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Copyright © 1999.
Published by the United Nations Office for Project Services in the
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BLACK SEA
RED DATA BOOK
Edited
by
Henri J. Dumont
(Ghent, Belgium)
Website Editor:
V.O. Mamaev
(Istanbul, Turkey)
Scientific Coordinator:
Y.P. Zaitsev
(Odessa, Ukraine)
EDITOR'S PREFACE
This "paper form" of the Black Sea Red Data book is not an exact copy of its
predecessor, the Black Sea Red Data web site. In addition to polishing the language
and style, I added a number of illustrations, and some distribution maps were also
redrawn.
Contentwise, I was struck by the high level of commitment of the numerous scientists
associated with this project. Inevitably, there were differences in approach and in the
level of thoroughness between contributions. By far the most detailed species sheets
were those contributed by the ornithologists, while some of the most synthetic ones
were found among the botanical entries. I tried to conserve as much of the original
flavour as I could, yet also aimed at harmonising contributions as far as feasible, and
this was certainly the case for such formal aspects as styling of the references,
including details of punctuation. The practice of numbering was abandoned in favour
of an alphabetical system.
While I welcome the initiative of including some terrestrial groups that populate the
littoral fringe of the Black Sea, I did have some problems with the choice of species in
certain cases. For example, it is not because a species is rare in Bulgaria or Romania,
that it should also be endangered in the rest of the Black Sea fringe. In the case of the
aquatic insects belonging to the Odonata, I therefore had to widen the scope of some
items listed in the book to what lives along the south and east margins of the Sea, and
I included a number of previously unlisted subspecies. This, the vicariance and the
formation of clines with a various degree of steepness of closely related taxa around
the basin, is one of the most exciting aspects of the living world of the Black Sea
fringe. Even so, I regret the selection of particular species of insects and plants, and
the omission of others since, in addition to the aspect I just stressed, there is a
concentration of endemics in the south-east corner of the basin, where Caucasian
biota with very narrow ranges occur down to sea-level. Among dragonflies, I may
cite Coenagrion ponticum and Cordulegaster mzymtae as examples. I did not
explicitely add them to the list, but inserted a brief note on them in the section dealing
with Calopteryx virgo feminalis, which is yet another representative of this category.
There are doubtlessly many plants in the same category, and hence, the contents of a
future Red Data book of the Black Sea should be revised in light of this reality.
Finally, I encountered some problems with the taxonomic nomenclature used. Some
taxa were listed under names that are widely considered to be junior synonyms or
otherwise unvalid. In all instances where I stumbled upon such a case (and without
claiming to have conducted an exhaustive search), I took the responsability of
replacing it by the binomen that is currently regarded as valid. For the botanical part,
I was privileged to receive expert help from my colleague Prof. P. Goetghebeur, to
whom I here extend my greatest thanks.
Henri J. Dumont
Ghent, June 1999
2
INTRODUCTION
This book was created within the framework of the GEF Black Sea Environment
Programme, at the Data Base Laboratory of Marine Hydrophysical Institute,
Sevastopol, Ukraine, but contributors came from all Black Sea countries (for a list,
see further).
The GEF Black Sea Environmental Programme (BSEP) was established in June 1993
with three primary objectives: to strengthen and create regional capacities for
managing the Black Sea ecosystem; to develop and implement an appropriate policy
and legal framework for the assessment, control and prevention of pollution and the
maintenance and enhancement of biodiversity; and to facilitate the preparation of
sound environmental investments.
As described in the Strategic Action Plan for the Rehabilitation and Protection of the
Black Sea: "A regional Black Sea Red Data Book (BSRDB), identifying and
describing endangered species, will be developed because, at present, there are no
Red Data Books or Lists which cover all the threatened and rare species of the entire
Black Sea ecosystem. To date, no regional Red Data Book had been prepared for the
marine environment anywhere in the world — the BSRDB is the first; the BSRDB
includes Black Sea species which are already mentioned in national and international
Red Data Books and Lists, plus other Black Sea threatened species which will be
introduced to the BSRDB by specialists using accumulated data. The Black Sea Red
Data Book includes: threatened and rare species of marine plants and animals; and,
threatened and rare species of coastal organisms which are ecologically close to the
marine environment
The BSRDB exists in two versions: as a conventional book (this version), and as a
web site and CD-ROM. Both versions include an Introduction (how to use the
document.), a main text with species files, and a list of references.
3
The preparation of the Regional List, one of the most important stages in the design of
the BSRDB, required multiple cross-consultations between various specialists both
from within and outside the Black Sea region. The resulting Regional List is therefore
not be a simple amalgamation of national lists.
Key Contributors:
Stanislav Volovik - Deputy Director. Research Institute of the Azov Sea Fishery
Problems. Rostov-on-Don, 21/2 Beregovaya str., 344007, Russian Federation. Tel:
(7-8632)-624850, Fax: (7-8632)-624742
Akaki Komakhidze - Director. The Black Sea Ecology and Fisheries Institute. 51,
Rustaveli str., P.B.58, Batumi, Republic of Georgia. Tel: (7-88200)-35519,36315,
Tel: (Satellite): 873-140-6444. Fax: (Satellite): 873-140-6443
Adriana Petranu. Romanian Marine Research Institute. B-dul Mamaia N.300, 8700
Constantsa 3, Romania. Tel: (40-41)-650870, Fax: (40-41)-831274
Cem Kirac. Underwater Research Society. P.K. 420 Yenisehir, Ankara, 06444,
Turkey. Tel: (90-312)-2151883, Fax: (90-312)-2151883
4
Vladimir Vladimirov (Software development and Design). Marine Hydrophysical
Institute. 2, Kapitanskaya str., Sevastopol, 335000, Crimea, Ukraine. Tel: (380-692)-
525276, Fax: (380-692)-444253. e-mail: vlvlad@alpha.mhi.iuf.net.
It was decided that the geographical scope of the BSRDB should cover the Black Sea
and the Sea of Azov, and also their coasts, including wetlands connected to the sea.
The geographical scope of the BSRDB does not cover the entire Black Sea basin or
extend to the Sea of Marmara. The geographical scope of the BSRDB is thus not
identical with the scope of the GEF BSEP.
The IUCN Red List Categories of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (1994) to
describe the status of each species were used, viz.
-Extinct (EX)
-Extinct in the Wild (EW)
-Critically Endangered (CE)
-Endangered (EN)
-Vulnerable (VU)
-Lower Risk (LR)
-Data Deficient (DD)
-an introduction
-sheets (files) describing threatened species of plants, including Algae (part 1) and
animals (part 2)
-annexes (references, indexes)
5
The book was written in English. The scientific names of each species are also given
in Latin and in the official languages of the Black Sea countries (Bulgarian,
Romanian, Russian, Turkish and Ukrainian). The species descriptions (sheets/files)
are divided into sections according to plant and animal taxonomy. Each species
description includes the following information:
The Scientists who contributed in compiling species descriptions for the Black Sea
Red Data Book are:
Bulgaria
Andreev, S.; Dencheva, K.; Filipova, M.; Konsulov, A.; Konsulova, T.; Kumanski,
K.; Nankinov, D.; Prodanov, K.; Siykov, Y.; Stanev^T.
Georgia
Komakhidze, A.
Romania
Bayaru, A.; Bologa, A.; Dumitrache, C; Gomoiu, M.-T.; Moldoveanu, M.; Petranu,
A.; Radu, G.; Stanciu, M; Tiganus, V.; Verioti, F.
Turkey
Ozturk, B.
Ukraine
Alexandrov, B.; Andryushchenko, Y.; Ardamatzkaia, T.;Birkun, A.; Chernichko, J.;
Dyatlov, S.; Gerasimov, S.; Gorlov, P.; Gubanov, V.; Khutornoy, S.; Kinda, V.;
Kolodkovskaya, E.; Krivokhizhin, S.; Minicheva, G.; Monchenko, V.; Siokhin, V.;
Vakhrusheva, L.; Vasilieva, T.; Vorobyova, L.; Yena, A.; Zaitsev, Yu.
Scientific Editor: Academician Yuvenaliy P. Zaitsev, Editor: Dr. Vladimir O.
Mamaev
by Tsonka Konsulova
The "Red Data Book (RDB) of the Republic of Bulgaria" was published in 1985 in
order to make the public familiar with the prevailing state of plant and animal species
which were found only infrequently in the country, e.g. they were not as widespread
as "ordinary ones". Three categories of deficiency were adopted:
-Category A - plant and animal species and subspecies that had disappeared or
become extinct
-Category B - plant and animal species and subspecies that were threatened either
because of an unfavorable change in their habitats and narrow ecological niches or
because of poor self-restoration of their populations
-Category C - rare plant and animal species, which either consisted of only a very
small number of specimens or were extremely limited in occurrence and which, if no
urgent measures were taken for their protection, were in danger of becoming extinct.
The two-volume Bulgarian RDB provides a sound basis for a large number of
initiatives and statutory acts aimed at the improvement, protection and restoration of
the species included. It also serves as a basis for the adoption of measures to protect
other species that are not yet included in it. The species in the Bulgarian RDB were
classified according to our present level of knowledge on their "genetic fund" (= their
total genetic variation or gene pool); this knowledge is rather scarce on certain groups
of plants and animals. Volume 2 of the Bulgarian RDB includes information on 157
vertebrate species of the classes Cyclostomata, Osteichthyes, Amphipoda, Reptilia,
Aves and Mammalia. The description of each species contains the following
information: Category of the species; Distribution; Abundance (density); Habitat
characteristics; Reproduction; Factors affecting negative consequences; conservation
measures taken; Conservation measures proposed; References.
The Bulgarian RDB gives the number of extinct (Category A), threatened by
extinction (Category B) and rare (Category C]) animals as follows:
Fishes Amphibia Reptilia Birds Mammals Total
Category A 3 2 9 2 16
Category B 16 9 57 8 90
Category C 4 4 34 9 51
Total 157
Of these 157 animals, 65 are marine and brackish water species. They are subdivided
as follows:
Fishes Amphibia Reptillia Birds Mammals Total
19 2 39 5 65
The RDB of Bulgaria (animals) consists of the following chapters: Preface, Maps of
the Existing and Projected Protected Faunistic Areas of National and International
Importance, List of Extinct (A), Threatened (B) and Rare (C) Animals in Bulgaria as
of 1 January, 1982, Fishes (Cyclostomata, Osteichthyes), Amphibia, Reptilia, Birds,
Mammals, References, Index of Bulgarian names of animal species and subspecies,
Index of Latin names of animal species and subspecies, Index of Bulgarian RDB
authors, Summary in Russian, Summary in English, Legend of the chronological
species maps in Bulgaria
2. GEORGIA
by Akaki Komakhidze
The following publications are available in Georgia: The Red Data Book of the
USSR, 1984. Vol. 1 and 2, Moscow, Lesnaya promysh-lennost Publ. (in Russian);
and the Red Data Book of the Georgian Republic. 1982, Tbilisi, Sabchota Sakartvelo
Publ. (in Georgian).
The Red Data Book (RDB) of the USSR uses five different status categories:
-1st category. Endangered species which cannot be saved without special measures.
-2nd category. Species with respectively high numbers, but declining so dramatically
that they could quickly become endangered.
8
-3rd category. Rare species which are not endangered at the moment, but occur in
such low numbers or in such limited areas that they could become extinct if there
were unfavorable changes in their habitat due to natural or anthropogenic impacts.
-4th category. Species whose biology has been insufficiently studied or whose number
or condition causes concern, but for which the data is insufficient to assign them to
any of above categories.
-5th category. Rehabilitated species which are no longer in danger and whose future
has been secured by protective measures but which are not exploited industrially and
whose numbers need to be constantly controlled.
The following species of Black Sea fauna and flora are included in the RDB of the
USSR: the sturgeon {Acipenser sturio), the monk seal (Monachus monachus); and the
Black Sea bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus ponticus).
-1st category. Species which are almost extinct or whose habitats are difficult to
access
-2nd category. Endangered species
-3rd category. Rare species
The following species of Black Sea fauna and flora are included in the RDB of
Georgia:
-Extinct in the wild (EW) - when a taxon can be saved in cultivation, captivity or
when research cannot locate an individual at the time (daily, seasonally, annually)
which corresponds to the life cycle of the taxon concerned.
9
-Taxon endangered (EN) - a taxon which is not threatened with extinction at the
moment, but faces high risks and may disappear in the near future.
-Vulnerable (VU) - a taxon is considered vulnerable when does not come under any of
the above categories, but may become endangered under certain conditions.
-Taxon with low risk (LR) - all remaining taxa. They can be divided into three
subcategories:
-Dependent on conservation.
-Close to danger.
-Category with deficient data (DD) - includes taxa on which information is inadequate
to evaluate the risk of extinction. IUCN adopted criteria for each category taking into
account the number, distribution, habitat and existing potential level of exploitation.
-Non-evaluated (NE) - includes taxa which cannot be included in any of the above
categories.
However, we believe that for the marine hydrobionts such classification is so detailed
and complicated as to make it impossible to use practically. The issue should be
studied by relevant experts and an acceptable classification adopted according to their
recommendations. All the littoral states should set up national expert teams to assist
with the compilation of a Black Sea RDB. These teams will identify the geographical
areas (swamps, estuaries, adjacent lakes, etc.) connected with the Black Sea and
decide whether they should be included in the Black Sea RDB. Only after the
geographical scope of the book has been finalized can other issues connected with the
Red Book be discussed.
3. ROMANIA
by Adriana Petranu
There is no national Red Data Book (RDB) in Romania. The preparation of a Danube
Delta RDB is one of the tasks of the Strategic Plan for the Management of Danube
Delta, and considerable information concerning the marine sector of the delta is
already stored in its database. In addition, some Romanian marine biologists have
published lists of rare and threatened species, including a Red List of extinct,
endangered, rare and insufficiently known benthic macrophytes in the Romanian
10
Black Sea. An inventory of marine algae was prepared on the basis of categories
proposed by the International Union on the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Field
studies covering the last three decades identified 143 macrophytes in Romanian
maritime waters, including: 20 extinct and endangered species (6 Chlorophyta, 4
Phaeophyta, 10 Rhodophyta), 34 rare species (6 Chlorophyta, 2 Xanthophyta, 9
Phaeophyta, 17 Rhodophyta), and four insufficiently known species (1 Phaeophyta,
3 Rhodophyta).
Five species of Natantia and three species of Reptantia decapods have disappeared
from Romanian Black Sea coastal waters:
4. RUSSIA
by Stanislav Volovik
The Red Data Book of the USSR (1984) and the Red Data Book of the RSFSR (1983)
were published in Russia. The following Black Sea/Azov Sea Basin animal species
are included in the Red Data Book (RDB) of the USSR:
11
-Mammals - 15 species (9 species in Russia);
-Birds - 22 species (15 in Russia)
-Amphibians and Reptiles - 1 5 species (4 in Russia)
-Fish - 1 species (1 in Russia)
-Arthropods - 66 species (55 in Russia)
-Crustaceans - 1 species (1 in Russia)
-Molluscs - 1 species (1 in Russia)
The RDB of the RSFSR contains less species than the RDB of the USSR, particularly
as regards aquatic organisms. For example, the RSFSR RDB does not include any
species of Black Sea/Azov Sea fish or molluscs.
In 1996 a two-volume book of the rare and endangered plants and animals in the
Rostov-on-Don region was published. It includes some representatives of Black
Sea/Azov Sea ecosystems, but the data presented pertains to the early and mid 1980s.
During the preparation of Russian National Report on Black Sea Biodiversity it was
found that in recent years the population status of many species in the Rostov-Don
region has deteriorated. It is possible that a similar situation exists in the Krasnodar
region, although data has yet to be published. Support should be provided for the
publication of a RDB for the Black Sea/Azov Sea Basin. The State Committee of
Fisheries of the Russian Federation promised to provide some financial support for
the preparation of the book, but only for the section on aquatic organisms.
All the threatened and rare organisms in the marine and coastal ecosystems (including
wetlands) should be included in the Black Sea RDB. A source of funding should be
sought for specialists who will compile data on plants (excluding algae), amphibians,
reptiles, birds and mammals.
5. TURKEY
by Bay ram Ozturk
No Red Data Book (RDB) has yet been published in Turkey. After the Turkish
Ministry of the Environment signed the Rio Declaration in 1992, it decided to prepare
a Turkish RDB. The book will include both aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Even
though Turkey has no RDB, some threatened species are nevertheless under legal
protection. For example, all catching of Huso huso, Monachus monachus, and three
cetacean species in the Black Sea is forbidden. DHKD, a Turkish NGO, recently
compiled a Turkish RDB for birds.
12
STATUS OF THE MONK SEAL (M.monachus) ON
THE BLACK SEA COASTS OF TURKEY
By Cem Kirac
The existence of the Monk Seals was mentioned by Mursalaglu (1964), Berkes
(1978), Ozturk (1996) and Kirac & Savas(1996). Two monk seals were recorded on
the Turkish Black Sea coast in 1991 -1994, swimming along the coast between Cide,
Gatalzeytin, Inebow, Abana and Doganyurt (Ozturk, 1996). Meanwhile, studies of
AFAG between Akcakoca and Zonguldak (74 km of coastline) performed between
1989 and 1994 revealed that monk seal is extinct in this zone, with the last regular
sighting dating back to December 1987 (Kirac & Savas, 1996). SAD/AFAG made
two expeditions along these coasts in 1993 and 1994, respectively. Our studies
included interviews with professional fishermen who spend more hours and days at
sea than scientists and conservationists can afford. Also, amateur fishermen, sailors,
divers and other interested people were interviewed. A standard inquiry form of
AFAG for "Monk Seal Sightings" was used in collecting data; each sighting sheet is
stored in a Dbase Program. In contrast to our studies made on the western coasts
(between Akcakoca and Zonguldak), AFAG could not make field studies in the
Central Black Sea due to limited finance. However, we could obtain preliminary data
about the existence of monk seals (approximate number and approximate distribution
on 350 km of coastline). The results show that minimum three monk seals survive on
the Turkish Black Sea Coasts. This number is not the result of individual
identifications but reflects the total number of seal sighted together. AFAG obtained
97 seal sighting data for 1960-1995, against 78 sighting data for 1990-1995 (July).
There were two seals together (n=4) in three different locations in 1990-1995 and
three seals together (n=3) in three different locations in 1990 - 1995. The locations
having multiple seal sightings indicate higher numbers of monk seals than indicated
above. Habitat degradation is minimal and there is little tourist development in this
zone of Turkish Black Sea Coast. Protection of species is therefore easier than in
other parts of Turkey (Kirac & Veryeri, 1996; Guclusoy, 1995,1996). There are also
17 caves, found by Ozturk (1996) in just one part of the mentioned zone.
6. UKRAINE
by Boris Alexandrov
Law N2750-XU "Red Data Book of Ukraine" was signed on 29 October 1992.
According to this law, 430 species of plants and 396 species of animals in Ukraine are
listed as Red Data Book (RDB) organisms. They include 19 species of algae and 100
species of which are inhabitants of the Black Sea. The first volume of the Ukrainian
RDB (Animals) was published in 1994. It includes pictures, maps and detailed
description of extinct and endangered species. The second volume (Plants) was
13
published in February 1997. It is available from the Ministry for Environmental
Protection and Nuclear Safety of Ukraine.
Some Ukrainian specialists recommend including in the Black Sea RDB species
which do not live in the sea but have causal relations (trophic and living connections)
with marine ecosystems. These include some species of birds and plants which
inhabit coastal dunes, peninsulas, islands and wetlands. The following list of these
organisms has been compiled by ornithologists (Dr. J. Chernichko, Ju.
Andriuschenko, V. Kinda and P. Gorlov from the Azov-Black Sea Ornithological
Station of Ukraine) and botanists (Dr. S. Djatlov and Dr. T. Vasiljeva-Nemertsalova
from Odessa State University):
Plants
Eryngium maritimum L. Ephedra distachya L.
Crambe pontica Stev. Ex. Rupri. Cladium mariscus (L.) R. Br.
Chrysopogon gryllus (L.) Trin. Eremogone cephalotes (Bieb.) Fenzl.
Ornithogalum refractum Schlecht Pancratium maritimum L.
Birds
Pelecanus onocrotalus Accipiter brevipes Antrhopoides virgo
Pelecanus cripsus Buteo rufinis Otis tarda
Phalacrocorax aristotelis Circaetus gallicus Tetrax tetrax
Phalacrocorax pygmaeus Hieraaetus pennatus Burhinus oedienemus
Areola ralloides Aquiila rapax Charadrius alexandrinus
Platalea leucorodia Aquila clanga Himanntopus nimantopus
Plegadis falcinellus Aquila pomarina Haematopus ostralegus
Ciconi nigra Aquila heliaca Tringa stagnatilis
Rufibrenta rufficollis Aquiila chrysaetos Numenius tenuirostris
Cygnus bewickii Larus ichthyaetus Numenius arquata
Tadorna ferruginea Hydroprogue caspia Numenius phaeopus
Bucephala clangula Bubo bubo Glareola pratíncola
Aythya myroca Haliaetus albicilla Glareola nordmanni
Somateria mollissima Mouticola saxatilis Emberiria melanocepphala
Oxyura leucocephala Aegypius monochus Sturnus roseus
Mergus serrator Gyps fulvus Neophron percnopterus
Pandion haliaetus Falco cherrug Tyto alba
Milvus milvus Falco peregrinus Lanius senator
Circus cyaneus Falco naumanni
Circus macrourus Grus grus
14
SPECIES SHEETS
Order POALES
Family POACEAE
Taxonomic description. A hairy plant with a hairy root, noded stems gathered in
tufts reaching upwards from 20 cm to 40 cm. Flat and thick leaves. The spike (without
awns) is 2-3 cm long, hard, with 3-4 spikelets of which the upper 1-2 are always non-
fructiferous and the lower two always fructiferous, rounded, slightly swollen with 6-8
awns each. The chaffs of the fructiferous spikelets are strongly bristlelike, rugged
along the veins but naked between them, ending at the tip, with two long almost
similar awns.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: CE
15
Allium guttatum Steven, 1809
Synonyms: None
Common names: Engl: Spotted onion; Russ: Luk krapchaty; Turk: Kiyi sogani; Ukr:
Tsybulya krapchasta
Order AMARYLLIDALES
Family ALLIACEAE
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: CR in Ukraine
17
Novosad, V. V., 1992. Flora Kerchensko-Tamanskogo Regiona. (The Flora of the
Kerch-Taman Region). Kiev, Naukova Dumka: 277 pp. (in Russian).
Compiled by L. Vakhrusheva
19
Asparagus brachyphyllus Turczaninov, 1840
Order ASPARAGALES
Family ASPARAGACEAE
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU in Ukraine
20
Velchev, V. (Ed.), 1984. Chervena kniga na NR Bulgaria. Tom 1. Rasteniya. (The
Red Data Book of Bulgaria. Vol. 1. Plants). Sofia, Izdatelstvo na Bulgarskata
Akademia na naukite: 448 pp. (in Bulgarian).
Compiled by L. Vakhrusheva
22
Asparagus litoralis Steven, 1857
Order ASPARAGALES
Family ASPARAGACEAE
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU in Ukraine
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. The plant prefers
littoral strips, sands, cockle-shells, and rocks. Critical habitats: Crimean coastline, in
particular Sudak, Shchebetovka, Maly Mayak, Ayudag mountain. Limiting factors:
endemism, limited distribution, small population sizes; storm destruction and
overgrazing.
23
Rubtsov, N. I. (Ed.), 1972. OpredeliteT vysshikh rasteniy Kryma. (Identification
Book of the Crimean Higher Plants). Leningrad, Nauka: 550 pp. (in Russian).
Compiled by L. Vakhrusheva
25
Astrodaucus Uttoralis Prude, 1898
IUCN Status
World level: DD
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU in Ukraine
26
Biology. Flowering in May-June, fruit-bearing in July-August. Reproduction by
seeds and vegetatively.
Conservation measures taken. The species has been entered in the Red Data Book
of Ukraine.
References
24
Biology. Reproduction is by seeds and vegetatively. The species has an early spring
development by overground shoots.
Threats. Habitat reduction or complete destruction due to cattle grazing; local people
pick this plant for decorative purposes.
Conservation measures taken. The species has been entered in the Red Data Books
of Bulgaria and Ukraine. It is conserved in the Belosaray spit reservation (Donetsk
region, Ukraine).
References
Kryukova , I.. V., Y. A. Luks, & L. A. Privalova et al, 1988. Redkiye rasteniya i
zhivotnyye Kryma. (Rare Plants and Animals of the Crimea). Simferopol, Tavria: 176
pp. (in Russian).
21
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Found on a littoral
strip of sea coast, coastal sands and places near rocks. Critical habitats: Evpatoria,
Mysovoye (Kazantip Cape), Sudak, Maly Mayak and Karabakh (southern coast of the
Crimea). Limiting factors: small size of population, elimination during storms and
other unfavourable natural situations, overgrazing.
Population trends. The population is not abundant, and has a tendency to decline.
Conservation measures taken. The species has been entered in the Red Data Books
of Bulgaria and Ukraine.
References
27
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Found along a
littoral strip, coastal sands and cockle-shells, and on steppic hillsides. Critical habitats:
Arabat spit sands, steppe hillsides near Simferopol. Limiting factors: small natural
population size and limited distribution.
Population trends. The colonies are not abundant, and have a tendency to decrease.
