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Salmonellosis infection is caused by bacteria of the genus Salmonella. There are many pathways for the pathogenic bacteria to spread which is through contaminated food, water, and contact with animals. The research was conducted to detect Salmonella spp. carriage in free-living aquatic turtles and zoo turtles. Turtles are frequent inhabitants of zoos and the owners of a large number of bacteria in their outer skin and shell surfaces that under adverse conditions can multiply and lead to the development of infection. However, they are known to be a frequent source of Salmonella infection without showing signs of disease. The risk of human infection exists if personal hygiene is not followed after contact with a turtle. Identification of bacteria of the genus Salmonella, the main causative agent of the disease was determined by the standard method on chromogenic Salmonella LAB-Agarᵀᴹ (BIOMAXIMA, Poland) agar. The inoculation was incubated under aerobic conditions at 37 ± 1°C for 72 h. Serotype (D serotype) was determined by serotyping in 11 from 16 (68.75%) Zoo inhabitants but not found in 25 free-living turtles. Our present research is of theoretical and practical value for the study of free-living turtles as well as from the collections of zoos under protection in Latvia and Europe. It is necessary to remember the possibility of infection with pathogenic bacteria.

Salmonellosis infection is caused by bacteria of the genus Salmonella. There are many pathways for the pathogenic bacteria to spread which is through contaminated food, water, and contact with animals. The research was conducted to detect Salmonella spp. carriage in free-living aquatic turtles and zoo turtles. Turtles are frequent inhabitants of zoos and the owners of a large number of bacteria in their outer skin and shell surfaces that under adverse conditions can multiply and lead to the development of infection. However, they are known to be a frequent source of Salmonella infection without showing signs of disease. The risk of human infection exists if personal hygiene is not followed after contact with a turtle. Identification of bacteria of the genus Salmonella, the main causative agent of the disease was determined by the standard method on chromogenic Salmonella LAB-Agarᵀᴹ (BIOMAXIMA, Poland) agar. The inoculation was incubated under aerobic conditions at 37 ± 1°C for 72 h. Serotype (D serotype) was determined by serotyping in 11 from 16 (68.75%) Zoo inhabitants but not found in 25 free-living turtles. Our present research is of theoretical and practical value for the study of free-living turtles as well as from the collections of zoos under protection in Latvia and Europe. It is necessary to remember the possibility of infection with pathogenic bacteria.

Creation and expansion of the Emerald Network (EN) objects is one of the most promising directions of the nature conservation development in Ukraine according to European standards. The aim of EN objects designing is to assess the state of conservation of habitats and flora/fauna species’ populations on a pan-European level. It is assumed that the EN should cover at least 60% of the populations of species and the area of habitats mentioned in Resolutions (4 and 6) of the Berne Convention (1979). Later on, the EN will be integrated into Natura 2000 system. The other countries’ experience is of great importance in creating such territories. Since 2004 Latvia have joined this network and included 333 sites (12% of its territory). In Ukraine, such network is only being developed. Four Ukrainian biogeographical regions are inhabited by 6 amphibian and 5 reptile species for which according to Emerald Biogeographical Seminar ALP (Carpathians) - CON - PAN, 11-13 May 2016, Chisinau, Moldova, the EN in not sufficient, being indicated as IN MOD (moderately developed) in 90% of cases. A total of 63 suggestions of new EN (1628256,4 ha) objects aiming on herpetofauna conservation among others were designed during 2018-2019 and now are waiting to become candidate sites and later on – a part of Ukrainian EN. Most of these sites represent valuable territories of wild nature in the rivers’ floodplains. For Latvia and Ukraine conservation of marginal populations of the following species is important: crested newt Triturus cristatus (Laurenti, 1768), fire-bellied toad Bombina bombina (Linnaeus, 1761), pond turtle Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758). In the work the importance and the ways in which the EN can act for the above mentioned species’ conservation are highlighted, taking into account experience of European Union, future trends in the influence of anthropogenic factors, invasive species and climate change.

Habitat modification affects amphibians indirectly by reducing energy reserves and energy allocated to growth and reproduction, and by affecting population dynamics and viability. Marginal populations of amphibians in Latvia and Ukraine are particularly vulnerable. On the other hand, several studies have shown a positive relationship between human density and biodiversity, indicating that species-rich areas and human enterprises quite often co-occur. Therefore, both positive and negative correlations between human population and species richness may be expected. For a better understanding of what constitutes suitable habitat we used a habitat modeling approach, where modeling can be used for revealing species ecological requirements and relationships between the distribution of species and predictive variables, as well as the importance of each variable in model building. Here we employed maximum entropy (MaxEnt) niche modeling, as a tool to assess potential habitat suitability (HS) for amphibians in Europe, making special emphasis on anthropogenic impact. We used 2474 georeferenced point data (783 - B. bombina occurrence, and to compare results 1691 - L. vulgaris), including results of our field investigations in Latvia and Ukraine. The predictor variables used for modelling the toad species HS suitability were of climate derived from the WorldClim database (19 bioclimatic variables). Human impact was assessed by the Human Footprint (HF), produced through an overlay of a number of global data layers that represent the location of various factors presumed to exert an influence on ecosystems: human population distribution, urban areas, roads, navigable rivers, and various agricultural land uses. Using the Spearman rank correlation, a low, however statistically significant positive correlation (p<0.05), was found between the predicted HS and the HF.

