Michal Grabowski

Publications

• 0.82

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  Gammarus varsoviensis Jazdzewski, 1975 (Amphipoda, Gammaridae) – a long overlooked species in Ukrainian rivers

  Michal Grabowski, Tomasz Mamos, Tomasz Rewicz, Karolina Bacela-Spychalska, Mykola Ovcharenko

  North-Western Journal of Zoology. 01/2012; 8(1):on-first (Article No.: 121201).

  The first findings of Gammarus varsoviensis in Ukraine are reported based on samples collected in 2009 and 2011. Until now, the species was known predominantly from the Baltic drainage area, with only one locality in the upper Pripyat River in Belarus (Black Sea basin). Our findings extend the known... [more] The first findings of Gammarus varsoviensis in Ukraine are reported based on samples collected in 2009 and 2011. Until now, the species was known predominantly from the Baltic drainage area, with only one locality in the upper Pripyat River in Belarus (Black Sea basin). Our findings extend the known geographic range of this species ca. 830 kilometers south-east, revealing its occurrence in typically lowland streams and rivers of the Dnieper system, in the forest and Pontic steppe zone of the Black Sea basin. Based on the literature data we conclude that presence of this species in Ukraine was formerly overlooked through misidentification with morphologically close Gammarus lacustris. Based on such distribution pattern we can surmise that the species is native to the Black Sea drainage area. It could possibly have migrated to the Baltic basin through the Pripyat-Bug Canal, already in the XIX century.

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• Cryptic invasion of Baltic lowlands by freshwater amphipod of Pontic origin

  Michal Grabowski, Tomasz Rewicz, Karolina Bacela-Spychalska, Alicja Konopacka, Tomasz Mamos, Krzysztof Jazdzewski

  Aquatic Invasions. 01/2012; 7.

  Gammarus varsoviensis is morphologically close to G. lacustris, with which it is often misidentified. Geographic range of G. varsoviensis includes Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Belarus and Ukraine. Such a distribution pattern led us to the assumption that the species might have originated in t... [more] Gammarus varsoviensis is morphologically close to G. lacustris, with which it is often misidentified. Geographic range of G. varsoviensis includes Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Belarus and Ukraine. Such a distribution pattern led us to the assumption that the species might have originated in the Black Sea drainage area. From there, as early as the nineteenth century, it could possibly have migrated to the Baltic basin through the Pripyat-Bug canal. Thus, the goals of this study are: (1) to indicate the level of genetic divergence of G. varsoviensis from the morphologically closest species – G. lacustris and (2) to investigate the possibility of the Pontic origin of G. varsoviensis and its range expansion across the Black Sea/Baltic Sea watershed to Central Europe through the artificial canal network. Altogether 128 partial 16S rDNA sequences of Gammarus varsoviensis from 19 localities were gained. They were analysed in conjunction with a sequence of G. lacustris obtained in this study from the Dnieper system and sequences of G. lacustris, G. pulex and G. fossarum available in GenBank in order to estimate the relationships among the species. GenBank accession numbers for all the haplotypes defined within this study are: G. varsoviensis – from JN641868 to JN641875; G. lacustris – JN641876. The genetic distance within and between the species was calculated, as well as phylogenetic relationships among haplotypes, which were inferred with Neighbor-Joining method. The haplotype relationships were analysed with the Minimum Spanning Network. Also mismatch distribution of the haplotypes were tested under sudden expansion model and sequence deviations from selective neutrality. Neighbor-Joining analysis revealed that G. varsoviensis and G. lacustris haplotypes formed separate well defined clades. Mean genetic diversity between the two species was ca. 15× higher than the intraspecific distance and similar to the value obtained for G. fossarum/G. pulex species pair. Therefore, G. varsoviensis can be definitely considered as a distinct species from G. lacustris. Among 128 sequences obtained from G. varsoviensis, 8 haplotypes were identified and grouped into two clades: one found only in the lower Dnieper (two haplotypes) and the second one encompassing the rest of haplotypes observed in the upper Dnieper and Baltic Sea basin. Only one haplotype was found in the Baltic Sea drainage area. A mismatch distribution curve as well as selective neutrality tests demonstrated sudden expansion model. Our findings suggest that G. varsoviensis is an alien gammarid that originated in the Pontic area. Its expansion in Central Europe apparently started soon after the opening of the artificial waterways joining the Black and the Baltic Sea drainage basins.