References
Davis, P. H., 1965-1985. Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands. Vols.1-9.
Edinburgh University Press.
18
Novosad, V. V., 1992. Flora Kerchensko-Tamanskogo Regiona. (The Flora of Kerch-
Taman Region). Kiev, Naukova Dumka: 277 pp. (in Russian).
Compiled by L. Vakhrusheva
28
Calystegia soldanella (Linnaeus) R. Brown, 1810
O r d e r POLEMONIALES
Family CONVOLVULACEAE
Taxonomic description. A perennial herb with long root system and procumbent
stems, 15-50 cm long, naked and smooth. Leaf blades reniform and fleshy. Flowers
on long pedicels, pentamerous. There are two ovate bracts embracing the receptacle;
sepals ovate, mucronate, equal to bracts; corolla 3,5-5,0 cm long, infundibular, pink.
Fruit a capsule.
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: CR
Subregion level: VU, EX in Ukraine
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Sandy and shingly
coasts. Critical habitats: Crimea (Sevastopol, Laspi, Foros, Nikita, Gurzuf, Novy
Svet, Sudak); Bulgaria (mouth of the river Kamchiya, Nesebr, Pomorie, Burgas,
Sozopol, Primorsko, Michurin, Akhtopol). Limiting factors unknown.
29
Biology. Blooms from May to July; fruits from June to August. Propagation both
vegetative (by runners and suckers) and by seeds. The species is a psammophyte,
xeromesophyte and halophyte.
Threats. Lack of non-modified sites along the coast due to the development of resort
zones.
Conservation measures taken. Listed in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria and
protected in the "Kamchiya" preserve (Bulgaria).
References
Davis P. H., 1965-1985. Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands. Vols. 1-9.
Edinburgh University Press.
30
Luks, Y. A., L. A. Privalova & I. V. Kryukova, 1976. Katalog redkikh,
ischezayushchikh i unichtozhaemykh rasteniy flory Kryma, rekomenduyemykh dlya
zapovednoy okhrany (Catalogue of Rare, Disappearing and Exterminative Crimean
Flora Plants Recommended for Protection). Yalta, GNBS: 24 pp. (in Russian).
Stoyanov, N., B. Stefanov & B. Kitanov, 1967. Flora na Bulgaria. Tom 2. 4 izd.
(Flora of Bulgaria. Vol.2, 4th Ed.). Sofia, Nauka i Izkustvo: 1325 pp. (in Bulgarian)
Vulff, E. W., 1966. Flora Kryma. (Flora of the Crimea). Moscow, Kolos 3 (2): 256
pp. (in Russian).
Yena, A. V., 1997 Nekotoryye itogi izucheniya pribrezhnoy flory Kryma. (Some
results of the investigation of the Crimean coastal flora). In: Proc. of the Crimean
Agricultural State University. Simferopol, Tavriya: 200-204 (in Russian).
31
Chrysopogon gryllus Linnaeus, Trin., 1820
Synonyms: None
Common names: Engl: Scented grass; Russ: Zolotoborodnik tsikadovy; Ukr:
Zolotoborodnyk tsykadovy
O r d e r POALES
Family POACEAE
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: CR
Subregion level: CR (Ukraine)
32
Biology. Flowering during Fruit-bearing in VIII-IX. Reproducing by seeds.
Conservation measures taken. The species features in the Red Data Book of
Ukraine. It is protected in the Chernomorskiy Biosphere Reserve and the Reserve of
Dzharylgatch of State importance (Ukraine).
References
Red Data Book of Ukraine. 1996. Plant Kingdom, Kiev: 606 pp.
Tchopik, V. I., 1978. Rare and vanishing plants of Ukraine. Kiev: 216 pp.
33
Cladium mariscus Linnaeus, Pohl., 1810
Synonyms: None.
Common names: Engl: Saw grass, Twig rush; Bulg: Rezhets kladium; Russ: Mech-
trava obyknovennaya; Ukr: Mech-trava bolotna
O r d e r CYPERALES
Family CYPERACEAE
Taxonomic description. A perrenial herb with thick rootstock and round leaved
stem, 1-1.5 m in height. Leaves linear. Flowers associated in compound panicles,
with a head bunch with long lacerated bracteate leaves.
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: CR
Subregion level: CR
34
Threats. Draining of wetlands, creation of residental zones.
References
Red Data Book of Russian Soviet Federal Socialist Republic, 1988. Plants. Moscow:
590 pp.
Red Data Book of Ukraine, 1996. Plant Kingdom. Kiev: 606 pp.
Takhtajan, A. (Ed.), 1981. Rare and vanishing plants of the USSR, Leningrad: 264 pp
Tchopik ,V. I., 1978. Rare and vanishing plants of Ukraine. Kiev: 216 pp.
35
Crambe mitridatis Juzepczuk, 1951
O r d e r CAPPARALES
Family BRAS SIC ACE AE (CRUCIFERAE)
Taxonomic description. A tall (1.5-2.0 m), annual or biennial plant with numerous
thin branches. Base leaves long, lyre-like, parted (solid ones are more rare), bare on
top, with long rare hairs on the veins on the bottom. Flowers white, petals yellowing
towards the base. Foetus a nut-like podlet. Its base short, empty; top a large sphere,
bearing one seed. The closely related endemic species C. mitridatis is often
considered as a taxonomic variety of C. koktebelica because of only subtle differences
between both.
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: CR
Subregion level: CR
36
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Sand and shingle
coasts, beaches, cavities and cracks in coastal rocks. Critical habitats: considered
endemic of Opuk mountain (Kerch peninsula in the Crimea) for a long time; in recent
years it has spread to the north of Kerch peninsula (Zolotoye, Bagerovo) and to
Tarkhankut peninsula (Jangul coast). Limiting factors: endemism, small population
size, overgrazing, elimination by storms.
Population trends. The populationsare scanty. Trends are not quite clear.
Conservation measures taken. The species is listed in the Red Data Book of
Ukraine and conserved in reservation sites at Kazantip Cape and Opuk mountain
(Kerch peninsula of the Crimea).
References
37
Kryukova, I. V., Y. A. Luks, L. A. Privalova et ah, 1988. Redkiye rasteniya i
zhivotnyye Kryma. (Rare Plants and Animals of the Crimea). Simferopol, Tavria:
176 pp. (in Russian).
Compiled by L. Vakhrusheva
38
Crambe pontica Stev. ex Rupr., 1869
O r d e r CAPPARALES
Family BRASSICACEAE
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: CR
Subregion level: CR (Ukraine)
39
Threats. Recreation, building on the seaside.
40
Cystoseira barbota (Good. & Wood, 1821)
O r d e r FUCALES
Family SARGASACEAE
Taxonomic description. The thallus is 15-20 cm tall; each branch ends with a conic
foot (sole); in most cases the basement branches are joined together in a common
base. The stem is narrow, 3-5 mm thick, cylindrical, its surface smooth and unequal.
The main branches are alternatively or chaotically branched from the stem, very long,
cylindrical in shape, with plenty of small branches whose number gradually
decreases, leaving a few singular cylindrical small branches, much shorter than the
initial ones; the small branches are uniformly distributed along the main branches or
come together as brooms near their top. In winter and spring there are many (air)
bladders on the branches. Cryptostoma are numerous on the surface of the branches
and (air) bladders. The receptacles are cylindrical, 0.2-1 cm long, strongly stressed on
the scaphidia surface and with phyliform sterile tops; gathered in dense installments
on the lateral surface of the branches: often in the receptacles the (air) bladders are
metamorphozed and are distributed close the top branches .
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN
41
and Mediterranean Seas. Species belonging to inferior northern area. Threatened by
suspended particles, with decreased light penetration for a consequence.
References
Bavaru, A., Bologa A. S. & H. V. Skolka, 1991. A checklist of the benthic marine
algae (except the Diatoms) along the Romanian shore of the Black Sea. Rev. roum.
Biol. biol. veget. 36: 7-22.
42
Bologa, A. S., 1987-88. Annotated bibliography on the macrophytobenthos along the
Romanian Black Sea coast (1881-1986). Cercet. mar. 20/21: 353-384.
Bologa, A. S., 1979. Present state of seaweed production along the Romanian Black
Seashore. Vie Milieu 39: 105-109.
Bologa A. S., N. Bodeanu, A. Petran, V. Tiganus & Y.P. Zaitsev, 1995. Major
modifications of Black Sea benthic and planktonic biota in the last three decades.
Bull. Inst, oceanogr. Monacol5: 85-110.
Bologa, A. S. & A. Bavaru, in press. Lista rosie a algelor macrofite bentale disparate
si pe cale de extinctie, rare si insuficient cunoscute din sectoral Romaniasc al Marii
Negre. Ocrot. nat. prot. med.
Muller, G. I., 1973. On the possibility of a marine reserve being established on the
Romanian coast of the Black Sea. in Atti. Conv. Int. "I parchi costieri mediterranei",
Salerno-Castellabate, 18-22 giugno, pp. 715-730.
Vasiliu, F., 1984. Causes and consequences of the present status of perennial algae
from the Romanian Black Sea littoral. Rev.Mus.Mon. 5 (in Romanian).
43
Cystoseira crinita (Desf. Bory, 1832)
O r d e r FUCALES
Family SARGASACEAE
Taxonomic description. The thallus is over 30-40 cm long and grows in the same
conditions as Cystoseira barbata. The stem is short or stretched along the whole
stem, almost 2 mm high; the main branches are 5-10 cm long, one mm thick; its
branches branch out alternatively. The surface of the stem and branches is smooth.
The branches are cylindrical with a large number of cryptostoma coming out on the
surface in shapes visible to the naked eye. The number of (air) bladders is small,
interspersed or superficial, one or two on small branches at a certain distance from
one another. These (air) bladders are large, 4-8 mm long and 3-4 mm thick,
ellipsoidal, sometimes with a lateral growth, or split such a pitch-fork. Cylindrical or
spare-shaded receptacles at the top of the branches, often with bladders and
sometimes with some small thorns on their surface, and without sterile shoots
on the top.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN, on the north-western and western shelves
44
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Rocky bottoms on
pebbly grounds in sublittoral areas. Suspended particles hindering light penetration.
Population trends. The species has almost disappeared and may soon be extinct.
References
Bavaru, A., S. Bologa & H. V. Skolka., 1991. A checklist of the benthic marine algae
(except the Diatoms) along the Romanian shore of the Black Sea. Rev. roum. Biol.,
Biol.veget. 36: 7-22.
Bologa, A. S., 1979. Present state of seaweed production along the Romanian
Black Sea shore. Vie Milieu 39: 105-109.
45
Bologa, A. S., N. Bodeanu, A. Petran., V. Tiganus & Y. P. Zaitsev, 1995. Major
modifications of the Black Sea benthic and planktonic biota in the last three decades.
Bull. Inst, oceanogr. Monaco 15: 85-110.
Bologa, A. S. & A. Bavaru, in press. Lista rosie a algelor macrofite bentale disparate
si pe cale de extinctie, rare si insuficient cunoscute din sectoral Romaniasc al Marii
Negre. Ocrot. nat. prot. med.
Muller, G. I., 1973. On the possibility of a marine reserve being established on the
Romanian coast of the Black Sea. in Atti. Conv. Int. "I parchi costieri mediterranei",
Salerno-Castellabate, 18-22 giugno: 715-730.
46
Dictiota dichotoma (Lamour, 1809)
O r d e r DICTYOTALES.
Family DICTYOTACEAE.
Taxonomic description. Thallus 10-20 cm tall, with numerous attached risodes. The
thallome is rude leathern, dichotomic, divided into numerous segments of 2-8 mm
width. Tips of the segments oval or forked. Diameter of the tetrasporangia 100-150
um, usually single, distributed over the surface of the thallome.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN (Ukraine)
47
Conservation measures taken. Included in the Red Book of the Ukraine.
References
Red Book of the Ukraine. 1996. Plant world. Kiyiv, Ukraniynski Encyclopedia Publ.
494 pp.
Zinova A. D.,1967. Definition of green,brown and red algae of the southern seas of
the USSR. Leningrad, Nauka: 397 pp.
Compiled by G. Minicheva.
48
Elymus pycnanthus (Godron) Melderis)
O r d e r POALES
Family POACEAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN
49
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Coastal sands.
Requires a correct humidity and salinity.
Conservation measures taken. The site is located in the Kavatsite resort which is
within the range of the Reserve "Pyasachna Liliya" (Sandy Lily).
References
Stoyanov, N., B. Stefanov & B. Kitanov, 1966. Flora na Bulgaria. 1: 563 pp. Sofia.
50
Ephedra distachya (Linnaeus, 1753)
Synonyms: None.
Common names: Engl: Great shrubby, Horse tail; Russ: Efedra dvukhkoloskovaya;
Turk: Deniz usumu; Ukr: Efedra dvykhkoloskova.
O r d e r EPHEDRALES
Family EPHEDRACEAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN (Ukraine)
51
Conservation measures proposed. Organize protected territories in places where
the species occurs.
References
Takhtajan, A. (Ed.), 1981. Rare and vanishing plants of the USSR. Leningrad:
264 pp.
52
Eremogone cephalotes (Bieb., Fenzl.)
O r d e r CARYOPHYLLALES
Family CARYOPHYLLACEAE
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU (Ukraine)
Conservation measures taken. The species features in the Red Data Book of
Ukraine (1996).
53
Conservation measures proposed. Set up protected territories in places where the
species occurs.
Reference
Red Data Book of Ukraine, 1966. Plant Kingdom. Kiev: 606 pp.
54
Eryngium maritimum Linnaeus, 1753
Synonyms: None
Common names: Bulg: Morski vetrogon, Morski eringium; Russ: Sinegolovnik
primorskiy; Ukr: Mikolaichikprimors^ky
O r d e r ARALIALES (APIALES)
Family APIACEAE (UMBELLIFERAE)
IUCN Status
WorldlevehNE
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN (Ukraine)
55
Conservation measures taken The species has been entered in the Red Data Book of
Bulgaria (1984).
References
Takhtajan,A- (Ed.), 1981. Rare and vanishing plants of the USSR. Leningrad: 264
pp.
56
Euphorbia paralias Linnaeus, 1753
O r d e r EUPHORBIALES
Family EUPHORBIACEAE
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN
57
Caucasus (southwards from Novorossiysk). Limiting factors: unknown; probably,
a low competitive ability in coastal communities.
Biology. Blooms from June to September, fruits from July to October. Successful
seed propagation. Deep tap root system, psammophyte, mesoxerophyte, halophyte.
Threats. Lack of non-modified sites along the coast due to the development of the
coast into a resort zone.
References
Davis P. H., 1965-1985. Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands. Vols. 1-9.
Edinburgh University Press.
58
zapovednoy okhrany (Catalogue of Rare, Disappearing and Exterminative Crimean
Flora Plants Recommended for Protection). Yalta, GNBS: 24 pp. (in Russian).
Tzvelyov, N. N. (Ed.), 1996. Flora vostochnoy Yevropy. Tom 9 (Flora of the East
Europe. Vol.9). Sankt-Peterburg, Mir i Sem'ya 95: 455 pp. (in Russian).
Vulff, E. W., 1953. Flora Kryma. Moscow, Nauka 2(3): 220 pp. (in Russian).
Compiled by A. Yena
59
Euphorbia peplis Linnaeus, 1753
Synonyms: None
Common names: Russ: Molochay buterlakovidny; Turk: Kucuk sutlegen; Ukr:
Molochay shchebrikovydny
O r d e r EUPHORB JALES
Family EUPHORBIACEAE
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN (Ukraine)
Conservation measures taken. The species has been entered in the Red Data Book
of Bulgaria (1984).
60
Conservation measures proposed. Create protected territories in places where the
species occurs.
References
Takhtajan, A. (Ed.), 1981. Rare and vanishing plants of the USSR. Leningrad:
447 pp.
61
Festuca vagi nata (Waldst. & Kit, ex Willd., 1809)
O r d e r POALES
Family POACEAE
Taxonomic description. A loose tufty plant coated with wax. The stem is from 40
cm to 60 cm high, smooth, with blunt edges or rounded. The leaves are with long,
entire, wide axils and with bristly or cylindrically shaped blades with a diameter of
0.45-1.35 mm, with seven to 15 or most often nine veins, smooth, and two to five
sclenchymatous fascicles. The corymb is up to 20 cm long, patent and then
compacted, smooth or slightly rough. The spikelets are small, 5-8 (10) mm long; the
lower chaff is 2-3 cm long, pointed; the upper one - blunt with an awn at the tip (often
cilliated along the margin ). The chaffs are 3.5-4 mm long, lanceolate, pointed, most
often ciliated at their upper end, with or without an awn.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU
62
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Sands, sand dunes
and rocky areas.
Conservation measures taken. Most of the populations are within the borders of
protected areas.
Conservation measures proposed. Strict control in the protected areas where the
plant still exists.
References
Ahtarov, B., 1953. Rodat Festuca L. (Vlasatka) v Balgaria. Izv. Botan. Inst. BAN 3
3-91.
Compiled by M. Filipova.
63
Frankenia pulverulenta (Linnaeus, 1753)
Synonyms: None.
Common names: Bulg: Frankeniya..
O r d e r TAMARICALES
Family FRANKENIACEAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: CE
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Salty coastal sands
and clay soils. Humidity and salinity are threats.
64
Conservation measures taken. Included in the list of protected plants in Bulgaria.
References
Compiled by M. Filipova.
65
Glacium flavum Crantz., 1763
Synonyms: None
Common names: Engl: Yellow horned-poppy; Bulg: Zheltmak, Zhelta paparonka,
Zhelt rogatets, Zhelt kadenka; Russ: Machok zholty; Turk: Gelincik; Ukr: Machok
zhovty
O r d e r PAPAVERALES
Family PAPAVERACEAE
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU (Ukraine)
66
Biology. Flowering during V-VII, fruit-bearing during Reproducing by
seeds.
References
Red Data Book of Russian Soviet Federal Socialist Republic, 1988. Plants. Moscow:
590 pp.
Red Data Book of Ukraine, 1996. Vegetal Kingdom. Kiev: 606 pp.
67
Hymenolobus procumbens (L) Nuttall
O r d e r CAPPARALES
Family BRAS SICACEAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: CE
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Salty coastal sands. Treats
include humidity and salinization.
68
Biology. An annual or perennial herbaceous plant. Blooms and propagates in April-
May. Reproduces through seeds.
Reference
Compiled by M. Filipova
69
Leucojum aestivum Linnaeus, 1759
Synonyms: None
Common names: Bulg: Letno blatno kokiche, Kokichka, Lyatno kokiche, Blatno
kokiche; Russ: Belotsvetnik letniy; Ukr: Bilotsvit litniy
O r d e r LILIALES
Family AMARYLLIDACEAE
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea
Regional level: CR. Subregion level: CR (Ukraine)
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Wet coastal sands.
70
Threats. Destruction of its locations; overharvesting for its medical and ornamental
value.
References
Red Data Book of the Russian Soviet Federal Socialist Republic, 1988. Plants. -
Moscow: 590 pp.
Red Data Book of Bulgaria, 1984. Vol. 1. Plants. Sofia: 447 pp.
Red Data Book of Ukraine, 1996. Plant Kingdom. Kiyiv: 606 pp.
Takhtajan, A. (Ed.), 1981. Rare and vanishing plants of the USSR. Leningrad:
264 pp.
Tchopik, V. I., 1978. Rare and vanishing plants of Ukraine. Kiev: 216 pp.
71
Linaria sabulosa (Czern. ex Klok.)|
Synonyms: None.
Common n a m e s : Engl: Toad flax; Bulg: Lulichka; Russ: L'nyanka peschanka; Ukr:
L'onok pischany.
O r d e r SCROPHULARJALES
Family SCROPHULARIACEAE
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU (Ukraine)
72
Biology. Flowering and fruit-bearing during VI-VIII.
Reference
73
Medicago marina Linnaeus, 1753
Synonyms: None
Common names: Engl: Sea alfalfa; Bulg: Morska lyutserna; Rom: Lucerna
(marina); Russ: Lyutsernaprimorskaya; Ukr: Lyutsernaprymors'ka
O r d e r FAB ALES
Family FABACEAE
IUCNStatus
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: NE
Subregion level: CR in Ukraine
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Coastal sands and
shingles. Critical habitats: Sevastopol and Evpatoria areas and Tarkhankut Cape (the
74
only localities in the Crimea). Limiting factors: a low competitive ability in coastal
plant communities; the stenotopic nature of the species.
Biology. Blooms from May to June; fruits from July to August; a deep tap root
system; propagation by seed and vegetatively by long rhizomes. An euxerophyte and
a halophyte.
References
Davis, P. H., 1965-1985. Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands. Vols. 1-9.
Edinburgh University Press.
75
Golubev, V. N., 1996. Biologicheskaya flora Kryma. (Biological Flora of the
Crimea). Yalta, GNBS: 86 pp. (in Russian).
Vulff, E. W., 1960. Flora Kryma 2 (2). Moscow, Sel'khozgiz: 312 pp. (in Russian).
Yena, A. V., 1997. Nekotoryye itogi izucheniya pribrezhnoy flory Kryma. (Some
results of the investigation of the Crimean coastal flora). Proc. Crimean Agricultural
State University. Simferopol, Tavriya: 200-204 (in Russian).
Compiled by A. Yena.
76
Nymphoidespeltata S.G.Gmel
Synonyms: None
Common names: Russ: Bolototsvetnik shchitolistny; Ukr: Plavun shchitolystny
O r d e r GENTIAN ALES
Family MENYANTHACEAE
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: LR
Subregion level: LR (Ukraine)
77
Conservation measures taken. This species has been entered in the Red Data Books
of Ukraine (1996) and Bulgaria (1984). It is protected in the Danube delta (Ukraine
and Romania).
References
Red Data Book of Bulgaria, 1984. Vol. 1. Plants. Sofia, 447 pp.
Red Data Book of Ukraine. Plant Kingdom, 1996. Kyiv: 606 pp.
Takhtajan, A. (Ed.), 1981. Rare and vanishing plants of the USSR. Leningrad,
Nauka: 264 pp.
78
Ornithogalum refractum Kit & Schlecht, 1814
Synonyms: None
Common names: Engl: Summer snowdrop; Russ: Ptitsemlechnikprelomleny; Turk:
Tukruk oto; Ukr: Ryastka vidignuta
O r d e r LILIALES
Family LILIACEAE
Taxonomic description. A perenial bulbous herb, 10-15 cm tall. The bulb is ovate,
with numerous daughter bulbs. Its leaves are linear with a white stripe in the middle.
The floscules are thin, shielded, consisting of 5-10 flowers; the leaflets of the perianth
are white with wide green stripes below.
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: LR
Subregion level: LR (Ukraine)
79
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Western Black Sea
coasts, Zmeiniy Island.
Conservation measures taken. Included in the Red Data Book of Ukraine (1996).
References
Red Data Book of Ukraine, 1996. Plant Kingdom. Kyiv: 606 pp.
Takhtajan, A. (Ed.), 1981. Rare and vanishing plants of the USSR. Leningrad: 264
pp.
80
Pancratium maritimum (Linnaeus, 1753)
Synonyms: None.
Common names: Bulg: Pyasechna liliya; Russ: Pankratsiy morskoy.
O r d e r LILIALES
Family AMARYLLIDACEAE
Taxonomic description. A plant with a large, almost spherical bulb, coated with a
brown skinny cover. Stem 30-40 cm high, partially flattened. Long linear leaves (5-
6), blue-green like the stem. The inflorescence contains from five to ten florets,
embraced before blooming by two large skinny sepals. Large, white, fragrant blooms
up to 16 cm long with infundibular perianth. Stamens prop out of the corrola; anthers
arch-shaped. Fruit large and almost spherical, over 2 cm in diameter.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN
81
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. On coastal sands
and in dunes. Threat: humidity.
Threats. Active use of the sandy coastal strip; resort construction and flower picking.
Conservation measures taken: Protected plant. There is a reserve named Sandy Lily
in the countryside of Kavatsite.
References
Iordanov, D., 1964. Flora na NRB. 2. Rod Pancratium L., pp. 323-324.
Velchev, V., P. Vasilev & T. Meshinev, 1979. Vlianie na ecologichnitr uslovia varhu
generativnoto razmnojavane na Piasachnata lilia (Pancratium maritimum L.).
Ecologia 5: 64-72.
Compiled by M. Filipova.
82
Parapholis incurva (Linnaeus) C.E.Hubbard, 1946
Synonyms: Lepidurus incurvus (L.) Janch. nom. invalid., Lepturus incurvus (L.)
Druce, Pholiurus incurvus (L.) Schinz & Thell
Common names: Engl: Curved parapholis; Bulg: Izvit foliurus; Russ: Parafolis
sognuty; Ukr: Parafolis zignuty
O r d e r POALES
Family POACEAE
RJCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: CR in Ukraine
Biology. Blooms from May to June; fruits from June to July. Root system - short
fibrous. Only seed propagation. A psammophyte, xeromesophyte and glyco-
halophyte.
83
Population trends. Declining.
Threats. Scarcity of non-modified sites along the coast due to the development of
the coast into a populated zone.
Conservation measures taken. The species is listed in the Red Data Book of
Bulgaria.
References
Davis, P. H., 1965-1985. Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands. Vols 1-9.
Edinburgh University Press.