Creation and expansion of the Emerald Network (EN) objects is one of the most promising directions of the nature conservation development in Ukraine according to European standards. The aim of EN objects designing is to assess the state of conservation of habitats and flora/fauna species’ populations on a pan-European level. It is assumed that the EN should cover at least 60% of the populations of species and the area of habitats mentioned in Resolutions (4 and 6) of the Berne Convention (1979). Later on, the EN will be integrated into Natura 2000 system. The other countries’ experience is of great importance in creating such territories. Since 2004 Latvia have joined this network and included 333 sites (12% of its territory). In Ukraine, such network is only being developed. Four Ukrainian biogeographical regions are inhabited by 6 amphibian and 5 reptile species for which according to Emerald Biogeographical Seminar ALP (Carpathians) - CON - PAN, 11-13 May 2016, Chisinau, Moldova, the EN in not sufficient, being indicated as IN MOD (moderately developed) in 90% of cases. A total of 63 suggestions of new EN (1628256,4 ha) objects aiming on herpetofauna conservation among others were designed during 2018-2019 and now are waiting to become candidate sites and later on – a part of Ukrainian EN. Most of these sites represent valuable territories of wild nature in the rivers’ floodplains. For Latvia and Ukraine conservation of marginal populations of the following species is important: crested newt Triturus cristatus (Laurenti, 1768), fire-bellied toad Bombina bombina (Linnaeus, 1761), pond turtle Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758). In the work the importance and the ways in which the EN can act for the above mentioned species’ conservation are highlighted, taking into account experience of European Union, future trends in the influence of anthropogenic factors, invasive species and climate change.

Habitat modification affects amphibians indirectly by reducing energy reserves and energy allocated to growth and reproduction, and by affecting population dynamics and viability. Marginal populations of amphibians in Latvia and Ukraine are particularly vulnerable. On the other hand, several studies have shown a positive relationship between human density and biodiversity, indicating that species-rich areas and human enterprises quite often co-occur. Therefore, both positive and negative correlations between human population and species richness may be expected. For a better understanding of what constitutes suitable habitat we used a habitat modeling approach, where modeling can be used for revealing species ecological requirements and relationships between the distribution of species and predictive variables, as well as the importance of each variable in model building. Here we employed maximum entropy (MaxEnt) niche modeling, as a tool to assess potential habitat suitability (HS) for amphibians in Europe, making special emphasis on anthropogenic impact. We used 2474 georeferenced point data (783 - B. bombina occurrence, and to compare results 1691 - L. vulgaris), including results of our field investigations in Latvia and Ukraine. The predictor variables used for modelling the toad species HS suitability were of climate derived from the WorldClim database (19 bioclimatic variables). Human impact was assessed by the Human Footprint (HF), produced through an overlay of a number of global data layers that represent the location of various factors presumed to exert an influence on ecosystems: human population distribution, urban areas, roads, navigable rivers, and various agricultural land uses. Using the Spearman rank correlation, a low, however statistically significant positive correlation (p<0.05), was found between the predicted HS and the HF.

Creation and expansion of the Emerald Network (EN) objects is one of the most promising directions of the nature conservation development in Ukraine according to European standards. The aim of EN objects designing is to assess the state of conservation of habitats and flora/fauna species’ populations on a pan-European level. It is assumed that the EN should cover at least 60% of the populations of species and the area of habitats mentioned in Resolutions (4 and 6) of the Berne Convention (1979). Later on, the EN will be integrated into Natura 2000 system. The other countries’ experience is of great importance in creating such territories. Since 2004 Latvia have joined this network and included 333 sites (12% of its territory). In Ukraine, such network is only being developed. Four Ukrainian biogeographical regions are inhabited by 6 amphibian and 5 reptile species for which according to Emerald Biogeographical Seminar ALP (Carpathians) - CON - PAN, 11-13 May 2016, Chisinau, Moldova, the EN in not sufficient, being indicated as IN MOD (moderately developed) in 90% of cases. A total of 63 suggestions of new EN (1628256,4 ha) objects aiming on herpetofauna conservation among others were designed during 2018-2019 and now are waiting to become candidate sites and later on – a part of Ukrainian EN. Most of these sites represent valuable territories of wild nature in the rivers’ floodplains. For Latvia and Ukraine conservation of marginal populations of the following species is important: crested newt Triturus cristatus (Laurenti, 1768), fire-bellied toad Bombina bombina (Linnaeus, 1761), pond turtle Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758). In the work the importance and the ways in which the EN can act for the above mentioned species’ conservation are highlighted, taking into account experience of European Union, future trends in the influence of anthropogenic factors, invasive species and climate change.

