Pathways of macroinvertebrate invasions in the Ob River basin (West Siberia)

Water bodies of West Siberia mainly belong to the Ob River basin, which is not connected to other basins by shipping canals. The relative isolation of the basin predetermined the major role of industrial fisheries and aquarium trade in alien invertebrate transfer into the basin reservoirs. About 60% of the alien species were introduced into water bodies of West Siberia through industrial fisheries, and about 40% through aquarium fisheries. This paper is the first attempt to supplement a list of alien aquatic invertebrates from the Ob River basin. The data on the spread of 21 known non-indigenous species of invertebrates in this area are available. It should be noted that 7 species were deliberately introduced to enhance food reserves for fish, 8 were released by aquarists, 5 were inadvertently released during fish and forage organism introduction, and 1 (a crayfish) was imported for human consumption. For species with a known establishment period, there was a prolonged lag time in cases of both intentional and inadvertent introduction. The high invasion rate in the relatively isolated water bodies of the Ob River basin is comparable to that in Europe; hence, establishment of control over fishery-induced movement of alien invertebrates is required.     

Occurrence of Paramecium species in Western Siberia, Russia

Paramecium strains collected in Central Russia, Western Siberia (the West Siberian Lowland and the Altai Mountains in the south) were studied. The presence of P. caudatum, P. bursaria, P. multimicronucleatum, P. polycaryum, and four species of the P. aurelia complex, i.e. P. primaurelia (in Omsk), P. biaurelia (in Krasnoyarsk and the Altai Mountains), P. triaurelia (in Krasnoyarsk), and P. pentaurelia (in Novosibirsk, Altai Foreland, and Altai Mountains) was revealed. P. triaurelia and P. pentaurelia were found for the first time in Asia.     

Influenza A (H15N4) Virus Isolation in Western Siberia,Russia

The rarely identified influenza A viruses of the H15 hemagglutinin subtype have been isolated exclusively in Australia. Here we report the isolation of an H15N4 influenza A virus (A/teal/Chany/7119/2008) in Western Siberia, Russia. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the internal genes of the A/teal/Chany/7119/2008 strain belong to the Eurasian clade and that the H15 and N4 genes were introduced into the gene pool of circulating endemic avian influenza viruses through reassortment events.     

A new spider species of the genus Argenna (Aranei,Dictynidae) from Western Siberia

A new dictynid species, Argenna sibirica sp. n., is described based on a male from the environs of Tobolsk. The new species has a combination of somatic criteria typical of the genera Argenna Thorell, 1870 and Altella Simon, 1874 but differs from them in the presence of numerous warts on the chelicerae, an elongated labium, and an elongated crescent-shaped palp conductor.     

Species affiliation of metacercaria of the genus Metorchis (Trematoda, Opisthorchidae) from fishes in Western Siberia

Two larval species of the genus Metorchis, M. bilis and M. xanthosomus, are reported from fishes of West Siberia. Larvae of the first species can develop into adult forms in birds (terns, gulls, ducks) and in mammals (cats, golden hamsters, white mice). Larvae of the second species developed only in ducks. Experimental infection of golden hamsters, white mice and black terns with M. xanthosomus failed. On the results of the experimental infection and literary data the synonyms, M. bilis and M. xanthosomus, are given.     

Representatives of the genus Ammosiphonia He, 1977 (Foraminifera) from the Jurassic and Carboniferous of Western Siberia

The wide distribution of the genus Ammosiphonia in the Upper Jurassic and Carboniferous of Western Siberia is established for the first time. Six haplophragmoidid species of Western Siberia are assigned to this genus. The diagnosis of the genus is emended; the taxonomic positions and scopes of the species Ammosiphonia nonioninoides (Reuss), A. beresoviensis (Bulatova), and A. sibirica (Zaspelova) are revised; two new species, A. suprajurassica sp. nov. and A. valanginica sp. nov., are described.     

Estimation of periphytic microalgae gross primary production with DCMU-fluorescence method in Yenisei River (Siberia, Russia)

Periphyton (epilithon) gross primary production (GPP) was estimated using the DCMU-fluorescence method in the Yenisei River. In the unshaded littoral zone, chlorophyll a concentration (Chl a) and GPP value varied from 0.83 to 973.74 mg m⁻²and 2–304,425 O₂ m⁻² day⁻¹ (0.64–95 133 mg C m⁻² day⁻¹), respectively. Positive significant correlation (r = 0.8) between daily GPP and periphyton Chl a was found. Average ratio GPP:Chl a for periphyton was 36.36 mg C mg Chl a m⁻² day⁻¹. The obtained GPP values for the Yenisei River have a high significant correlation with values predicted by a conventional empirical model for stream periphyton. We concluded that the DCMU-fluorescence method can be successfully used for measuring of gross primary production of stream phytoperiphyton at least as another useful tool for such studies.     