84
Rubtsov, N. I. (Ed.), 1972. Opredelitel vysshikh rasteniy Kryma. (Identification Book
of the Crimean Higher Plants). Leningrad, Nauka: 550 pp. (in Russian).
Tzvelyov, N. N., 1976. Zlaki SSSR. (Cereals of the USSR). Leningrad, Nauka: 788
pp. (in Russian).
Compiled by A. Yena
85
Phyllophora brodiaei (Turn J. Ag., 1842)
O r d e r GIGARTINALES
Family PHYLLOPHORACEAE
Taxonomic description. Thallus with brush shape, 5-40 cm tall, most of the surface
smooth, the inferior side cylindrical, the superior side a thin stem, simple or branched
out; on the stem top and branches there are smaller membranaceous lamellae in the
feather, oval or heart shaped, superior margins waved and lobated. The leaflet pairs
appear in large numbers, often with the same length as those of the main lamella
where the superior margins are branched in lamellas; the strong detachment of the
lamellas give them the shape of a fan. At the end of the lamellas, a pair of leaflets.
The stem can provide support for new lamellas; proliferation at the base of the long
and short stems. The central part of the lamella consists of big cells with thicker
membranes, which become thinner on the margins; the cortical strata consist of one
small cell range, almost square with rounded corners. Reproductive organs on the
upper side of the lamellas. Nemathecae with spherical tetraspores of up to 2 mm in
diameter. Spermatangia develop at certain ages, under smaller leaves or on the
thickened margins of the lamellas; appearing under short blades, uncoloured, grouped
not deep in the stem and reminiscent of conceptacles. The matured cristocarps grow
on the superior margins of the lamellas' spherical bodies. This species does not form
carpospores; cleavage of cells takes place in the gonimoblast cell blades.
86
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU
References
Bavaru A., A. S. Bologa & H. V. Skolka, 1991. A checklist of the benthic marine
algae (except the Diatoms) along the Romanian shore of the Black Sea. Rev. roum.
Biol., Biol, veget. 36: 7-22.
87
Bologa, A. S., 1987-88. Annotated bibliography on the macrophytobenthos along the
Romanian Black Sea coast (1881-1986). Cercet. mar. 20/21: 353-384.
88
Phyllophora nervosa (P.C. Grev., 1830)
Synonyms: Fucus nervosus De Candolle, 1805; Phylophora rubens (Good. & Wood.)
Grev., F. nervosa Hauck, 1885; Phyllophora crispa (Huds.) Dixon.
Common names: Rom: Filofora; Russ: Fillofora; Turk: Filofora.
O r d e r GIGARTINALES
Family PHYLLOPHORACEAE
89
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU
Population trends. A severe reduction of all three species has been recorded on the
7
Romanian shelf. In the 1950s, total biomass reached about 10 tonnes. In 1980, it had
5 5
declined to 14.10 tonnes, and in 1990 to 3-5.10 tonnes.
References
Bavaru A., A. S. Bologa & H. V. Skolka, 1991. A checklist of the benthic marine
algae (except Diatoms) along the Romanian shore of the Black Sea. Rev. roum. Biol.,
Biol, veget. 36: 7-22.
90
v
Katukov, A. B., 1983. Phyllophora s field as indicators condition of the ecosystem.
In : Systems analysis and modelling processes on the shelf of the Black Sea.
Sevastopol. Akad. Nauk. Ukr. SSR, 140-147.
Vasiliu, F., 1984. Cauze si consecinte ale starii actuale a populatiilor de alge perene
de la litoralul Romaniasc al Marii Negre. Rev. Muz. Monum. 5.
Zaitsev, Y., 1992. Recent changes in the trophic structure of the Black Sea. Fish.
Oceanogr. 1: 180-189.
Zinova, A. D., 1967. Definition of green,brown and red algae of the southern seas of
the USSR. Leningrad, Nauka: 397 pp.
91
Phyllophora pseudoceranoides (Gmel.) Newr. & R. Taylor, 1971.
Synonyms: Phyllophora membranifolia (Good. & Wood.) J. Ag. Hauck, 1885; Fucus
pseudoceranoides Gmelin, 1768.
Common names: Russ: Fillofora psevdorogataya; Turk: Filofora.
O r d e r GIGARTINALES
Family PHYLLOPHORACEAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: CE (Ukrainian sector)
92
Distribution. Mostly in the north-western part of Zernov's Phyllophora fields.
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. On stones and shelly bottoms at a
depth of 25-30 m. High concentration of suspended matter highly detrimental. Plant
suffers from low light penetration.
2
Population trends. In the 1960s, the biomass reached 10-350 g.m" , and stocks were
3
of the order of 25-10 tons. Currently in decline.
Conservation measures taken. Included in the Red Data Book of the Ukraine.
References
Red Book of the Ukraine, 1996. Plant World, 1996. Kiyiv, Ukrainskyi
Encyklopediya Publ.: 494 pp.
Zinova, A. D., 1967. Definition of green,brown and red algae of the southern seas of
the USSR. Leningrad, Nauka: 397 pp.
Compiled by G. Minicheva.
93
Polycnemum heuffelii (Lang, 1828)
Synonyms: None.
Common names: Bulg: Hoyfelova hrupenka.
O r d e r CARYOPHYLLALES
Family CHENOPODIACEAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN
94
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Dry rocky and
sandy places. Humidity.
Conservation measures taken. Some of the sites are in the Ropotamo reserve.
References
Iordanov, D. & B. Kuzmanov, 1966. Flora na NRB, 3. Rod Polycnemum L.: 570-572
pp.
Reichinger, K., 1933. Neue pflanzen aus dem Alibotusch-Gebirge. Magyar. Bot.
Lab. 32: 152-153.
Compiled by M. Filipova.
95
Salvinia natans (L.) All., 1785
Synonyms: None
Common names: Russ: Salviniya plavayuschaya.; Ukr: Salviniya plavayucha
O r d e r SALVJMALES
Family SALVINIACEAE
Taxonomic description. An annual water plant, 8-20 cm tall, with both mega- and
microspores. The stem is floating, filamentous and branched. The leaves are located
in nodes in threes of which two are above the surface, and one submerged.
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: LR
Subregion level: LR (Ukraine)
Conservation measures taken. The species has been entered in the Red Data Book
of Ukraine (1996) and protected in the Danube delta (Ukraine and Romania).
96
Conservation measures proposed. Create more protected zones.
References
Takhtajan, A. (Ed.), 1981. Red Data Book of Ukraine, Vegetal Kingdom. Kiev:
606 pp
Tchopik, V.l., 1978. Rare and vanishing plants of Ukraine. Kiev: 216 pp.
97
Silene caliacrae (D.Jord. & P.Pan., 1966)
Synonyms: None.
Common names: Bulg: Kaliakrensko plyuskaviche; Russ: Smolyovka.
O r d e r CARYOPHYLLALES
Family CARYOPHYLLACEAE
Taxonomic description. A plant with an upright, naked stem, 20-55 cm tall. The
lower leaves are oval and spade-shaped. The inflorescence is usually fork-like,
branched at the base. The receptacle is oval during blooming and after that bubble-
like and swollen. The corolla is white or lightly pink.
IUCN Status
World level: CE
Black Sea Regional level: CE
Subregion level: CE (Bulgarian endemic)
98
Conservation measures taken. One of its sites is in the Kaliakra reserve.
Reference
Iordanov, D. & P. Panov, 1966. Flora na NRB. 3. Rod Silene L.: 435-512 pp.
Compiled by M. Filipova.
99
Silene euxina (Rupr., 1869)
O r d e r CARYOPHYLLALES
Family CARYOPHYLLACEAE
Taxonomic description. A plant with a creeping stem, upright at the top, 10-30 cm
tall, thick hairy, without leaves. Inflorescences dehisce. Grassy bracts, lanceolate and
pointed at the ends. Synoecious florets or with sterile stamens. Tubular or bell-shaped
calyx covered with stiff hairs. White or pink-reddish petals.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN
100
Conservation measures taken. None.
References
Chater, A. O. & S. M. Walters, 1964. Flora Europaea. 1. Genus Silene L.: 158-181
pp.
Iordanov, D. & P. Panov, 1966. Flora na NRB. 3. Rod Silene L.: 435-512 pp.
Compiled by M. Filipova.
101
Tetragonolobus maritimus ((Linnaeus) Roth, 1788)
O r d e r FAB ALES
Family FABACEAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EX
102
Threats. Changes in the water regime and contamination of the Lake of Varna.
References
Kuzmanov, B., 1976. Flora na NRB. 4, Rod Tetragonolobus Scop.: 214-215 pp.
Compiled by M. Filipova.
103
Thymus littoralis Klok & Shost
O r d e r LAMIALES
Family LAMIACEAE
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: CR
Subregion level: CR (Ukraine)
104
Conservation measures taken. The species is in the Red Data Book of Ukraine
(1996).
Reference
Red Data Book of Ukraine, 1996. Plant Kingdom. Kyiv: 606 pp.
105
Trapa natans Linnaeus, 1753
O r d e r MYRTALES
Family TRAPACEAE
IUCN Status
World level: VU
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU
106
Seeds have good germination power (up to 40-50 years), annually only a part of
them shoot. Flowering during VI-VII. Fruit-bearing in V1TI-IX. Reproduction
only by seeds.
References
Lucas, G., 1977. List of rare, threatened and endemic plants in Europe. Strasbourg:
286 pp.
Rare and vanishing plants of the USSR (A. Takhtajan, Ed.), 1981. Leningrad: 264 pp.
Red Data Book of Russian Soviet Federal Socialist Republic, 1988. Plants. Moscow:
590 pp.
107
Tchopik, V. I., 1978. Rare and vanishing plants of Ukraine. Kiev: 216 pp.
108
Zostera marina (Linnaeus, 1753)
Synonyms: None.
Common names: Rom: Iarba de mare; Russ: Vzmornik morskoy.
O r d e r HELOBIALES
Family POTAMOGETONACEAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Rocky and sandy
bottoms next to seashore and lakes. Sensitive to effects of water quality, and human
exploitation (by fisherman). General distribution: Europe, Middle East, China, Japan
and North America.
Biology. The detritus found amidst these plants constitutes an abundant source of
food for fish (especially grey mullet) and sea birds. The plant is also used as a
fertilizer and for reinforcing home-made bricks. The leaves (seagrass) are used for
filling pillows and mattresses, as well as for packing eggs, pieces of furniture and
other fragile objects.
109
Population trends. A severe reduction due to the construction of harbours (Midia,
Agigea, Mangalia) near to their typical habitat.
References
Bavaru, A., A. S. Bologa & H. V. Skolka, 1991. A checklist of the benthic marine
algae (except the Diatoms) along the Romanian shore of the Black Sea. Rev. roum.
Biol, veget. 36: 7-22.
Bologa, A. S., 1979. Present state of seaweed production along the Romanian Black
Sea shore. Vie Milieu 39: 105-109.
Bologa, A. S., N. Bodeanu, A. Petran, V. Tiganus & Y.P. Zaitsev, 1995. Major
modifications of the Black Sea benthic and planktonic biota in the last three decades.
Bull. Inst, oceanogr. Monaco 15: 85-110.
Savulescu, T. & E. I. Nyarady (Eds), 1966. Flora R.S. Romania. Bucuresti, Acad. R S
Romane 11: 876 pp.
110
Zostera noltii (Hörnern, 1832)
O r d e r HELOBIALES
Family POTAMOGETONACEAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Rocky and sandy
bottoms of the sea and littoral lakes. Mediterranean Sea, Baltic Sea, Caspian Sea,
Karacum. Species of arctic-northern origin. Threats: high turbidity; human
exploitation (by fishermen).
Biology. Beside the utilization mentioned for the previous species, it is used as a
substitute for artificial wool. It contains 14% protein and 2 . 1 % fat, and can be used as
food for pigs.
111
Population trends. On the sandy-muddy bottoms of the Romanian littoral in the
Mamaia-Midia, Agigea and Mangalia zones, belts of this phanerogam occurred till
1975-1980. A severe reduction after harbour building.
References
Avaru, A., A. S. Bologa & H. V. Skolka, 1991. A checklist of the benthic marine
algae (except the Diatoms) along the Romanian shore of the Black Sea. Rev. roum.
Biol., Biol, veget. 36: 1-2, 7-22.
Bologa, A. S., 1979. Present state of seaweed production along the Romanian Black
Sea shore. Vie Milieu 39: 105-109.
Savulescu, T. & E. I. Nyarady (Eds), 1966. Flora R.S. Romania. Bucuresti, Acad.
Sci. Romania 11: 876 pp.
112
PART II. ANIMALS
O r d e r ACIPENSERIFORMES
Family ACIPENSERIDAE
Taxonomic description. Body subcylindrical and elongate, with large bony scutes
arranged in five rows; one in the middle of the back, one pair on the sides and another
on the belly; a pair of large triangular bony scutes on the isthmus beneath the head;
the mouth, placed beneath the head, is small, transverse and can project as a short
tube; gill membranes joined to the isthmus, thus not forming a free fold; lower lip
interrupted in mid-line of snout blunt and short, barbels on underside of snout do not
reach the mouth and insert on a transverse row nearer to the tip of the snout than to
the mouth; colour of the back and sides variable, from greyish-black to dark green.
Belly whitish. Size: maximum 210 cm; commonly 110-145 cm (males), and 130-170
cm (females).
RJCN Status
World level: listed in appendix II of CITES
Black Sea Regional level: idem
Subregion level: VU
113
Modiolus biocoenosis (at a depth of 60-70 m). Abundant in the Azov Sea, and also
occurring in the Caspian Sea but absent from the Mediterranean Sea.
Population trends. Caught with drift and stake net, long lines and beach seines. In
June 1903 - March 1904, 85,160t were caught, in front of the St.Gheorghe branch of
the Danube, and 60,175 kg in the Portita zone. Compared with the 1920-1940 period,
the catches of 1940-1960 decreased by 80%; in front of the Danube, the catches
recorded were: in 1989-19,0001; in 1990-4,000 t and in 1991-15,000 t; for the 1993-
1994 period, there was an estimated (for the North-West zone of the Black Sea) stock
of 3,300,000 specimens, 180,000 of these were exploitable.
Conservation measures proposed. Protection of the feeding sites of the fry in the
Danube mouth; interruption of fishing with pound nets during the great
agglomerations of fry in July-August; protection of spawners during migration and
spawning (April-July); production of fingerlings to repopulate the Danube river.
114
Adoption of strict national measures to reduce poaching; conduct fisheries under strict
international control.
References
Antipa, G., 1933. Les esturgeons de la Mer Noire, leur biologie et les mesures
necessaires pour leur protection. Bull. Sect. Sci. Acad. roum. 16: 1-17.
Antipa, G., 1941. Black Sea - oceanography, bionomy and generally biology. Acad.
Rom. Publ. Fond Vasile Adamachi 10: 313 pp (in Romanian).
Busnita, T., 1953. The problems of sturgeons and clupeids from the Black sea.
Bull. Inst. Cere. Pise. 4 (in Romanian)
Leonte, V., 1956. Contributions to the study of the biology of marine sturgeons from
the waters of the RPR. An. Inst. Cercet. Pise. 15: 167-185. (in Romanian).
Leonte, V. & N. Pogarneata, 1963. Contributions to the knowledge of ages and sizes
and migration of marine sturgeons from the Danube rivers, concerning their industrial
fishing. Hidrobiología 4: 287-297. (in Romanian).
Manea, G. & M. Mihai, 1957. First experiments in the reproduction and artificial
growing of sturgeons in RPR. Bui. Inst. Cercet. Pise. 16: 57-72. (in Romanian).
Manea, G., I. Alexandrescu & M. Mihai, 1963. Actual and long-term state of the
sturgeons and their culture in RPR. Hidrobiología 4: 229-320. (in Romanian).
115
Acipenser stellatus (Pallas, 1711)
O r d e r ACIPENSERD70RMES
Family ACIPENSEPJDAE
IUCN Status
World level: listed in appendix II of Cites
Black Sea Regional level: Idem
Subregion level: VU
116
Biology. A migratory, anadromous species, which enters the rivers in April-October.
Reproduction in May-June; a female can lay 20,000-360,000 eggs. Sexual maturity
reached when five (male) or seven (female) years old. Feeds mainly on fish, also on
molluscs, crustaceans and chironomids. Caught mainly with stake nets, drift nets and
beach seines. A highly esteemed table fish. A ponto-caspian relict.
Population trends. Like Acipenser guldenstaedti, the population of this species has
dropped by 80 % in 1940-1960 relative to the previous two decades (1920-1940). In
the catches of the northern zone of the Romanian littoral (Chituc - Vadu), in May
1991 this species represented 50 kg in May (15 specimens); in June 30 kg (11
specimens) and in August 14 kg (358 specimens, all juveniles). The catches recorded
for the entire Romanian littoral were: 1989-19,000 t; 1990-4,0001, 1991-15,000 t, for
Bulgaria 15,0001 (1989), for US 27,0001 (1989), 15,000 (1990), 15,000 (1991). In
1993-1994, the exploitable stock of the north-western area of the Black Sea was
assessed at 220,000 specimens.
Threats. Overfishing, chemical pollution, large-scale dam building which block the
traditional routes of migration and access to spawning grounds.
Conservation measures taken. This species has been under protection in Turkey
since 1997. Total catch was 110 tons in 1995. A special recovery and monitoring
programme was started by the Turkish Marine Research Foundation in the Sakarya
and Kizilirmak estuaries.
117
References
Antipa, G., 1909. Ichthyologic fauna of the Romania. Acad. Rom. Public. Fond
Vasile Adamachi 16: 251-254. (in Romanian).
Antipa, G, 1933. Les esturgeons de la Mer Noire, leur biologie et les mesures
nécessaires pour leur protection. Bull. Sect. Sci. Acad. roum. 16: 1-17.
Antipa, G, 1941. Black Sea - oceanography, bionomy and general biology. Acad.
Rom. Publ. Fond Vasile Adamachi 10: 313 pp. (in Romanian).
Busnita, T., 1953. Problems of sturgeons and clupeids in the Black Sea. Bull. Inst.
Cercet. Pise. 4. (in Romanian).
Leonte, V., 1956. Contributions to the study of the biology of sturgeons from the
waters of RPR. An. Inst. Cercet. Pise: 167-185. (in Romanian).
Manea, G. & M. Mihai, 1957. First experiments in the reproduction and artificial
growing of sturgeons in RPR. Bull. Inst. Cercet. Pise. 16, 1: 57-72. (in Romanian).
Rodewald, L., 1940. Some theoretical and practical considerations regarding the
artificial growing of sturgeons. Bull. Inf. Agr. Min.
118
Aidablennius sphynx Valenciennes, 1836
O r d e r PERCIFORMES
Family BLENNUDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Inshore, rocky, shelly, sea-grass
bottoms.
119
Conservation measures taken. None.
References
Stojanov, S. etal, 1963. The fishes of the Black Sea. Varna: 246 pp.
Svetovidov, A., 1964. The fishes of Black Sea. Publ. House of Science: 550 pp.
Zander, C, 1986. Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean 3: 1197
pp.
120
Anax imperator Leach, 1815
O r d e r ODONATA
Family AESHNIDAE
Taxonomic description. A very large insect with total body length 72-77 mm and
length of hindwing 47-51 mm. Eyes big, contiguous dorsomedially, covering most of
the head. Wing pairs differently shaped, hindwing broader than forewing, especially
in its dilated basal portion. A pronounced colour dimorphism between the sexes.
Male: wings colourless, veins yellow or black. Abdomen bright blue, ornamented in
black. Female: wings slightly yellowish. Abdomen green to blue-greenish, dorsally
ornamented in brown-black.
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea regional level: DD
Subregion level: VU
121
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Ecologically broadscoped insect,
inhabiting slow-running and vegetation- rich localities of the rhithral, and, most of all
lakes, marshes and flooded estuary zones of rivers (limnal). Those habitats in the
Black Sea coastal region, situated in or near urbanized or otherwise polluted sites
should be considered critical. Important limiting factors are also the drying-up of
coastal marshes, industrial and anthropogenic water pollution, as well as the draining
and realignment of the upper courses of rivers.
Population trends. Although widespread, the species never occurs in large numbers,
thus appearing rare rather than common. A decline in abundance during recent
decades has been observed in Black Sea coastal regions adjacent to sites with
intensive tourism and resort urbanization.
Threats. Worsening quality of stagnant basins due to industrial and household water
pollution, with resulting degradation of phyto- and zoocoenoses.
References
Beschovski, V., 1964a. Dragonflies (Odonata) from S-Bulgaria. Bull. Inst. zool.
Mus. Sofia 15: 115-129.
122
Beschovski, V., 1964b. Odonata (Dragonflies) from the Bulgarian Black Sea coastal
region. Bull. Inst. zool. Mus. Sofia 17: 109-124.
Beschovski, V., 1994. Fauna of Bulgaria. 23. Odonata. Bulg. Acad. Sei. Sofia.: 372
pp.
Beutler, H., 1987. Libellen aus dem Einzugsgebiet der Struma in Bulgarisch-
Mazedonien. Opuse, zool. fluminensia 16: 1-8.
Chervona Knyga Ukrayiny (Red Data Book of Ukraine), 1994. Kijiv: Ukrajinska
Encyklopediya Publ.: 68 (in Ukrainian).
Cirdei, F. & F. Bulimar, 1965. Fauna of Romania. Insecta, Odonata. Bucuresti, Acad.
R.P.Romane8:274pp.
Conci, C. & C. Nielsen, 1956. Odonata. Fauna d'Italia. Bologna, Calderini.: 255 pp
Dumont, H. J., 1977a. A review of the dragonfly fauna of Turkey and adjacent
mediterranean islands. Bull. Ann. Soc. r. ent. Belg. 113: 119-171.
Peters, G., 1987. Die Edellibellen Europas. Neue Brehm-Buecherei. 585: 140 pp.
Compiled by K. Kumanski
123
Anomalocera patersoni (Templeton, 1837)
Synonyms: None.
Common names: None.
O r d e r CALANOIDA
Family PONTELLIDAE
Taxonomic description. One of three species of Pontellidae in the Black Sea. The
head is somewhat triangular with a recurved spine or cephalic hook on each side. It
bears two pairs of dorsal ocular lenses. There is a ventral eye and five thoracic
segments, the last of which is asymmetrical in the male. The antennule is about half
the length of the body and has twenty segments. It is of very uneven thickness in the
male. This large copepod is of a blue or blue-green colour. The length of females is
3.5-4.2 mm, that of the males 3-4 mm.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN
Distribution. All over the Black Sea, except in low salinity zones such as the Sea of
Azov. In the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, English Channel, North Sea, and
Pacific Ocean.
124
Biology. Well adapted to the surface layer of water, living in coastal and open sea
areas, this blue coloured carnivorous copepod is capable of aerial jumps. It is a North
Atlantic species with mass development in spring and autumn. Abundant in
convergence zones in which surface waters of different origins come together.
Population trends. A sharp decline in population numbers since the 1970s, with a
reduction of 50-70% over the last 10 years.
References
Dolgopolskaya, M. A., 1969. Otryad calanoida G.O. Sars (Order Calanoida G.O.
Sars), In: Opredelitel fauny Chernogo I Azovskogo morey (A key to Black Sea and
the Sea of Azov fauna). Kiev, Naukova Dumka 2: 34-48 (in Russian).
Zaitsev, Y. P., 1971. Marine Neustonology. Jerusalem, Israel Program for Scientific
Translations: 207 pp
Zaitsev, Y. & V Mamaev, 1997. Marine Biological Diversity in the Black Sea. A
study of change and decline. New York, United Nations Publications: 208 pp.
Compiled by Y. Zaitsev.
125
Anthropoides virgo Linnaeus, 1758
Order GRUIFORMES
Family GRUID AE
Taxonomic description. In the areas along the sea coast, it is estimated that 330-380
of these birds can be found. About 120-140 pairs breed here; in pre-migration
periods, gatherings may reach c. 1000 specimens.
IUCN Status
World level: LR
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: VU
Biology. A breeding, summer and migratory species. Arrives by the beginning of the
second third of April. The nest is a trampled plot on the ground, encircled by old
parts of plants, small stones, clods of earth, and dry cattle droppings. Egg-laying
starts from the second third of April onwards. The clutch consists of 1-2, rarely three
126
eggs and is incubated for 28-29 days. The parents share incubation equally.
Fledglings are observed at the end of June - beginning of July. Non-breeders associate
in flocks of irregular size and move within the breeding area. In July-August these
flocks move to the shallow waterbodies of the sea coast where families concentrate
before departure to the winter grounds. Autumn migration commences by mid
October. Both vegetative (vegetal parts of plants, seeds) and animal (insects,
molluscs) food is consumed.
Population trends. The numbers are low, but stable. Insufficient breeding range, in
spite of an ability to breed in agricultural fields and low-grazing pastures.
Threats. Clutch and chick losses due to the intensification of agriculture, disturbance
and killing by people, increase in predation by Crows (Corvidae), Raccoons
(Nyctereutes procyonoides), foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and domestic dogs.
Conservation measures taken. There is no real protection. Only one pair breeds
within a protected area.
References
Andryushchenko Y., 1995. Demoiselle Crane and some other rare Gruiformes in the
agricultural landscapes of the Steppe Zone of the left-bank Ukraine and the Crimea.
Author's abstract of Candidate of Biological Sciences Degree dissertation. Moscow:
45 pp. (in Russian).
