nemestrinidae known from amber; one species has long cerci typical of Recent species of the genus. A new species of the Mesozoic family Rhagionemestriidae reveals this family is closely related to Acroceridae, not Xylophagidae as previously proposed. In Archisargoidea: A new species of Tethepomyiidae is described, the family known only in Cretaceous amber from New Jersey, Spain, and Myanmar. In Asiloidea: Three new species and genera of Bombyliidae are described, two of them with abdominal setal “baskets” distinctive to females of higher bombyliids. A fourth new asiloid genus is a probable stem-group bombyliid. The recently described Pseudorhagio Zhang et al., is transferred from Tabanomorpha to Bombyliidae. The male of a new species of Burmapsilocephala Gaimari and Mostovski (Apsilocephalidae) has terminalia very similar to that of Evocoa (Evocoidae: Recent, Chile), corroborating close relationship of the two families. In Families incertae sedis: A new species of Hilarimorphites Grimaldi and Cumming (Apystomyiidae) is described, the family known only in New Jersey and Burmese amber and the Recent fauna of California, and a sister group to either Cyclorrhapha or Eremoneura. Mysteromyiidae and Eucaudomyiidae, new families, are described, based on highly modified species with vestigial mouthparts, reduced venation, and unique specializations.Discussion is presented on some morphological features in fossil and Recent Brachycera that have apparent phylogenetic significance but are rarely discussed. This study adds further data to the phenotypic diversity, geological history, and biogeography of a major radiation.

Caddisflies from Cenozoic resins of Europe

Analysis of the available data on the findings and taxonomical structure of caddisflies (Insecta, Trichoptera) in the Cenozoic fossil resins of Europe shows that there are four European amber regions (Baltic, Rovno, Saxonian, and Danish) are characterized by a relatively abundant trichopteran fauna, comprising 27 families, 72 genera, and 256 species. These faunas show the dominance of Psychomyioidea (families Polycentropodidae, Psychomyiidae, and Ecnomidae) with Polycentropodidae comprising up to 75% of all records. The amber faunas are second in the dominance of Polycentropodidae only to the terminal Eocene of Florissant (84% of Polycentropodidae). No modern caddisfly species have been found. The amber regions are significantly different in the species composition of Trichoptera although the generic and family structures are similar. Comparison with the modern faunas of Europe shows the absence of advanced Limnephilidae, which are characteristic of the Holocene faunas of Europe, and the rarity of recently abundant Hydropsychidae and Hydroptilidae. The overall composition of amber Trichoptera suggests that it is structurally related to the faunas of Caucasus and Southeastern Asia and might be evidence of seasonally low-contrast (equable) climate in the Late Eocene of Europe.

Stoneflies (Plecoptera) of the Javorníky Mts (Czech Republic)

Abstract The investigation of three streams in the Moravian part of the Javorníky Mts in 2003 and 2006–2009 brings the first records of Plecoptera in these mountains. A total of 28 species and were found (30 % of the recent fauna of the Czech Republic), among which species of the upper parts of streams predominate. This result corresponds to the nature of the habitat on which researches have been carried out. One endangered species (Leuctra cf. major), two vulnerable species (Dinocras cephalotes, Perla marginata) and one near threatened species (Leuctra quadrimaculata) were recorded. Comparing the recorded species to those of the neighbouring mountains, it can be assumed that the fauna of stoneflies of the Javorníky Mts may contain more than 40 species and can form a continuous transition between the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts and the Bílé Karpaty Mts (including the Vizovická vrchovina Highlands).