Hydrothermal regime of the urban soils in the cold period of the hydrological year of Western Siberia (Russia)

International Journal of Biometeorology - This study analysed the temperature and humidity properties of urban soils in the territory of the Mikhailovskaya Embankment Park of Culture and Recreation...     

Biodiversity,distribution and production of macrozoobenthos communities in the saline Chernavka River (Lake Elton basin,South-West Russia)

Limnology - The rise of salinity of inland waters in many regions of the world highlights the necessity of investigations of ecosystems with a naturally high level of salinity to be able to predict...     

Evaluation of genetic structure across freshwater mussel community (genus Elliptio) in the Altamaha River basin

Using mitochondrial DNA sequence data and genotypic data from four microsatellite loci, we evaluate the population genetic structure for three common species of the freshwater mussel genus Elliptio in the Altamaha River basin in Georgia, USA. These data are intended to evaluate whether distinct management strategies should be applied to upper and lower reaches of the Altamaha, which are separated by some discontinuities in appropriate habitat and may have been differentially influenced by heavier urbanization in the upstream reaches. Our results show no significant structure of mitochondrial data for E. dariensis, E. hopetonensis, or mussels in the E. icterina–complanata group. However, microsatellite data do suggest moderate genotypic structure of mussels in the E. icterina–complanata group, consistent with (but not necessarily caused by) the noted habitat disjunction. Application of these data may prove useful in management of rare endemic congeners such as the Altamaha spinymussel, E. spinosa, in showing that management resources can be applied uniformly throughout the Altamaha basin.     

Mercury content in muscles of fish of the Selenga River and lakes of its basin (Russia)

Differences between the muscle mercury contents in fish from lakes Gusinoye and Karasinoye and the Selenga River may indicate an inconsiderable income of mercury in aquatic ecosystems with atmospheric precipitation, along with a more intensive migration of mercury with the riverine flux. The minimal concentration of mercury (less than 0.15 mg/kg, dry weight) has been registered in the muscles of Amur sleeper from Lake Karasinoye and of Baikal omul from Lake Baikal, while the maximal concentration (1.0–2.3 mg/kg, dry weight) has been revealed in the fish caught in the Selenga River delta (in predatory pike, Amur catfish, and perch, as well as in omnivorous roach and ide). The muscle metal content in dace decreased along the downstream direction.     

Lower Cambrian (Botomian) polycystine Radiolaria from the Altai Mountains (southern Siberia, Russia)

Relatively well-preserved polycystine Radiolaria are here described from Lower Cambrian (Botomian) strata of the Shashkunar Formation, Altai Mountains in southern Siberia (Russia). These radiolarians display a test formed of a disorderly and three-dimensionally interwoven meshwork of numerous straight and curved bars branching from a five-rayed point-centered spicule located within the inner shell surface. The shell structure allows their assignment to the family Archeoentactiniidae, thus extending the known age range of the family down to the Lower Cambrian. The Botomian age is based essentially on trilobites (Parapagetia-Serrodiscus zone), but also on archaeocyathids identified in earlier publications. The study of the radiolarian-bearing sedimentary sequence confirms the presence of polycystine radiolaria in the external platform environments of Lower Cambrian ecosystems.     

Soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics along a latitudinal transect in Western Siberia, Russia

An 1800-km South to North transect (N 53°43′ to 69°43′) through Western Siberia was established to study the interaction of nitrogen and carbon cycles. The transect comprised all major vegetation zones from steppe, through taiga to tundra and corresponded to a natural temperature gradient of 9.5°C mean annual temperature (MAT). In order to elucidate changes in the control of C and N cycling along this transect, we analyzed physical and chemical properties of soils and microbial structure and activity in the organic and in the mineral horizons, respectively. The impact of vegetation and climate exerted major controls on soil C and N pools (e.g., soil organic matter, total C and dissolved inorganic nitrogen) and process rates (gross N mineralization and heterotrophic respiration) in the organic horizons. In the mineral horizons, however, the impact of climate and vegetation was less pronounced. Gross N mineralization rates decreased in the organic horizons from south to north, while remaining nearly constant in the mineral horizons. Especially, in the northern taiga and southern tundra gross nitrogen mineralization rates were higher in the mineral compared to organic horizons, pointing to strong N limitation in these biomes. Heterotrophic respiration rates did not exhibit a clear trend along the transect, but were generally higher in the organic horizon compared to mineral horizons. Therefore, C and N mineralization were spatially decoupled at the northern taiga and tundra. The climate change implications of these findings (specifically for the Arctic) are discussed.     