The aim of the research was to investigate the presence of allochthonous species of turtles in the nature of Latvia, as well as to withdraw them from the nature according to the "Plan on protection of Emys orbicularis in Latvia", officially approved by the Latvian Ministry of Environment (Pupiņš & Pupiņa 2007a). The methods of the research were: 1) information campaign and survey; 2) interviews with inhabitants; 3) field expeditions; 4) laboratory study of viability of found turtles. In course of research, five new allochthonous species and subspecies of the turtles were recorded for the first time, and new data were obtained about finding Trachemys scripta elegans in the nature of Latvia. Most of the registered animals (80%) were removed from the nature. Since allochthonous turtles get there in the result of escape from pet-lovers and, apparently, illegal introduction into nature by their owners, education of population is of great importance., El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la presencia de especies alóctonas de tortugas en la naturaleza en Letonia, así como retirarlas de la naturaleza, según el "Plan de protección de Emys orbicularis en Letonia", declarada oficialmente por el Ministerio de Medio Ambiente de Letonia (Pupiņš y Pupina 2007a). Los métodos de investigación fueron: 1) campaña de información y estudio; 2) entrevistas con los habitantes; 3) expediciones de campo, y 4) un estudio de laboratorio sobre la viabilidad de las tortugas encontradas. En el curso de la investigación fueron registradas por primera vez cinco nuevas especies alóctonas y subespecies de las tortugas; los nuevos datos se obtuvieron en la búsqueda de Trachemys scripta elegans en la naturaleza. La mayoría de los animales registrados (80%) fueron retirados de la naturaleza. La educación de la población se considera de gran importancia ya que las tortugas alóctonas llegan como resultado de la fuga de los amantes de las mascotas y por su introducción ilegal en la naturaleza.

The aim of the research was to investigate the presence of allochthonous species of turtles in the nature of Latvia, as well as to withdraw them from the nature according to the "Plan on protection of Emys orbicularis in Latvia", officially approved by the Latvian Ministry of Environment (Pupiņš & Pupiņa 2007a). The methods of the research were: 1) information campaign and survey; 2) interviews with inhabitants; 3) field expeditions; 4) laboratory study of viability of found turtles. In course of research, five new allochthonous species and subspecies of the turtles were recorded for the first time, and new data were obtained about finding Trachemys scripta elegans in the nature of Latvia. Most of the registered animals (80%) were removed from the nature. Since allochthonous turtles get there in the result of escape from pet-lovers and, apparently, illegal introduction into nature by their owners, education of population is of great importance., El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la presencia de especies alóctonas de tortugas en la naturaleza en Letonia, así como retirarlas de la naturaleza, según el "Plan de protección de Emys orbicularis en Letonia", declarada oficialmente por el Ministerio de Medio Ambiente de Letonia (Pupiņš y Pupina 2007a). Los métodos de investigación fueron: 1) campaña de información y estudio; 2) entrevistas con los habitantes; 3) expediciones de campo, y 4) un estudio de laboratorio sobre la viabilidad de las tortugas encontradas. En el curso de la investigación fueron registradas por primera vez cinco nuevas especies alóctonas y subespecies de las tortugas; los nuevos datos se obtuvieron en la búsqueda de Trachemys scripta elegans en la naturaleza. La mayoría de los animales registrados (80%) fueron retirados de la naturaleza. La educación de la población se considera de gran importancia ya que las tortugas alóctonas llegan como resultado de la fuga de los amantes de las mascotas y por su introducción ilegal en la naturaleza.

The aim of the research was to investigate the presence of allochthonous species of turtles in the nature of Latvia, as well as to withdraw them from the nature according to the "Plan on protection of Emys orbicularis in Latvia", officially approved by the Latvian Ministry of Environment (Pupiņš & Pupiņa 2007a). The methods of the research were: 1) information campaign and survey; 2) interviews with inhabitants; 3) field expeditions; 4) laboratory study of viability of found turtles. In course of research, five new allochthonous species and subspecies of the turtles were recorded for the first time, and new data were obtained about finding Trachemys scripta elegans in the nature of Latvia. Most of the registered animals (80%) were removed from the nature. Since allochthonous turtles get there in the result of escape from pet-lovers and, apparently, illegal introduction into nature by their owners, education of population is of great importance., El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la presencia de especies alóctonas de tortugas en la naturaleza en Letonia, así como retirarlas de la naturaleza, según el "Plan de protección de Emys orbicularis en Letonia", declarada oficialmente por el Ministerio de Medio Ambiente de Letonia (Pupiņš y Pupina 2007a). Los métodos de investigación fueron: 1) campaña de información y estudio; 2) entrevistas con los habitantes; 3) expediciones de campo, y 4) un estudio de laboratorio sobre la viabilidad de las tortugas encontradas. En el curso de la investigación fueron registradas por primera vez cinco nuevas especies alóctonas y subespecies de las tortugas; los nuevos datos se obtuvieron en la búsqueda de Trachemys scripta elegans en la naturaleza. La mayoría de los animales registrados (80%) fueron retirados de la naturaleza. La educación de la población se considera de gran importancia ya que las tortugas alóctonas llegan como resultado de la fuga de los amantes de las mascotas y por su introducción ilegal en la naturaleza.