127
Chervona Knyga Ukrainy, 1994. (Red Data Book of Ukraine). Kijiv, Ukrajinska
Encyclopediya Publ.: 342 pp (in Ukrainian).
Compiled by Y. Andryushchenko
128
Aporrhais pespelecani (Linnaeus, 1758)
Taxonomic description. Shell fusiform, opercule elliptic, labrum with three long
furcae, shell ornamented.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU
Distribution, Habitat, Critical habitat, Limiting factors. Sandy and muddy deeps,
infralittoral and circalittoral of the sea. The critical zone is the infralittoral part of the
Black Sea between 15-50 meters. Main threats: sand dredging from the sea, trawling,
mussel dredging.
129
Threats. Sand dredging and trawling.
Reference
Schneider, M., W. Fisher & L. M. Bauchot, 1987. Fiches d'identification des espèces
pour les besoins de la Pèche. Méditerranée et Mer Noire. Végétaux et Invertébrés.
Rome, FAOand CEE 1.
130
Apseudopsis ostroumovi Bacescu & Carausu, 1947
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: LR
131
Population trends. A characteristic common species of the Modiolus phaseolinus
biocoenosis. In recent years, it has been found in considerable quantities in the
2
Southern Romanian Black Sea littoral (Mangalia zone) (1993 - 795 ind.m ,1994 -
2 2
584 ind.m" , 1995 - 1133 ind.m" and 1996 - 1438 ind.m \ at a depth of c. 60 m.
References
Bacescu , M. & A. Carausu, 1947. Apseudopsis ostroumovi n. sp. dans la Mer Noire.
Bull. Sect. Sti. 26: 366-384.
Bacescu , M., G.I. Muller & M.T. Gomoiu ,1971. Cercet. mar. 4: 7-274.
Makkaveeva, E. B., 1969. Opredeliteli fauna Cernogo i Azoskogo morei. Kiev, Ed.
Naukova Dumka 2.
Compiled by C. Dumitrache
132
Ardeola ralloides (Scopoli, 1769)
Order CICONUFORMES
Family ARDEIDAE
Taxonomic description. Ardeola ralloides is one of five species in its genus, widely
distributed in Africa and Southern Asia, and the only one to occur in the Black Sea
region.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN
133
birds usually breed successfully. The heron preys in open or slightly vegetated
shallow water-bodies, searching for food. Its diet consists mostly of molluscs, insects
and their larvae, small copepods, spiders and leeches. A rare visitor to gardens in the
river valleys, where it may prey on invertebrates after rains.
References
Stepanian, 1994. Chervona Knyga Ukrayiny (Red Data Book of Ukraine). Kijiv,
Ukrajinska Encyclopediya Publ.: 308 pp. (in Ukrainian).
Compiled by J. Chernichko
134
Aythya nyroca Guldenstadt, 1770
Order ANSERIFORMES
Family ANATDDAE
IUCN Status:
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU
Biology. The spring arrival of the first flock occurs between the end of February and
the first third of March. Mass immigration at the end of March. Breeding begins in
May. The nest is situated on broken reeds. The clutch consists of 6-14 eggs.
Incubation takes 25-28 days. In autumn, the birds depart imperceptibly from the end
of September till the end of October. Small groups of stay to overwinter in the region
of the Danube and Black Sea Reserves and on the Southern coast of the Crimea. This
duck mainly eats plants.
135
Population trends. About 2000 pairs are breeding in the Danube Reserve, 130-140
pairs in the Black Sea Reserve, 150 pairs in the Crimea, 10-15 pairs in Priazovie. In
the Danube Reserve and Dnestr lagoon their number has decreased; on the lagoon of
Azov-Black Sea region it is stable, in the northern Crimea it is slowly increasing.
References
Chervona Knyga Ukrayiny, 1994. (Red Data Book of Ukraine). Kijiv, Ukrajinska
Encyklopediya Publ.: 315 pp. (in Ukrainian).
Compiled by P. Gorlov
136
Betone betone euxini (Günther, 1899)
Synonyms: Esox betone Pallas, 1811; Betone rostrata Nordman, 1840; Betone betone
Borna, 1929; Betone acus euxini Popov, 1930.
Common names: Engl: Garfish Bulg: Zargan; Georg: Sarghani; Rom: Zargan; Russ:
Sargan; Turk: Zargana baligi; Ukr: Sargan.
Order BELONIFORMES,
Family BELONIDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN (Ukrainian sector)
Distribution. All Black Sea coastal waters, Sea of Azov, Sivash lagoon, Sinoe
lagoon, Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean
137
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. In coastal waters. Young
specimens are most common near the Cystoseira and Zostera belts. The critical
habitat is the surface microlayer. Main limiting factors are the pollution of the surface
microlayer, and the reduction of the Cystoseira and Zostera biocoenoses.
Population trends. A sharp decline in population numbers since the early 1980s. A
reduction of at least 50% over the last 10 years.
Conservation measures proposed. Include in Black Sea Red Data Book. Reduce
coastal waters pollution.
138
References
FAO, 1973. Species identification sheets for Mediterranean and Black Sea. Rome,
United Nations 1.
Zaitsev, Y. P., 1993. Impact of Eutrophication on the Black Sea Fauna. Studies and
Reviews 64: 59-86.
139
Benthophiloides brauneri (Beling & Iljin, 1927)
Synonyms: None.
Common names: None.
Order PERCIFORMES
Family GOBHDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU (Bulgarian Coast)
Distribution. Black Sea, Sea of Azov and Caspian estuaries and rivers (Miller,
1986). In Bulgaria only in Lake Shabla.
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. In fresh and brackish waters;
limited by changes in hydrological regime of Lake Shabla.
140
Population trends. Declining.
References
Miller, P., 1986. Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean 3:
1024 pp.
141
Biancolina cuniculus (Stebbing, 1874)
Order AMPHIPODA
Family AMPHITHOIDAE
Taxonomic description. Head large, with two lateral lobes where the two pairs of
antennae articulate. Antenna I much longer than antenna U, in the male reaching
more than half of the body length. The two pairs of female gnatopods similar, male
gnatopods II much stronger than gnatopods I. Male gnatopod II with a large propodus
and a deeply excavated palm edge. Outer ramus of uropod III armed, on the edge,
with two upward-pointing thin hooks.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN
2
Population trends. In 1961 - 30 ind.m on rocky substratum with macrophytes; in
1
1970-1974, 57-88 ind.kg of wet macrophyte substratum. Research on the rocky and
142
macrophyte fauna of the Romanian Black Sea littoral did not identify this species
after 1980.
References
Tiganus, V., 1983. Données comparatives sur la faune associée aux différentes
espèces d'algues macrophytes. Cercet. mar. 16: 129-145.
Compiled by V. Tiganus.
143
Branchinectella media Schmankewitsch, 1873
Synonyms: None
Common names: Russ: Brankhinektella srednyaya; Ukr: Brankhinektella serednyaya
Order ANOSTRACA
Family CHIROCEPHALIDAE
Taxonomic description. One of two species of this genus of fairy shrimp, shaped
more or less like an Artemia, in the fauna of Eurasia.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN (Ukrainian sector)
Distribution. The species range includes South Europe, Northern Kazakhstan, North
Africa (Marocco, Algeria). Discovered in the north-west Black Sea basin in saline
waters of the Kinburn peninsula and adjacent areas of the Kherson and Mikolaiv
districts (Golaya Pristan, Ochakov).
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Saline water-bodies (salinity 1.5-
4.0 ppt), drying-out lakes in saline swamps.
144
Population trends. Before 1940, found in the Kuyalnitsky, Khadzhibeysky and
Molochny limans. Present population trends unknown.
Conservation measures taken. Included in Red Data Books of Ukraine and the
Black Sea. Protected together with other aquatic organisms in Chernomorsky
Biosphere Reserve (Ukraine).
Reference
Compiled by B. Alexandrov
145
Branchinecta spinosa Schmankewitsch, 1873
Synonyms: None
Common names: Russ: Brankhinektella koluchaya; Ukr: brankhinektella kolucha
Order ANOSTRACA
Family THAMNOCEPHALIDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN (Ukrainian sector)
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Shallow waters (depths of 0.3-2.5
m), usually drying out in summer. Saline lakes and puddles (salinity 1.5-9.5 ppt).
Population trends. Until the 1940s, it was encountered in the Kuyalnitsky and
Khadzhibeysky limans. At present it is still sometimes numerous.
146
Threats. Cattle-grazing, pollution of water bodies by runoff from cattle farms, etc.
Conservation measures taken. Included in the Red Data Books of Ukraine and the
Black Sea. Protected together with other hydrobionts in the Chernomorsky Biosphere
Reserve (Ukraine).
References
Compiled by B. Alexandrov
147
Branchiostoma lanceolatum Pallas, 1774
Order AMPHIOXI
Family BRANCHIOSTOMIDAE
Taxonomic description. The Amphioxus belongs to the chordates. It does not have
a spine, but, by possessing a notochord, it ranks only just below the vertebrates. The
chorda is well differentiated and runs along the whole body. The body is segmented,
dorso-ventrally flattened, spindle-shaped, and pointed at both ends. Colour pink,
body semi-transparent. A membranaceous flipper along the dorsal side. The caudal
end of the body has a lance-like flipper, where the name of the animal originates
from. Cranium, head and central nervous system not differentiated. There is no heart,
but pulsating blood vessels instead. The length of the body reaches usually 3-5 cm,
rarely 8 cm.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU
Population trends. Muddy areas have expanded during the last decade as a result of
intensive dumping of dead organic matter. This is unfavourable for Amphioxus and
any such change in bottom structure results in a considerable decrease in its
abundance. In the 1960s, it was common along the Bulgarian coast, with the highest
148
2
abundance recorded north of Cape Maslen Nos at 21 m deep (1130 ind.m" ). In 1981
it was still encountered in Varna bay, but in 1991 it had disappered from the region.
Isolated individuals of B. lanceolatum are found in the southern region (Sozopol) in
only 1996.
Threats. The main threat is the reduction of the areas with coarse sand, by
eutrophication and organic pollution.
References
Konsulova, Т., 1992. Seasonal structure and ecological status of Varna Bay (Black
Sea) sandy and muddy macrozoobenthic coenoses. Rapp. Comm. int. Mer medit. 33
42.
Compiled by T. Konsulova
149
Burhinus oedicnemus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Order BURHINIDAE
Family BURHINUS
IUCNStatus
World level: VU
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Breeding and post-
breeding habitats do not differ. They are salinas, sandy beaches, spits and islands,
stony areas with low and thinned out mosaic vegetation or without any at all,
including areas subjected to human transformation (pastures, agricultural fields, open-
cast mines, new gardens, vineyards).
Biology. A breeding, summer and migratory species. In the southern parts of the
region it arrives by the end of March - beginning of April. At the end of the first third
of April it appears in the northern zones. The nest is a trampled plot on the ground
encircled by vegetation from the previous year, small stones, clods of earth, and dry
cattle droppings. Egg-laying starts from the beginning of the second ten days of
April. The clutch consists of 1-3 eggs and is incubated for 26 days. Parents share the
incubation duties equally. Fledglings are observed in July. In the post-breeding
period birds occur in small groups (2-5, sometimes more) or solitarily. Autumn
150
migration from September to early October. Food mostly insects, molluscs, and small
vertebrates.
Threats. Disturbance, clutch and chick losses due to over-grazing and recreation
pressure, killing by people, predation by Crows (Corvidae), raccoon (Nyctereutes
procyonoides), foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and domestic dogs.
Conservation measures taken. There is no real protection most pairs breed outside
the protected areas.
References
Andryushchenko, Y., 1995. Demoiselle Crane and some other rare Gruiformes in the
agricultural landscapes of the Steppe Zone of the left-bank Ukraine and the Crimea.
Author's abstract of the Candidate of Biological Sciences Degree dissertation.
Moskow: 45 pp. (in Russian).
Chervona Knyga Ukrayiny , 1994. (Red Data Book of Ukraine). Kijiv, Ukrajinska
Encyklopediya Publ.: 345 pp. (in Ukrainian).
Kistiakivs'ki, O. B., 1957. Fauna of Ukraine. Birds. Kiev, Akad. Nauk. USSR 4: 432
pp.(in Russian).
Kostin ,Y. V., 1983. Birds of the Crimea: 241 pp. (in Russian).
151
Van der Have, T. M., S. van der Sant, Y. Verkuil & J. van der Winden (Eds), 1994.
Waterbirds in the Sivash, Ukraine, Spring, 1992, WTWO-report 36, Zeist, The
Netherlands.
Compiled by Y. Andryushchenko.
152
Callionymus belenus Risso, 1826
Order PERCIFORMES
Family CALLIONYMIDAE
Taxonomic description. One of three species of the family inhabiting the Black Sea.
Spinous dorsal fin with three rays. Rostrum length less than eye diameter and
representing not more than 30% of head length.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN (Ukrainian sector)
Distribution. Mainly sandy bottom shallow water coastal areas of the Black Sea,
including low salinity areas. Mediterranean Sea.
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Sandy and muddy grounds from
surface to 10, sometimes 18 m depth. Limiting factors are the bottom hypoxia for
adult fishes, surface water pollution and disappearance of Cystoseira belts for
neustonic larvae.
153
Population trends. Sharp decline in population numbers since the late 1970s. The
reduction estimate of 50-70% over the last 10 years is based on direct observations.
Conservation measures taken. Included in the Red Data Book of Ukraine (1994), in
the Data Deficient (DD) category.
Conservation measures proposed. Include in Black Sea Red Data Book. Reduce
Black Sea eutrophication.
References
Smirnov, A. I., 1994. Callionymus belenus Risso. Chervona Kniga Ukrayni (Red
Data Book of Ukraine): 280 pp. (in Ukrainian).
Zaitsev, Y. P., 1993. Impact of Eutrophication on the Black Sea Fauna. Studies and
Reviews 64 : 59-86.
Compiled by Y. Zaitsev
154
Calopteryx splendens - complex
Order ODONATA
Family CALOPTERYGIDAE
Taxonomic description. Total body length 49-51 mm, length of hindwing 29-31
mm. Eyes hemispherical, distant, situated laterally on the head. Both wing pairs
similarly shaped. Pronounced sexual dimorphism in coloration. Male: body shining
metallic blue-green; wings with basal third hyaline, veins blue, distal area with a
broad blue spot. About a dozen of subspecies exist, most of which can be
distinguished by the extension of the coloured wing spot in the males. This may vary
form a complete absence to almost occupying the full wing surface. In the Black Sea
basin, both extremes occur. Ventral side of terminal abdomina segements yellow,
marked with flack. Female: Abdomen slender, generally olive greenish; wings from
colourless to green-brownish due to the shining green veins.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: LR
Subregion level: VU (Bulgarian coast)
155
of balcanica, but has been called ancilla (a name that takes precendence over
balcanica). Along the Turkish Black Sea coast, a form with average wings spots
occurs (C. splendens amasina) as far east as Gorele (not far from Trabzon).
Eastwards, it is replaced by a form with colourless wings (C. splendens waterstoni),
that extends as far as the Coroh (Coruh) valley in Georgia. North of that, and as far as
the Caucasus, it is replaced by narrow-banded C. splendens mingrelica (possibly a
hybrid between several other forms). All these subspecific taxa freely hybridize and
form clines of varying steepness and width. In the coastal rivers of the Crimean
coastal mountains, finally, a very narrow-banded subspecies, C. splendens taurica,
occurs in isolation. The populations of south Russia deserve more study. Of all
subspecies listed, C. s. waterstoni is probably the most restricted in range and hence
the most threatened one.
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Brooks and rivers rich in
vegetation and slow water velocity, from sea level to c. 1000 m a.s.l. in the
mountains. The main limiting factors are water pollution and the elimination of zones
rich in vegetation as a result of stream realignments.
156
Conservation measures taken. Some of the habitats in each of the Black Sea
countries should be preserved from human interference.
References
Bartenef, A. N., 1912. Die palaearktischen und ostasiatischen Arten und Unterarten
der Gattung Calopteryx Leach. Lab. Arb. Zool. Kabin. Univ. Warchaui 1, 1911
(1912): 1-193 + erratum (in Russian)
Beschovski, V., 1994. Fauna of Bulgaria. Odonata. Sofia, Acad. Sei. bulg. 23: 372
pp.
Beutler, H., 1987. Libellen aus dem Einzugsgebiet der Struma in Bulgarisch-
Mazedonien (Odonata). Beitr. Ent. 16: 327-344.
Cirdei, F. & F. Bulimar, 1965. Fauna Rep. pop. Romania. Insecta. Odonata.
Bucuresti, Acad. R. P .Romania 7(5): 274 pp.
Demirsoy, A., 1996. Genel ve Turkiye Zoocografyasi. Meteksan, Ankara: 630 pp.
Dumont, H. J., 1977a. A review of the dragonfly fauna of Turkey and adjacent
mediterranean islands. Bull. Ann. Soc. r. ent. Belg. 113: 119-171.
157
Dumont, H. J., 1977b. Sur une collection d'Odonates de Yougoslavie, avec notes sur
la faune des territoires adjacents de Roumanie et de Bulgarie. Bull. Ann. Soc. r. Belg.
Ent. 113: 187-209.
Fudakowski, J., 1930. Ueber die Formen von Calopteryx splendens Harr, aus
Dalmatien und Herzegovina (Odonata). Ann. Mus. zool. Pol. 9: 57-63.
St. Quentin, D., 1944. Die Libellenfauna Dalmatiens. Verh. zool.-bot. Ges. Wien,
90/91: 66-76.
St. Quentin, D., 1965. Zur Odonatenfauna Anatoliens und der angrenzenden Gebiete.
Ann. naturhist. Mus. Wien 63: 531-552.
158
Calopteryx virgo - complex
Synonyms: Libellula virgo Linnaeus, 1758:245; Calopteryx virgo Selys & Hagen,
1850:134; Calopteryx virgo race meridionalis Selys, 1873:509; Calopteryx virgo
meridionalis Capra, 1945:254.
Common names: Engl: Beautiful demoiselle; Russ: Krasotka-devushka yuzhnaya;
Turk: Buyuk kiz bocegi.
Orde ODONATA
Family CALOFTERYGIDAE
Taxonomic description. Total body length 49-54 mm, length of hindwings 31-37
mm. Eyes hemispherical, relatively small, distant, situated laterally on the head. Both
wing pairs similar in shape. Wings uniformly coloured or their basal region narrowly
transparent. Pronounced sexual dimorphism in colour pattern. Male: body metallic
blue; wings dark-brown, with shining deep blue veins. Ventrum of terminal segments
of abdomen largely live red. Female: body dull dark green-brownish; wings dull
brown, veins dull metallic. Abdomen slender.
IUCN Status
World level: VU
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU
159
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Clear, small rivulets rich in
vegetation, including small brooks on the sea shore line. The latter could be
considered critical in connection with urbanization and sea-resort expansion. It may
be added that the south-east corner of the Black Sea harbours yet a few other species
of Odonata, not currently included in this Red Book, but which should be considered
for the future. These include Coenagrion ponticum, a member of the C. puella-
superspecies that is restricted from the coastal foothills of the Caucasus to Trabzon
area, and Cordulegaster mzymtae, a large dark anisopteran that lives in the Pontic
Alps and the Caucasus mountains.
Biology. Larvae rheophilous, quite rare, inhabitants of the rhithral; both larvae and
adults active predators; period of emergence from V to IX-X; adults relatively slow
fliers.
Population trends. A continuing decline has recently been observed, although not
quantitatively documented.
Conservation measures taken. Some of the habitats need saveguarding from human
inerference.
160
References
Bartenef, A. N., 1912. Die palaearktischen und ostasiatischen Arten und Unterarten
der Gattung Calopteryx Leach. Lab. Arb. Zool. Kabin. Univ. Warchau, 1, 1911
(1912): 1-193 + erratum (in Russian).
Beschovski, V., 1994. Fauna of Bulgaria. Insecta,Odonata. Acad. Sei. bulg. Sofia 23:
372 pp
Capra, F., 1945. Odonata di Liguria. Les Ligustricae LXXI. Ann. Mus. Civ. Stor.
Nat. Genova 62: 253-275.
Dumont, H. J., 1977. A review of the dragonfly fauna of Turkey and adjacent
mediterranean islands. Bull. Ann. Soc. r. ent. Belg 113: 119-171.
St. Quentin, D.,1965. Zur Odonatenfauna Anatoliens und angrenzende Gebiete. Ann.
Nat. hist. Mus. Wien 63: 531-552.
161
Carcinus mediterranem Czerniavsky, 1884
Order DECAPODA
Family PORTUNIDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU
162
Sea; in the Atlantic known to occur around the Canary Islands. A decapod with a high
ecological plasticity, relatively resistant to a polluted environment, and to a decrease
in eelgrass beds.
Biology. Carnivorous, eats small fish and shrimp, usually carrion. Highly prolific,
with a long period of reproduction, from May until December. In the period of
reproduction it makes migrations to the shore. Its planktonic larvae (zoea and
megalope) are the most resistant of all decapods of the Black Sea. An eurythermic
and euryhaline species.
Population trends. Up to 1980 it was frequent on the Romanian littoral, after that it
became more rare. A small number of individuals were found during 1991-1995 on
the northern Romanian coasts.
Conservation measures taken. Included in the Red Data Book of Ukraine, 1994.
References
Bacescu M., G. I. Muller & M-T Gomoiu, 1971. Ecol. mar. 4: 7-274.
163
Borcea, I., 1926. Note sur quelques crabes de rivage du littoral Roumain. Ann. Sci.
Univ. Jassy 14: 140.
Borcea, I., 1926. Données sommaires sur la faune de la Mer Noire (littoral de
Roumanie). Ann. Sci. Univ. Jassy 14: 536-583.
Borcea, I. ,1931. Action du froid sur la faune littoral de la Mer Noire. Ann. Sci.
Univ. Jassy 16: 751-759.
Gutu, M., 1980. Recent changes in the Decapod fauna of the Romanian Black Sea
littoral. Trav. Mus. Hist. nat. G. Antipa 21: 103-110.
Compiled by C. Dumitrache
164
Centropages kroyeri pontica (Karawaev, 1895)
Synonyms: None.
Common names: None.
Order CALANOIDA
Family CENTROPAGIDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN
165
Biology. Inhabits the upper water layers (up to 50 m) and performs diurnal
migrations down to the thermocline. In the Black Sea, it propagates from May to
November. The number of eggs laid by a female reaches c. 200. A female lays 10
cluches of, c. 20 eggs each. C. kroyeri feeds mainly on phytoplankton. Infusoria are
part of the food of its larvae.
Threats. High degree of eutrophication in the Black Sea coastal surface waters and
the presence of the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi.
References
Opredelitel fauni Chernogo i Azovskogo morej, 1969. Kiev, Naukova Dumka: 2:49-
50.
Compiled by A. Konsulov.
166
Chaetogammarus ischnus major (Stebling, 1898)
Synonyms: C. ischnus Stebling 1898, Gammarus tenellus G.O. Sars 1914, Ch.
Tenellus major S. Carausu 1943.
Common names: Bulg: Mamarets; Russ: Bokoplav.
Order AMPHIPODA
Family GAMMARIDAE
Taxonomic description. Length male 12-15 mm, of female 10-13 mm. On the
urosome, a group of 2-3 spines on the differentsegments. Many groups of curved
setae on antenna II as well as on pereiopods I and II of the male.
IUCN Status
World level: VU
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU
167
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Brackish and fresh waters,
coastal lakes, swamps and rivers; threatened by salinity increase and pollution.
Biology. Inhabits brackish and fresh water lakes. Found under stones and among
water plants at a depth of up to 0.5-1 m. Breeding from April to October.
Conservation measures taken. The Shabla lake is the only stated reserve.
References
Mordukhai-Boltovskoi, F., 1969. Guide book of the fauna of Black and Azov Sea.
Crustacea, Amphipoda.
Compiled by S. Andreev.
168
Chromogobius quadrivittatus Steindachner, 1863
Order PERCIFORMES
Family GOBJJDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: CR (Bulgarian Coast)
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Inshore shallows, below stones or
between weed tufts, and into mid-tide pools. Suffers from changes in hydro-chemical
regime.
169
Biology. Reproduction: no data. Food: crustaceans.
References
Miller, P., 1986. Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean 3: 1028.
170
Ciconia nigra Linnaeus, 1758
Synonyms: Ciconia niger Linnaeus, 1758; Ciconia fiisca Brehm, 1831; Ciconia nigra
vera Brehm, 1866; Ardea nigra Linnaeus, 1758; Ardea atra Gmelin, 1789; Ardea
chrysopelargus Lichtenstein, 1793; Melanopelargus niger Linnaeus, 1758
Common names: Engl: Black stork, Bulg: Cheren scherkel; Rom: Cocostirc negru;
Russ: Chorny aist; Turk: Siyah leylek; Ukr: Leleka chorny
Order CICONJJFORMES
Family CICONITDAE
Taxonomic description. Black bird with white belly, red legs and a red beak. As big
as the white stork (Ciconia ciconia). The black colour of young individuals is later
replaced with dark brown.
R7CN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: NE
Subregion level: NE
Distribution. Along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, the Black stork used to nest in
Dobrudja, near the town of Balchik (Simpson, 1861), in the Provadiiska valley (Elwes
& Buckley, 1870), in East Stara Planina and the mountain Strandja, especially along
water-courses running into the rivers Batova, Kamchia, Ropotamo, Djavolska,
Kitenska and Veleka. In the last century one pair was nesting in the Romanian part of
Dobrudja, near Babadat, on a rock near the edge of a wood (Elwes & Buckley, 1870).