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• 0.51

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  Contact zones, range boundaries and vertical distribution of three epigean gammarids (Amphipoda) in the Sudeten and Carpathian Mountains (Poland).

  Michal Grabowski, Tomasz Mamos

  Crustaceana. 01/2011; 84:153-168.

  This paper analyses contact zones, range boundaries, and the vertical distribution of three epigean species of Gammarus in the ca. 1200 km long chains of the Sudeten Mountains and the Carpathian Mountains (including the Outer Western and the Central Western Carpathians, as well as the Outer Eastern ... [more] This paper analyses contact zones, range boundaries, and the vertical distribution of three epigean species of Gammarus in the ca. 1200 km long chains of the Sudeten Mountains and the Carpathian Mountains (including the Outer Western and the Central Western Carpathians, as well as the Outer Eastern Carpathians and the Northern Sub-Carpathians), which form the southern border of Poland. The Sudeten Mts. are inhabited exclusively by Gammarus fossarum, up to an altitude of 540 m asl. The species occurs up to 900 masl in the OuterWestern and in the CentralWestern Carpathians, there often co-occurring with G. balcanicus. The latter species is an altitudinal vicariant to the former. It inhabits also higher localities, and is the sole gammarid species in the Tatra Mts., where it reaches 1400 m asl. In the Outer Eastern Carpathians, G. balcanicus co-occurs with G. leopoliensis up to 920 m asl, replacing it above that elevation and occurring up to at least 1160 m asl. All three species reach the limits of their respective distribution ranges in the area. Localities with G. balcanicus in the Northern Sub-Carpathians form the northwestern border of its range in Europe. G. leopoliensis, restricted to the Eastern Carpathians, is a geographical vicariant to G. fossarum with the meridian 22◦E as a quite sharp borderline between the ranges of the two species. The vertical distribution of all three species in the area studied seems to be associated with the altitudinal range of deciduous and mixed forest zones. Possibly, such type of vegetation, through influencing nutrient content and pH conditions in mountain streams, is one of the main factors limiting the vertical distribution of Gammarus spp.

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• Alien crustaceans along the southern and western Baltic Sea.

  Jażdżewski K., Grabowski M.

  01/2011: pages 323-344;

  ISBN: 978-94-007-0590-6
• 0.89

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  Taxonomic review of freshwater Gammarus (Crustacea: Amphipoda) from Iran

  Mehrdad Zamanpoore, Michal Grabowski, Manfred Poeckl, Friedrich Schiemer

  Zootaxa. 01/2011; 3140:1-14.

  The paper summarizes current knowledge upon taxonomy and distribution of the freshwater Gammarus Fabricius, 1775 in Iran. Based on the literature data, 24 species were recorded so far from the fresh waters in the country. Revision of previously published materials including type collections, and ana... [more] The paper summarizes current knowledge upon taxonomy and distribution of the freshwater Gammarus Fabricius, 1775 in Iran. Based on the literature data, 24 species were recorded so far from the fresh waters in the country. Revision of previously published materials including type collections, and analysis of new materials, revealed presence of 18 valid freshwater Gammarus species in Iran (G. anodon, G. bakhteyaricus, G. baloutchi, G. crinicaudatus, G. hegmatanensis, G. komareki, G. lacustris, G. lobifer, G. loeffleri, G. lordeganensis, G. paricrenatus, G. parthicus, G. pretzmanni, G. pseudosyriacus, G. sepidannus, G. shirazinus, G. sirvannus and G. zagrosensis). Among the remaining six species, three (G. arduus, G. laticoxalis, G. syriacus) were reported as a result of misidentification and further three (G. miae, G. plumipes, G. projectus) appeared to be junior synonyms of other already described species. Distribution ranges of most of the species are restricted usually to only few localities in the mountainous terrain, so they may be treated as Iranian endemics. The only exceptions are: G. lacustris (widely distributed in Holarctic, with only few populations in Iran), G. komareki (widely distributed in the Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor, in Iran recorded from the entire Alborz region) and G. pseudosyriacus (widely distributed in Asia Minor, in Iran found in the entire Zagros region). A brief remark on taxonomy of each species is presented, with emphasis on misidentifications, synonymies and similar species, supplemented by distribution data, and ecological details if available. An identification key for the freshwater Gammarus of Iran is provided.
• 0.62

