Search

American mink Neovison vison is one of the most harmful non-indigenous species in Iceland and has been proven to be a useful indirect bioindicator and biomonitor for numerous environmental pollutants. Therefore, the main objective of the study was to determine the total nickel concentration in the spleen of 35 females and 30 males obtained from Brokey archipelago and the south coast of Hvammsfjörður (Dalabyggð, Iceland) using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. We also assessed the correlation between nickel concentration and selected anatomical and morphological parameters, hypothesising that invasive alien N. vison is a promising candidate species for biomonitoring the deposition of this trace element. The results indicated a substantial variation in nickel concentration in the spleen tissue of examined animals. For males, the maximum concentration exceeded the average level by more than 16 times, and for females by more than 7 times. The correlation coefficient between morphometric features and the level of nickel concentration in the spleen did not show a significant relationship in any of the tested combinations, for all tested animals or for each sex separately. In conclusion, American mink in Iceland can be considered a promising species for qualitative and quantitative assessment of ecosystems in terms of nickel pollution.

Background Recurring escapes or deliberate releases and subsequent infiltration or establishment of feral populations by individuals from fur farms have been commonly noted since the beginning of fur industry expansion. Once animals have invaded ecosystems adjacent to source farms escapees can change the demography of the feral populations through hybridization, outbreeding depression, competition and spreading of various pathogens which can decimate wild populations. In our study, we aimed to assess spread of Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) in the feral population of American mink (Neovison vison) in Iceland. The additional objective was to elucidate whether basic morpho-anatomical parameters (i.e., Fulton’s condition factor or spleen to body weight ratio) might be used as a preliminary indicator of AMDV infection. Methods American mink (n = 164) were captured by professional hunters in 8 regions of Iceland. The detection of AMDV in the spleen of male and female individuals was based on PCR amplification of an NS1 gene fragment. Results We confirmed AMDV presence in 23.8% (n = 39) of collected samples with no significant difference in infection rate between males and females. Additionally, we revealed that the prevalence of virus in the feral population was higher closer to fur farms. However, the countrywide prevalence and direction of AMDV distribution needs to be further investigated. Comparison of condition indices in non-infected and infected animals showed significant deterioration of body and spleen parameters in the latter group. Therefore, the application of basic measurements of the American mink may be used to evaluate the health status of individuals in terms of pathogen infection. Conclusions The study shed a new light on prevalence and distribution of AMDV in the feral population of American mink in Iceland and the results might be successfully applied to develop models to infer dynamics of various pathogens, even those latently transmitted by disease-free animals.

Polar and subpolar regions are known for their particular vulnerability and sensitivity to the detrimental effects of non-indigenous species, which is well exemplified by the Nootka lupin (Lupinus nootkatensis) spread in Iceland. Since understanding the population and ecological genetics of invasive alien species offers hope for counteracting harmful biological invasions, the objective of the present study was to investigate interspecific variation in L. nootkatensis in Iceland in relation to a native population in Alaska. Moreover, we aimed to assess whether internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) has sufficient phylogenetic applicability for a large-scale screening of the genetic diversity of a non-indigenous population of this species. This study, which is the first attempt to investigate the genetic diversity of the Nootka lupin in Iceland, included plant samples from eight locations in Iceland and one in Alaska. The analyses included genotyping by sequencing of the 417-nucleotide fragment of the 5.8S ribosomal RNA, ITS2 and part of the large subunit ribosomal RNA (GenBank MT026578-MT026580, MT077004). The main findings showed the presence of five previously unexplained single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); however, their discriminatory power for Icelandic populations was relatively low, since polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.0182 to 0.0526, with average heterozygosity 0.0296. Concomitantly, analysis of multilocus genotypes (MLG) revealed sufficient differences in MLGs variants and their frequency to form genotypic patterns unique for Alaskan and Icelandic populations, revealing an internal genetic structure of the studied group. The proposed SNP panel needs to be supplemented with other nuclear and organellar markers.

