Polish Part Research Articles

Effects of NAO on the climatic water budget at the Polish southern Baltic coast

Abstract: Effects of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) on the Standardized Precipitation-Evaporation Index (SPEI), a metric of the climate-dependent water budget, in the Polish part of the southern Baltic coastal areas were analysed. The analyses were based on monthly NAO index values calculated by P.D. Jones, T. Jonsson, and D. Wheeler for 1951-2010 and on monthly temperatures and sums of precipitation in Szczecin, Ustka, and Elbląg used to calculate SPEI. No strong effects of NAO on the water budget could be demonstrated. Intensified air mass advection from the west was found to slightly reduce SPEI in the Polish coastal zone. In winter (particularly in February), the reduction was caused by the temperature increase during air mass advection from the west, which increases evaporation. In summer (mainly in August), the effect was due to the decreased sum of precipitation, the reduction, however, not being significant. Therefore, NAO effects on the water budget are considered weak and irregular.

An integrated paleomagnetic and magnetic anisotropy study of the Oligocene flysch from the Dukla nappe, Outer Western Carpathians, Poland

Abstract The Dukla Nappe belongs to the Outer Western Carpathians, which suffered considerable shortening due to the convergence and collision of the European and African plates. In this paper we present new paleomagnetic and magnetic anisotropy results from the Polish part of the Dukla Nappe, based on 102 individually oriented cores from nine geographically distributed localities. Susceptibility measurements and mineralogy investigations showed that paramagnetic minerals are important contributors to susceptibility anisotropy (AMS). The AMS fabrics are related to deposition/compression (foliation) and weak tectonic deformation (lineation). The AARM fabric, that of the ferrimagnetic minerals, seems to be a less sensitive indicator of tectonic deformation than the AMS fabric. The inclination-only test points to the pre-folding age of the remanent magnetizations. Seven localities exhibit CCW rotation, a single one shows CW rotation. The CCW rotated paleomagnetic directions form two groups, one showing large, the other moderate CCW rotation. Previously published paleomagentic directions from the Slovak part of the same nappe exhibit smeared distribution between them. The declination of the overall-mean paleomagnetic direction for the Dukla nappe is similar to those observed in the neighbouring Magura and Silesian nappes, but it is of poorer quality. The AMS lineations at several localities are deviating more to the west from the present north than that of the local tectonic strikes. A possible explanation for this is that the AMS lineations were imprinted first, probably still in the Oligocene, while the sediments were soft (ductile deformation) and the folding and tilting took place during the CCW rotation.

Białowieża Forest: what it used to be, what it is now and what we want it to be in the future

Abstract For many centuries, management of the Białowieża Forest has not focused on timber production. Therefore, despite hunting, grazing by domestic animals and sporadic cutting of valuable trees the forest has retained its natural character. After World War I, a small part of the Białowieża Forest was protected as a reserve that later became a national park, while the remainder was managed for timber. After World War II, the protection status of the Polish part of the Białowieża Forest was maintained with the national park at the center surrounded by managed stands. During the last few decades, the national park was enlarged and new reserves were established. However, the majority of the Białowieża Forest is still managed for timber. The forest management has been sustainable for decades and in the last few years logging has even been strongly reduced, to a level comparable with some national parks. In recent years the Białowieża Forest, like many areas in Central Europe, has been plagued by a high spruce mortality caused by bark beetles. In managed forests, cutting the infested spruces and removing them from the forest is a standard practice aimed at reducing the growth rate of the bark beetle population. This, however, raises the question of whether we expect the Białowieża Forest to remain a managed forest, in which case the fight against bark beetles would be justified, or whether we want it to be converted into a large national park? In the latter case, cutting trees to fight bark beetles would be inconsistent with the aim of conservation. Recent discussions concerning the Białowieża Forest have been dominated by two different ideologies for nature protection. The first approach aims at protecting nature to make it sustainable, beautiful and healthy. In the second approach, protecting nature is achieved by removing any direct human influence, even if the resulting natural environment does not meet our expectations.