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  Non-native fish in Belarusian and Polish parts of the European central invasion corridor.

  Semenchenko V, Grabowska J, Grabowski M, Rizevsky V, Pluta M.

  Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies. 01/2011; 40:57-67.

  This is the first comprehensive review to examine the role of the central European invasion corridor on fish introductions into Belarusian and Polish inland waters (Dnieper-Bug-Vistula-Oder-Elbe-Spree-Havel). Historical and recent data were assessed, including the results of a 2003 - 2008 survey alo... [more] This is the first comprehensive review to examine the role of the central European invasion corridor on fish introductions into Belarusian and Polish inland waters (Dnieper-Bug-Vistula-Oder-Elbe-Spree-Havel). Historical and recent data were assessed, including the results of a 2003 - 2008 survey along the Belarusian and Polish sections of the corridor. Since the eighteenth century, at least six fish species of Ponto-Caspian origin have spread via the corridor and migrated westwards to the Baltic basin, with five species found in recent surveys, namely the monkey goby Neogobius fluviatilis, round goby N. melanostomus, racer goby N. gymnotrachelus, tubenose goby Proterorhinus marmoratus and the white eye-bream Abramis sapa. Four other non-native species were also found within the corridor - the Amur sleepr Perccottus glenii, gibel carp Carassius gibelio, brown bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus and the topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva. Their presence is related to numerous accidental introductions to many localities in Belarus and Poland, rather than from using the corridor as an invasion route. One species, the ninespine stickleback, Pungitius pungitius, has migrated from the Baltic basin to the Black Sea drainage systems.

• Distribution of the endemic amphipod species Echinogammarus thoni (Schäferna, 1922) in watercourses of the Balkan Peninsula

  Zganec K, Gottstein S, Grabowski M, Platvoet D

  Lauterbornia. 01/2010; 69:41-50.

  An overview of all records of the Balkan endemic Echinogammarus thoni is given for streams in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania, based on literature data and data from our field studies. For the first time E. thoni was found on 3 of 49 studied localities in Albania. In Montene... [more] An overview of all records of the Balkan endemic Echinogammarus thoni is given for streams in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania, based on literature data and data from our field studies. For the first time E. thoni was found on 3 of 49 studied localities in Albania. In Montenegro a new record comes from the Orahovica River. In Croatia the species was recorded at 23 of 415 sites in total, with new records in 3 small rivers. The current distribution is from the Jadro River near the town of Split to the Zuzës River system in Albania. In the center of the distribution area, in the southern part of the Neretva River catchment inhabiting populations are characterized by a well developed dorsal keel on meso- and metasoma. Isolated populations from the Jadro and Ljuta Rivers, as well as from Montenegro and Albania have a less pronounced dorsal keel. E. thoni is well adapted to both freshwater and oligohaline conditions and it is more abundant in waters with high summer temperature.