The aim of the study was to present a comprehensive characterisation of crayfish meat, which is crucial to assess its potential usefulness in the food industry. To this end, we assessed the yield, basic chemical composition (protein, fat, minerals), nutritional value (amino acid and fatty acid profiles, essential amino acid index (EAAI), chemical score of essential amino acids (CS), hypocholesterolaemic/hypercholesterolaemic ratio (h/H), atherogenicity (AI) and thrombogenicity (TI) indices), as well as culinary value (lab colour, texture, sensory characteristics, structure) of the meat of spiny-cheek crayfish (Faxonius limosus) (n = 226) from Lake Sominko (Poland) harvested in May&ndash, September 2017. Crayfish meat, especially that from the abdomen, was shown to have high nutritional parameters. It is lean (0.26% of fat), with a favourable fatty acid profile and a very high quality of fat (PUFA (sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids):SFA (sum of saturated fatty acids), n-6/n-3, h/H, AI, TI) and protein (high CS and EAAI). It is also a better source of Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, and Cu than meat from slaughter animals. Hence, crayfish meat can be an alternative to livestock meat in the human diet. Owing to its culinary value (delicateness, weak game flavour, and odour), it meets the requirements of the most demanding consumers, i.e., children and older people.

Simple Summary Freshwater crayfish species are critical for both local communities and the modern food industry. The study characterised the meat of invasive spiny-cheek crayfish, analysing the yield, basic chemical composition, nutritional value, as well as culinary value. Crayfish meat has high nutritional parameters due to favourable fatty acid and amino acid profiles, as well as balanced mineral content. Crayfish meat is an alternative to livestock meat in the human diet and draws attention of the food industry to the processing of underutilised resources of high-quality aquatic species. Abstract The aim of the study was to present a comprehensive characterisation of crayfish meat, which is crucial to assess its potential usefulness in the food industry. To this end, we assessed the yield, basic chemical composition (protein, fat, minerals), nutritional value (amino acid and fatty acid profiles, essential amino acid index (EAAI), chemical score of essential amino acids (CS), hypocholesterolaemic/hypercholesterolaemic ratio (h/H), atherogenicity (AI) and thrombogenicity (TI) indices), as well as culinary value (lab colour, texture, sensory characteristics, structure) of the meat of spiny-cheek crayfish (Faxonius limosus) (n = 226) from Lake Sominko (Poland) harvested in May–September 2017. Crayfish meat, especially that from the abdomen, was shown to have high nutritional parameters. It is lean (0.26% of fat), with a favourable fatty acid profile and a very high quality of fat (PUFA (sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids):SFA (sum of saturated fatty acids), n-6/n-3, h/H, AI, TI) and protein (high CS and EAAI). It is also a better source of Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, and Cu than meat from slaughter animals. Hence, crayfish meat can be an alternative to livestock meat in the human diet. Owing to its culinary value (delicateness, weak game flavour, and odour), it meets the requirements of the most demanding consumers, i.e., children and older people.

Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) is a sensitive and broadly used technique of assessing gene activity. To obtain a reliable result, stably expressed reference genes are essential for normalization of transcripts in various samples. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic analysis of reference genes for normalization of RT-qPCR data in spiny-cheek crayfish (Faxonius limosus). In this study, expression of five candidate reference genes (actb, &beta, actin, gapdh, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, eif, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5a, ef-1&alpha, elongation factor-1&alpha, and tub, &alpha, tubulin) in muscle samples from male and female F. limosus in spring and autumn was analyzed. Additionally, the most stable reference genes were used for accurate normalization of five target genes, i.e., tnnc, troponin c, ak, arginine kinase, fr, ferritin, ccbp-23, crustacean calcium-binding protein 23, and actinsk8, skeletal muscle actin 8. Results obtained using the geNorm and NormFinder algorithms showed high consistency, and differences in the activity of the selected actb with eif genes were successfully identified. The spring and autumn activities of the target genes (except ak) in the muscle tissue of males and females differed significantly, showing that both sexes are immensely involved in an array of breeding behaviors in spring, and females intensively recover in the autumn season. Characterization of first reference genes in spiny-cheek crayfish will facilitate more accurate and reliable expression studies in this key species.