OUTLINE OF METALLOGENY OF THE POLISH CARPATHIANS – ORE DEPOSIT MODELS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF DISCOVERY HIDDEN ORE DEPOSITS

There are numerous manifestations of ore mineralization in the Polish part of the Carpathians. In the past there were episodes of mining activity too. Iron ores were mined in Tatra Mountains and Outer Carpathians) as well as a small scale exploitation of polymetallic lodes was undertaken (Tatra, Pieniny). Currently there is a lack documented deposits of metallic ores in this area. Former deposits were of small size, in addition, often significantly exhausted and did not meet current quality requirements. The last exploration works for ore deposits were carried out in the twentieth century, especially in the period after World War II. However, but they have not led to discovery of new deposits. The increasing demand for metals and the development of technologies allowing the use of ore with low levels of metals and profitable exploitation of small “hidden” deposits gives rise to reconsider the possibility of occurrence of ore deposits in the Carpathians. This paper focuses on two major topics. The first one is a discussion and analysis of available source materials and data on the old deposits and identified occurrences of ore mineralization. An attempt their interpretation in relation to the contemporary models of deposits was made. The current models geotectonic construction of the Carpathians and their development, was taken into account. The second topic, based on the results presented analyzes and thoughts, focuses to select some areas, which are prospective for the occurrence of ore deposits, especially deposits located at greater depths than previously sought. In these areas (the Bystre thrust, the area from Krynica to Wysowa as well as the zone with andesite occurrences in the Pieniny Klippen Belt) it is recommended to perform exploration, both in terms of their deep geological conditions as well as some geochemical surveys, using modern research methods.

Effects of NAO on the climatic water budget at the Polish southern Baltic coast

Abstract Effects of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) on the Standardized Precipitation-Evaporation Index (SPEI), a metric of the climate-dependent water budget, in the Polish part of the southern Baltic coastal areas were analysed. The analyses were based on monthly NAO index values calculated by P.D. Jones, T. Jonsson, and D. Wheeler for 1951-2010 and on monthly temperatures and sums of precipitation in Szczecin, Ustka, and Elbląg used to calculate SPEI. No strong effects of NAO on the water budget could be demonstrated. Intensified air mass advection from the west was found to slightly reduce SPEI in the Polish coastal zone. In winter (particularly in February), the reduction was caused by the temperature increase during air mass advection from the west, which increases evaporation. In summer (mainly in August), the effect was due to the decreased sum of precipitation, the reduction, however, not being significant. Therefore, NAO effects on the water budget are considered weak and irregular.

Znaczenie potencjału przemysłowego polskiego Górnego Śląska w planach III Rzeszy w latach 1933–1945

<p>Artykuł ma na celu wskazanie, jakie znaczenie miał przemysł górniczo-hutniczy w polskiej części Górnego Śląska w polityce III Rzeszy przed wybuchem i w trakcie II wojny światowej. Podstawą jest określenie przyczyn, które spowodowały wzrost zainteresowania Górnym Śląskiem w drugiej połowie lat 30. XX w. (militaryzacja, pobudzenie gospodarki przez szereg inwestycji państwowych, a w efekcie wzrost zapotrzebowania na węgiel i stal oraz próba gospodarczego uniezależnienia się od innych państw – autarkia). Tekst został podzielony na trzy części, w których omówiono gospodarcze i polityczne skutki podziału Górnego Śląska po 1921 r., pozycję ekonomiczną Górnego Śląska w polityce III Rzeszy w latach 1933–1939 oraz podczas II wojny światowej. Podkreślono także rywalizację między „starymi”, funkcjonującymi przez co najmniej kilkadziesiąt lat, górnośląskimi koncernami i ich właścicielami a właścicielami dużych firm z branży stalowej czy górniczej, funkcjonującymi do tej pory w Zagłębiu Ruhry czy Saary. Przykładem takich koncernów, penetrujących górnośląski, ale również zagłębiowski przemysł, są IG Farbenindustrie A.G. czy koncerny Friedricha Flicka i Roberta Röchlinga. Niniejszy tekst został oparty na materiałach zgromadzonych w trakcie kwerendy archiwalnej w Archiwum Państwowym w Katowicach i jego oddziale w Gliwicach oraz uzupełniony o literaturę przedmiotu.</p>

Influence of management and biological factors on the parasitic invasions in the wild-spread of blood-sucking nematode Ashworthius sidemi in European bison (Bison bonasus).