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• Risk assessment of aquatic invasive species introductions via European inland waterways

  Vadim E Panov, Boris Alexandrov, Kestutis Arbaciauskas, Rosa Binimelis, Gordon H Copp, Michal Grabowski, Frances Lucy, Rob S E W Leuven, Stefan Nehring, Momir Paunović, Vitaliy Semenchenko, Mikhail O Son

  01/2010: pages 140-143;

  ISBN: 978-954-642-446-4

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• 1.24

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  Crustacean fundamentals

  Michal Grabowski

  Contributions to zoology Bijdragen tot de dierkunde. 01/2010; 77:53-55.

  Review of Treatise on Zoology - Anatomy, Taxonomy, Biology - The Crustacea, Volume 2, edited by J. Forest and J.C. von Vaupel Klein. Advisory Editor: F. R. Schram. Brill, Leiden-Boston, 2006, 552 pp., ISBN-13: 978 90 04 13791 2, ISBN-10: 90 04 13791 2... [more] Review of Treatise on Zoology - Anatomy, Taxonomy, Biology - The Crustacea, Volume 2, edited by J. Forest and J.C. von Vaupel Klein. Advisory Editor: F. R. Schram. Brill, Leiden-Boston, 2006, 552 pp., ISBN-13: 978 90 04 13791 2, ISBN-10: 90 04 13791 2

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  Two new Gammarus species (Crustacea, Amphipoda) from warm springs in the south-east pre-alpine area of the Zagros, Iran: Habitats with physiological challenges.

  Mehrdad Zamanpoore, Michal Grabowski, Manfred Poeckl, Friedrich Schiemer

  Zootaxa. 01/2010; 2546:31-51.

  Despite the prospering results emerging from some recent works on Iranian amphipod fauna, continental waters in the south-east edges of the Zagros Mountain ranges had not been investigated for gammarids before. This paper introduces two new epigean species, G. shirazinus and G. loeffleri, distribute... [more] Despite the prospering results emerging from some recent works on Iranian amphipod fauna, continental waters in the south-east edges of the Zagros Mountain ranges had not been investigated for gammarids before. This paper introduces two new epigean species, G. shirazinus and G. loeffleri, distributed in many running waters of four catchment areas in a broad region in the south of Iran. The most important ecological features of the habitats of these species in comparison with previously studied gammarids are higher water temperature and salinity, and lower dissolved oxygen in their habitats, coinciding with decreasing elevation. A comparison of the ultra-structure of the cuticle of the head capsule by scanning electron microscopy between these two new species, and some other species is given. A detailed species description is provided. In addition, the geographical and ecological range of the new species is discussed.
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  Updated checklist of Albanian aquatic beetles with first localities of some species of Hydradephaga, Hydrophiloidea and Byrrhoidea (Coleoptera).

  Marek Przewoźny, Radomir Jaskuła, Michal Grabowski

  Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies. 01/2010; 39:155-164.

  New records of 34 aquatic beetle species from Albania are presented. Seventeen species are recorded for the first time from this country, including 3 species of Haliplidae, 6 of Dytiscidae, 6 of Hydrophilidae and 2 of Dryopidae. Coelostoma hispanicum (Küst.) is confirmed to occur in an area east of ... [more] New records of 34 aquatic beetle species from Albania are presented. Seventeen species are recorded for the first time from this country, including 3 species of Haliplidae, 6 of Dytiscidae, 6 of Hydrophilidae and 2 of Dryopidae. Coelostoma hispanicum (Küst.) is confirmed to occur in an area east of the Mediterranean Sea. An updated checklist of Albanian aquatic Coleoptera is also provided. The list counts 125 species belonging to 11 families. There are 3 species of Gyrinidae, 9 of Haliplidae, 1 of Noteridae, 44 of Dytiscidae, 4 of Helophoridae, 1 of Hydrochidae, 21 of Hydrophilidae, 33 of Hydraenidae, 5 of Elmidae, 3 of Dryopidae, and 1 of Limnichidae.

• Assessing the risks of aquatic species invasions via European inland waterways: from concepts to environmental indicators.

