This paper presents the first list of earthworm fauna of the Kopaonik National Park, a total of 16 taxa, belonging to eight genera of the family Lumbricidae. The genera with the largest number of the registered taxa are Dendrobaena and Lumbricus, while the genera Aporrectodea, Bimastos, Eisenia, Eiseniella, Octodrilus and Octolasion are represented by one species each. Also, the review of zoogeographical types and ecological categories of registered species are presented. Half of the species are peregrine, while the rest are autochthonous. Regarding ecological categories, anecic (2) and endogeic (4) species are more sensitive to high mountain environmental conditions than epigeic (12) species, which are more adapted to such conditions. Overall, our results highlight how little was previously known about the earthworm fauna in this area and emphasize the need for further collecting to better understand the hidden earthworm diversity in Kopaonik NP.
The aim of this paper is to present the results of the recent collecting earthworms, with new localities and new habitats in Vojvodina Province. The sporadic field investigation was carried out during 2013-2020. In this paper we report new records of Criodrilus lacuum Hoffmeister, 1845 (family Criodrilidae) proved to be new species for the fauna of Vojvodina Province. Also, information on the taxonomic status of individual species was provided. Fifteen earthworm species and subspecies from family Lumbricidae have been registered. Six taxa were found to be synonymous with nominal species, so that the number decreases to 31 species, from 10 genera. Our data demonstrate clearly that the earthworm fauna of the Vojvodina Province is relatively poor, monotonous and that the impact of intensification of agricultural practices effect on loss of soil biodiversity.
The results of our study provide new data about a Lumbricus meliboeus (Rosa 1884) distribution. It is for the first time registered for the territory of Kosovo and Metohija. The new finding place Dubrava represents the southeasternmost point of the species' natural areal. Summarizing all the data reported so far, it can be concluded that this species possesses a wider distribution than was previously thought.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different concentrations of copper and zinc on the mortality and bodyweight of juvenile earthworms in artificial soil. Copper was more toxic with complete mortality at the dose rate of 1000 mg/kg. Bodyweight loss of earthworms was observed immediately, after the first week, except at the lowest concentration. In comparison to control, there were significant differences in the bodyweight loss every week in the concentrations of 333 and 666 mg/kg, and also 167 mg/kg in the fourth, sixth, and eighth week. Zinc has not shown a significant effect on mortality, except in the highest concentration, where survival was less than 25%. Statistically significant effect (p < 0.05) on bodyweight was registered only at the highest concentration, every week. The impact of metals on earthworm populations should be more accurately assessed, and data for juvenile earthworms should be considered when proposing a safe concentration of pollutants in the environment, because of the great importance of these animals' presence in the soil.
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