The full course of new parasite introductions in wild animals is difficult to accurately trace. We documented and analysed the invasive blood-sucking nematode Ashworthius sidemi (Trichostrongylidae) introduction and spread in European bison (Bison bonasus) from the initial phase of its progression. In the Polish part of the Białowieża Primeval Forest (BPF) the parasite was first found in 2000. From 2002 to 2015, 165 culled bison were investigated. The prevalence and intensity of A. sidemi Schulz, 1933 infection increased over the following years, reaching 100% of investigated bison four years after introduction and a maximal median intensity of 8200 nematodes per animal in the winter of 2008/2009. Afterwards, a significant decline of median infection intensity was observed to the minimum value of 410 nematodes per animal. Between 2011 and 2014 prevalence varied from 89 to 100%. Among the factors analysed, the number of years since introduction, herd size, age and sex proved to significantly influence infection intensity. A higher infection intensity was recorded in sub-adults compared to juveniles and adults. Males had significantly lower infection intensity than females, but this was the case for adults only. The highest infection intensities were recorded in the biggest bison herds, where the winter supplementary feeding of bison is intense. Moreover, the longer the parasite was present in the host population, the more important herd size became as a factor. Our study indicates that it is not solely biological factors that determine the spread of a newly detected parasite in wildlife, but that management practices can also have a strong influence. This is especially important in endangered species under intensive human care as the management practices may pose a threat to the species.

Mnin restraining stepover – evidence of significant Cretaceous–Cenozoic dextral strike-slip faulting along the Teisseyre-Tornquist Zone?

Abstract A newly recognized Mnin restraining stepover is identified in the Permo-Mesozoic cover of the western part of the Late Palaeozoic Holy Cross Mountains Fold Belt (Poland), within a fault pattern consisting of dextral strike-slip faults. The formation of a large contractional structure at the Late Cretaceous – Cenozoic transition displays the significant role of strike-slip faulting along the western border of the Teisseyre-Tornquist Zone, in the foreland of the Polish part of the Carpathian Orogen. Theoretical relationships between the maximum fault offsets/ mean step length, as well as between the maximum fault offsets/mean step width allowed the estimation of the values of possible offsets along the Snochowice and Mieczyn faults forming the Mnin stepover. The estimated values suggest displacements of as much as several tens of kilometres. The observed offset along the Tokarnia Fault and theoretical calculations suggest that the strike-slip faults west of the Late Palaeozoic Holy Cross Mountains Fold Belt belong to a large strike-slip fault system. We postulate that the observed significant refraction of the faults forming the anastomosing fault pattern is related also to the interaction of the NW-SE-striking faults formed along the western border of the Teisseyre- Tornquist Zone and the reactivated WNW-ESE-striking faults belonging to the fault systems of the northern margin of the Tethys Ocean.

Zoogeographic and landscape-biotopic analysis of the Noctuoidea (Lepidoptera) of the Republic of Belarus

The chorological analysis of the Noctuoidea fauna of the Republic of Belarus is presented, and the faunistic lists for Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Pskov and Moscow Provinces, Poland, the Polish part of the Bialowieza Primeval Forest, and Ukrainian Polesye are compared. The Trans-Palaearctic, Western Palaearctic, and Euro-Siberian species dominate in all the compared regions, which are grouped into two clusters. The first cluster includes Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the northern part of Belarus, and Moscow Province; adjacent to it is Pskov Province whose fauna is still insufficiently studied. The second cluster unites the central and southern parts of Belarus as well as the Polish part of Bialowieza Forest and Ukrainian Polesye. The landscape and biotopic distribution of Noctuoidea in Belarus is also considered. Most of the species are forest and meadow inhabitants. The first group is formed by predominantly meso- and hygrophilous species that initially inhabited natural open habitats, and also by mesophilous and meso-xerophilous species which have occupied various open habitats of secondary origin. The majority of the second group are mesophilous species trophically associated with trees, shrubs, and forest herbaceous vegetation.

Prospects for Solar and Space Weather Research with Polish Part of the LOFAR Telescope

The LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR) is a new radio interferometer that consists of an array of stations. Each of them is a phase array of dipole antennas. LOFAR stations are distributed mostly in the Netherlands, but also throughout Europe. In the article we discuss the possibility of using this instrument for solar and space weather studies, as well as ionosphere investigations. We are expecting that in the near future the LOFAR telescope will bring some interesting observations and discoveries in these fields. It will also help to observe solar active events that have a direct influence on the near-Earth space weather.