  Vadim E Panov, Boris Alexandrov, Kestutis Arbaciauskas, Rosa Binimelis, Gordon H Copp, Michal Grabowski, Frances Lucy, Rob S E W Leuven, Stefan Nehring, Momir Paunović, Vitaliy Semenchenko, Mikhail O Son

  Integrated environmental assessment and management. 02/2009; 5(1):110-26.

  Over the past century, the potential for aquatic species to expand their ranges in Europe has been enhanced both as a result of the construction of new canals and because of increased international trade. A complex network of inland waterways now connects some previously isolated catchments in south... [more] Over the past century, the potential for aquatic species to expand their ranges in Europe has been enhanced both as a result of the construction of new canals and because of increased international trade. A complex network of inland waterways now connects some previously isolated catchments in southern (Caspian, Azov, Black, Mediterranean seas) and northern (Baltic, North, Wadden, White seas) Europe, and these waterways act as corridors for nonnative species invasions. We have developed a conceptual risk assessment model for invasive alien species introductions via European inland waterways, with specific protocols that focus on the development of environmental indicators within the socioeconomic context of the driving forces-pressures-state-impact-response framework. The risk assessment protocols and water quality indicators on alien species were tested for selected ecosystems within 3 main European invasion corridors, and these can be recommended for application as part of the Common Implementation Strategy of the European Commission Water Framework Directive, which aims to provide a holistic risk-based management of European river basins. The conceptual structure of the online Risk Assessment Toolkit for aquatic invasive alien species is provided and includes 3 main interlinked components: online risk assessment protocols, an early warning system, and an information transmitter for risk communication to end users.

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• Gregarines (Apicomplexa) and microsporidians (Microsporidia) of native and invasive gammarids (Amphipoda, Gammaroidea), occurring in Poland.

  Mykola Ovcharenko, Doina Codreanu-Bălcescu, Michal Grabowski, Alicja Konopacka, Irena Wita, Urszula Czaplińska

  Wiadomości parazytologiczne. 01/2009; 55(3):237-47.

  The goal of our study was to recognize microparasites of alien gammarids inhabiting Polish inland and coastal waters versus those infecting local species. Twenty two localities including the Vistula, Oder and Bug Rivers, Vistula Lagoon, Gosławskie Lake, littoral of the Baltic Sea, as well as small r... [more] The goal of our study was to recognize microparasites of alien gammarids inhabiting Polish inland and coastal waters versus those infecting local species. Twenty two localities including the Vistula, Oder and Bug Rivers, Vistula Lagoon, Gosławskie Lake, littoral of the Baltic Sea, as well as small rivers draining directly to the sea were investigated. In total, over 5000 individuals of 14 species of gammarids were collected and analyzed using light and electron microscopy. The studies have revealed five named and seven unnamed species of gregarines (Apicomplexa, Gregarinidae) as well as three named and seven unnamed species of microsporidians (Microsporidia, Nosematidae, Thelohaniidae) infecting six native and four invasive gammarid host species. All the above microparasites were new to Poland. Four species of gregarines (Uradiophora ramosa, U. longissima, Cephaloidophora similis, C. mucronata) and four microsporidians (Nosema dikerogammari, N. pontogammari, Thelohania sp. 2, Thelohania sp. 5) were associated with hosts of Ponto-Caspian origins. Evidently, these microparasites were transported to the area through the range expansion of their invasive hosts. Gregarines Cephaloidophora sp. 1 and Uradiophora sp. 1 were registered only in North American Gammarus tigrinus. Uradiophoera ramosa infects Ponto-Caspian (P. robustoides, D. villosus) and North-Americah hosts (G. tigrinus).
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  Reproductive biology of Dikerogammarus haemobaphes – an invasive gammarid (Crustacea: Amphipoda) colonizing running waters in Central Europe

  Bacela K, Konopacka A, Grabowski M

  Biological Invasions. 01/2009; 11:2055-2066.

