Wall lizards of the genus Podarcis (Sauria, Lacertidae) comprises 20 currently recognized species... more Wall lizards of the genus Podarcis (Sauria, Lacertidae) comprises 20 currently recognized species in southern Europe, where they are the predominant reptile group. The taxonomy of Podarcis is complex and unstable. Based on DNA sequence data the species of Podarcis fall into four main groups that have substantial geographic coherence (Western Island group, South-western group, Italian group and Balkan group). The Balkan species are divided in two subgroups: the subgroup of P. tauricus (P. tauricus, P. milensis, P. gaigeae and P. melisellensis), and the subgroup of P. erhardii (P. erhardii and P. peloponnesiacus). Here, we explored tauricus's taxonomy and investigated the evolutionary history of the species by employing phylogenetic and phylogeographic approaches and using both mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear (msats) markers. The phylogenetic relationships and the genetic distances retrieved, supported the monophyly of Podarcis tauricus group and suggest that P. gaigeae, P. mile...
This report details the joint Chinese-Bulgarian-Greek expedition carried out by members of Bulgar... more This report details the joint Chinese-Bulgarian-Greek expedition carried out by members of Bulgarian Federation of Speleology and Yunnan Institute of Geograhpy & China Exploration & Research Society (CERS ) Yunnan branch, Yunnan Province, China. Yunnan 2012 was a 4-week, 13 person winter caving expedition. This expedition involved a first speleological exploration of the caves of Gaolingongshan and to known some unexplored areas on the mountain. Major finds included the logging and exploration of 8 new caves on the territory of the mountain and its vicinity. The most significant caves which the team explored were far from the main exploration area close to Kunming city. Among them are the longest caves explored during the expedition Yenze Dong (Swallow cave) – 1514 m and Da Shi Dong (Big rock cave) - 1394 m. During the expedition were mapped 11 caves with a total length of the galleries 4972 m and depth 429.60 m (-318.2/+ 89.4)
Non-essential "heavy" metals such as cadmium tend to accumulate... more Non-essential "heavy" metals such as cadmium tend to accumulate in an organism and thus are a particular threat for long-lived animals. Here we show that two unrelated, short-lived groups of mammals (rodents and shrews, separated by 100 Mio years of evolution) each have independently acquired mutations in their metal-responsive transcription factor (MTF-1) in a domain relevant for robust transcriptional induction by zinc and cadmium. While key amino acids are mutated in rodents, in shrews an entire exon is skipped. Rodents and especially shrews are unique regarding the alterations of this region. To investigate the biological relevance of these alterations, MTF-1s from the common shrew (Sorex araneus), the mouse, humans and a bat (Myotis blythii), were tested by cotransfection with a reporter gene into cells lacking MTF-1. Whereas shrews only live for 1.5-2.5 years, bats, although living on a very similar insect diet, have a lifespan of several decades. We find that bat MTF-1 is similarly metal-responsive as its human counterpart, while shrew MTF-1 is less responsive, similar to mouse MTF-1. We propose that in comparison to most other mammals, the short-lived shrews and rodents can afford a "lower-quality" system for heavy metal homeostasis and detoxification.
The paper outlines the species composition and distribution of the amphibians and the reptiles in... more The paper outlines the species composition and distribution of the amphibians and the reptiles in the Eastern Rhodopes. Besides reviewing all data from the literature many new field records are added. The rich local herpetofauna encompasses 12 species of amphibians (11 in the Bulgarian part, 12 in the Greek part) and 30 species of reptiles (27 in Bulgaria, 28 in Greece). The herpetological richness is mostly due to the mosaic distribution of a large variety of habitats, the particular climate, the low population density and the weak economic development of the region. The distribution of the species was classified on the basis of their relative occurrence in 331 standard 5 x 5 km squares of which 251 are in Bulgaria and 80 in Greece. With regard to their distribution in the region five groups of species were recognized: very rare (e.). The reasons for the presence/absence, abundance and habitat preferences of the majority of the species are discussed. The conservation status of the species and the threats to the herpetofauna are also discussed. Several sites were designated as holding greater herpetological diversity.
ŠŤÁHLAVSKÝ PETROV B., ŠŤÁHLAVSKÝ F. 2007. New species of pseudoscorpions (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpi... more ŠŤÁHLAVSKÝ PETROV B., ŠŤÁHLAVSKÝ F. 2007. New species of pseudoscorpions (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones) for the fauna of Bulgaria. -Historia naturalis bulgarica, 18: 15-27.