Organic matter in upper Albian marine sediments in the High-Tatric units, central western Carpathians related to Oceanic Anoxic Event 1d—Geochemistry, microfacies and palynology

A multidisciplinary study of upper Albian hemipelagic sediments related to the Oceanic Anoxic Event 1d (OAE1d) from the High-Tatric units (central western Carpathians, Polish part of the Tatra Mountains) was undertaken to characterize organic matter (OM) and to investigate its origin. Microfacies and palynological records combined with mineralogical and geochemical data from these sediments show the occurrence of both marine and land-derived OM in the limestone and marl successions whose deposition corresponds to the Parathalmanninella apenninica Zone in the late Albian. Both types of OM were strongly degraded under the oxic conditions that prevailed during the entire time of their deposition. The sedimentation of marls with low contents of total organic carbon (<0.24%), dominated by land-derived OM, occurred during the final phase of OAE1d. It was probably related to a sudden change in the circulation pattern at the margins of the Tatric–Zliechov sedimentary basin connected with a sea-level rise. The coastal upwelling along the Tatric Ridge that prevailed during the early late Albian gradually weakened or disappeared and was replaced by a downwelling current flowing from the shallow parts of the basin that transported land-derived OM from nearshore coastal plains.

Carbonate phases rich in magnesium in the Triassic limestones of the eastern part of the Germanic Basin

This article presents the results of the studies of Triassic carbonate rock samples taken from the area of the Polish part of the Germanic Basin. The task of the study was the identification of carbonate phases with magnesium: a low-Mg calcite, a high-Mg calcite, a dolomite and a huntite in samples collected from the formations which build the profile of the Lower Muschelkalk in the Polish part of the Germanic Basin. The formations are named Gogolin Beds, Gorazdze Beds, Dziewkowice Beds and Karchowice Beds. The mineral phases were described on the basis of the results of the following researches: microscopic analysis, X-ray diffraction, FTIR spectrometry and microprobe measurements. Low-Mg calcite which dominates in the limestones can be demonstrated as follows: (Ca1.00–0.98,Mg0–0.02). In some samples, there is also a higher quantity of dolomite and lower amount of high-Mg calcite. The chemical formula of high-Mg calcite of Gogolin limestones can be demonstrated as Ca0.9Mg0.1CO3, whereas in high-Mg calcite of Gorazdze limestones the relation assumes the form of (Ca0.92–0.90,Mg0.08–0.10)CO3. The chemical formula of high-magnesium calcite of Dziewkowice limestones is (Ca0.77–0.60,Mg0.23–0.40)CO3 and that of Karchowice limestones is (Ca0.73–0.68,Mg0.27–0.32)CO3. Moreover, dolomite and huntite were identified in some samples. The content of Ca and Mg in dolomite is [Ca0.53–0.51,Mg0.47–0.49CO3] and in huntite [Ca0.48–0.40,Mg0.52–0.60CO3]. The results of researches extend the data connected with mineral phases which build Triassic carbonate rocks of the Germanic Basin. These sediments also occur in other countries of Europe, so that the data can be compared with information connected with the mineral composition of Triassic carbonate rocks situated in other places in the world.