There are no nesting areas along the Black sea-coast of Ukraine and Russia and along
the seashore of the Sea of Azov. According to Kostin(1983), the Black stork was
breeding in the mountains of the Crimea peninsula in the nineteenth and at the
beginning of the twentieth century. The last nest was found there in 1919 and later
171
only single specimens were recorded during their summer wandering and annual
migrations. The Black stork has a wider distribution than the White stork in the
Caucasus, but is rarer (Portenko, 1958). Its nesting places include the whole seashore
of Georgia (Cramp & Simmons, 1977), but according to Abuladze (1993) only 2-3
pairs were breeding in West Georgia in 1980. Along the South Black Sea coast
several nesting sites are known, located mostly in the Turkish part of the mountain
Strandja, in the Kizilirmak delta, near Trabzon and in some areas distant from the sea
(OST Bird Report, 1975). During seasonal migrations, Black storks can be seen
everywhere along the shores of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. It is believed
(Lebedeva, 1979) that migrating Black storks over the western part of the Black Sea
were hatched in Lithva, Latvia, Byelorussia. Those migrating over the eastern part
came from central Russia. In autumn Black storks from Lithuania, Latvia,
Byelorussia, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Germany, Denmark and possibly specimens
from Central Romania, Ukraine and Estonia concentrate along the western Black Sea
coast (Nankinov, in press).
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Settles in woods and rocky
places. The choice of the nesting places depends on the proximity of basins rich in
food, safe places for building nests, and lack of disturbance.
Biology. Some Black stork pairs are formed during spring migration. The repair of
old nests and the building of new ones is accomplished after mid March. The nests
are situated on trees and rocks. Egg laying in late March. The number of eggs is 1-5
The first young hatch during 5-15 May. The brood consists of an average of 3.2
youngs. Flying young are observed from 11 June till 18 August. The nesting period
extends to 149 days (Nankinov D., in press). Black stork feed not only on fish, but
also on amphibians, reptiles, small rodents, insects, crustaceans, snails and other
invertebrates. To some degree the feeding regime of Black and White storks is
172
similar. Often the two species gather food together, especially in mixed flocks during
the migrations. The joint feeding suggests that, like the White stork, the Black stork
helps in the destruction of small rodent and insect pests.
Population trends. Old sources suggest that until the middle of the last century the
Black stork was a comparatively common nesting bird along the Black Sea coast.
After that, its numbers decreased, especially in the first half of the twentieth century,
when the species left many areas. After 1960, a revival began. In Bulgaria the
nesting pairs increased from 35 to 122, and from 1975 till 1992 they reached 257
pairs. Of these, 20 pairs breed along the seashore. About 50 pairs breed now along the
whole Black Sea coast (Bulgaria, Turkey and Georgia).
References
Abuladze A., 1993. The Black Stork in the West and Central Transcaucasus. irlst Int
Black Stork Conservation and Ecology Symposium, 19-23 April 1993, Jurmalal 9,
Abstracts: 22.
Cramp S. & K. Simmons (Eds), 1977. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. Oxford 1:
1-722.
Elwes H. & T. Buckley, 1870. A list of the Birds of Turkey. Ibis 2:6-59, 188-201,
327-341.
173
Lebedeva , M., 1979. Migracii chernogo aista - Ciconia nigra (L). i Migracii ptic
Vistichnoi Evrope i Severnoi Aziiln. Moscow, Nauka 2: 28-31.
Nankinov, D. (in press). Past and present status of the Black Stork in Bulgaria.
Compiled by D. Nankinov
174
Clupeonella cultriventris Nordmann, 1840
Order CLUPIFORMES
Family CLUPEIDAE
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN
Distribution. Brackish waters of the north-western part of the Black Sea and Sea of
Azov and Caspian (Whitehead, 1984). In Bulgaria in Lakes Shabla, Varna, Burgas,
and in the Bay of Varna (Stojanov et ah, 1963).
175
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. A pelagic, euryhaline, essentially
brackish water species, vulnerable to chemical pollution of coastal lakes.
Conservation measures taken. Lake Shabla has been made a reserve. The species
is included in the Bulgarian Red book (Karapetkova, 1985).
References
Stojanov, S. et al, 1963. The fishes in the Black Sea. Varna, Publishing house
Varna: 246 pp.
176
Colpocyclops dulcís (Monchenko, 1977)
Synonyms: None.
Common names. None.
Order CYCLOPOIDA
Family CYCLOPIDAE
Taxonomic description. This genus displays some of the most modified and
oligomerized structures known in Cyclopidae, especially in the mouth parts: the
spines on the masticatory part of the mandibula, the maxillular palp, the strongly
modified maxilla, which is of a prahensile type, and the maxilliped which is absent.
Total female length 744-850 urn, male 498-517 urn.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU (Ukrainian sector)
Distribution. In irrigation channels and water reservoirs connected with the lower
Dnieper, which is considered to be its area of origin. As a result of damming of the
Dnieper it was introduced to the water reservoirs of Kakhovka, Zaporozhye,
Dnieprodzerzhinsk and Kremenchug. Genus allied to the Ponto-Caspian genus
Smirnoviella. Morphology, range and halopathy provide reasons to consider it a
member of the Ponto-Caspian zoogeographic complex.
177
Biology. Polycyclic development during the warm season of the year. The prehensile
mouth parts suggest raptorial feeding on small invertebrates.
Population trends. The habitat and distribution pattern provide a rare case where the
activity of man (the damming of the Dnieper) benefitted the preservation of a rare
species.
Conservation measures proposed. Include in the Black Sea Red Data Book. A
reduction of water reservoir pollution.
References
Monchenko, V. I., 1977. About the strong modificated new copepod Colpocyclops
dulcis gen. et sp.n. (Crutasera, Cyclopidae). Vestnik Zool.ll: 25-32 (in Russian with
English Abstract).
Compiled by V. Monchenko.
178
Colpocyclops longispinosus (Monchenko, 1977)
Order CYCLOPOIDA
Family CYCLOPIDAE
Taxonomic description. By the structure and armature of its mouth parts, this
species is among the most modified of the Cyclopidae. Female length 700-730 um,
male 510-530 um.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN (Ukrainian sector)
Distribution. The lower part of the Dniester river liman and central part of the
Dnieper-Boug river liman. Endemic to these two river limans. Genus allied to the
Ponto-Caspian genus Smirnoviella. This generic relation, range and halopathy
provide a reason to consider it a member of the Ponto-Caspian zoogeographic
complex and which arose in one of the basins that preceded the Black Sea.
Biology. Polycyclic development during the warm season of the year. The prehensile
mouth parts structure suggests predation on small invertebrates.
179
Population trends. A decline in population numbers during the last 10-15 years (up
to 50-60%).
Threats. Pollution of the river limans and eutrophication causing hypoxia in the
bottom layer of water.
Conservation measures proposed. Include in Black Sea Red Data Book. Reduce
Dniester and Dnieper-Boug basin pollution.
References
Monchenko, V. I., 1978. The allocation of the Halicyclops longispinosus to the genus
Colpocyclops (Crutasera, Copepoda) and the first description of its males. Vestnik
Zool. 12: 68-72 (in Russian with English Abstract).
Compiled by V. Monchenko.
180
Conger conger (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: None.
Common names: Engl: Conger-eel; Russ: Morskoy ugor; Turk: Migri.
Order ANGUILLIFORMES
Family CONGRIDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU
181
Biology. This species is a carnivore, feeding on fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods,
benthonic life, sexual maturity starts at five years; three to eight millions of eggs..
References
Aksiray, F., 1987. Turkish Marine Fishes Identification Book. Istanbul, Publication
of University of Istanbul no. 3490: 811 pp.
Compiled by B. Oztiirk.
182
Coryphoblennius galerita (Linnaeus, 1758)
Order PERCIFORMES
Family BLENNIIDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU (Bulgarian Coast)
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Steep rocks in the surf zone, or
on stony and shelly grounds.
183
Threats. Industrial pollution.
References
Stojanov, S. et al, 1963. The fishes in the Black Sea. Vama: 246 pp.
Zander, C, 1986. Fishes of the North - eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean 3:
1098-1099.
184
Delphinus delphis Linnaeus, 1758
Order CETACEA
Family DELPHINIDAE
IUCN Status
World level: DD
Black Sea Régional level: DD
Subregion level: VU in Bulgaria, DD in Ukraine, EN in Romania
185
movements between the Black Sea and Mediterranean populations seem possible, but
no direct evidence for this has been obtained. Critical habitats are not so clear as
dangerous zones (e.g. Black Sea straits and forestrait areas), where animals may get
hurt by heavy marine traffic, fisheries and pollution. Two natural pathogens are
known to cause mass mortality: the lung nematode Skrjabinalius cryptocephalus and
an unidentified morbillivirus. The morbilliviral disease observed in July-September
1994 was accompanied by the stranding of sick animals.
Biology. Black Sea individuals seem to be the smallest representatives of this species
anywhere in the world: the average length is 1.5-1.7 m (maximum 2.0 m) for adult
females, and 1.7-1.8 m (maximum 2.2 m) for males. According to dental growth
layers, females and males attain sexual maturity after 2-4 and 3-4 years; life span is
20-22 years or more (probably 25-30 years). The mating period (ate spring-early
autumn) peaks in July-August. The annual pregnancy rate of the population (46-75%
of fertilized females) depends on the duration of calving intervals, estimated at 1.3 to
2.3 years. Gestation (one foetus) and lactation take up 10-11 and 14-19 months, but
calves feed on the mother's milk only for the first 5-6 months. Small pelagic fishes,
forming large aggregations (sprat, anchovy, pipefish), are the basic prey of subadult
and adult animals (daily ration 4-10 kg).
Population trends. The Common dolphin population still continues to be the most
abundant cetacean in the Black Sea despite over-exploitation (mass kills on an
industrial basis) during 1930s-early 1980s. However, this point of view is not more
than a speculation, not based on of reliable scientific data. The stock of Common
dolphins in Romanian waters is estimated at 600-800 individuals.
Threats. Contemporary human activities limiting the Black Sea population have not
been adequately studied. By-catches in bottom-set gill nets are not frequent, and
186
cases of dolphins entangled in pelagic trawls are also unusual. Few animals were
described to have distinct traumatic injuries. The level of organochlorine residues in
Delphinus blubber is lower than in Black Sea harbour porpoises and bottlenose
dolphins. The decline in anchovy and sprat abundance (result of overfishing and
accidental introduction of the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi) could be a reason for the
problems in dolphin nutrition.
Conservation measures taken. The Common dolphin is listed in the IUCN Red
Data Book and Red Data Book of Ukraine, and all six Black Sea states have stopped
commercial hunting in their waters: Turkey in 1983, other countries since 1966.
Together with other cetacean species in the region it is protected by the Berne and
Bonn conventions, CITES and ACCOBAMS. The UNEP Marine Mammal Action
Plan and IUCN/SSC Action Plan stress that the Black Sea population is at risk. Some
conservation measures are foreseen in the Strategic Action Plan for the Rehabilitation
and Protection of the Black Sea (Paragraph 62).
References
187
Kleinenberg, S.E., 1956. Mlekopitayushchiye Chernogo i Azovskogo morey: opyt
biologo-promyslovogo issledovaniya. (Mammals of the Black and Azov Seas: the
research experience for biology and hunting). Moscow, USSR Acad. Science Publ.:
288 pp. (in Russian).
Klinowska, M., 1991. Dolphins, Porpoises and Whales of the World. The IUCN Red
Data Book. Gland and Cambridge, IUCN: viii + 429 pp.
Stanev, T. T., 1997. Distribution and number of dolphins in the Bulgarian sector of
the Black Sea. In: Proc. Inst. Fish.24. Varna (in Bulgarian).
Vasiliu, F. & L. Dima, 1990. Some considerations regarding the presence and the
mortality of the dolphins at the Black Sea Romanian littoral. Cercet. mar. 23: 171-
176 (in French).
188
Dikerogammarus vilosus (Sovinskii, 1894})
Order AMPHIPODA
Family GAMMARTDAE
Taxonomic description. Length of male 10-21 mm, female 8-16 mm. First and
second segment of the urosome with strongly developed swellings with spines. Third
uropod with long exopodite with pinnate bristles and prickles. Endopodite ; very
small.
IUCN Status
World level: VU
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Brackish and fresh waters,
coastal lakes, swamps and rivers. Treaths: rising salinity, pollution.
Biology. Inhabits the coastal zone, under stones, sandy bottoms, among macrophytes.
189
Conservation measures proposed. Establishment of reserves and protected
territories around lakes and humid zones.
References
Mordukhai-Boltovskoi, F., 1969. Guide book to the fauna of the Black Sea and Azov
Sea. Crustacea, Amphipoda.
Sowinskyi, 1894. Les Crustacés de la Mer d'Azoph (in Russian). Mém. Soc. Nat.
Kiev, 13: 1-2.
Compiled by S. Andreev.
190
Diogenes pugilator (Roux, 1828)
Order DECAPODA.
Family PAGURIDAE.
Taxonomic description. One of two species of Paguridae in the Black Sea. First left
leg, with claw, much bigger than right leg. Dactylus moves in a vertical plane. The
Body colour yellow. Anterior edge of carapace with acute triangular lateral
projections. Internal sides of dactyli with unequal teeth. Length up to 30 mm.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN (Ukrainian sector)
Distribution. Black Sea coastal waters and southern Sea of Azov, Mediterranean
Sea, East Atlantic coast from the North Sea to the coasts of Angola.
191
of Tritia reticulata., Ceritium vulgatum, or, sometimes, of young Rapana thomasiam,
in which the unarmored Diogenes conceals its soft abdomen.
Population trends. Strong decline in numbers since the late 1970s. A reduction by
60-70% over the last 10 years.
Conservation measures proposed. Include in Black Sea Red Data Book. Reduce
Black Sea coastal zone pollution.
References
Kiseleva, M. I., 1992. Changes in bottom communities on the sand biotope near the
south-western Crimean coast. In: Mnogoletnye izmenenya zoobentosa Chernogo
morya (Multiannual changes in the Black Sea zoobenthos). Kiev, Naukova Dumka:
pp. 62-69 (in Russian).
Povchun, A. S., 1992. Changes in the bottom communities of Karkinitsky Bay. In:
Mnogoletnye izmenenya zoobentosa Chernogo morya (Multiannual changes in the
Black Sea zoobenthos). Kiev, Naukova Dumka: 105-138 (in Russian).
Compiled by Y. Zaitsev.
192
Diplodus annularis Linnaeus, 1758
Order PERCIFORMES
Family SPAREDAE
Taxonomic description. Body oval, moderately elongate, rather deep; dorsal profile
of head curved; eyes moderately developed, their diameter about 11 times the
preorbital length; jaws armed in front with eight incisors (flattened, cutting teeth)
followed by three rows of molars (rounded teeth) in the upper jaw and two rows in the
lower jaw. Back and sides grey, belly silvery; a broad black cross band on the caudal
peduncle, between the caudal and the dorsal fins, and seven to eight less distinct cross
bars on the back and sidewise; pelvic fins yellow. Scales small; dorsal fin high;
pectoral fins extended to the level of the vent. Size maximum: 40 cm; usually about
15 to 25 cm.
RJCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU
193
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Shallow zones of
the continental shelf, on muddy-sand and on vegetated bottoms close to the shore, as
well as in deeper waters, down to about 50 m, but mostly between five and 20 m.
Often enters saline littoral lagoons. Common in the Mediterranean Sea, the eastern
Atlantic coast along the South African coasts of the Indian Ocean. Threatened by
increasing pollution in coastal zones and by hypoxia.
Population trends. More frequent in the past and rare at present; only incidentally in
catches on the Romanian littoral, from Portita to Mangalia. There are not separate
statistics for this species. Generally caught with trammel nets, beach seines and
floating longlines, also with bottom trawls.
References
FAO, 1973. Species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Mediterranean and
Black Sea, fishing area 37. Rome.
Radu, G., E. Leonte, G. Butoi, F. Veriti, A. Gorban & E. Radu, 1996 Principalele
specii de pesti si mamifere din Marea Neagra (Determinator). (Main
fish and mammal species from the Black Sea) (Identification sheets). RMRI
Constantsa, (in Romanian).
Compiled by A. Petranu
194
Donacilla cornea (Poli, 1791)
Synonyms: Mactra cornea Poli, 1791; Donax elliptica Krynicki, 1837; Mesodesma
donacilla Middendorff, 1849; Mesodesma cornea (Poli) Ostroumoff, 1893.
Common names: None.
Order VENERIDA.
Family MESODESMATIDAE.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN (Ukrainian sector)
Biology. This species has no planktonic larvae, since these are incubated in the paleal
cavity of the female as an adaptation to the semiliquid environment in which they
live.
195
Ophelia bicornis, both forms prevailing in the midhttoral fauna with coarser sands (up
2
to 10,000 i n d . m ) . After 1980 it became extremely rare, and in the last decade it has
not been seen at all.
Threats. Changes in the granulometric structure of sand through the closing the
interstitial spaces of coarse sand.
References
Bacescu, M., E. Dumitrescu, M.-T. Gomoiu & A. Petran, 1967. Elements pour la
caracterisation de la zone sediméntaire medi-littorale de la mer Noire. Trav. Mus.
Hist. nat. G. Antipa 7: 1-14.
Bacescu, M., G. I. Müller & M.-T. Gomoiu, 1971. The quantitative, qualitative and
comparative analysis of Black Sea benthic fauna. Ecol. mar. 4: 357 pp. (in Romanian)
Gomoiu, M.-T., 1969. Some aspects of the Black Sea benthos. Hidrobiologia 10:
265-277.
Mokievski, O. B., 1949. Fauna rikhlih gruntov litorali zapadnih beregov Krima. Tr.
Inst. Okeanolog. Akad. Nauk SSSR 4: 124-159.
196
Epallage fatime (Charpentier, 1840)
'synonyms: Agrion fatime Charpentier, 1840: 132; Epallage fatime St. Quentin, 1965
531-552.
Common names: None.
Order ODONATA
Family EUPHAEIDAE
Taxonomic description. Total body length 45-51 mm. Length of hindwing 35-37.5
mm. Eyes hemispherical. Wings equally shaped, densely reticulated, wholly
transparent except for darkened wingtips; the latter marked by a brown half-moon
spot. Sexual dimorphism in body colour. Male: thorax olive-green; abdomen from
black to olive-green, covered by a blue-greyish film of pruinosity. Female: thorax
yellow-brown, with black stripes; abdominal segments each with a broad black dorsal
stripe, divided medially by a yellow line, powdered in blue-grey. Abdomen of male
and female relatively slender, nearly cylindrical.
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: DD
Subregion level: VU
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Small rivers and brooks of the
plain and in hilly land. Bulgaria is at the limits of its range, where the habitats
adjacent to the Strandzha Mts.-Black Sea shores are threatened because of
urbanisation and the uncontrolled use of the region's water resources.
197
Elsewhere, in particular in Anatolia and Georgia, the species is plentiful and under no
particular threat.
Threats. Besides the above mentioned limiting factors, the colonies of this dragonfly
situated at the western limit of its range, may suffer from overcollecting by amateur-
entomologists.
Conservation measures taken. Some of the Bulgarian localities are within the limits
of the Uzunbodzhakl. forest reserve.
References
Beschovski, V., 1964. Dragonflies (Odonata) from S-Bulgaria. Bull. Inst. Zool. Mus.
Sofia 16: 109-124.
Beschovski, V., 1994. Fauna of Bulgaria. Odonata. Bulg. Acad. Sci. Sofia 23: 372
pp.
Bilek, A., 1967. Beitrag zur Odonatenfauna Griechenlands. Beitr. Ent. 14: 303-312.
198
Dumont, H. J. A review of the dragonfly fauna of Turkey and adjacent mediterranean
islands. Bull. Ann. Soc. r. ent. Belg. 113: 119-171.
Schmidt, E., 1978. Odonata. In: J. lilies (Ed.), Limnofauna Europaea. Stuttgart,
Fischer Verlag: 274-279.
199
Eriphia verrucosa Forskall, 1755
Order DECAPODA
Family XANTHIDAE
Taxonomic description. Carapace thick, its upper face slightly convex, smooth, with
transverse granulous ridges behind frontal border and on lateral regions. Antero-
lateral borders shorter than postero-lateral ones, armed with seven tooth-like
protrusions, the first one with secondary lateral spinules, the last ones reduced. Front
broad, indented in the middle, each frontal lobe armed with a comb of five or six
teeth; a little behind it a second, parallel comb, consisting of four to five teeth. Orbits
almost circular, their lower border denticulated. Chelipeds strong and unequal; the
larger one generally bears rounded tubercles in front of the upper articulation with the
carpus; the smaller one bears numerous sharper tubercles arranged in lines. Black
fingers; the movable finger with a strong obtuse tooth and some smaller; immovable
finger with subtriangular teeth. Pereiopods with strong hairs, rare, without spines.
Female with a large, oval abdomen. Male with a narrow abdomen. A large-sized
species. Length 6.5-7 cm; width 8-9 cm. Colour: brownish-red or brownish-green,
with yellow spots.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN
200
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Shallow waters
along rocky coasts, living among stones and seaweeds down to 5-15 m deep. Favorite
biotope: stony bottoms. Present throughout the Mediterranean, also in the eastern
Atlantic from the southern coast of Brittany to Mauritania and the Acores. Threats:
Terrigenous pollution, hard frost, hypoxia.
Population trends. Frequent in the past, but became very rare after the 1980s; at
present, no recent specimens on record
Conservation measures taken. Included in the Ukrainian Red Data Book, 1994.
Conservation measures proposed. Prohibit all catching for consumption.
References
Bacescu, M., 1954. The influence of the severe winter of 1954 on the Black Sea
ecosystem and fisheries.( in Romanian). Bull. Inst. Cercet. P.S.C. 4: 5-12.
Bacescu, M., G. I. Muller & M-T Gomoiu, 1971. Ecol. mar. 4: 7-274.
Borcea, L, 1926. Note sur quelq es crabes de rivage du littoral Roumain. Ann. Sci.
Univ. Jassy 14: 140.
201
Borcea, I., 1926. Données sommaires sur la faune de la Mer Noire (littoral de
Roumanie). Ann. Sci. Univ. Jassy 14: 536-583.
Borcea, I., 1931., Action du froid sur la faune littoral de la Mer Noire. Ann. Sci.
Univ. Jassy 16: 751-759.
Bulgurkov, K., 1938. Some fresh- and saltwater Decapoda from the vicinity of Varna
and Sozopol. Tr. Chemomorsk. Biol. St. Varna 7: 88-103.
Guru, M., 1980. Recent changes in the Decapod fauna of the Romanian Black Sea
littoral. Trav. Mus. Hist. nat. G. Antipa 21: 103-110.
Marinov, T., 1990. Zoobentosat ot balgarskia sector na Cherno more. Sofia, BAN:
pp. 195.
202
Falco cherrug (Gray, 1834)
Synonyms: Falco cyanopus Tienemann, 1846; Falco saker gurneyi Menzbier, 1888;
Falco hierofalco danubialis Kleinschmidi, 1939; Falco hierofalco aralocaspius
Kleinschmidf, 1939.
Common names: Engl: Saker, Russ: Baloban; Turk: Uludogan; Ukr: Baloban.
Order FALCONIFORMES
Family FALCONIDAE
Taxonomic description. In 1965-1973 there were at least 12-15 breeding pairs in the
Crimea; 19-25 pairs were reported in 1978-1985. These numbers remained stable
across the mid 1990s.
IUCN Status
World level: VU
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU
Distribution. Irregular breeding pairs occur in the sea-side districts of the Odessa
region and in the northern parts of the Sivash (Kherson region). Total number of
breeding pairs may be estimated to be within 25-28. Falco cherrug is a rather rare
migrant, but occurs throughout the area. Winter-time numbers hardly reach 10
specimens.
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. In the Crimea they prefer
highland plateau precipices, less frequently cliffs in old forests bordering open areas,
where the species reaches an altitude of 600 metres, rocky sites in the steppe, rocky
203
and clay precipices on the sea shore. The forestless agricultural landscapes of the
Odessa region were occupied owing to its ability to nest on pylons.
Population trends. The first pylon nests were recorded in the late seventies (in
Odessa region). Since then this has become usual. Southward expansion of the
breeding range resulted in an increase of numbers in the forestless steppe areas.
204
References
Beskaravainyi, M. M., 1996. New data on the rare and poorly studied species of the
South-East Crimea. Vestnik Zool. 3: 71-72 (in Russian).
Kostin, Y. V., 1983. Birds of the Crimea. Moscow, Nauka: 241 pp. (in Russian).
Piluga, V. I., 1991. New data on the nesting of disappearing species of raptors in the
Odessa region and neighbouring territories. Rare birds of the Black Sea coastal areas.
Kiev-Odessa. Lybid: 139-164 (in Russian).
Prokopenko, S. P., 1986. The Saker Falkon in the Crimea. Bird studies in the USSR,
their protection and rational use. Leningrad 2: 170-171 (in Russian).
Zubarovsky, V. M., 1977.. Fauna of Ukraine. Birds of prey. Kiev 5 (2): 332 pp. (in
Russian
Compiled by V. Kinda.