  Dikerogammarus haemobaphes is a Ponto-Caspian gammarid that has invaded vast areas in Central and Western Europe. Our paper is a first presentation of its life history features in an invaded region. The study was conducted in the Vistula River in Poland from autumn 2003 to autumn 2005 in two sites d... [more] Dikerogammarus haemobaphes is a Ponto-Caspian gammarid that has invaded vast areas in Central and Western Europe. Our paper is a first presentation of its life history features in an invaded region. The study was conducted in the Vistula River in Poland from autumn 2003 to autumn 2005 in two sites differing in hydrological conditions with one being water reservoir. The results showed that the reproductive period lasted 8 months from April till October in both sites. Three generations per 1 year were observed: autumn (overwintering), spring and summer. Ten cohorts per year were distinguished. The individuals from the reservoir were much bigger than those from the other site. The fecundity of those specimens was also higher and they laid 52 eggs per clutch in average in comparison with 37 eggs in the river itself. The strong relationship between the number of embryos (in developmental stage 2) per clutch and the length of females was noticed. The overall mean egg size of stage 2 of D. haemobaphes was 0.430 ± 0.029 mm which is smaller than noted for native species such as Gammarus fossarum. A potentially high reproductive capacity, comparatively small eggs, short time of eggs’ development, fast reaching sexual maturation, short life span, tolerance to a wide range of environmental conditions, all promote the invasion of this Ponto-Caspian gammarid in freshwater ecosystems of the temperate climate zone.

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• 3.07

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  Salinity-related distribution of alien amphipods in rivers provides refugia for native species

  Grabowski M, Bacela K, Konopacka A, Jazdzewski K

  Biological Invasions. 01/2009; 11:2107-2117.

  There are numerous papers upon the range extension, biology and the impact of alien amphipods upon the local fauna. However, there are no studies concerning the alien versus native species distribution patterns at the catchment scale of river systems. In total 125 sites were sampled: 41 in main rive... [more] There are numerous papers upon the range extension, biology and the impact of alien amphipods upon the local fauna. However, there are no studies concerning the alien versus native species distribution patterns at the catchment scale of river systems. In total 125 sites were sampled: 41 in main rivers constituting the Polish section of the central invasion corridor (Bug, Vistula, Notec with canals, Oder) and 84 in their affluents. The conductivity of large rivers was much higher than in their small affluents. The number of alien species and their abundance was higher at sites with raised conductivity values. The reverse situation was noticed when native amphipods were taken into account. Moreover, large rivers were inhabited by alien fauna, whereas in smaller streams only native species were sampled. The absence of alien amphipods in small rivers may be explained by their ecological preference for a higher conductivity of water. Thus in smaller streams the native fauna is free from the pressure posed by alien amphipods. If not degraded by human activity, small affluents may function as refugia for native amphipod species. Otherwise, elevation of salinity related to improper catchment management or sewage treatment may lead to extinction of such local disjunct population of native amphipods.

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• Orchestia cavimana Heller, 1865 (Amphipoda: Talitridae) enters freshwater inland habitats in the Vistula River, Poland

  Konopacka A, Grabowski M, Bącela-Spychalska K, Rewicz T

  Aquatic Invasions. 01/2009; 4:689-691.

  Orchestia cavimana, a semiterrestrial amphipod of presumably Mediterranean origin was found for the first time in a freshwater habitat in Poland in October 2009, in the main Vistula channel at Świbno. Most probably the species reached this locality from the nearby Baltic coast by natural spread up t... [more] Orchestia cavimana, a semiterrestrial amphipod of presumably Mediterranean origin was found for the first time in a freshwater habitat in Poland in October 2009, in the main Vistula channel at Świbno. Most probably the species reached this locality from the nearby Baltic coast by natural spread up the river. Taking into account its high abundance at the site and presence of immature individuals, the species has probably established a permanent population in this new habitat in Poland.