Ecological studies of water mites have a very long tradition. However, no explicit data have been obtained to date with regard to specific ecological parameters defining autoecological values for particular species, and therefore such values have not been compared between closely related species. The present study is an attempt at making such comparisons between two closely related species: Mideopsis orbicularis and Mideopsis crassipes . Both species are psammophilous; M. orbicularis prefers stagnant waters, while M. crassipes prefers running waters. The research was conducted during 2010 in 89 localities distributed along the Krąpiel River and in water reservoirs found in its valley. The two species were collected solely in the river, where they were found in 26 localities and only these localities were analyzed. Until now M. crassipes was characterized as a species preferring rather fast-flowing habitats, and M. orbicularis as preferring slow water habitats, i.e. isolated still-water bodies. In this study both species preferred slow flow water habitats: 77.5% (225 individuals) of all M. orbicularis specimens and 67.3% (318 individuals) of all M. crassipes specimens were collected in isolated still-water bodies. The only correlations identified between water mite occurrence and water quality were the positive one between the abundance of M. orbicularis and water temperature, the negative one between the abundance of this species and BOD5. There were also some correlations with substrate, including the positive correlation between occurrence of M. crassipes and sandy bottom. M. orbicularis was also encountered on organic bottoms and among water plants.

Trematode infestation of Mallards (

International audience; Although properly designed sampling in population genetic studies is of key importance for planning evidence-informed conservation measures, sampling strategies are rarely discussed. This is the case for the European mink Mustela lutreola, a critically endangered species. In order to address this problem, a meta-analysis aiming to examine the completeness of mtDNA haplotype sampling in recent studies of M. lutreola inter-population genetic diversity was conducted. The analysis was performed using the sample-size-based rarefaction and extrapolation sampling curve method for three populations—the Northeastern (Russia, Belarus and Estonia), the Western (France and Spain), and the Southeastern (Romania). The extrapolated values of the Shannon–Wiener index were determined, assuming full sample coverage. The gap between the measured and predicted inter-population genetic diversity was estimated, indicating that the identified level of sample coverage was the lowest for the NE population (87%), followed by the SE population (96%) and the W population (99%). A guide for sampling design and accounting for sampling uncertainty in future population genetic studies on European mink is provided. The relatively low sample coverage for the Russian population clearly indicates an urgent need to take conservation measures for European mink in this country.

The present study is a discussion of the interactions between different types of water bodies in the spatial arrangement of a river valley, taking into account landscape data. The Hydrachnidia assemblages in particular types of valley water bodies (oxbows, riparian pools, permanent ponds, flooded alder carrs, sedge marshes, and springs) are strongly influenced by the spatial arrangement of the water bodies in the landscape. Moreover, the formation of a fauna in a particular type of valley water body is also influenced by its origin. For example, the faunas of the oxbow lakes and riparian pools would have many characteristics in common, as these two types of water body can be characterized as originating in the river. As many as 61 species common to the valley water bodies and the Krąpiel River were noted. In the interactions between the valley water bodies and the river, the direction of migration from the former to the latter was clearly predominant. Migration in the reverse direction, from the river to the valley water bodies, took place to a far lesser degree. CCA analysis of landscape variables showed the influences of certain landscape parameters on water mites. These should be regarded as indirect influences, but as a consequence of their effects, they influence the formation of specific types of Hydrachnidia assemblages.

The study was carried out from the beginning of June to the end of July 2005 in the Krasiborska Kępa reserve (UTM VV56; 53.848°N, 14.370°E). Three research plots were established, representing various types of use of reedy areas: an unused reedy area, a reedy area mown in summer, and an area mown in winter. Beetles were collected in Barber traps with ethylene glycol as a preservative liquid. Seven traps were set up in each examined habitat. In total 1,145 specimens belonging to 35 species were caught. The relatively small area presented three different carabid assemblages, differing in species richness, abundance, dominance structure and ecological preferences. The highest species richness and abundance, as well as the largest representation of endangered stenobiontic hygrophilous bog species (Trechus rivularis, Carabus clathratus, Carabus menetriesi, Bembidion fumigatum, Blethisa multipunctata, and Oodes helopioides), were observed in the periodically flooded fen which was mowed in the winter.