205
Falco peregrinus (Tunstall, 1771)
Common names: Engl: Peregrine; Russ: Sapsan; Turk: Gok dogan; Ukr: Sokil-
sapsan, Sapsan, Mandrivny sokil.
Order FALCONIFORMES
Family FALCONIDAE
IUCN Status
World level: VU
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN
206
birds occur throughout the area: on the coast, in the inland water bodies, on the
steppe, in villages and towns and their surroundings.
Biology. The subspecies F. p. calidus and F. p. peregrinus migrate and spend winter
in the region. The South-European subspecies (F. p. brokei) breeds, migrates and
partly overwinters. Breeding sites include niches and hardly accessible rocks.
Breeding starts rather early: display flights and copulation take place from late
February till mid March (22.05 -16.03). Earliest clutches in the third ten days of
March. Incubation takes 30-33 days. Fledglings appear in the last ten days of April.
Brood size is 2-4 eggs. Part of the population leaves for the winter grounds. Pairs
and single birds move to the foothill areas and big towns where they spend winter.
The diet consists basically of small and middle sized birds like larks, starlings,
waders, doves and pigeons, crows, small ducks. Falco peregrinus preys exclusively
in the air and catches its prey in flight.
Population trends. In the last decade a slight increase in numbers has been recorded.
Threats. Human disturbance, hunting of migratory birds, the illegal bird-trade and
extraction of chicks, various sicknesses of chicks (aspergillose, candidamicose).
References
207
Beskaravainyi, M. M., 1996. New data on the rare and poorly studied species of the
south-east Crimea. Vestnik Zool. 3: 71-72.(in Russian).
Grinchenko, A. B., 1991. New Data about Rare and Disappearing birds of the
Crimea. Rare birds of the Black Sea coastal areas Kiev-Odessa. Lybid: 78-90 (in
Russian).
Zubarovsky, V.M., 1977. Fauna of Ukraine. Vol. 5, Birds. Issue 2. Birds of prey.
Kiev, 332 pp. (in Russian).
Compiled by V. Kinda.
208
Felis silvestris Schreber, 1777
Synonyms: Felis (Catus) silvestris Schreber, 1777; Felis catus ferus Erxleben, 1777,
Catusferox Martorelli, 1896,
Common names: Engl: European wild cat; Russ: Dikaya evropeyskaya lesnaya
koshka; Turk: Yaban kedisi; Ukr: Kit lisovy
Order CARNIVORA
Family FELIDAE
Taxonomic description. Similar to, but more robust than striped tabby domestic cat.
Chief distinguishing feature is its bushy tail, which has 3-5 completely separate broad,
black rings, and a rounded/blunt black tip. Head-body length: 48-68 cm; tail length:
21-38.5 cm; hind foot length: 10-16 cm; shoulder height: 35-40 cm; weight: 1.6-8 kg.
Dental formula: 3/3, 1/1, 3/2, 1/1=30.
IUCN Status
World level: EN
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN
Distribution. Europe, North Africa, Asia Minor. Black Sea Coast: in coastal regions
of Strandja Mts., Stara Planina Mts., Kamtcia River, Batova River.
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Lives in deciduous forests of the
plains and lower hill regions, mainly near natural clearings and in the peripheral zones
of large forests. A critical and limiting factor could be the absence of old trees.
209
Biology. Carnivorous (small rodents and lagomorphs, amphibians, fish, insects taken
only rarely). Largely crepuscular and nocturnal. Females sedentary and exclusively
territorial. Many males, particularly young animals, are nomadic, and movements
overlap females' ranges. Mating in late winter and spring, births in April-September
(peaks in May). Males sexually mature after one year; females after 9-10 months.
Gestation 63-69 days. Litter size averages 3.4 (range 1-8). One litter per year,
occasionally a second litter in captivity.
References
Macdonald, D. & P. Barret, 1993. Mammals of Britain & Europe. Collins Field
Guide. Harper Collins Publishers: 133-136.
Compiled by S. Gerasimov
210
Glareola nordmanni Nordmann, 1842
Synonyms: None
Common names: Engl: Black-winged pratincole; Russ: Stepnaya tirkushka; Turk:
Kara kanatli bataklik kirlangici; Ukr: Derykhvist stepovy
Order CHARADRIIFORMES
Family GLAREOLIDAE
IUCN Status
World level: EN
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN
211
Biology. A breeding species, migrations non-detectable owing to extremely low
numbers. Ecology to a great extent like that of Glareola pratíncola..
References
Compiled by J. Chernichko
212
Glareola pratincola (Linnaeus, 1758)
Order CHARADRIIFORMES
Family GLAREOLIDAE
Taxonomic description. The genus is widely distributed in Africa and S Asia. Two
members known in the Black Sea region. Their numbers fluctuate widely over the
years. Current estimate for the sea coast of Ukraine is 500-1,100 pairs.
IUCN Status
World level: EN
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN
213
Biology. A breeding and, in some places, a migratory species. Arrives in April, last
birds in late May. Breeding begins in mid May. Normal clutch consists of three eggs
(2-5), nest is a deepening in the ground with light plant bedding. Colonies are usually
loose and mixed with terns and waders, although mono-species settlements can be
found too. Chicks leave the nests straight after hatching. Fledglings begin to
concentrate by early July, with adult birds always present. The major part of the
population leaves for winter grounds in August. Some birds stay till mid October.
Glareola pratíncola prey on flying insects, sometimes foraging on the ground picking
spiders. Feeding success depends on insect concentrations, and may be very low in
the areas where pesticides are applied
References
Compiled by J. Chernichko.
214
Gobius bucchichi Steindachner, 1870
Synonyms: Gobius lynx Kessler, 1874; Gobius fallax Sarato, 1889; Gobius
(Zostericola) Ophiocephalus (non Pall.) de Buen, 1930; Berg, 1949
Common names: Engl: Bucchich's goby; Turk: Kaya baligi
Order PERCIFORMES
Family GOBIIDAE
RJCN Status
World level: EN
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: CR (Bulgarian Coast)
Habitat type, Critical habitats Limiting factors. Inshore, on sand and mud, with
sea-grasses.
Threats. Pollution.
215
Conservation measures taken. None.
References
Miller, P., 1986. Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, 3:1037
pp.
216
Gobius cobitis (Pallas, 1811)
Order PERCIFORMES
Family GOBUDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Inshore, on stone and weedy
ground, two to 10m deep; inshore zone.
Biology. Reproduction from May to early July. Eggs below stones. Sexually mature
after 2-3 years. Food: green algae, crustaceans, polychaetes, insects.
217
Threats. Chemical contamination.
References
Miller, P., 1986. Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean 3:
1038 pp.
218
Grus grus Linnaeus, 1758
Synonyms: None
Common names: Bulg: Syv zhurav; Rom: Cocor mare; Engl: Crane; Russ: Sery
zhuravl'; Turk: Turna; Ukr: Siry zhuraveV
Order GRUIFORMES
Family GRUIDAE
R7CN Status
World level: LR
Black Sea Regional level: LR
Subregion level: VU in Ukraine
Distribution. The main direction of spring migrations are north-east, north, and east.
In autumn, the first young birds arrive in the northern Black Sea region at the end of
August. The mass passage begins in late September and continues to mid-October.
The last third of October and mid-November are the period for separate birds or small
flocks of several individuals to appear. Several migration routes can be distinguished
over the territory of Black Sea region. In the north-western part the main direction is
south-western and southern, in the Crimea it is southern; it is south-western in the
valley of the Dnieper, along the coastline of the Black Sea. The biggest gathering site
219
in the Black Sea region is situated in the zone between the biosphere reserve Askania-
Nova and Sivash where more than 40,000 Common crane arrive. During autumn
migration of 1996, more than 50,000 cranes flew through Askania-Nova. The second
largest gathering and resting area is situated in North Sivash (Djankoy region), with
10,000 cranes every autumn. Many small crane assemblages are scattered over the
region. In winter some groups stay till mid-December and a few birds stay
throughout winter. Nearly 100,000 cranes fly through the Black Sea region every
autumn. About 20,000 - 30,000 cranes fly along the western Black Sea coast through
Romania and Bulgaria; 50,000 - 60,000 fly through the Crimea Peninsula, and
probably 10,000 fly along the Caucasian coast.
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Valleys of large rivers and
swamps, relatively shallow lakes covered by reeds. Premigratory gathering of cranes
are situated on the saline bays of Sivash, sand-bars. The cranes feed on winter and
spring crops, on harvested cornfields, and on pastures.
Biology. The arrival time is between February 20th and March 5th with two peaks.
A first peak is in mid-March and the second in the first half of April.
220
References
Grinchenko, A. B., 1989. Common Crane migration in the Crimea in 1983 and 1984.
Communications of the Baltic Commission for the study of bird migration. Tartu 21:
134-136.(in Russian).
Radu, D., 1979. Pasarile din Delta Dunarii. Bucuresti, Editura Academei.
Siokhin, V. D., 1982. Distribution and number of the cranes on the northern coast of
the Azov Sea and the Sivash. Cranes in the USSR: 141-144 pp. (in Russian).
Compiled by P. Gorlov
221
Haematopus ostralegus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: None.
Common names: Bulg: Stridoyad; Engl: Oystercatcher; Rom: Scoicar; Russ: Kulik-
soroka, Turk: Poyraz kusu; Ukr: Kulyk-soroka.
Order CHARADRIIFORMES
Family HAEMATOPODIDAE
IUCN Status
World level: VU
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU
222
small molluscs and copepods along the shore-line. Large invertebrates comprise their
basic food in agricultural lands.
Population trends. A slight decrease has been recorded, though in some sub-regions
their numbers have remained stable across the last two decades.
Threats. Low breeding numbers and the vulnerability of the habitats pose a clear risk
for the Black Sea Haematopus ostralegus population. Recreation development, sand
extraction at the seaside and in the estuaries, constant human disturbance and
prédation may destroy its relative population stability in future.
Conservation measures taken. Creation of the Sivash and Azov Sea National Parks
System, which will greatly contribute to species protection in the region.
References
Siokhin, V. D., I..I. Chernichko & T.B. Ardamatskaia et al, 1988. Colonial
Hydrophilic Birds of the South of Ukraine: Charadriformes. Kiev, Naukova Dumka:
176 pp. (in Russian).
Compiled by J. Chernichko.
223
Halacarellus procerus (Viets, 1927)
Synonyms: None.
Common names: None.
Order ACARIFORMES
Family HAL AC ARID AE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN (Ukrainian shelf)
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. The species occurs
in the Black Sea and the North Sea. In the north-west of the Black Sea it was only
discovered in 1973. It is a typical representative of the interstitial meiofauna of the
sandy beaches. Its only habitat is the pseudolitoral (mediolitoral) and supralitoral zone
on beaches with coarse sand. Threats: pollution of the sea shore, man-made changes
in granulometric composition of the sand.
224
Conservation measures taken. None.
Conservation measures proposed. Include in Black Sea Red Data Book and
prohibit pollution of the seashore.
Reference
Compiled by L. Vorobyova.
225
Haliaeetus albicilla (Linnaeus, 1758)
Taxonomic description. A very large eagle with wide, long wings, a massive yellow
beak and short wedge-shaped white tail. In flight the primaries are flung out like
fingers. It has a brown-grey plumage, but the head and throat are lighter. Young
have a dark brown head and tail and dark grey beak, and barred underwings and belly.
IUCN Status
World level: NE
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU
Distribution. Along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast nesting areas are located near
Lake Mandra, on the rivers Djavolska and Ropotamo (and on the marsh Arkutino),
and in Dobrudja - to the west of Lake Shabla. Several pairs nest in the Danube delta,
226
on the large basins in the Romanian part of Dobrudja (Puscariu, 1968). In the past
nests were found on Lake Serbanul by Braila, near Chilia Veche, near Lake Sinoe and
to the south of Gridul Lupitor (Lintia, 1954). According to Zubarowskii (1977), the
White-tailed Eagle was nesting in Odessa and the districts of Hersonska and
Zaporojka. Nests were found on the lower courses of the rivers Dnestar and Dniepr.
Several pairs were nesting regularly in the southern rocky part of the Crimean
mountains and in the high-stemmed woods of the Crimean reserve (Kostin, 1983); 7-8
pairs of White-tailed Eagles nest in the lower course of the river Don (Golushin,
1983). Two pairs breed in the lower course of the river Kuban (Zabalotnii & Hohlov,
1995). During the breeding season, one White-tailed Eagle was also observed in the
Ahtanizolski firth (Tilba et ah, 1990). Nesting areas along the Georgian coast are
unknown. In the northern regions of Turkey, White-tailed eagles nest to the west and
east of Istanbul and mainly in the river Kizilirmak delta (OST Bird Report, 1975;
Cramp & Simmons, 1980). During migrations and especially in winter, the basins
along the whole Black Sea coast become important habitats for White-tailed eagles
from northern populations (from the Scandinavian peninsula and the European part of
Russia).
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. In the breeding season as well as
during migrations and overwintering, birds keep close to wooden and rocky areas
near the seashore or lakes and rivers. They are attracted by clear water basins full of
fish and water birds.
Biology. A monogamous bird which starts breeding after its fourth year. Pairs build
nests on high trees or on rocks at a distance of several km. from each other. They lay
3-4 eggs in February - March, brood more than one month, young remain in the nest
2-3 months and afterwards stay one more month in the area, where parents continue to
feed them. Omnivorous. Beside fish and water birds it also feeds on mammals, rats,
rabbits, foxes, wandering dogs and cats, and tortoises. It also scavenges. In winter it
stays close to concentrations of water birds (geese, ducks, coots, herons, grebes, gulls
227
and others) and feeds on ill, weak or frozen birds. By the seashore it picks up
carcasses of dolphins, fish, and birds.
Population trends. A common nesting species along the coasts of theBlack and the
Sea of Azov and along the valleys of the big rivers emptying into these seas in the
past. There was a major decline in the population during 1960-1965. After that, the
number slowly increased again. This was a result of the successful breeding and
resettlement of the species in Central Europe (Hlorig, 1986), the huge increase of the
population in Germany, Poland and Czechoslovakia. From the Danube, the White-
tailed Eagle resettled its previous habitats along the Black Sea. The feeding of birds
in Scandinavia, the decrease environmental pollution and the decline in hunting in
Eastern Europe during the last 10th years has also helped . Currently, about 30 pairs
breed along the coasts of the Black and the Sea of Azov.
Threats. Threats include pollution of water basins with different kinds of poisons,
the drainage of marshes, the cutting down of woods and the tourist invasion along the
seashore, the use of poisonous baits and traps for wolves and foxes, the meaningless
shooting of birds and the destruction of their nests. Among the enemies of the
Haliaeetus albicilla are Falco cherrug and large colonies of ants, which sometimes
force the eagles to leave their nests.
Conservation measures proposed. Ban pollution with poisons and industrial waste.
Promote preservation of woods, restrict of hotel building and tourist invasion of
habitats along the seashore. Protective propaganda among the human population,
especially among hunters.
References
Cramp, S. & K. Simmons (Eds), 1980. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. Oxford,
2: 1-695.
228
Hörig, H., 1986. Seeadlerbestand weiter angewachsen. Unsere Jagdle 36: 148-149.
Zabolotnii, N. & A. Hohlov, 1995. Zametki o nekotorih redkih pticah ptitsah nizovid
Kubani. Kavkazskii orn. vestnikls 7: 16-17.
Zubarowskii, V., 1977. Fauna Ukraini. Tom 5. Ptah,. Kiev, Naukova Dumka: 331 pp.
Compiled by D. Nankinov.
229
Halichondria panicea (Pallas, 1766)
Order CORNACUSPONGIDA
Family HALICHONDRIIDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU
Biology. Plenty of algae inhabit the sponge body, some ending up as food, other
symbiontic and giving rise to the external colour. Feeds on organic particles which
enter with the water current through the pores and through the oscula. An
hermaphrodite, with sexual elements embedded in the mesenchyme. Ovules
fecundated on the spot, the first phases of the larval development take place in the
parenchyma of the mother.
Population trends. Species frequently cited during the 1960s-70s in the mussel
biocoenosis living on rocks along the Constantsa and Agigea coasts, but in rather low
numbers.
230
Threats. Turbidity in shallow zones; hypoxia.
References
Borcea, I., 1937. Les résultats de l'expédition de recherches dans la mer Noire dès 28
Août - 1er Sept., 1935. Ann. Sci. Univ. Jassy 23.
Gomoiu, M. T., 1963. Kizucheniya gubok zapadnoy chasti Cernogo Morya. Rev.
roum. Biol. 8: 252-264.
Valkanov, A., 1957. Katalog na nashata Cernomorskata fauna. Tr. Morsk. Biol. St.
Varna.
231
Hemimysis anomala G.O. Sars, 1907
Synonyms: None
Common names: Russ: Myzida anomaVnaya; Ukr: Myzida anomaVna
Order MYSIDACEA
Family MYSIDAE
Taxonomic description. One of seven species of its genus and close to Hemimysis
serrata. All ventral appendages in females are reduced, in males only the first and
second pairs of pleopods reduced. Telson with shortened apex and serrated along the
whole length of the edges.
IUCN Status
World level: Endemic of the Azov-Black Sea basin
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN (Ukrainian sector)
Distribution. One of the few Ponto-Caspian endemics living both in the sea and in
freshwater bodies. Inhabits the Azov and Black seas, as well as the lower reaches of
the Dniepr, Dniestr and Don. Encountered on the west coast of the Caspian Sea.
Acclimatized in water reservoirs: Dnieprovsk, Sympheropolsk, Chernorechens
(Ukraine); Dubossarsk (Moldova) and Kaunas (Lithuania).
232
Biology. A euryhaline organism, living in at a salinity of 0.5-18.0 ppt. Euryphagous.
Reproduction from April to October. After fertilization, the female carries 9-31
embryos (18 on average) in the brood pouch. Not less than two generations a year. In
the Black Sea it reaches a length of 8-10 mm, in the Sea of Azov and freshwater only
6.7-8.5 mm. Blood-red in colour. The species is capable of changing colour due to
chromatophores and become completely transparent.
Threats. Pollution and silting of water bodies, reduction in river deltas, areas of
seabed with hard sediments.
References
233
Komarova, T. I., 1994. Hemimysis anomala. Chervona Knyga Ukrayiny (Red Data
Book of Ukraine). Kijiv, Ukrajinska Encyklopediya Publ.: p. 39 (in Ukrainian).
Compiled by B. Alexandrov
234
Hemimysis serrata (Bacescu, 1938)
Synonyms: None.
Common names: Russ: Myzida zubchataya; Ukr: Myzida zubchasta.
O r d e r MYSIDACEA
Family MYSIDAE
Taxonomic description. One of the four species of the genus, three of which are
encountered in the Azov-Black Sea basin. A close relative of Hemimysis anomala,
but the scale of antenna II is longer than the stalk of antenna I and has 8-12 spicules
on its external edge.
IUCN Status
World level: EN
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN (Ukrainian sector)
Distribution. Endemic of the Azov-Black Sea basin. Inhabits the coastal areas of the
Sea of Azov, and the Romanian coastal area of the Black Sea.
235
Nocturnal, benthic, non migratory animal, inhabiting rocky bottoms overgrown with
algae.
Conservation measures taken. Included in Red Data Books of Ukraine and the
Black Sea.
Conservation measures proposed. Protect the habitat of the species, for example
Cape Kazantip (Sea of Azov, Ukraine).
References
Komarova, T. I., 1994. Hemimysis serrata. Chervona Knyga Ukrayni (Red Data
Book of Ukraine). Kijiv, Ukrajinska Encyklopediya Publ.: 40 pp.(in Ukrainian).
Compiled by B. Alexandrov.
236
Hesionides arenarius (Friedrich, 1936)
Synonyms: None.
Common names: None.
Order NEREIMORPHA
Family HESIONIDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN (Ukrainian and Romanian sectors), VU (Romanian sector)
Limiting factors. Limiting factors are the size of sand grains, the pollution of the
sandon the sea shore, and man-made changes in the granulometric composition of
sand.
237
Threats. Pollution of the mediolittoral and supralittoral zones, changes in the
granulomere composition of sand.
Conservation measures proposed. Include in the Black Sea Red Data Book.
References
Gomoiu, M-T., 1969. Some aspects of the Black Sea benthos. Hidrobiologia 10:
256-277.
238
Himantopus himantopus Linnaeus, 1758
Synonyms:
Common names: Bulg: Kokilobegach; Engl: Black-winged Stilt; Rom: Piciorong;
Russ: Khodulochnik; Turk: Uzun bacak; Ukr: Khodulychnyk
Order CHARADRID70RMES
Family RECURVIROSTRTDAE
IUCN Status
World level: VU
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: EN
239
Biology. A breeding and migratory species. Spring migration takes place in April
and is over by early May. Mass egg-laying is in late May, early clutches appear by
the middle of the month. Breeds in loose colonies, often together with terns and other
waders. Clutch size is always four, double clutches of 6-8 eggs may be found in
places of high concentration. Hatching peaks in mid June, or in the second ten days
of the month. Fledglings occur from mid July onwards. Autumn migration is hardly
detectable, post-breeding movements gradually become migration. A sharp decrease
follows in August, the majority leaves by early September. Single birds may stay till
early October. Surface or plankton aquatic invertebrates form the basic diet of Black-
winged stilts, but birds can forage on the ground for insects and spiders as well.
Threats. Water pollution, cattle grazing, human disturbance, high prédation risk.
References
Compiled by J. Chernichko
240
Hippocampus guttulatus microstephanus Slestenenko, 1937
Order SYNGNATHIFORMES
Family SYNGNATHIDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Coastal waters. Adult fishes
most common among Zostera belts. The critical habitat is therefore the Zostera
thicket. The main limiting factors are the reduction of this Zostera biocenosis.
241
Biology. A coastal fish with restricted mobility feeding mainly on plankton. Adult
fish are most common among Zostera belts or floating algal fragments. Spawning
from May to September. Eggs develop in the male brood pouch.
Conservation measures proposed. Include Black Sea Red Data Book. Protect
Zostera belts.
References
Fauna Ukraini (Fauna of Ukraine).Kiev, Naukova Dumka 8 (5): 320 pp. (in Russian).
242
Hydroprogne caspia (Pallas, 1770)
Order CHARADRIIFORMES
Family LARIDAE
IUCN Status
WorldlevehLR
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Mostly bare shell-
covered areas on accumulative islands in brackish shallow waters and estuaries.
Numbers limited by human disturbance of the colonies and by storms.
243
Population trends.
Numbers are fluctuating. A general decline has been recorded. Only two out of four
existing colonies have stable numbers and favourable breeding conditions. The
numbers of Caspian terns are critical and colonies are likely to disappear.
Threats.
Disturbance and unfavourable weather conditions leading to overcrowding.
References
Kistiakivs'ki, O .B., 1957. Fauna of Ukraine. Birds. Kiev, AN USSR 4: 432 pp.tin
Russian).
Kostin, Y. V., 1983. Birds of the Crimea. 241 pp. (in Russian).
Compiled by V. Siokhin.
244
Iphigenella acanthopoda G O . Sars, 1896
Synonyms: None
Common names: Russ: Ifiginella koluchkonogaya; Ukr: Ifiginella kolyuchkonoga
Order AMPHIPODA
Family GAMMARIDAE
IUCN Status
World level: VU (Endemic of the Azov-Black Sea basin)
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU (Ukrainian sector)
Distribution. Inhabits the lower Danube, Dniestr, Dniepr and South Bug including
the Dnieprovsky, Dniepr-Bug and Kuchurgansky limans. Also in rivers discharging to
the Sea of Azov. Range includes the Caspian Sea.
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Freshwater and brackish parts of
limans, deltas and rivers. The main biotopes are silty-sandy, silty-rocky and muddy-
sandy sediment.
2
Population trends. Abundance low (1-3 i n d . m ) .
245
Threats. Water pollution, erosion of shores.
References
Opredelitel fauny Chernogo i Azovskogo morey (Key of Black Sea and Sea of Azov
fauna). Kiev, Naukova Dumka 2: 536 pp(in Russian).
Compiled by B. Alexandrov
246
Iphigenella andrussovi (Sars, 1896)
Order AMPHIPODA
Family GAMMARTDAE
RJCN Status
World level: LR (Endemic of the Azov-Black Sea and Caspian basins)
Black Sea Regional level: LR
Subregion level: LR (Ukrainian sector)
Distribution. Found in the lower reaches of the Danube, including limans of the
Dniestr, Dniepr and South Bug. Acclimatized to Kakhovka reservoir and water
bodies of the Ingulets River irrigation system. An isolated population lives in the
central part of the Caspian Sea at the latitude of Krasnovodsk (Turkmenistan).
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Freshwater and brackish parts of
limans and lower, reaches of rivers; prefers biotopes of sandy, silty-sandy and sandy-
shelly sediments; at depths of up to 5 m.
2
Population trends. Low abundance (1-3 i n d . m ) .
247
Conservation measures taken. Acclimatized to the Kakhovka reservoir and
Ingulets irrigation system. Included in the Red Data Books of Ukraine and the Black
Sea.
References
Mordukhai-Boltovskoi, F., 1969. Guide book to the fauna of the Black Sea and Azov
Sea. Crustacea, Amphipoda.
248
Polischuk, V. V., 1994. Iphigenella andrussowi. Chervona Knyga Ukrayiny (Red
Data Book of Ukraine). Kijiv, Ukrajinska Encyklopediya Publ.: p. 47 (in Ukrainian)
Opredelitel fauny Chernogo i Azovskogo morey (Key of Black Sea and Sea of
Azov fauna). Kiev, Naukova Dumka 2: 536 pp. (in Russian).