Diversidade de pequenos mamíferos (Didelphimorphia e Rodentia) do Holoceno do Nordeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil: implicações taxonômicas e paleoambientais

Despite the increase in knowledge about small mammals from the Holocene of Rio Grande do Sul State and their importance as paleoenvironmental indicators, most assemblages from archaeological sites remains without a detailed analysis. This paper studies the rich small mammals content recovered from the archaeological site RS-C-61: Adelar Pilger, Harmonia, which shows evidence of continuous human occupation throughout the Holocene, from about 8,000 years BP to 3,000 years BP. The assemblage of this site is composed of 25 taxa, including fi ve didelphid marsupials, 15 cricetid and fi ve caviomorph rodents. Most marsupials are also registered in two other sites, Afonso Garivaldino Rodrigues and Sangao. Among Cricetidae, Gyldenstolpia, Kunsia and Oxymycterus are fi rst recorded for Quaternary of Rio Grande do Sul State. On the other hand, the caviomorph assemblage of Pilger site is less diverse than those of the Afonso Garivaldino Rodrigues and Sangao sites. Pilger site includes both small mammals of open (e.g. Thylamys, Calomys, Cavia) and forest (Delomys, Sooretamys and Phyllomys) environments, also supported by palynological data. Three caviomorph (Euryzygomatomys mordax, Dicolpomys fossor and Clyomys riograndensis) are extinct and, compared to the recent fauna of seasonal forest of Rio Grande do Sul, three other taxa (Gyldenstolpia sp., Kunsia tomentosus and Pseudoryzomys simplex) suff ered regional extinctions.

ON THE PALEOFAUNA INVERTEBRATES (MOLLUSCA, ARTROPODA; INSECTA) OF DIATOMITE DEPOSITS OF SHAMB–1 LOCALITY (SISIAN SUITE, EARLY PLEISTOCENE, ARMENIA)

Aim. The study of fossil insects from diatomaceous sediments of Shamb-1 locality of Sisian Suite (Early Pleistocene). The collection of fossils plants and animals of Institute of Botany of NAS RA and authors' findings served as material for study. Methods. The material is processed and prepared for study by conventional methods in paleontology for prints and fossils of insects from diatomaceous sediments. There are 654 samples studied: 2 samples were with mollusks’ imprints and 652 samples with imprints of insects, from which preserved marks on 291samples allowed to identify them up to order, family, genus and species. Results. The studied material refers to the Mollusca and Arthropoda (Insecta) types. Insects are represented by species of orders Orthoptera (2 fam.), Homoptera (1 fam.), Heteroptera (2 fam.), Coleoptera (15 fam.), Hymenoptera (2 fam.), Diptera (1 fam.). Coleopteras dominate among them and are presented with following species of the family – Carabidae, Dytiscidae, Hydrophilidae, Histeridae, Staphylinidae, Silphidae, Elateridae, Buprestidae, Lampyridae, Scarabaeidae, Chrysomelidae, Tenebrionidae, Coccinellidae, Cerambycidae, Curculionidae. Main conclusions. An analysis of the taxonomic composition of paleofauna was done, which corresponds to the recent fauna and with considering modern ecological characteristics of systematical groups and species. In the investigated location of Shamb-1 a version is suggested about the palaeolandscapes and palaeoclimate in the Early Pleistocene.

A new genus of alderflies (Megaloptera: Sialidae) in Upper Cretaceous Burmese amber

A new genus and species of Mesozoic alderfly is described as Haplosialodes liui gen. et sp. nov., and from an adult male preserved in Cretaceous Burmese amber. The new genus is closely related to the genera Haplosialis Navás (Recent fauna of Madagascar), Indosialis Lestage (Recent fauna of Southeast Asia), and Eosialis Nel et al. (Eocene of France), suggesting a possible Early Cretaceous age for the clade that comprises these groups.