Strontium and Barium in the Triassic Limestone of the Opole Silesia Deposits

Abstract This article presents the results of studies of strontium and barium content in Triassic (Muschelkalk) carbonate rock samples taken from the area of the Polish part of the Germanic Basin (the area of Opole Silesia). Sr and Ba were determined in the rocks of all formations of the Lower Muschelkalk - Gogolin Beds, Górażdże Beds, Dziewkowice (Terebratula) Beds and Karchowice Beds. Strontium and barium are chemical elements characteristic for aragonite carbonate phase. Aragonite is unstable calcium carbonate phase which is transformed such as high-Mg calcite into low magnesium calcite during diagenesis. So as Sr and Ba indicate the presence of aragonite in the primary carbonate material. Now these elements concentrate in low-Mg calcite crystal structure. The Triassic rocks of Lower Muschelkalk which are mined in different quarries of the Opole Silesia area are mainly built of low-Mg calcite with lower amounts of high-Mg calcite, protodolomite, ordered dolomite and huntite. There are smaller addition of non-carbonate minerals - quartz, chalcedony, muscovite, feldspars and iron minerals. The presence of Sr and Ba now bound in a structure of low-Mg calcite will indicate the occurrence of aragonite in the primary carbonate material. The Triassic rocks from the area of Opole Silesia were studied to determine the rocks enriched in Sr and Ba. Selected rock samples were examined using ICP AES spectrometry, XRF analysis and microprobe measurements. The results of studies show that strontium and barium occur in rocks of all Lower Muschelkalk formations. The lowest contents of these elements were determined in rocks of Gogolin Beds, higher - in rocks of other formations. The results of studies show that Sr and Ba concentrate in low-Mg calcite which dominates in Lower Muschelkalk rocks. Limestone built mainly of low-Mg calcite or “pure” calcite without substitution of other elements, especially Mg, Fe, Si and Al could be applied in lime industry or in other branches of industry, where pure quality raw material, without substitutions is needed.

The Upper Cretaceous Ostravice Sandstone in the Polish sector of the Silesian Nappe, Outer Western Carpathians

AbstractThe Ostravice Sandstone Member was identified and described as a lithostratigraphic unit in the Polish part of the Outer Carpathians. This division occurs in the lowermost part of the Godula Formation, is underlain by variegated deposits of the Mazák Formation or directly by the Barnasiówka and Lhoty formations, and overlain by the Czernichów Member of the Godula Formation. Domination by thick- and very thick-bedded sandstones, conglomeratic sandstones and conglomerates rich in calcareous clasts, mostly of the Štramberk-type limestones, is typical for the Ostravice Sandstone Member. These deposits are widespread between the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mountains in the Czech Republic and the Ciężkowice Foothills in Poland. The documentation of the Ostravice Sandstone Member occurrence as well as the petrological, sedimentological features, and inventory of the carbonate clasts are presented here.

Real -Time Generator of AIS/ARPA/GPS Data

Abstract The paper presents a real-time generator of AIS/ARPA/GPS position data in the standardized NMEA 0183 text format. Position data are produced by a set of various types of ships simulated on the Polish part of the Baltic Sea and are generated on defined IP/UDP addresses and RS-232 ports. In the simulation an extensive set of input parameters is taken into account including the number of particular types of ships, their dimensions, speed as well as parameters of AIS equipments, ARPA radars and GPS receivers. The paper describes the architecture and implementation of the generator. Additionally, it demonstrates the application of the developed generator to test the software developed for the Polish Border Guard.

Muskau Arch Geopark in Poland (Central Europe)\u2014Is it Possible to Integrate Geoconservation and Geoeducation into Biodiversity Conservation?

The Muskau Arch Geopark, situated on the Polish-German border, belongs to the UNESCO Global Geopark Network and is a model example that allows for the examination of the relationship between geo- and biodiversity as present in preservation, tourism, and management. In this area, there are 31 geotopes representing both natural geological processes as well as remnants of the cultural heritage associated with the region’s industrial history. The geodiversity of the area is well-documented, while data on its biodiversity are rudimentary. Attaining a supplement was the one of the aims of this study. In the Polish part of the geopark, besides objects of geological heritage, nine types of natural habitats were found, which contained 634 species of vascular plants; 220 fungi species; 76 lichens; 42 species of amphibians, reptiles and mammals; and 146 species of birds. Spatial analysis revealed that 54.2 % and 53.8 % of the recognized valuable plant and animal sites, respectively, are located less than 1 km from the nearest geotope and nearly 100 % of these sites are located within 5 km of one. In the area of the Muskau Arch Geopark, geodiversity and biodiversity values are of equal importance, yet they are separated at the landscape scale. The majority of valuable geoheritage geotopes are the result of previous anthropogenic activities. However, contemporary areas of high natural value are parts of previously existing ecosystems of a natural or semi-natural character, coming from the period before the mining of mineral deposits by humans. A more integrated approach to conservation would benefit both the biodiversity and geodiversity of the Muskau Arch Geopark, would be of interest to tourists, and would increase the scientific and educational attractiveness of the region.