Spiny-cheek crayfish (Faxonius limosus, Rafinesque, 1817) females and males were examined as an alternative source of highly valuable material currently sought by the food industry. The aim of the study was to assess the profiles of 14 macro- and microelements (Al, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Si, Zn) in the meat, exoskeleton and eggs (females) of crayfish collected in the spring and autumn seasons in the Lake Sominko (Poland). The content of heavy metals was analysed, and the degree of their accumulation in crayfish tissues was determined. The profile of the investigated elements in the tested samples was variable depending on the body part, sex of individuals and season of sample collection. A portion of crayfish abdomen meat or eggs (100 g) is particularly rich in P (41.5–73.9 %) of daily requirement), Zn (14.1–38.5 %), Mg (7.9–21.5 %), K (3.3–13.1 %) and Na (4.6–7.7 %) and small quantities of Ca (0.8–2.5 %) and Al (0.9–4.7 %). The study confirmed that consumption of crayfish meat is toxicologically safe and nutritionally complete.

Trematode infestation of Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) varies between northern Poland and the Czech Republic. We determined the trematode fauna of juvenile and adult Mallards from Poland i...

Background Conservation of noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) populations is becoming particularly important since the number of individuals is rapidly declining across the distribution range of the species in Europe. Five crayfish populations in northwestern Poland have been constantly monitored for two decades. However, the genetic structure of these populations has not been analysed, although this information is important to devise effective conservation strategies. Methods Noble crayfish were collected in the autumn of 2014 by scuba diving in Lakes Graniczne, Babinki, Biwakowe, Sęki and Kwisno, all of which are situated in the Bytów Lakeland of northwestern Poland. Genetic diversity of the five populations was assessed based on allele variability in nine SSR regions and six AFLP primer combinations. Results Microsatellite results analysed with AMOVA showed that the diversity between populations corresponds to 18% of total variability, which was confirmed by similar results obtained using AFLP. Additionally, significant genetic diversity was revealed by high average FST values. All of the studied crayfish populations significantly deviated from the expected Hardy–Weinberg genetic equilibrium and were characterised by negative values of inbreeding coefficient (FIS). Discussion The invariably negative inbreeding coefficients (FIS) suggest a low number of mating individuals, a possible consequence of the phenomenon known as genetic bottleneck. However, additional comprehensive analyses are needed to assess the genetic structure, origin and vulnerability of the remaining populations of noble crayfish in the Bytów Lakeland of northwestern Poland, which have high conservation value and are particularly important as a live genetic bank for breeding and restitution purposes.

The differences in morphology and age between single and paired males of an urban population of the European Blackbirds (Turdus merula) were studied in Żeromski park in the city of Szczecin (NW Poland) spanning 11 breeding seasons since 1998. The proportion of single to paired males in different age groups was established. Also, morphology features like the length of tail, wing and tarsus of 45 single males and 475 paired males were collected. We found that old males (after second year of life) formed pair bonds more often than the young males (in their second year of life). The probability of being a paired male in case of young males increased along with the tarsus length.

The data presented concern preliminary results of faunistic research carried out on the epigeic beetle fauna in the Lake Świdwie nature reserve, NW Poland (UTM VV53). Fourteen pitfall traps were placed in four different habitats in the reserve. A total of 957 specimens were collected belonging to 83 species and 16 families: Byrrhidae, Carabidae, Catopidae, Curculionidae, Dermestidae, Dryopidae, Elateridae, Eucinetidae, Hydrophilidae, Geotrupidae, Leiodidae, Limnichidae, Silphidae, Staphylinidae, Scarabaeidae, Tenebrionidae. Representatives of Staphylinidae, Hydrophilidae and Curculionidae were determinate to the family level only.