Vegetation characteristics and eco-hydrological processes in a pristine mire in the Ob River valley (Western Siberia)

Relations between vegetation characteristics and eco-hydrological processes were assessed in a pristine mire in the valley of the Ob River (Western Siberia). Along a transect from the terrace scarp to the river, field data were collected on vegetation composition, peat stratigraphy, peat chemistry, hydrology and hydrochemistry. Based on floristic composition, eight vegetation communities were distinguished. Hydraulic head measurements were used to obtain an indication of groundwater flow directions. The water balance of the mire was calculated with a two-dimensional steady-state numerical groundwater model. Water types were defined based on cluster analysis of hydrochemical data. The results revealed that the dominant hydrological factor in the Ob mire is the discharge of groundwater, which supplies about threefold more water than net precipitation. Although the discharge flux decreases with increasing distance from the terrace scarp, high water levels and a “groundwater-like” mire water composition were observed in the major part of the study site. Precipitation and river water play only a minor role. Despite dilution of discharging groundwater with rainwater, spatial differences in pH and solute concentrations of the surficial mire water are small and not reflected in the vegetation composition. Although small amounts of silt and clay were found in the peat in the proximity of the river, indicating the occurrence of river floods in former times, no river-flood zone could be recognized based on hydrochemical characteristics or vegetation composition. A comparison of the Ob mire with well-studied and near-natural mires in the Biebrza River valley (Poland) revealed substantial differences in both vegetation characteristics and the intensity and spatial pattern of eco-hydrological processes. Differences in the origin and ratios of water fluxes as well as a dissimilar land use history would seem to be key factors explaining the differences observed.     

A new bettle species of the genus Taldycupes (Taldycupedidae, Coleoptera) from the Permian of the Tunguska River basin

Taldycupes rosanovi sp. nov. is described from an isolated elytron from the locality of Ilimpeya, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Tunguska River basin, Limptekon Formation.     

Loaches of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Barbatula</Emphasis> (Nemacheilinae) of the Zavkhan River basin (Western Mongolia)

Two sympatric species of Siberian loaches are recorded in the Zavkhan River basin (Great Lakes Depression, Western Mongolia) and described as new for science: Barbatula conilobus and B. dsapchynensis spp. n. The former species, most likely, is widely distributed over the entire river basin, and the latter species, apparently, occurs locally, but in sympatry with B. conilobus. Morphological differences of the new species from other representatives of the genus Barbatula and their relationships are analyzed. Ecological distinctions between the species of the genera Barbatula and Triplophysa in the Zavkhan River basin are described. Possible mechanisms of development of the present fauna of loaches in Mongolia and adjacent territories with an appearance of sympatric species pairs in a single water basin are discussed.     

Depth distribution of oligochaetes in Lake Baikal (Siberia - Russia)

In the course of a preliminary sampling program, oligochaetes were collected along two transects in soft sediments in Lake Baikal. The number of oligochaetes present in the samples was counted, without distinguishing between species. The results suggest an exponential decrease in number of individuals (N) relative to depth (11,165 N m^–2 at 21 m, 265 N m^–2 at 1200 m). Most oligochaetes were found in the top 7 cm of sediment. The orange colour of the sediments suggests a high oxygen availability, even at the greatest water depths.

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Résumé Au cours d'un programme d'échantillonnage préliminaire, les oligochètes du lac Baïkal ont été récoltés dans le sédiment mou prélevé le long de deux transects. Les oligochètes présents dans les échantillons ont simplement été dénombrés, sans identification déspèces. Les résultats suggèrent une diminution exponentielle du nombre d'individus en fonction de la profondeur du lac (11165 N m^–2 à 21 m, 265 N m^–2 à 1200 m). La plupart des oligochètes ont été trouvés dans les 7 premeirs cm de la couche supérieure du sédiment. La couleur orangée du sédiment suggère une grande disponibilité en oxygène, même aux profondeurs les plus grandes.

     

Testaceans (Testacea, Protozoa) of Taiga Soils in Western Siberia (Surgut Polesye)

We studied population structure of testaceans of automorphic and hydromorphic soils in the middle taiga of Western Siberia. Rich testacean fauna has been revealed. The fauna representation was comparable to the studied soils of Ciscaucasian Russia. The bryophilic group was the most typical for the region, since its representatives inhabited the predominating hydromorphic soils of bogs. The typical species included Amphitrema flavum, Heleopera petricola, Placocista spinosa, Trigonopyxis arcula, Centropyxis laevigata, Nebela tincta, Arcella catinus, as well as other moss forms. Flood plain proved to be the richest by testacean species variability among the studied habitats. The set of species here included both representatives of watershed and typical aquatic forms present due to the flood conditions of a given area. The highest quantitative indices of the testacean complexes were revealed in the forest area soils. Quadrulella quadrigera Deflandre, 1936 found in a flood plain area has been revealed for the first time in Russia.     

A new genus of the Thysanoptera (Thripidae) in the fauna of Siberia

Theilopedothrips zur Strassen, 1995 with the single species Theilopedothrips pilosus (Uzel, 1895) is recorded for the first time for Siberia from Central Yakutia.