Late Cenomanian environmental conditions at the submerged Tatric Ridge, Central Western Carpathians during the period preceding Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 – A palaeontological and isotopic approach

Micropalaeontological and isotopic studies of the upper Cenomanian turbiditic/hemipelagic sediments from the High-Tatric unit (Central Western Carpathians; Polish part of the Tatra Mountains) has been undertaken to characterize the sedimentary conditions in the Tatric basin, a part of the Western Tethys, related to the interval preceding the late Cenomanian oceanic anoxic event (OAE2). The deposition of these sediments, including organic-rich layers (TOC up to 0.7%), corresponds to the Rotalipora cushmani foraminiferal Zone. Microfacial, foraminiferal and palynological analyses show that the sea floor was located at upper bathyal depths and the water column was poorly oxygenated. The intrabasinal carbonate material indicates moderate primary productivity with rare periods of upwellings. The scarcity of marine fossils in redeposited material and features of carbonate lithoclasts suggest very low productivity in the nearshore surface water, most probably due to a low-density hyposaline cap as surface runoff from the southern margin of the basin. The carbon isotopic study documents the negative values of δ13Ccarb in the whole section as an effect of transfer of isotopically light carbon sourced from various sources. Such negative values of δ13Ccarb are characteristic of the upper Cenomanian sediments, deposited in relatively shallow water basins, characterized by input of terrestrial organic matter and/or carbonate particles known from the Western Interior sections, the Atlantic coastal plain, the northwestern African margin, the eastern margin of the Apulian Platform and shelf sediments in the NW Europe and Tethyan Himalayas. Most probably, all of these events could be related to the global sea level fluctuations that occurred ca. 95.5–94.5 Ma comparing with the Haq (2014) eustatic curve.

Prospects for Scrutiny of Pulsars with Polish Part of LOFAR

LOFAR (LOw Frequency ARray) is a new generation digitally controlled radio telescope consisting of phased array antenna stations with sensitivity, bandwidth, range of frequency, and digital processing power that makes it an excellent tool for observations of pulsars. This interferometric instrument is able to work in a single-station mode as well as in group-of-selected-stations mode. This article discusses the great opportunity for conducting unique and independent research of pulsar sources with the three LOFAR stations located in Poland and maintained by the POLFAR consortium.

How close to nature is close-to-nature pine silviculture?

Structural parameters of Scots pine stands (129-191 years) on their natural sites (270-600 m a.s.l.) are described on 6 permanent research plots (PRP; 3 in managed stands using near-natural silvicultural practices and 3 in stands without active forest management for 3 decades at least) in areas of western, central and eastern Bohemia and in the Polish part of the Krkonose Mts. In the framework of the study structural and growth parameters, horizontal and vertical structure and biodiversity were evaluated on the plots. A comparison of the plots, and of managed and unmanaged plots showed a rela - tively high variability in different parameters. Nevertheless, the results document that managed stands, compared to forest stands without management, mostly have significantly higher standing volumes (1.5 times in total and 1.7 times in pine), which is caused by more extreme sites. An opposite trend was found out in dead wood volume, which is distinctly higher in unmanaged stands. Differences in the other parameters are not so pronounced, probably because small-scale management is used and because a relatively short time since the stands were left to spontaneous development has elapsed (30-52 years).

New records of Parmelia ernstiae and P. serrana (Ascomycota, Parmeliaceae) in Poland

The paper reports new localities of lichens &lt;em&gt;Parmelia ernstiae&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;P. serrana&lt;/em&gt; in Poland. Both species are reported for the first time from the Polish part of the Sudety Mountains (southwestern part of the country). The new localities were found in the area of the Sowie Mountains (central part of the Sudety Mts) as well as Śnieżnik Massif and Bialskie Mountains (eastern part of the Sudety Mts). Most of the recorded specimens were associated with the bark of &lt;em&gt;Acer platanoides&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;A. pseudoplatanus&lt;/em&gt;. &lt;em&gt;Parmelia ernstiae&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;P. serrana&lt;/em&gt; are still poorly known species in Poland and often confused with similar taxon &lt;em&gt;P. saxatilis&lt;/em&gt;. Therefore the morphological characteristics, chemical properties, ecology and distribution of these species are presented and briefly discussed.