МОНГОЛЫН ЗАГАСНЫ АЙМГИЙН ЗАРИМ ТӨРӨЛ ЗҮЙЛИЙГ МОЛЕКУЛ-ФИЛОГЕНЕТИКИЙН АРГААР СУДАЛСАН ДҮНГЭЭС

The Joint Mongolian-Russian Complex Biological Expedition is the biggest biological expedition in iterms of Water ecosystems of Mongolia. Over 40 years, large - scale integrated research has been analysis of natural and antropogenic processes and basic principles of rational exploitation. The aim is to fulfill complex hydrobiological, ichthyological and hydrological estimation of water resources state and propose measures for their protectionInterrelation of global and local geo-climatic changes in territory of Mongolia in Cenozoic Era with evolution of endemic fishes of genera Oreoleuciscus is analysed. It is shown , that all basic stages of geo-climatic transformation directly defined occurrence, formation of species, morpho-ecological specialization and formation of geographic areas of species and their population organization.Evolutionary and population characteristics of the Altai osmans are given on the basis of genetically analysis of locuses mtDNA and the nuclear locuses coding isoenzymes.According to recent findings and investigations fauna of Lampreys and fishes of Mongolia consist of about 75 species of 14 families and 2 orders. 11 new species of fish, including one new invader bream (Abramis brama) were noted in the country waters last 15 years. According to new results two species of the Altai osmans (Oreoleuciscus angusticephalus, O.dsapchynensis) and one species of graylings (Thymallus arcticus) are excluded from the list of fish fauna of Mongolia. Recently Almai osmans were found not only in the waters of the Central-Asian closed basin, but also in rivers and small lakes of the Selenga River basin (Dgebuadze, Dulmaa, Munkhbayar 2003; Dulmaa A.,Munkhbayar Kh.Nakagawa M.,2004).Esseantial climate change and increasing of human impact transformed Mongolian fish population during last 40 years. As a result bias on ratio of ecological guilds, pathology number increasing, local diversity declining, and changes in species distribution, rate of growth and fecundity of many species of fish are observed. One of the main factors, influencing on fish populations, is gold mining in the rivers Arctic Ocean basin. In new conditions more attention demand both commercially important species as taimen, lenok, Baikal and Amur graylings, Amur carp, goldfish, Amur catfish, Amur and northern pikes, minnows, burbot, dace, and endangered and endemic species as Altai osman, Mongolian upper Enisey and Kosogol graylings, stone loaches and sculpin.Anthropogenic load on the water bodies of the Central-Asian closed basin is connected, first of all, with the constraction of hydraulic structures (dams in the basin of the Kobdo and Dzavkhan rivers), increase of pullution, and intensification of fishery. Evaluation of modern condition of water ecosystems and fish population parateters of this basin remains the main purpose of research for the years immediately ahead.

ÜBER EIN HOLOZÄNES KORALLEN- UND MANGROVENVORKOMMEN NAHE SANTA MARTA, KOLUMBIEN

In November 1969 high swell from a hurricane in the northwestern Caribbean Sea caused temporary beach erosion at the "Punta La Loma", a sandy spit situated in front of the airport of Santa Marta. The erosion revealed the substrate of the spit which is formed of granodiorite incrusted by reef corals and covered with cemented sand, in which numerous remains of lithiied roots have been found. All the corals belong to species presently known from the Recent fauna of the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Based on their internal structure the lithiied roots have been attributed to mangroves. The fossil deposits are situated up to 1 m above low tide level. Their age has been estimated as Holocene. This is supported by the obvious lack of recrystallization of the corals. The considerable uplift of the Sierra Nevada that occurred during Pleistocene time, too suggests a very young i. e. Holocene age of the fossils

Sub-fossil weevils (Coleoptera, Curculionoidea) from the central part of West Siberia provide evidence of range expansion during the last glaciations

Nine localities with the similar-age deposits (31,800–21,815 BP, Late Pleistocene) containing weevils have been known from West Siberia. Our examination of this material identifies 2011 sub-fossil fragments representing seven species of Brenthidae and 38 species of Curculionidae. The most speciose genus is Otiorhynchus which includes seven species, while the remaining 29 genera are represented by 1–2 species each. The most abundant species are Otiorhynchus karkaralensis, Tournotaris bimaculata, Hemitrichapion tschernovi, Otiorhynchus politus and Stephanocleonus eruditus. Sub-fossil assemblages of weevils from southern sites (57–58° N) markedly differ from the northern (60°30′–61°30′ N) and from known similar-age deposits of Northern Eurasia. This is exemplified by Otiorhynchus spp., especially Otiorhynchus karkaralensis in the southern deposits of West Siberia. Weevils in sub-fossil assemblages of West Siberia differ from the recent fauna. 30 species with sub-fossil representatives are known from the region currently, while sub-fossil 15 species are currently absent from this region. The sub-fossil weevils that were widely distributed during the last glacial currently occur in refugia in the north of Siberia and in mountains of the south Siberia and central Kazakhstan.