Bats were captured at a swarming site in the Central Balkan National Park. Hundreds of bats of at... more Bats were captured at a swarming site in the Central Balkan National Park. Hundreds of bats of at least 16 species visited the cave in late summer, most of them for swarming. For comparison, data of two winter-censuses are given as well. Rhinolophus euryale, Myotis nattereri and Eptesicus serotinus were found for the first time within the territory of the national park. Myotis alcathoe is reported for the first time in Bulgaria. Recapture of a marked Myotis emarginatus reveals the longest flight known for the species in Bulgaria (105 km).
The biospeleological studies in the Rhodopes started in 1924 and until 1959 concerned only the we... more The biospeleological studies in the Rhodopes started in 1924 and until 1959 concerned only the western part of the mountain. Altogether over 600 caves and potholes are hitherto known from the Bulgarian part of the Western Rhodopes. We report 276 species of invertebrates collected from 120 caves (Bulgaria – 109, Greece – 5, unknown location – 6). In addition, 44 species of parasites on cave-dwelling bats were recorded from different caves in the studied region. Among all cave-dwellers, 30 species (ca. 11%) from the genera Bulgaronethes, Cordioniscus, Trichoniscus, Rhodopioniscus (Isopoda), Lithobius (Chilopoda), Rhodoposoma, Troglodicus, Stygiosoma and Anamastigona (Diplopoda), Troglohyphantes, Palliduphantes, Porrhomma and Centromerus (Araneae), Plusiocampa (Diplura), Plutomurus (Collembola), Duvalius, Bathyscia, Bureschiana, Rhodopiola, Gueorguievella and Paralovricia (Coleoptera) are troglobites. There are only nine stygobites (3% of all cave species) belonging to the genera Eucyc...
The contribution summarizes previously unpublished data and adds records of newly collected cave-... more The contribution summarizes previously unpublished data and adds records of newly collected cave-dwelling spiders from Bulgaria. А total of 51 species which belong to 13 families found in 154 underground sites (caves and galleries) is reported. 18 species are new to the spider fauna of the caves in the country. Porrhomma microps is newly found for the Bulgarian fauna. New drawings based on the Bulgarian material are also presented. The number of spiders established in Bulgarian caves increases to 97 species.
Wall lizards of the genus Podarcis (Sauria, Lacertidae) comprises 20 currently recognized species... more Wall lizards of the genus Podarcis (Sauria, Lacertidae) comprises 20 currently recognized species in southern Europe, where they are the predominant reptile group. The taxonomy of Podarcis is complex and unstable. Based on DNA sequence data the species of Podarcis fall into four main groups that have substantial geographic coherence (Western Island group, South-western group, Italian group and Balkan group). The Balkan species are divided in two subgroups: the subgroup of P. tauricus (P. tauricus, P. milensis, P. gaigeae and P. melisellensis), and the subgroup of P. erhardii (P. erhardii and P. peloponnesiacus). Here, we explored tauricus's taxonomy and investigated the evolutionary history of the species by employing phylogenetic and phylogeographic approaches and using both mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear (msats) markers. The phylogenetic relationships and the genetic distances retrieved, supported the monophyly of Podarcis tauricus group and suggest that P. gaigeae, P. mile...
A total of 37 species from 12 families found in 87 (30 newly established) underground localities ... more A total of 37 species from 12 families found in 87 (30 newly established) underground localities (caves and artificial galleries) of the Western Rhodopes are reported. Three species are new to the Bulgarian cave spider fauna and 9 are new to the caves of the Western Rhodopes. This number represents 37% from all species found in Bulgarian caves (100 species). The percentage of the endemics is comparatively high (27%). Histopona tranteevi Deltshev, 1978 is discussed from a taxonomic point of view, the description of unknown male is also presented. The names "Diplocephalus cristatus" (= foraminifer) and "Histopona myops" (= tranteevi) are deleted from the list of Bulgarian spider fauna.
Wall lizards of the genus Podarcis (Sauria, Lacertidae) comprises 20 currently recognized species... more Wall lizards of the genus Podarcis (Sauria, Lacertidae) comprises 20 currently recognized species in southern Europe, where they are the predominant reptile group. The taxonomy of Podarcis is complex and unstable. Based on DNA sequence data the species of Podarcis fall into four main groups that have substantial geographic coherence (Western Island group, South-western group, Italian group and Balkan group). The Balkan species are divided in two subgroups: the subgroup of P. tauricus (P. tauricus, P. milensis, P. gaigeae and P. melisellensis), and the subgroup of P. erhardii (P. erhardii and P. peloponnesiacus). Here, we explored tauricus's taxonomy and investigated the evolutionary history of the species by employing phylogenetic and phylogeographic approaches and using both mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear (msats) markers. The phylogenetic relationships and the genetic distances retrieved, supported the monophyly of Podarcis tauricus group and suggest that P. gaigeae, P. mile...
