Jan Cichocki

A New Data on Biology and Taxonomy of Neotrombicula inopinata (Oudemans, 1909) and Leptotrombidium russicum (Oudemans, 1902) (Acari: Actinotrichida: Trombiculidae)

Abstract. The results of experimental rearing of Neotrombicula inopinata and Leptotrombidium russicum and of field studies aiming at finding the hitherto unknown habitats occupied by active postlarval forms are presented. Diagnoses of deutonymphs reared from field-collected larvae of both species are provided. Literature interpretation of deutonymph of N. inopinata is inconsistent with the characteristics of deutonymph of N. inopinata obtained from larvae by experimental rearing. Larvae of L. russicum and L. silvaticum can be separated only on the base of host spectrum. Considering the biology of the parasite and host species, it is likely that postlarval forms of bat-parasitizing species may be confined to tree and cave habitats, whereas those species that are known as parasites of rodents inhabit the soil habitats.

Cannibalism in maternity colonies of the greater mouse-eared bat Myotis myotis

No abstract available

The Impact of the Moon Phases on Winter Activity of the Noctule Bats Nyctalus noctula

ABSTRACT The knowledge about the awakening of hibernating bats is not sufficient. Unknown are also factors affecting the cyclical nature of this process. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of changes of phases of the moon, and thus changes in the Earths magnetic field on the behaviour of wintering common noctules Nyctalus noctula Schreber. Hibernation of 336 common noctules placed in the hibernation shed was investigated. The shed was equipped with loggers which measured temperature. Based on the temperature changes inside the shed, a drop or an increase in bat activity was determined. Periodicity of temperature increase was observed and it correlated with the current moon phases. The moon phase regarded as the bright referred to more than 70% of moon face illuminated (MFI). The significant temperature increase inside the shed was observed at 70% MFI. This is also when the bats demonstrated an increased activity. The observed differences in the temperature inside the shed during bright nights were statistically significant. The results of the research indicate that moon phases have influence on awakenings coordination in the wintering colony of noctule bat. This phenomenon causes difficulties in interpretation. If bats are in fact able to distinguish moon phases the moon appears to be the perfect tool to control their internal biological clock.

Not European Wildcats, But Domestic Cats Inhabit Tatra National Park

ABSTRACT The European wildcat Felis silvestris silvestris is one of the most endangered mammals in Poland. In 1954, when the Tatra National Park (TNP) was established in the highest part of the Polish Carpathians, the wildcat was considered a rare species but nevertheless present in this region. However, its occurrence was never properly recorded there. The aim of this study was to verify whether wildcats occur in the TNP using genetic methods to distinguish wildcats from domestic cats F. s. catus. Between March and May 2015, hair samples were collected from 40 lure sticks treated with valerian, a cat attractant, in a region of the park with presumed high habitat suitability for wildcats. Neither wildcats nor hybrids with domestic cats were identified using control region haplotype sequencing and analysis of different nuclear markers. However, thirteen samples indicating the presence of the domestic cat in the protected area were collected. The Bayesian clustering analyses of microsatellite and SNP genotypes revealed no evidence for any admixture with wildcats. While our study cannot prove the absence of wildcats in the study area, it strongly suggests that wildcats are at least very rare in the region and a continued rigorous monitoring is recommended.

Small-mammal assemblages inhabiting Sphagnum peat bogs in various regions of Poland

Abstract We studied species composition of assemblages of small mammals (rodents and shrews) inhabiting Polish 25 ombrotrophic mires and quaking bogs in several regions in order to reveal characteristic features of their quantitative structure and compare them between regions, internal zones of the bog habitats, and different levels of anthropogenic degradation. We reviewed also all published results of small-mammal trapping in such habitats. Mammals were captured in pitfalls, snap traps and live traps on 12 bogs of the Pomerania region, 4 bogs of the Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin (Kotlina Orawsko-Nowotarska), 3 bogs in the Świętokrzyskie Mts, and 6 bogs in Wielkopolska and the Lubusz Land. Additionally, we included materials collected from Barber traps (pitfalls) used during studies of epigeic invertebrates on 4 bogs. In total, 598 individuals of 12 species were collected. The number of pitfall captures per 100 trapnights was very low (7.0-7.8), suggesting low population density. Shrews predominated among mammals captured in pitfalls, and the assemblage structure appeared to be similar to impoverished forest fauna, slightly enriched with ubiquitous species from meadows and agroecosystems, with a very small percentage of typical wetland species (Neomys fodiens, Neomys anomalus, Microtus oeconomus). Rodents (mostly Myodes glareolus) predominated only in samples obtained by live and snap traps. Pygmy shrew Sorex minutus was the most numerous species at most sites, sometimes being the only small mammal in that habitat, especially in well-preserved, treeless parts of bogs, dominated by Sphagnum peatmoss. The dominance and high constancy of S. minutus appear to be a characteristic feature of small-mammal assemblages inhabiting ombrotrophic mires, at least in some regions of Central and Western Europe. Enrichment of the fauna with other species might be related to either improved trophic conditions (by contact with mineralized ground waters) or habitat degradation (by peat mining, drainage, and subsequent secondary succession).