BackgroundConservation of noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) populations is becoming particularly important since the number of individuals is rapidly declining across the distribution range of the species in Europe. Five crayfish populations in northwestern Poland have been constantly monitored for two decades. However, the genetic structure of these populations has not been analysed, although this information is important to devise effective conservation strategies.MethodsNoble crayfish were collected in the autumn of 2014 by scuba diving in Lakes Graniczne, Babinki, Biwakowe, Sęki and Kwisno, all of which are situated in the Bytów Lakeland of northwestern Poland. Genetic diversity of the five populations was assessed based on allele variability in nine SSR regions and six AFLP primer combinations.ResultsMicrosatellite results analysed with AMOVA showed that the diversity between populations corresponds to 18% of total variability, which was confirmed by similar results obtained using AFLP. Additionally, significant genetic diversity was revealed by high average FSTvalues. All of the studied crayfish populations significantly deviated from the expected Hardy–Weinberg genetic equilibrium and were characterised by negative values of inbreeding coefficient (FIS).DiscussionThe invariably negative inbreeding coefficients (FIS) suggest a low number of mating individuals, a possible consequence of the phenomenon known as genetic bottleneck. However, additional comprehensive analyses are needed to assess the genetic structure, origin and vulnerability of the remaining populations of noble crayfish in the Bytów Lakeland of northwestern Poland, which have high conservation value and are particularly important as a live genetic bank for breeding and restitution purposes.

SUMMARY 1. Most European crayfish species are strongly threatened, mainly as a result of the introduced pathogen, Aphanomyces astaci, transmitted by invasive North American crayfish. Long-term coexistence of American and European crayfish species is therefore regarded as almost impossible, even though some coexisting populations have been observed. 2. In this study, crayfish were collected from presently coexisting populations of the introduced spiny-cheek crayfish (Orconectes limosus) and the native noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) from nine standing waters in central Europe. Our aim was to resolve whether the coexistence resulted from reduced virulence in local strains of A. astaci, increased immunity in the native crayfish or an absence of the pathogen in these populations. We used highly sensitive A. astaci-specific real-time PCR to evaluate the crayfish latent carrier status, combined with transmission experiments to further validate the molecular results. 3. From the total of 523 crayfish tested (490 spiny-cheek crayfish, 33 noble crayfish), none positive for A. astaci was detected. Transmission experiments confirmed these results: No abnormal mortality or behavioural changes were seen in noble crayfish kept together with American crayfish from the coexisting populations. If we assume a very low prevalence of A. astaci of 10% in a carrier population, there is a 98% probability of disease being absent in five of the nine coexisting populations tested. Hence, a consistent absence, or an extremely low prevalence, of A. astaci seems to allow the coexistence of European and American crayfish in these central European populations. 4. The results are important for native crayfish conservation and management and demonstrate that disease transmission risk may vary substantially between the different populations of spinycheek crayfish in central Europe.

The genetic variability between individuals from five crayfish (Astacus astacus L.) populations was determined. The analysis was based on sequences variations of mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S ribosomal DNA. Mitochondrial DNA sequences are widely used to detect genetic variation within and between populations. Data analysis revealed the existence of two COI haplotypes – most common haplotype Hap01 and one new haplotype, differed only in one substitution. Analysis of the 16S rDNA sequences obtained showed no differences in nucleotide composition. The results of the analysis are important part of project “Active protection of noble crayfish in lakes of Pomeranian Complex Landscape Parks” financed by Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area 2014–2016.

Aphanomyces astaci is a fungus-like oomycete agent responsible for an illness called crayfish plague, reaching 100% mortality in infected animals. Therefore, the aim of the work was to detect and estimate the rate of infection of spiny-cheek crayfish (Orconectes limosus) by A. astaci in selected water reservoirs of north-western Poland, as this crayfish is described as a main cause of crayfish plague. The material for the study were 54 spinycheek crayfish individuals from 3 sites in Poland: Trzebiocha River, Lake Sominko and Lake Dąbie. A total of 162 samples (muscle samples were taken from abdomen, legs and carapace) were taken and used for DNA extraction followed by PCR and bidirectional sequencing of 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene. The electrophoretic separation of the PCR products confirmed the presence of A. astaci in 17 samples (Trzebiocha River and Lake Dąbie). Lake Sominko proved to be a zone free of the investigated pathogen. The collected information on the presence or absence of A. astaci in the investigated reservoirs might be used for restocking purposes..