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• 1.12

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  Non-selective predator – the versatile diet of Amur sleeper (Perccottus glenii Dybowski, 1877) in the Vistula River (Poland), a newly invaded ecosystem

  Grabowska J, Grabowski M, Pietraszewski D, Gmur J

  Journal of Applied Ichthyology. 01/2009; 25:451-459.

  The Amur sleeper diet spectrum was investigated in addition to its spatial, seasonal and size-related changes, in order to predict which groups of native prey would be most affected by this exotic predator that has rapidly invaded many Eastern and Central European inland waters in recent decades. In... [more] The Amur sleeper diet spectrum was investigated in addition to its spatial, seasonal and size-related changes, in order to predict which groups of native prey would be most affected by this exotic predator that has rapidly invaded many Eastern and Central European inland waters in recent decades. In total, 527 Perccottus glenii individuals were collected in four sites in the Włocławski Reservoir (the Vistula River, Baltic basin, Poland). Altogether 50 food categories were identified, including crustaceans, insects, molluscs, annelids, araneids, fishes and amphibians. Most of them were associated with aquatic vegetation, indicating that the Amur sleeper collects its prey from the submerged plants rather than directly from the bottom sediments. Amphipods and chironomid larvae, supplemented by zygopteran larvae and molluscs, composed the main forage base in all studied sites, although their importance was varied. The diet composition differed among P. glenii size-groups. Significant variation was found in numeric abundance of amphipods, chironomid larvae, fish and zygopteran larvae (Kruskal–Wallis P < 0.01). Seasonal changes in the diet were also observed whereby in spring and summer, dipteran larvae and amphipods were prevalent food items; the importance of molluscs and zygopteran larvae increased considerably in September; and fish showed the highest occurrence in June, July and August. The broad diet spectrum of the Amur sleeper indicates that it is a non-selective, opportunistic predator and that several taxonomic groups of native hydrofauna as well as macroinvetebrates and fish may be affected by its presence. The highly flexible feeding strategy undoubtedly favours Amur sleeper expansion in invaded watersheds.

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• 3.07

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  Diet and feeding habits of monkey goby (Neogobius fluviatilis) in a newly invaded area

  Joanna Grabowska, Michal Grabowski, Anna Kostecka

  Biological Invasions. 01/2009; 11:2161-2170.

  The monkey goby (Neogobius fluviatilis) is one of the Ponto-Caspian species that in recent decades made substantial East-to-West invasions in European inland waters. Now the species is present in the Danube as far as its Slovakian section. In the last decade the species also invaded the Western Bug ... [more] The monkey goby (Neogobius fluviatilis) is one of the Ponto-Caspian species that in recent decades made substantial East-to-West invasions in European inland waters. Now the species is present in the Danube as far as its Slovakian section. In the last decade the species also invaded the Western Bug and Vistula rivers, in the latter it is numerous nearly as far as its delta. The purpose of our study was to define the diet spectrum, feeding preferences, spatial and size related changes in diet and diurnal feeding activity of this goby. Another goal was to predict which groups of native prey would be most affected by the presence of this exotic predator in newly invaded areas. The study was carried out at three sampling locations in the Vistula River system. The food spectrum of the monkey goby was broad. The fish consumed insect larvae and pupae, crustaceans, annelids, gastropods and fish. Chironomid larvae were a prevalent food category in all sampling sites, followed by amphipod crustaceans at one site and by trichopteran larvae and chironomid pupae at another. At the third site, there was no distinct subdominant food category. According to the values of the Ivlev’s selectivity index, the preferred food category were chironomid larvae. No significant differences in diet were found over the 24-h cycle. There was no variation among different fish size groups. From our studies and from the available literature data it can be concluded that the species, due to its ability to use locally available food resources, displays a generalistic and highly flexible feeding strategy.

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  Two new sympatric species of freshwater Gammarus (Crustacea: Amphipoda) from Southern Zagros Region, Iran

  Zamanpoore M, Poeckl M, Grabowski M, Schiemer F

  Zootaxa. 01/2009; 2136:21-39.

