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Climate change has amplified the threat posed by aquatic invasive species as potential disruptors of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Species Distribution Models (MaxEnt) based on original data and ecological variables have identified contemporary seven global centers of the oriental rivel prawn Macrobrachium nipponense distribution: the native range in East Asia, Northern, Western and Eastern Europe, the Irano-Turanian region, and North and South America. By 2050, further expansion in Europe is expected, likely due to climate change, particularly temperature changes (Bio1) and rain precipitation during the warmest quarter (Bio18). However, the species may see a range reduction in southern Europe due to lower precipitation and increased droughts related to climate change. Therefore, a northward shift in the range of the species is also predicted. In the context of global change, and especially biological invasions, this study highlights the risks of introducing aquaculture based on M. nipponense and recommends controlling such economic activities, which are associated with a high risk for native species and ecosystems. Further, long-term monitoring is needed to assess impacts and to efficiently manage M. nipponense populations that are already present in their non-native habitats, for mitigating their negative effects on native species and ecosystems worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla (L.)) is a unique catadromous euryhaline fish and the only anguillid eel species classified as 'critically endangered'. The Baltic Lakeland area contains naturally recruited and introduced eels. There is great uncertainty regarding a baseline for the location and number of naturally dispersed eels in the region. Little is known about the genetic structure of the European eel populations in Baltic countries. The estimation of population genetic structure is important for the efficient management of naturally recruited and introduced eels. Two mitochondrial regions were used to investigate the genetic structure within and between eel samples from 11 waterbodies. In this study, new, unique, and widely distributed haplotypes were revealed. The studied eel population in the Baltic Lakeland shows high genetic diversity, which is possibly a result of intensive restocking programs. Sequences characterized for Anguilla rostrata were revealed in both mitochondrial regions. Understanding the genetic structure of eel populations worldwide is crucial for conservation efforts. Eel restocking in waterbodies where natural migration is restricted contributes to diversity loss for the world gene pool of eels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture's role in addressing food security has grown, with a spotlight on Asian carp species. Polyculture, i.e. cultivating multiple fish species in a single system, is being increasingly adopted for its resource efficiency and economic benefits. This practice for Asian fish for food and ornamental purposes is gaining traction in Europe despite their invasive potential. Rising temperatures due to climate change offer an opportunity for thermophilic Asian carps (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Aristichthys nobilis). Using GIS modeling (Maxent), we identified the possible settlement of Asian carp in Northern Europe amidst climate change. We analyzed carp global distribution centers, assessed the potential carp spread in Europe, and evaluated their potential suitability for polyculture systems. By 2050, H. molitrix may extend its range to 58–62° N latitude, with a potential 1.7-fold habitat increase, while A. nobilis, which are more heat-tolerant, may move north to 52–58° N latitude, with a 1.3-fold potential increase. Despite the slight ecological differences in their native habitats, niche modeling indicates that these carp can occupy similar niches in Europe (proven statistically). The eventuality of using Asian species for polyculture in Europe presents both opportunities and challenges in the face of a changing climate as long as invasion risks are prevented. Envisaging such polyculture, yet very carefully for the protection of ecosystems, can help food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of thermophilic invasive species are spreading and becoming naturalized in Eastern Europe, at least partially due to recent climate change. This can be exemplified by current expansion of the red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta, in Latvia and Ukraine. We collected 44 records of the species in Latvia and 79 in Ukraine. Two of the three subspecies have been found - T. s. elegans and T. s. scripta. In both countries courtship behavior and egg-laying have been observed. Individuals successfully surviving the winter in the wild have been recorded. Due to climate change, it is likely that this species has the potential to establish itself in Latvia and Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater ecosystems are exceptionally vulnerable to biological invasions. The introduction of non-native species of fish to Europe has been a common practice, including the introduction of the North American pumpkinseed, Lepomis gibbosus. The range expansion of this species has continued across the continent, with new areas occupied in Ukraine. Using a species distribution modelling approach, predictions are made of the geographic range of the fish based on presence records and environmental variables from the Near-global environmental information for freshwater ecosystems database likely to be associated with habitat suitability and important for the possible further expansion of L. gibbosus. Results show the current widespread distribution of L. gibbosus in Ukraine and prospects for future expansion of the species into Belarus and the Baltic countries. In Latvia, at the potential range edge of L. gibbosus, chances for a spontaneous invasion are relatively low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present nine observations of abnormal amplexus in anurans, reported for the first time from Latvia. In total, nine types of abnormal amplexi are documented for four anuran species: Bombina bombina (Bombinatoridae), Bufo bufo (Bufonidae), Pelophylax lessonae and Rana temporaria (Ranidae). According to the one of our observations, abnormal amplexus resulted in the extirpation of a competing anuran species from a breeding pond for two seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of phytophagous pests are often associated with global warming. These species may be of interest in terms of biological indications of climate change. We considered the locust digitate leafminer P. robiniella. In Ukraine it was first recorded in 2003. In 2020–2021, we found areas of massive R. pseudoacacia leaf damage caused by the pest on Trukhaniv island (Kyiv) and some places in the region. Using 592 georeferenced records of P. robiniella across Europe and a Bayesian additive regression trees algorithm, we modeled the distribution of the moth. As predictors, a current climate (WorldClim v.2) and a black locust habitat suitability map were employed. Western and south-western regions of Ukraine and Transcarpathia are considered the most favorable for the pest. Amongst the factors determining its niche, summer moisture and warm conditions are the most important for facilitating the spread and naturalization of the moth. Under progressing climate change, the species is expected to move eastward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amphibians are greatly affected by invasive species through direct predation and competition. Being triggered by climate change, the invasion of Perccottus glenii (the Chinese sleeper) in Eurasia may have detrimental consequences for the fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina). The invader can feed upon B. bombina toads and juveniles and compete for food. We used correlative species distribution models (SDMs) to infer competitive interaction between the invader and native species. As a result, a significant level of correlation (r=0.636) between both SDMs was found. It means that there is a considerable overlap of areas of similar habitat suitability related to the species and a potential for competition. For strategical management of both species in Latvia for nature conservation purposes, we mapped areas in the country according to two main criteria: 1) the lesser chances of negative interactions between species, and 2) a possibility to avoid unwanted contact and/or competition between the fish and the toad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]