1. The Pomorskie Lakeland close to the town of Miastko shows the highest density of stocks of the noble crayfish Astacus astacus (L.) in the lowlands of north-western Poland. In summer 2002, the present status of this highly threatened species was analysed by means of mark and recapture trapping. 2. Nine lakes with known occurrence of A. astacus were investigated. Each lake was surveyed with regard to the crayfish population density, water quality and potential recent and historical impact of fisheries and recreation. The estimated population density was evaluated statistically with respect to a set of potential environmental variables. 3. The estimated densities of A. astacus populations varied from very abundant (6.6 adult individuals per trap per night) to absent. Two lakes were found to contain the non-indigenous crayfish Orconectes limosus (Raf.). The population density was not correlated with conductivity, pH, transparency, alkalinity, the concentration of ammonium, calcium, chloride, nitrate, nitrite, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, or with the trophic status of the lakes. A. astacus occurred in lakes ranging from mesotrophic to eutrophic. 4. The results suggest that both occurrence and density of A. astacus populations depended on criteria associated with human activities that have altered the aquatic environment. Abundance of A. astacus was negatively correlated with eel (Anguilla anguilla) stocking intensity (r = −0.88; p < 0.01) and number of yearly net catches (r = −0.66; p < 0.05) and positively correlated with distance to nearest town (r = 0.72; p < 0.05). 5. It is concluded that the introduction of O. limosus most likely resulted from fishery activities, emphasizing the need for regulations to reduce the negative impact of lake fisheries on native crayfish stocks. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

BackgroundPoa pratensisis one of the most common species of meadow grass in Europe. Most cultivars of the species found in Poland were originally derived from its ecotypes. We compared the effectiveness of the RAPD and ISSR methods in assessing the genetic diversity of the selected populations ofP. pratensis. We examined whether these methods could be useful for detecting a possible link between the geographical origin of a given population and its assessed genetic variation.MethodsThe molecular markers RAPD and ISSR were used and their efficiency compared using, inter alia, statistical multivariate methods (UPGMA and PCA).ResultsThe low value of Dice’s coefficient (0.369) along with the significantly high percentage of polymorphic products indicates a substantial degree of genetic diversity among the studied populations. Our results found a correlation between the geographical origin of the studied populations and their genetic variations. For ISSR, which proved to be the more effective method in that respect, we selected primers with the greatest differentiating powers correlating to geographical origin.DiscussionThe populations evaluated in this study were characterized by a high genetic diversity. This seems to confirm the hypothesis that ecotypes ofP. pratensisoriginating from different regions of Central Europe with different terrain structures and habitat conditions can be a source of great genetic variability.

The paper describes results of the otolith analysis of five-bearded rockling (Ciliata mustela L.) of the Wadden Sea origin. The length growth rate of five-bearded rockling was determined. Moreover the accurate method of mathematical characterization of this fish growth was found out by means of non-asymptotic growth model.

Research on the ecology of water mites in flowing water has focused mainly on analysis of factors directly affecting these organisms in the aquatic environment. The hypothesis of this study was that apart from factors acting within the aquatic environment, the formation of Hydrachnidia communities in lotic ecosystems may also be affected by factors acting in the terrestrial environment. The analysis was made at three different levels of organization of the environment: (1) landscape level (sub-catchments, terrestrial environment), (2) macrohabitat level (sampling sites, aquatic environment) and (3) mesohabitat level (sampling sub-sites, aquatic environment). Some correlation was noted between certain species and some sub-catchment parameters. This may indicate a link between some landscape features (terrestrial environment) and the formation of water mite assemblages in the river. The low percentage for physicochemical parameters together in explaining the variance in occurrence of species, very low correlations between species and physicochemical parameters and the discrepancy in the grouping of sites in the case of faunal data and data on the physicochemical indicates that physicochemical factors had little influence on water mites. Taking into account all three levels of organization of the environment analyzed, we can say that at the landscape level we can find only indirect relationships between environmental factors and the fauna inhabiting the aquatic environment; at the macrohabitat level the description of Hydrachnidia is more precise but still of a general nature. Only analysis at the mesohabitat level fully explains the specific character of Hydrachnidia assemblages.