  Gammarus zagrosensis n. sp. and Gammarus sepidannus n. sp., both from Gammarus pulex–group, are described from Sepidan County, Fars Province. They inhabit mountainous springs and were found co-occuring in some localities. Many clear morphological differences were recognized, including the setation o... [more] Gammarus zagrosensis n. sp. and Gammarus sepidannus n. sp., both from Gammarus pulex–group, are described from Sepidan County, Fars Province. They inhabit mountainous springs and were found co-occuring in some localities. Many clear morphological differences were recognized, including the setation of the second antenna and pereopods, length of antennal gland cone, postero-inferior protruding lobe and postero-distal corner setation in the basis of P6–7, endopodite/exopodite ratios of uropod 3, dorsal elevation of urosomites, and setation of lower distal margin of epimeral plates 2 and 3. Gammarus zagrosensis is distinguished from G. pseudosyriacus by having setae on the distal segments of pereopod 5–7, a less pointed epimeral plate 2, posterior-inferior corner setae, and the longer setae on uropod 3. The closest species to G. sepidannus are G. balutchi and G. lobifer, the most evident differences of which are the eye size, setosity of first antennal peduncles and flagellum of second antenna, length of gland cone, and uropod rami length ratios. Comparison of the head cuticular micro-structures gives more arguments for separating the two new species from each other, as well as from the previously studied, related species.

• Risk assessment of invasive alien species introductions via European inland waterways

  V Panov, B Alexandrov, Arbaciauskas K, R Binimelis, M Grabowski, F Lucy, R Leuven, S Nehring, M Paunović, V Semenchenko, M Son

  Neobiota: Towards a Synthesis. 5th European Conference on Biological Invasions, Prague, Czech Republic; 09/2008

  European network of inland waterways facilitates the transfer of invasive alien species (IAS) across European inland waters and coastal ecosystems, which requires appropriate risk assessment-based management options to address risks posed by human-mediated introductions of these species. During the ... [more] European network of inland waterways facilitates the transfer of invasive alien species (IAS) across European inland waters and coastal ecosystems, which requires appropriate risk assessment-based management options to address risks posed by human-mediated introductions of these species. During the development of methods to assess the risks of IAS introductions via European inland waterways we considered the DPSIR framework (‘Driving forces’, ‘Pressure’, ‘State’, ‘Impact’, ‘Response’) to structure developed environmental indicators in the socio-economic context. In addition, considering the current gap in addressing IAS in the river basin management in Europe, our goal was to develop and test relevant risk assessment protocols and water quality indicators on IAS for possible consideration in the Common Implementation Strategy of the EC Water Framework Directive and as part of a holistic risk-based management of European river basins. Owing to the high degree of scientific uncertainty when dealing with such a global and complex ecological issue as large-scale intercontinental and intra-continental introductions of IAS, the qualitative model of risk assessment was selected for risk assessment of IAS introductions via European inland waterways. The present variant of this model of risk assessment of IAS introductions, tested for selected assessment units within the main inland water invasion corridors, includes seven main components: (1) Identification of main invasion gateways, routes and corridors in Europe; (2) Selection of ecosystems as assessment and management units (AUs) within invasions corridors/invasion network; (3) Identification and analysis of pathways of IAS introductions within the ecosystem AU – ‘Driving forces’ according to the DPSIR framework; (4) Assessment of inoculation rates within the ecosystem AU (propagule pressure) – DPSIR ‘Pressures’; (5) Assessment of biological contamination level of the ecosystem AU - DPSIR ‘State’; (6) Assessment of invasiveness of the established in the ecosystem AU alien species (potential biopollution risk) - DPSIR ‘Impacts’; (7) Development of an online Risk Assessment Toolkit with early warning service for reporting of environmental indicators and recommendations for risk management to stakeholders – DPSIR ‘Responses’.