249
Iphigenella shablensis (Carausu, 1943)
Order AMPHIPODA
Family GAMMARIDAE
Taxonomic description. Length male 3-5 mm, female 2.5-3.5 mm. Flagellum of
antenna is 2.5 times as long asantennal base width. Gnatopods oval. Palmar edge
skewed. Third gnatopod elongated. Coxal plates high. Basal segment of fifth, sixth
and seventh pereiopods broadened.
IUCN Status
World level: VU
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU
Biology. Widely distributed in the middle and eastern part of Shabla lake, especially
in the zone with Dreissena polymorpha. Found under stones, on sandy bottoms and
2
among macrophytes. Sometimes reaching 15,400 specimens m" . A mass
development occurs in spring.
250
Population trends. Stable in the reserve of Shabla lake.
References
Mordukhai-Boltovskoi, F., 1969. Guide book to the fauna of the Black and Azov Sea.
Crustacea, Amphipoda.
251
Katamysis warpachowskyi G.O. Sars, 1893
Synonyms: None
Common names: Russ: Myzida varpakhovskogo; Ukr: Myzida varpakhovskogo
Order MYSIDACEA
Family MYSIDAE
Taxonomic description. The only species in the genus. Thick body with
exceptionally broad shell. The upper lip has a long spine. Tongue-shaped telson.
IUCN Status
World level: EN (Endemic of the Azov-Black Sea basin)
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN (Ukrainian sector)
252
Threats. Silty lower river reaches; disappearance of bottoms with hard sediments.
References
Bacescu, M., 1969. Order Mysidacea. In: Opredelitel fauny Chernogo i Azovskogo
morey (Key to Black Sea and Sea of Azov fauna). Kiev, Naukova Dumka 2: 363-381
(in Russian).
Compiled by B. Alexandrov
253
Knipowitschia longicaudata Kessler, 1877
Order PERCIFORMES
Family GOBIIDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN
Distribution. Brackish and fresher parts of the Black Sea, Danube delta, Dnieper
delta, Southern Bug delta, Azov Sea and Caspian Sea.
Biology. A small coastal pelagic migratory fish, feeding mainly on Copepoda and
Cladocera. Cannot expand into sea areas and rivers above 50-60 km inland from the
sea. Spawning from May to July. Eggs spawn in a nest under stones.
254
Conservation measures proposed. Include in Black Sea Red Data Book, preserve
natural river regime in habitat areas.
References
Miller, P., 1986. Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean 3: 1047.
Svetovidov A. N., Ryby Chernogo morya (Fishes of the Black Sea). Moskow-
Leningrad: Nauka Publ., pp. 551, (in Russian). Fauna Ukraini. Kiev, Naukova
Dumka 8(5): 320 pp.
255
Labidocera brunescens (Czernjavsky, 1868)
Synonyms: None.
Common names: None.
Order CALANOIDA
Family PONTELLIDAE
Taxonomic description. One of three species of Pontellidae in the Black Sea, Sea of
Azov, and salty coastal wetlands. Head ovoid without lateral hooks and with one pair
of dorsal ocular lenses. A middle sized, rather transparent copepod. The length of the
females is 2.0-2.1 mm; that of the males 1.65-1.70 mm.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN (Ukrainian sector)
Distribution. Coastal waters of the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov, coastal lagoons and
limans, Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean.
256
Conservation measures proposed. Include in Black Sea Red Data Book. Reduce
Black Sea pollution.
References
Zaitsev, Y. P., 1971. Marine Neustonology. Jerusalem, Israel Program for Scientific
Translations: 207 pp.
Zaitsev, Y. & V. Mamaev, 1997. Marine Biological Diversity in the Black Sea. A
study of Change and Decline. New York, United Nations Publications 15: 208 pp.
Compiled by Y. Zaitsev.
257
Lipophrys pavo Riso, 1810
Order PERCIFORMES
Family BLENNTTDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU
Distribution. Mediterranean, Black Sea and Atlantic coast, from Morocco to mouth
of Loire, France (Zander, 1986). In Bulgaria comparatively rare along entire coast.
258
Threats. Breakdown of the hydrochemical regime.
References
Stojanov, S. et al., 1963. The fishes of the Black Sea. Varna, Publishing house
Varna: 246 pp.
Svetovidov, A., 1964. The fishes of the Black Sea. Publ. House Science: 550 pp.
Zander, C, 1986. Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean 3: 1104.
259
Liza ramada Risso, 1826
Synonyms: Mugil capito Cuvier, 1829; Mugil capito Bonaparte, 1834; Liza capito
Popov, 1930; Mugil aramada Borcea, 1934; Liza tamada Buen, 1935
Common names: Engl: Thin lip grey mullet; Bulg: Kefal; Rom: Platarin; Russ:
KefaV; Turk: Pulatarina
Order MUGILIFORMES
Family MUGILIDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU
260
coast of the Black Sea; also in the eastern Atlantic, from southern Norway to
Natal (South Africa).
Biology. A fast swimmer, leaping out of the water when disturbed; enters estuaries
and rivers for feeding but spawns in the sea; juveniles often concentrate in the vicinity
of freshwater outflows; feeds on minute bottom-living or planktonic organisms
(diatoms, amphipods); also on suspended organic matter. Two spawning periods: first
one during spring and early in summer and second one late in summer and autumn;
Population trends. Caught mainly with gill nets, trammel nets, beach seines, cast
nets and occasionally with purse seines. In recent decades the catches in the
northwestern part of the Black Sea are decreasing. On the Romanian coasts it occurs
more and more rarely. All mugilid species are included in a single statistical
category: 1989 - Bulgaria -3 t; Romania - 8 t; Turkey - 2843 t; 1990 - Bulgaria - 1 t;
Turkey - 1741; Russia - 26 t; 1991 - Bulgaria - 11; Turkey - 40261; Russia - 9 t.
References
FAO, 1973. Species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Mediterranean and
Black Sea, fishing area 37. Rome.
Radu, G., E. Leonte, G. Butoi, F. Verioti, A. Gorban & E. Radu, 1997. Main fish and
mammal species from the Black Sea. Species identification sheets, (in Romanian).
261
Population trends. At the end of the 19th century, this was still a mass species.
Significant catch-reduction since the 1950s.
Conservation measures taken. Included in the Red Data Book of Ukraine, 1994,
Bulgaria and the Black Sea. Aquacultured in Krasnovodsk (Turkmenistan).
References
Fauna Ukraini (Fauna of Ukraine). Kiev, Naukova Dumka 8 (5): 320 pp. (in
Russian).
Scherbukha, A., 1994. Lucioperca marina. Chervona Knyga Ukrayiny (Red Data
Book of Ukraine). Kijiv, Ukrajinska Encyclopediya: 272 pp (in Ukrainian).
Svetovidov A. N., 1964. Ryby Chernogo morya (Fishes of the Black Sea).
Moskow-Leningrad, Nauka: 551 pp. (in Russian).
263
Lutra lutra Linnaeus, 1758
Synonyms: Mustela lutra L., 1758; Lustra vulgaris Ercsl., 1777; Mustela lutra
piscatoria Kerr., 1792; Lutra nudipes Melch., 1834; Lutra roensis Ogillby, 1834;
Lutronectes whiteleyi Gray, 1847
Common names: Engl: Common (Eurasian, European, Old World, river) otter;
Bulg: Vidra; Rom: Lutra; Russ: Obyknovennaya, rechnaya vydra; Ukr: Vydra
richkova
Order CARNÍVORA
Family MUSTELIDAE
Taxonomic description. Body long and slender, legs short, tail long with thick base
and tapering evenly. Broad muzzle, small ears, all four feet webbed. Swims
smoothly, watching from the water with only the eyes and nose above the surface.
Head-body length: male 60-90 cm; female 59-70 cm. Tail length: male 36-47 cm;
female 35-42 cm. Hind-foot length: 1-13.5 cm. Shoulder -height: 30 cm. Weight: 6-
17 kg. Dental formula: 3/3, 1/1, 4/3-4, _ = 36-38.
IUCN Status
World level: EN
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Fresh water (rivers,lakes, canals,
marshes, sometimes ditches with only a few centimeters of water); also marine
environment (coasts and estuaries). Lives in cavities in banks, hollow trees, between
264
roots, rocky clefts or tunnels in peat. Largely nocturnal, with a period of inactivity in
the middle of the night.
Population trends. Relatively stable in clear rivers but highly sensitive to water
pollution and poaching.
Conservation measures taken. Some of the habitats are included in reserves and
protected wetland areas.
References
265
International Conventions for biodiversity conservation. Bern Convention, 1996.
Publ. Green Balkans and PHARE Programme, Annex II, p. 97.
Macdonald, D. & P. Barret, 1993. Mammals of Britain and Europe. Collins Field
Guides. HarperCollins, 129-130.
Compiled by S. Gerasimov
266
Macropipus arcuatus Leach, 1814
Order DECAPODA
Family PORTUNIDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU
Biology. A species with a high fecundity (up to 3,000 eggs); reproduction begins in
spring. Eggs yellow, in clusters, with 3-4 eggs into a verticillum.
267
Population trends. Abundant in the past, in Phyllophora fields. Found on the entire
2
Romanian littoral (hundreds of ind.m" ). However, in the last 20 years, the species has
become very rare.
References
Bacescu M. 1967. Decapoda. Fauna R. S. Romania 4 (9): 335 pp.
Borcea, I., 1926. Note sur quelques crabes de rivage du littoral Roumain. Ann. Sci.
Univ. Jassy 14: 140.
Borcea, I., 1926. Données sommaires sur la faune de la Mer Noire (littoral de
Roumanie). Ann. Sci. Univ. Jassy 14: 536-583.
Borcea, I., 1931. Action du froid sur la faune littoral de la Mer Noire. Ann. Sci.
Univ. Jassy 16: 751-759.
Gutu, M., 1980. Recent changes in the Decapod fauna of the Romanian Black Sea
littoral. Trav. Mus. Hist. nat. G. Antipa 21: 103-110.
Compiled by C. Dumitrach
268
Marthasterias glacialis (Linnaeus, 1765)
Common names: Engl: Spiny star fish; Russ: Morskaya zvezda; Turk: Adi deniz
yildizi.
Order FORCIPULATA
Family ASTERIIDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU
Population trends. No data on numerical trends, but currently rare in the Black Sea.
269
Threats. Sand dredging, trawling.
Reference
Artuz, I., 1967. Sea stars of the Turkish waters. Turk biyoloji dergisi (J. turk.
Biol.) 1: 11-24.
Compiled by B. Oztiirk.
270
Mergus serrator (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: None.
Common names: Engl: Red-breasted merganser; Russ: KrokhaV dlinnonosiy; Rom:
Ferestras; Turk: Sutlabi; Ukr: KrokhaV dovgonosy.
Order ANSERIFORMES
Family ANATIDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU (Ukraine sector)
Biology. Mergus serrator is a partly resident, late-breeding species. Despite the early
display and fighting of the males, starting end of March, the first nests appear only by
late April. Clutches are laid at the end of May and can be found till mid July.
Incubation takes 30-32 days. Nests are made in the reed-beds (up to 43.3%) or
growths of Atripex tatarica and other shore vegetation. The species shows a strong
nesting conservatism: some females breed in the same locations annually. Clutch size
is 16-22 eggs; the larger clutches are either mixed or laid by two females. Hatching
begins in the second third of June, and fall brooding is in the last third of June.
Unfledged juveniles can be found till the second half of October. Can normally breed
anew after clutch loss, but clutch size is reduced to 5-8 eggs. Breeding habitats are
often destroyed by floods, which may wipe off parts of the shore. In cold winters
271
Mergus serrator of Black Sea origin occur in the Aegean. Probably, part of the
population overwinters in the Balkans, where they concentrate in large numbers, but
this has not been confirmed by ringing data. Usually birds leave their winter quarters
in early March. Mergus serrator is typical ichtyophagous (gobies constitute their
basic diet). Chicks forage on copepods and aquatic insects.
Population trends. In the past the species was never found in large numbers. Now it
has become common, and even numerous in some locations (e.g. on the islands of
Tendra Bay).
Threats. Reduction of breeding habitats, water pollution and food scarcity, nest
predation by Yellow-legged gull.
References
Kostin Y.V., 1983. Birds of the Crimea. 241 pp. (in Russian).
Compiled by T. Ardamatzkaia.
272
Mesogobius batrachocephalus Pallas, 1811
Order PERCD70RMES
Family GOBIIDAE
Taxonomic description. Two dorsal fins, the second a little longer than the anal fin;
no scales on the upper side of the head. The gills cover the throat and bases of the
pectoral fins. Head flattened and rather pointed, with prominent lower jaw. Body of
yellowish ground colour; back yellow-brown with five broad cross bands; pelvic fins
fused by a membrane which extends across the front of these fins as a skin fold,
forming a sucking disc; posterior border of the sucking disc well before the vent.
None of the dorsal rays sharp and spiny; no lateral line on the sides of the body. Size:
maximum 35 cm; average about 19 cm (male) and 21 cm (female).
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: LR
Biology. Feeds mainly on small fish (sand smelt, anchovies, stripped mullet, scad,
gobiids); spends the winter in deeper waters. Migrates towards the shore in April-
273
May for reproduction (at 6 °C); reaches sexual maturity at three years of age. The
largest and most tasty goby!
Population trends. Rather abundant, caught with stake nets and drag seines; 1989
landings on the Romanian littoral 23 t, on the Bulgarian littoral - 23 t; in Turkey 2101,
in Russia 810 t. Stocks endangered by periods of hypoxia following algal blooms,
when hundreds of dead specimens are thrown on the beaches. In August 1989,
massive numers of dead fish were recorded along the Romanian littoral.
References
Gomoiu, M.-T., 1989. Observations sur la mortalités des organisms marins sur le
littoral roumain en été 1989. Cercet. mar. 22: 263-270.
274
batrachocephalus, G. cephalarges and G. melanostomus) from the Romanian waters
of the Black Sea. Hidrobiologia 3: 271-282. (in Romanian).
Zaitsev, Y., 1992. Recent changes in the trophic structure of the Black Sea.
Fish. Oceanogr. 1 (2).
Compiled by A. Petranu
275
Moerisia maeotica (Ostroumov, 1896)
Taxonomic description. The species has botha polyp and a planktonic medusa stage.
The polyp may be solitary or in bipolar colonies, formed by fusion of two polyps.
The body has 3-12 tentacles with an irregular arrangement. The medusa develops
only on the polyps. It has a spherical shape and a diameter up to 20 mm (at sexual
maturity). On the borders of its umbrella, it has up to 36 tentacles with ocelli at the
base. Medusae have four radial canals and an oral cavity with four lobes. The gonads
at the base of the oral cavity descend in the radial canals, on the margins of the
umbrella. Mesoglea thick and transparent
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: EN (Romanian sector), VU (Romanian and Ukrainian sector)
Distribution. In the Sea of Azov, Black Sea, limans of the Azov-Black Sea basin. Its
range includes brackish-water areas bordering the Mediterranean Sea (in particular the
276
east and the Adriatic Sea), and the Atlantic coast of Africa. After the opening of the
Volga-Don Canal in 1952, the species also penetrated the Caspian Sea.
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. The polyps occur in the upper
sublitoral. They attach to rocks, wood, and different types of floating objects.
Jellyfish inhabit the near-surface layers.
References
277
Opredelitel fauny Chernogo i Azovskogo morey (Key to Black Sea and Sea of Azov
fauna). Kiev, Naukova Dumka 1: 437 pp. (in Russian).
Müller, G. I., 1991. Composition of benthic fauna from the Black Sea littoral lakes
Sinoe and Istria, in the conditions of the increasing eutrophication. (Annual study,
RMRI, Constantsa) (in Romanian).
278
Monachus monachus (Hermann, 1779)
Synonyms: None.
Common names: Engl: Mediterranean monk seal; Russ: Tyulen'; Turk: Akdenizfoku.
Order CARNIVORA
Family PHOCIDAE
Taxonomic description. Adult Monachus monachus are robust mammals, with short
flippers, a long fusiform body, and a proportionaly small head. The head is wide and
somewhat flat, with the eyes widely paced. The muzzle is particularly wide, but
compressed from top to bottom. The nostrils are situated at the top of the muzzle.
The vibrissae are smooth Females with four retractable teats. Colour varies in
isolated subpopulations. Most animals are dark brown. Some have a large white
belly patch.
rUCN Status
World level: CE
Black Sea Regional level: CE
Subregion level: CE
279
individuals still live between Zonguldak and Dogankent (see Oztiirk, this volume:
introduction). In addition, there are some sporadic observations in the Danube delta
and at Cape Caliacra. The creation of a nature reserve for the monk seal is an urgent
priority for Turkey. A special public awareness programme should be aimed at
fishermen and other local people.
Biology. Sexual maturity at four years of age. Newborn pups have been found at
different times of year, but most often in summer and early fall. Observations suggest
that whelping is asynchronous and may take place around the year. Gestation takes c.
11 months. This mediterranean species is a shallow-water feeder. Its diet consists of
a large variety of fish, e.g. Sea bream, Sea bass, Mullet, Bonito, and also cephalopods.
References
Oztiirk, B., 1996. Past, Present and Future of the Mediterranean Monk Seal
Monachus monachus (Hermann, 1779) in the Black Sea. Proceedings of the first
International Symposium on the Marine Mammals of the Black Sea. p. 96-102.
Istanbul, Turkey.
Compiled by B. Oztiirk.
280
Mullus barbatus ponticus (Esipov, 1927)
Order PERCIFORMES
Family MULLEDAE
Taxonomic description. Head deep and short, c. 20 % of total length, with a pair of
long barbels under the chin; profile of snout nearly vertical, mouth reaching level of
the eyes. Under the orbit, two large scales preceded by a smaller suborbital scale.
Upper jaw toothless; back and sides reddish-pink without yellow lengthwise bands.
First dorsal fin without dark spots or bands. Body rather compressed, two well
separated dorsal fins, the first with 8-9 spines, the second with one spine and eight
soft rays. Scales large and easily detached. Size maximum 30 cm; on average
10 to 15 cm.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN
281
23 °C. First reproduction at the age of one year (8-11 cm). Females longer than
males; pelagic eggs.
Population trends. Catches during recent decades on the Romanian littoral were
generally small; the catches in stake nets were 5 t (1989), 8 t (1990), 25 t (1991). The
catches in Turkish waters were 5,641 1 (1989), 2,3441 (1990), 2,7121 (1991). For
Russia: 3 8 4 1 (1989), 236 (1990), 255 t (1991).
Threats. Hypoxia in the near-bottom layer and pollution of the surface microlayer.
References
FAO, 1973. Species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Mediterranean and
Black Sea, fishing area 37. Rome.
Fauna Fauna of Ukraine. Kiev, Naukova Dumka 8 (5): 320 pp. (in Russian).
Radu, G., E Leonte, G. Butoi, F. Verioti & E. Radu, 1996. Principalele specii de pesti
si mamifere din Marea Neagra (Determinator) (Fish and mammal species of the Black
Sea) (identification sheets) (in Romanian).
Svetovidov, A. N., Ryby Chernogo morya (Fishes of the Black Sea). Moscow-
Leningrad, Nauka: 551pp (in Russian).
282
Neogobius ratan Nordmann, 1840
Order PERCIFORMES
Family GOBHDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU
Distribution. Black sea, Sea of Azov and Caspian Sea. A Pontian relict. In Bulgaria
along the whole coast.
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. On inshore rocks, stones, gravel,
at 5-19 m of depth; near inshore zone. Threats: chemical contamination and fishing
with nets in the breeding-season.
283
Population trends. Declining.
Threats. Chemical contamination and fishing with nets in the breeding season.
References
Miller, P., 1986. Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean 3:
1064.
284
Neogobius syrman Nordmann, 1840
Order PERCIFORMES
Family GOBITDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: CR (Bulgarian Coast)
Distribution. Estuaries of Black Sea, Sea of Azov and Caspian Sea (Miller, 1986).
In Bulgaria in Lakes Burgas and Mandra.
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Lives inshore, on stony gravels,
sand, muddy sand or mud; in slightly brackish, rarely in freshwater; Lakes Mandra
and Burgas.
285
Biology. Reproduction from March to end of April. Eggs below and between stones.
Sexually mature after one or two years. Food: crustaceans, small fish, bivalves,
polychaetes.
References
Miller, P., 1986. Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean 3: 1065.
286
Nerophis ophidion (Linnaeus, 1758)
Order SYNGNATHIFORMES
Family SYNGNATHIDAE
R7CN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Inhabits the marine
coastal zones among algae, in which the species is perfectly camouflaged. Also in
brackish waters. Juveniles are pelagic. Common along the western Atlantic coasts,
from Norway to North Africa; Mediterranean and Azov Seas. In Romania also in
Sinoe lagoon. Threats: pollution of coastal shallow waters, limans and lagoons.
Biology. Feeds on crustaceans and vegetal debris; females spawn on the male
abdomen during June-July.
Population trends. Formerly rather frequent in algal and Zoster a fields; currently
rare; occurs in catches with stake nets.
287
Conservation measures taken. None.
References
Banarescu, P., 1964. Fauna of RPR. Pisces - Osteichthyes. Ed. Acad.R. P. Romania.
Müller, G. I., V. H. Skolka & N. Bodeanu, 1969. Preliminary data regarding the algal
and animal algae associated with Cystoseira barbata fields from the Romanian Black
Sea littoral. Hidrobiología 10: 270-289.
Stojanov, S. et al., 1963. Fishes in the Black Sea. Varna Publ.house: 246 pp.
Rass, T. S., 1987. Present state of Black Sea ichthyofauna composition and its
changes. Voprosy Ikhtiologii 27: 179-187 (in Russian).
288
jNumenius arquata (Linnaeus, 1758))
Synonyms: None.
Common names: Engl: Curlew; Rom: Culic mare; Russ: Kronshnep bolshoy; Turk:
Kervan cullugu; Ukr: Kronshnep velyky.
Order CHARADRIIFORMES
Family SCOLOPACIDAE
Taxonomic description. Resident population size not more than eight pairs. During
migration, local concentrations of up to 70 specimens may occur.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN
Population trends. In recent years, the species has developed an ability to occupy
new habitats, such as the agrocoenosis.
289
Threats. Human disturbance, hunting, grazing in breeding sites.
References
Andryushchenko Y., A. Grinchenko & S. Winter, 1990. About the Demoiselle Crane,
Great Bustard, Little Bustard and Curlew breeding numbers in the Kerch peninsula.
Proc. All-Union scientific and methodological conference of zoologists from the
Teachers' Training Colleges. Makhachkala 2: 5-7 (in Russian).
Beskaravainyi, M. M., 1996. New data on the rare and poorly studed species of the
South-East Crimea. Vestnik Zool. 3: 71-72 (in Russian).
Chervona Knyga Ukrayiny (Red Data Book of Ukraine), 1994. Kijiv, Ukrajinska
Encyklopediya Publ.: 351 (in Ukrainian).
Kostin, Y. V., 1983. Birds of the Crimea, 241 pp. (in Russian).
Zubarovsky, V. M., 1977. Fauna of Ukraine. Birds of prey. Kiev, 5 (2): 332 pp. (in
Russian).
Compiled by V. Kinda.
290
Numenius phaeopus Linnaeus, 1758
Order CHARADRIIFORMES
Family SCOLOPACIDAE
Taxonomic description
IUCN Status
World level: EN
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN
Distribution. Numbers low throughout the area. About 200-300 birds migrate
through the region.
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Inhabits coastal shallow bays and
inland waterbodies.
Biology. A migratory species, with breeding grounds far away from the region.
Spring migration takes place in March-April; some birds stay till the last third of May.
Autumn migration starts early: the first birds arrive in late July. The latest records are
29.X - l.XI. Numenius phaeopus forages on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates
(beetles, copepods, insects and their larvae).
291
Population trends. U n k n o w n .
References
Compiled by V. Kinda
292
Oithona minuta (Kriczagin, 1873)
Order CYCLOPOIDA
Family O I T H O N I D A E
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN
Biology. Mainly in the upper water layers. Performs diurnal migrations with a w i d e
vertical range. Observed during the whole year. Feeds on tiny phytoplankton,
293
bacteria and Infusoria. T h e female lays its eggs in two sacks located on the sides of
the genital segment.
Conservation m e a s u r e s t a k e n . None.
References
Compiled by A. Konsulov.
294
Ophelia bicornis (Savigny, 1820)
Synonyms: None.
Common names: None.
Order DRILOMORPHA.
Family OPHELIIDAE.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN (Ukrainian sector)
Distribution. Sandy bottom shallow water areas. A boreal form, inhabiting the
Black Sea, English Channel, North Sea, and Chesapeake Bay.
295
Biology. A typical contourobiont inhabiting almost exclusively the sandy bottom
mediolittoral (pseudolitoral). Its preferred habitat is coarse sand, free of mud. It
burrows headfirst into the sand and forms a channel for respiratory currents.
Population trends. A sharp decline in numbers since the 1980s. A reduction of 70-
8 0 % over the last 10 years.
Conservation measures proposed. Include species in Black Sea Red Data Book.
References
Bacescu M., G. I. Muller & M.-T. Gomoiu, 1971. Ecol. mar. 4: 1-259.