This report details the joint Chinese-Bulgarian-Greek expedition carried out by members of Bulgar... more This report details the joint Chinese-Bulgarian-Greek expedition carried out by members of Bulgarian Federation of Speleology and Yunnan Institute of Geograhpy & China Exploration & Research Society (CERS ) Yunnan branch, Yunnan Province, China. Yunnan 2012 was a 4-week, 13 person winter caving expedition. This expedition involved a first speleological exploration of the caves of Gaolingongshan and to known some unexplored areas on the mountain. Major finds included the logging and exploration of 8 new caves on the territory of the mountain and its vicinity. The most significant caves which the team explored were far from the main exploration area close to Kunming city. Among them are the longest caves explored during the expedition Yenze Dong (Swallow cave) – 1514 m and Da Shi Dong (Big rock cave) - 1394 m. During the expedition were mapped 11 caves with a total length of the galleries 4972 m and depth 429.60 m (-318.2/+ 89.4)
Non-essential "heavy" metals such as cadmium tend to accumulate... more Non-essential "heavy" metals such as cadmium tend to accumulate in an organism and thus are a particular threat for long-lived animals. Here we show that two unrelated, short-lived groups of mammals (rodents and shrews, separated by 100 Mio years of evolution) each have independently acquired mutations in their metal-responsive transcription factor (MTF-1) in a domain relevant for robust transcriptional induction by zinc and cadmium. While key amino acids are mutated in rodents, in shrews an entire exon is skipped. Rodents and especially shrews are unique regarding the alterations of this region. To investigate the biological relevance of these alterations, MTF-1s from the common shrew (Sorex araneus), the mouse, humans and a bat (Myotis blythii), were tested by cotransfection with a reporter gene into cells lacking MTF-1. Whereas shrews only live for 1.5-2.5 years, bats, although living on a very similar insect diet, have a lifespan of several decades. We find that bat MTF-1 is similarly metal-responsive as its human counterpart, while shrew MTF-1 is less responsive, similar to mouse MTF-1. We propose that in comparison to most other mammals, the short-lived shrews and rodents can afford a "lower-quality" system for heavy metal homeostasis and detoxification.
The paper outlines the species composition and distribution of the amphibians and the reptiles in... more The paper outlines the species composition and distribution of the amphibians and the reptiles in the Eastern Rhodopes. Besides reviewing all data from the literature many new field records are added. The rich local herpetofauna encompasses 12 species of amphibians (11 in the Bulgarian part, 12 in the Greek part) and 30 species of reptiles (27 in Bulgaria, 28 in Greece). The herpetological richness is mostly due to the mosaic distribution of a large variety of habitats, the particular climate, the low population density and the weak economic development of the region. The distribution of the species was classified on the basis of their relative occurrence in 331 standard 5 x 5 km squares of which 251 are in Bulgaria and 80 in Greece. With regard to their distribution in the region five groups of species were recognized: very rare (e.). The reasons for the presence/absence, abundance and habitat preferences of the majority of the species are discussed. The conservation status of the species and the threats to the herpetofauna are also discussed. Several sites were designated as holding greater herpetological diversity.
ŠŤÁHLAVSKÝ PETROV B., ŠŤÁHLAVSKÝ F. 2007. New species of pseudoscorpions (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpi... more ŠŤÁHLAVSKÝ PETROV B., ŠŤÁHLAVSKÝ F. 2007. New species of pseudoscorpions (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones) for the fauna of Bulgaria. -Historia naturalis bulgarica, 18: 15-27.
Bats were captured at a swarming site in the Central Balkan National Park. Hundreds of bats of at... more Bats were captured at a swarming site in the Central Balkan National Park. Hundreds of bats of at least 16 species visited the cave in late summer, most of them for swarming. For comparison, data of two winter-censuses are given as well. Rhinolophus euryale, Myotis nattereri and Eptesicus serotinus were found for the first time within the territory of the national park. Myotis alcathoe is reported for the first time in Bulgaria. Recapture of a marked Myotis emarginatus reveals the longest flight known for the species in Bulgaria (105 km).
The biospeleological studies in the Rhodopes started in 1924 and until 1959 concerned only the we... more The biospeleological studies in the Rhodopes started in 1924 and until 1959 concerned only the western part of the mountain. Altogether over 600 caves and potholes are hitherto known from the Bulgarian part of the Western Rhodopes. We report 276 species of invertebrates collected from 120 caves (Bulgaria – 109, Greece – 5, unknown location – 6). In addition, 44 species of parasites on cave-dwelling bats were recorded from different caves in the studied region. Among all cave-dwellers, 30 species (ca. 11%) from the genera Bulgaronethes, Cordioniscus, Trichoniscus, Rhodopioniscus (Isopoda), Lithobius (Chilopoda), Rhodoposoma, Troglodicus, Stygiosoma and Anamastigona (Diplopoda), Troglohyphantes, Palliduphantes, Porrhomma and Centromerus (Araneae), Plusiocampa (Diplura), Plutomurus (Collembola), Duvalius, Bathyscia, Bureschiana, Rhodopiola, Gueorguievella and Paralovricia (Coleoptera) are troglobites. There are only nine stygobites (3% of all cave species) belonging to the genera Eucyc...
The contribution summarizes previously unpublished data and adds records of newly collected cave-... more The contribution summarizes previously unpublished data and adds records of newly collected cave-dwelling spiders from Bulgaria. А total of 51 species which belong to 13 families found in 154 underground sites (caves and galleries) is reported. 18 species are new to the spider fauna of the caves in the country. Porrhomma microps is newly found for the Bulgarian fauna. New drawings based on the Bulgarian material are also presented. The number of spiders established in Bulgarian caves increases to 97 species.
Wall lizards of the genus Podarcis (Sauria, Lacertidae) comprises 20 currently recognized species... more Wall lizards of the genus Podarcis (Sauria, Lacertidae) comprises 20 currently recognized species in southern Europe, where they are the predominant reptile group. The taxonomy of Podarcis is complex and unstable. Based on DNA sequence data the species of Podarcis fall into four main groups that have substantial geographic coherence (Western Island group, South-western group, Italian group and Balkan group). The Balkan species are divided in two subgroups: the subgroup of P. tauricus (P. tauricus, P. milensis, P. gaigeae and P. melisellensis), and the subgroup of P. erhardii (P. erhardii and P. peloponnesiacus). Here, we explored tauricus's taxonomy and investigated the evolutionary history of the species by employing phylogenetic and phylogeographic approaches and using both mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear (msats) markers. The phylogenetic relationships and the genetic distances retrieved, supported the monophyly of Podarcis tauricus group and suggest that P. gaigeae, P. mile...
A total of 37 species from 12 families found in 87 (30 newly established) underground localities ... more A total of 37 species from 12 families found in 87 (30 newly established) underground localities (caves and artificial galleries) of the Western Rhodopes are reported. Three species are new to the Bulgarian cave spider fauna and 9 are new to the caves of the Western Rhodopes. This number represents 37% from all species found in Bulgarian caves (100 species). The percentage of the endemics is comparatively high (27%). Histopona tranteevi Deltshev, 1978 is discussed from a taxonomic point of view, the description of unknown male is also presented. The names "Diplocephalus cristatus" (= foraminifer) and "Histopona myops" (= tranteevi) are deleted from the list of Bulgarian spider fauna.
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Papers by Boyan P Petrov
Yunnan 2012 was a 4-week, 13 person winter caving expedition. This expedition involved a first speleological exploration of the caves of Gaolingongshan and to known some unexplored areas on the mountain. Major finds included the logging and exploration of 8 new caves on the
territory of the mountain and its vicinity. The most significant caves which the team explored were far from the main exploration area close to Kunming city. Among them are the longest caves explored during the expedition Yenze Dong (Swallow cave) – 1514 m and Da Shi Dong (Big rock cave) - 1394 m. During the expedition were mapped 11 caves with a total length of the galleries 4972 m and depth 429.60 m (-318.2/+ 89.4)
Yunnan 2012 was a 4-week, 13 person winter caving expedition. This expedition involved a first speleological exploration of the caves of Gaolingongshan and to known some unexplored areas on the mountain. Major finds included the logging and exploration of 8 new caves on the
territory of the mountain and its vicinity. The most significant caves which the team explored were far from the main exploration area close to Kunming city. Among them are the longest caves explored during the expedition Yenze Dong (Swallow cave) – 1514 m and Da Shi Dong (Big rock cave) - 1394 m. During the expedition were mapped 11 caves with a total length of the galleries 4972 m and depth 429.60 m (-318.2/+ 89.4)