296
Ostrea edulis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Order CYRTODONTIDA
Family O S T R E I D A E
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN (Romanian and Ukrainian sector), VU (Romanian sector)
297
Biology. A sedentary sestonophage. The left shell attaches to the substrate. Feeds on
detritus, phyto- and bacterioplankton. Fertilization in mantle cavity. Fertility 800,000
- 900,000 eggs. T h e planktonic larvae develop in 8-14 days.
References
Borcea, I., 1926-1927. Note sur les huitres du littoral roumain de la m e r Noire. Ann.
S c L U n i v . Jassy 14: 111-128.
F A O , 1973. Identification sheets for fishery purposes. Mediterranean and Black Sea,
fishing area 37. R o m e .
298
Golikov, A. N. & Y. I. Starobogatov, 1972. Klass dvustvorchatye mollyuski -
Bivalvia. Opredelitel fauny Chernogo i A z o v s k o g o morey (Key of Black Sae and Sea
of Azov fauna). Kiev, N a u k o v a D u m k a 3: 178-270 (in Russian).
299
Pachygrapsus marmoratus Fabricius, 1787
Order D E C A P O D A
Family GRAPSIDAE
IUCN Status
W o r l d level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU
300
Biology. Highly prolific; main period of reproduction in the middle of s u m m e r
(July, August), when water temperature reaches 17 °C. Incubation lasts 25 days; life
span three years (rarely four). Female spawns in the second year of life; adapted for
aerial respiration; maladapted to a m e d i u m with chloride level under 10 or over 30 per
mil.
References
Bacescu, M, 1954. The influence of the severe winter of 1954 on the Black Sea
ecosystem and fisheries ( i n Romanian). Bull. Inst. Cercet. P.S.C. 4: 5-12.
Bacescu, M., Dumitrescu E., Marcus A., Palladian G. & R. Mayer, 1963. D o n n e e s
quantitatives sur la faune petricole de la M e r Noire a Agigea (secteur Roumain)
dans les conditions speciales de l'annee 1961. Trav. M u s . Hist. nat. G. Antipa 4: 1 3 1 -
153.
301
Bacescu M., G. I. Muller, M - T Gomoiu, 1971. Ecol. mar. 4: 7-274.
Borcea, L, 1926. Note sur quelques crabes de rivage du littoral Roumain. Ann. Sei.
Univ. Jassy 14: 140.
Borcea, I., 1931. Action du froid sur la faune littoral de la M e r Noire. Ann. Sei.
Univ. Jassy 1 6 : 7 5 1 - 7 5 9 .
Gutu, M., 1980. Recent changes in the D e c a p o d fauna of the Romanian Black
Sea littoral. Trav. M u s . Hist. nat. G. Antipa 2 1 : 103-110.
Compiled by C. Dumitrache
302
Patella tarentina (Salis, 1793)
Order D O C O G L O S S A
Family P A T E L L I D A E
Taxonomic description. A sea snail with a shell resembling a Chinese cap, hence its
Bulgarian n a m e . Shape of the shell almost circular, with the upper part slightly
shifted to the front end, which is noticeably narrower than the back end. Shell
sculptured with dense radial ribs, unequally high and dense and with thin concentric
growth circles. Edge of shell finely indented. Colour yellow-white with red-brown
rays. Length of shell up to 45 m m , breadth up to 30 m m , height up to 14 m m .
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN (Ukrainian sector)
303
Biology. A vegetarian, browsing on algae on rocky surfaces. Their pelagic larvae are
trochophores. In some places, these limpets are eaten, after a light boiling in sea
water.
Conservation m e a s u r e s proposed. Include in the Black Sea Red Data Book. Reduce
pollution of the Black Sea coastal zone.
References
304
Synonyms: N o n e
Common names: Bulg: Cadroglav pelican; Engl: Dalmatian pelican; R o m : Pelican
chet; Russ: Kudryavy pelikan; Turk: Tepeli pelikani; Ukr: Kucheryavy pelikan
Order PELECAND70RMES
Family P E L E C A N I D A E
IUCN Status
World level: VU
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU (Ukraine sector)
Biology. Only few pairs breed in Ukraine on Kugurlui lake in the Odessa region.
Winter grounds are located in the D a n u b e delta area, but the flocks appearing there at
the end of M a r c h are much smaller. Breeds in small colonies. Both birds take part in
the building of a nest m a d e of reeds and lined with grass and moss. The most
305
frequent are floating nests near open water. T h e clutch, varying from 1 to 6, usually
consists of 2-4 eggs, and is incubated by the female for 33-40 days. Dalmatian
pelicans are often accompanied by White pelicans. Both species can fish at various
depths. By September their n u m b e r decreases and almost all leave the area by the end
of the month. Winter grounds are situated in Iraq, Iran, Pakistan and NW India.
Population trends. In the past, the breeding range of the Dalmatian pelican included
the entire coast of southern Europe. By the end of the 19th century it had disappeared
from the low reaches of all Black Sea rivers. A sharp decrease was recorded by the
beginning of the 20th century. The current population size in the D a n u b e delta is
small, but stable. In other sub-regions of the Black Sea coast, it remains a vagrant.
References
Compiled by T. Ardamatzkaia
306
Pelecanus onocrotalus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: None.
Common n a m e s : Bulg: Rosov pelican; Engl: White pelican;
Rom: Pelican comun; Russ: Pelikan rozoviy; Turk: Akpelikan;
Ukr: Pelikan rozhevy.
Order P E L E C A N I F O R M E S
Family P E L E C A N I D A E
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU (Ukraine sector)
Biology. A resident species in the Black Sea Region. Since 1995 the W h i t e pelican
has bred in small numbers in Tendra bay. Winter quarters are in Bulgaria, Turkey,
Iran, Iraq and Egypt. Fledglings occur from August onwards. Sometimes associated
with the Dalmatian pelican and Cormorant. The nests are m a d e of reeds and other
water plants and located either afloat near open water or on the shore. T h e clutch,
two, rarely one or three eggs, is incubated mostly by the female for 30-39 days. No
second nesting. During migration and summer m o v e m e n t s W h i t e pelicans occur in
307
the Azov-Black Sea area (lakes of the Kinburski peninsula, Tendrovski, Jagorlytski
and Dzharalgachski bays) from April to the first third of October. Infrequent visitor
to the NW Crimean coast. W h i t e pelicans will populate all areas with sufficient fish.
An adult requires 1 kg of fish daily. A family consumes c. 7 0 0 kg during their eight
months stay in the breeding area.
References
308
Zhmud, M. E., 1994. White Pelican, Dalmatian Pelican. R e d Data B o o k of Ukraine:
304-305 (in Russian).
Compiled by T. Ardamatzkaia.
309
Phalacrocorax aristotelis Linnaeus, 1761
Order P E L E C A N I F O R M E S
Family P H A L A C R O C O R A C I D A E
I U C N Status
W o r l d level: E N
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: E N
Biology. A breeding and resident species. Arrival in the colony area depends on the
weather and is from late February to early April. Breeding density and altitude (3-15
m) vary. Clutch size 2 - 3 , infrequently four eggs. Egg-laying extends for up to two
months. After leaving the nest, birds remain in the surroundings of the colony.
Second year birds, in some areas 30-50 % of the total, keep close to the colonies too.
The best assimilated feeding habitat is the 200 meter strip of sea along the shore-line.
Gobies (Gobiidae) and scads (Carangidae) predominate in the diet.
310
Population trends. The population declines, as well as the n u m b e r of colonies. Only
three out of 15 known colonies reach 35-40 pairs. The entire estimate is 8,020 pairs.
Their major stronghold is the Tarkhankut peninsula, with 1,200 pairs in 1962. In
1973 this number was halved. A recent survey shows a further decline to 400-450
pairs. The numbers of Shag are critical since the largest colonies are within the zone
of considerable human influence, whereas smaller ones cannot guarantee the
necessary reserve.
References
Kostin, Y. V., 1983. Birds of the Crimea: 241 pp. (in Russian).
Compiled by V. Siokhin
311
Phocoena phocoena Linnaeus, 1758
Order CETACEA
Family PHOCOENIDAE
I U C N Status
W o r l d level: D D
Black Sea Regional level: D D
Subregion level: EN in Ukraine and Romania, VU in Bulgaria
312
important breeding, calving and feeding areas for the Black Sea population, isolated
from the nearest one in the North-East Atlantic. On the other hand, the Azov and
Marmara Seas and their straits are critical habitats because of heavy boat traffic,
extensive fisheries and water pollution there. Severe, but infrequent natural
phenomena limiting the Black Sea population are: (a) mass mortality due to lung
worm infection (nematodes, Halocercus taurica and H. ponticus); and (b) kills as a
result of sudden ice formation in the Sea of A z o v before animals can migrate back to
the Black Sea.
Population trends. Between 1930 and 1980, the population was strongly affected by
mass commercial killing. Subsequent estimates of abundances m a d e by Soviet and
Turkish scientists (1967-1989) w e r e declared unreliable by the TWC Scientific
Committee because of a faulty methodology for observation and extrapolation. At
present both the animal numbers and population trends are unknown. According to
recent sightings off the Bulgarian, Georgian, R o m a n i a n , and Ukrainian (Crimea)
313
coasts, single animals and small groups (2-10 individuals) are c o m m o n , but herds of
dozens or hundreds are rare.
Threats. Incidental deaths in fishing gear, predominantly in bottom-set gill nets for
turbot, dog-fish and sturgeon; marine traffic, gas and oil exploitation, (e.g. mass
mortality after a gas-platform explosion in the Azov Sea in 1982); illegal hunting,
water pollution and a decline in food resources.
References
Birkun, Jr., A. A., S. V. Krivokhizhin, A. B. Shvatsky, et al., 1992. Present status and
future of Black Sea dolphins. In: European research on cetaceans (Ed. P. G. H.
Evans): San R e m o , Italy, February 1992. Cambridge, E C S : 47-53 pp.
314
Kleinenberg, S. E., 1956. Mlekopitayushchiye Chernogo i A z o v s k o g o morey: opyt
biologo-promyslovogo issledovaniya. ( M a m m a l s of the Black and Azov Seas: the
research experience for biology and hunting). M o s c o w , U S S R Acad. Science Publ.
House: 288 pp. (in Russian).
Klinowska, M., 1991. Dolphins, Porpoises and Whales of the World. The I U C N Red
Data Book. Gland and Cambridge: I U C N , viii + 429 pp.
Tzalkin, V. I., 1940. Materialy k biologii morskoy svin'i (Phocaena phocaena relicta
Abel) Azovskogo i Chernogo morey. (Data on biology of A z o v and Black Sea
harbour porpoise (Phocaena phocaena relicta Abel). Zool. Zh. M o s c o w 19: 160-171
(in Russian).
315
Pilumnus hirtellus Linnaeus, 1758
Order D E C A P O D A
Family X A N T H I D A E
I U C N Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU
316
Biology. A sedentary species; spawns up to 4,000 eggs; planktonic zoea and
megalope; eats carrion and even shells.
References
Bacescu, M., 1954. The influence of the severe winter of 1954 on the Black Sea
ecosystem and fisheries.( in Romanian) Bull. Ins. Cercet. P.S.C. 4: 5-12.
317
Borcea, I., 1926. D o n n é e s sommaires sur la faune de la M e r Noire (littoral de
Roumanie). Ann. Sei. Univ. Jassy 14: 536-583.
Borcea, I., 1931. Action du froid sur la faune littoral de la M e r Noire. Ann. Sei.
Univ. Jassy 16:751-759.
Guru, M., 1980. Recent changes in the Decapod fauna of the Romanian Black Sea
littoral. Trav. M u s . Hist. nat. G. Antipa 2 1 : 103-110.
Compiled by C. Dumitrache
318
Platalea leucorodia Linnaeus, 1758
Synonyms: N o n e
Common n a m e s : Bulg: Lopatar, Engl: Spoonbill; R o m : Lopatar, Russ: Kolpitza;
Turk: Kasikci; Ukr: Kolpytza, Kosaf
Order CICONIIFORMES
Family THESKIORNITHIDAE
RJCN Status
World level: EN
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Breeds in the dense
reed-beds of brackish and freshwater bays and marshy downstream riverine areas.
Colonies usually well hidden, far from the shore. Feeding grounds within a 100
kilometer zone, visited irregularly. T h e major ones include open and semi-open
shallow waters, irrigation canals and rice-fields. Major limiting factors are water
pollution, degrading of reed-beds and the food reserves of the shallow riverine bays
and coastal areas.
Biology. A breeding and migratory species. Arrives in March, in some years in early
April. The beginning of egg-laying depends on weather conditions and varies from
10 April to 15 M a y . Hatching at the end of M a y or early June. There are no
monospecific colonies in the south of Ukraine, whereas those mixed with other herons
are c o m m o n . Nests are located on broken reeds near small straits or on open water,
either in the centre or at the periphery of the colony. Clutch size is 3 (2-5) eggs.
319
Fledging at the age of 50-55 days. Diet chiefly terrestial and aquatic insects and their
larvae, molluscs, a n d small fish.
References
Petrovich, Z. O., 1 9 8 1 . Hydrophilic Bird Colonies in the Soviet Part of the Danube
delta. In T h e distribution and state of water birds nesting in the U S S R .
M o s c o w (in Russian).
Siokhin V. D., 1.1. Chernichko & T. B. Ardamatskaia et al, 1988. Colonial Water
Birds of the South of Ukraine: Charadriforrnes. Kiev, N a u k o v a D u m k a : 176 pp. (in
Russian).
320
Smogorzhevsk'kyi, L. O., 1979. Divers, Grebes, Shearwaters, Cormorants, Shags,
Egrets, Herons, Flamingoes. F a u n a of Ukraine Birds. Kiev, Akad. N a u k U k r S S R 5
(1): 432 pp. (in Russian).
Compiled by V. Siokhin
321
Plegadis falcinellus Linnaeus, 1766
Order CICONUFORMES
Family T H R E S K I O R N I T H I D A E
I U C N Status
W o r l d level: LR
Black Sea Regional level: LR
Subregion level: LR
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Selects dense reed-
beds in brackish and fresh water-bodies, arboreal or bushy vegetation of flood-plains.
Breeding and feeding habitats are alike, but it most frequently forages on fresh or
freshened shallow waters a n d rice fields. Major limiting factors include disturbance of
the colonies, water pollution and a decrease in habitat feeding capacity.
322
Population t r e n d s . N o d a t a
References
Compiled by V. Siokhin
323
Pomatoschistus minutus (Pallas, 1770)
Order PERCIFORMES
Family GOBIDOAE
I U C N Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: CE (Bulgarian coast)
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Inshore gravel and sand, down to
about 20 m; sensitive to chemical substances.
324
Biology. Reproduction: March-July. Eggs under shrills or stones. Sexually mature
after one year. Food: polychaetes, amphipods, mysids.
References
Miller, P., 1986. Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean 3: p.
1067.
325
Ponteila mediterránea (Claus, 1863)
Synonyms: None.
C o m m o n n a m e s : None.
Order C A L A N O I D A
Family P O N T E L L I D A E
I U C N Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN (Ukrainian sector)
Distribution. T h e whole Black Sea, except low salinity areas and the Sea of Azov.
Also in the Mediterranean Sea.
Biology. Well adapted to the surface layer of water, living in coastal and open sea
areas, blue coloured, capable of aerial j u m p s , carnivorous. A thermophilic
Mediterranean-origin species with a m a s s development in summer. It is especially
abundant in convergence zones.
326
Population trends. A sharp decline in numbers since the 1970s, with a reduction of
50-60% over the last 10 years.
Conservation m e a s u r e s taken. N o n e .
References
Dolgopolskaya, M. A., 1969. Otryad Calanoida G.O. Sars (Order Calanoida G.O.
Sars). In Opredelitel fauny Chernogo I Azovskogo morey (A key to Black Sea and
Sea of Azov fauna). Kiev, N a u k o v a D u m k a 2: 34-48 (in Russian).
Zaitsev, Y. P., 1971. Marine Neustonology. Jerusalem, Israel Program for Scientific
Translations: 207 p p .
Compiled by Y. Zaitsev.
327
Potamon tauricum Czerniavsky, 1884
Order D E C A P O D A
Family P O T A M I D A E
I U C N Status
World level: D D
Black Sea Regional level: DD
Subregion level: EN in Ukraine
328
October. Fertility low in comparison with marine crabs: each female contains not
more than 200 eggs. Y o u n g appear after 1-2 days from the roe on the female's
pleopods. They remain under the female pleon for the first 5-7 days, where they feed
and grow. At a size of 3.6 mm they gradually adopt an independent m o d e of life.
Population trends. Since the mid 1970s there has been a tendency towards a decline
in abundance and range in Ukraine (south coast of the Crimea); some biotopes have
disappeared, others are endangered.
References
329
Makarov, Y. M., 1994. Prisnovodny krab (Freshwater crab). R e d Data B o o k of
Ukraine: Animal K i n g d o m . (Ed. M. M. Shcherbak). Kijiv, Ukrajinska Encyklopediya
Publ.: p.55. (in Ukrainian).
Compiled by S. Krivokhizhin
330
Proterorhinus marmoratus (Pallas, 1811)
Order P E R C I F O R M E S
Family GOBHDAE
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN (Bulgarian Coast)
Distribution. Rivers and estuaries of Black Sea, Sea of Azov and Caspian Sea.
(Miller, 1984). In Bulgaria in Lakes Shabla, Varna, Beloslav and Burgas.
331
Biology. Reproduction: April-May. E g g s under shells or stones. Sexually mature
after one year. Food: green algae, crustaceans, polychaetes, insects.
References
Miller, P., 1986. Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean 3: p.
1078.
332
Pungitius platygaster (Kessler, 1859)
Order G A S T E R O S T E I F O R M E S
Family G A S T E R O S T E I D A E
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: CE (Bulgarian coast)
Distribution. Rivers surrounding the Black Sea, Sea of Azov, Caspian and Aral Seas
(Banister, 1986). In Bulgaria in Lakes M a n d r a and Beloslav.
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Fresh and brackish water; lakes;
threatened by changes in hydro-chemical regime.
333
Conservation measures taken. None.
References
Banister, R., 1986. Fishes of the North - eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean 2:
642 p p .
Stojanov, S., et al, 1963. The fishes in the Black Sea. Publishing house Varna: 246
pp.
Svetovidov, A., 1964. T h e fishes of the Black Sea. Publ. H o u s e Science: 550 pp.
334
Rufibrenta ruficollis Pallas, 1769
Synonyms: Rufibrenta ruficollis Bonaparte, 1856; Anser ruficollis Pallas, 1769, Anas
torquata Gmelin, 1774; Anas pulchricollis George, 1775
Common n a m e s : Engl: Red-breasted goose; Bulg: Chervenogusha guska; R o m :
Gisca cu git rosu; R u s s : Krasnozobaya kazarka; Turk: Kirmizi gerdanli kaz; Ukr:
Chornovola kazarka
Order A N S E R I F O R M E S
Family A N A T I D A E
I U C N Status
World level: VU
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: N E
335
Black Sea coast in late September-early October. Migration peaks in November and
early December. Geese leave their winter quarters in March to return to their nesting
places.
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. The nesting areas are part of the
tundra and leso-tundra, rich in water basins and islands and situated on high river
banks.
Biology. Nests in groups of 3-20 pairs, near nests of the Ruff-legged buzzard (Buteo
lagopus), Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), or gulls. In June the female lays 4-10
eggs, which it broods for 26 days. During autumn migration birds rapidly cover the
distance between the nesting and winter areas, resting only few times. They feed on
roots and seeds of different plant species. Their main food in winter along the Black
Sea are green parts of barley and wheat, and seeds from previous crops of maize, rice
and other grains.
th
Population trends. In the 1 9 century, the population of the Rufibrenta ruficollh
was estimated as "dozens of thousands of specimens" (Krivenko, 1983). In 1956, c.
60,000 spent winter in Azerbaijan (Cramp & S i m m o n s , 1977). Around 1960 the
population began to decline, possibly in connection with b a d winters in the Caspian
Sea. Afterwards, the breeding population increased again and in 1979 it reached
27,000 specimens (Vinokurov, 1982). During migrations and winter, concentrations
form on the lower course of the river Kuban (up to 3,350 specimens), on Veselovski
dam - up to 4,600 specimens, on the Molochnii and Utljukskii firths (up to 1,500-
2,000 specimens), in East Sivash (up to 4,000 specimens) and over Dunavski plavni
reserve (up to 9,000 specimens) (Sabinevskii & Adamatskaia, 1984; Kazakov et al,
1988; Lusenko, 1991). In R o m a n i a n Dobrudja (region of Istria) a large number (c.
25,000 specimens) stopped for the first time in December 1968 (Puscariu, 1983). For
comparison only 1,000-2,000 specimens then spent winter in Azerbaijan (Cramp &
Simmons, 1977). Later, the n u m b e r of the Red-breasted geese overwintering in
336
Dobrudja increased further, to reach 68,000 during January 1992 (26,000 specimens
in Romanian Dobrudja and 42,000 specimens in Bulgarian Dobrudja) (Didier
Vangeluwe, pers. com.) and 75,000 in January 1993 (Black & Madsen, 1993). This
shows that virtually the whole population of Rufibrenta ruficollis spends winter along
the Black Sea coast.
Threats. Destruction of habitat and killing of birds in the nesting areas during
migration, and in their winter quarters. The decline of Lemmings (genus Lemmus)
and Peregrine falcon in the tundra indirectly limit its breeding success. The biggest
danger in its winter quarters along the Black Sea is the use of pesticides. Also,
poaching, shooting tourism, and night hunts are destructive.
References
Black J. & J. Madsen, 1993. Excellent news for the Red-breasted Goose J W K B
Threatened Waterfowl Res. G r o u p Newsletter 4:16-17.
Isakov J., 1979. Migratsii krasnozoboi kazarki - Rufibrenta ruficollis. Migratsii ptits
Vost. Evropy i Sev. Azii. Aistoobraznue - plastinchatokliuvue, M o s c o w : 203-209 pp.
337
Krivenko, V., 1983. Krasnazobaia kazarka - Rufibrenta ruficollis (Pallas, 1769).
"Krasnaia kniga R S F S R , jivotnie". M o s c o w , Rosselhozizdat: 177-180 pp.
Vinokurov, A., 1982. Present status of the Branta ruficollis population and measures
for its conservation. Aquila 89: 115-122.
338
Sarda sarda Bloch, 1793
Synonyms: Scomber sarda Bloch, 1793; Scomber pelamis Brunich, 1763; Scomber
sarda Schneider, 1 8 0 1 ; Thunnus sardus Risso, 1826; Pelamys sarda Cuvier, 1832;
Sarda mediterránea Jordan, 1883; Sarda sarda Banarascu, 1964
Common n a m e s . Engl: Atlantic bonito; Bulg: Palamud; Georg: Atlantikuri
pelamida, Pelamida; R o m : Palamida; Russ: Pelamida; Turk: Palamut-torik; Ukr:
Pelamida
Order P E R C I F O R M E S
Family S C O M B R I D A E
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: C R
339
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. A pelagic,
migratory species often schooling near the surface in inshore waters, mainly over the
continental shelf. C o m m o n throughout the Mediterranean, in the Black Sea and in the
tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic; present also at higher Atlantic
latitudes, up to the coasts of Scandinavia and Ireland. Threatened by pollution, and
overfishing.
Population trends. During 1954-1960, S. sarda was the main target of offshore
fishing in the R o m a n i a n sector ( 9 9 . 8 % in 1954 and 1955; 9 6 . 0 % in 1956). In 1954,
34,000 kg were caught in front of Sulina-St.Gheorghe; in June-August 1955 and
1956, 150,000 kg were landed in the Portita-Constantsa zone. In the 1960s, all Black
Sea countries together caught 3 , 1 0 4 1 ; after 1960, this figure drastically decreased.
References
340
Ionescu, N . , N. Gadidov & S. Stanescu, 1958. Contributions to the knowledge of the
biology and fishery of Sarda sarda Bloch, in the Romanian Black Sea waters, during
1954-1956. Hidrobiologia 1: 165-186. (in R o m a n i a n ) .
FAO, 1973. Species identification sheets for fishery purpose. Mediterranean and
Black Sea, fishing area. R o m e 37.
Zaitsev, Y., 1992. Recent changes in the trophic structure of the Black Sea. Fish.
Oceanogr. 1: 180-189.
341
Scomber scombrus Linnaeus, 1758
Order P E R C I F O R M E S
Family S C O M B R I D A E
I U C N Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: E N
342
from Cape Lookout to Labrador. Threats: pollution of the Bosphorus and presence of
predators such as tuna, dolphins and shark.
Biology. The species spends winter in the Marmara Sea, in front of the Bosphorus;
entering the Black Sea in spring, it m o v e s northward, reaching the Romanian coasts in
April-May when water temperature is 8 °C. In October-November it m o v e s south and
in D e c e m b e r it leaves the Black Sea. Spawning takes place in late winter - early
spring in the M a r m a r a and Aegean Seas. Individuals staying in the Black Sea in
winter do not reproduce, because juveniles need to move to great depths, which are
predator-free. Feeds chiefly on pelagic invertebrates (Acartia, amphipods, mysids,
pilchard, sprat and eel).
Population trends. The stocks considerably decreased due to adverse conditions for
feeding and breeding. In R o m a n i a separate statistics were kept for this species until
after the 1960s, when it disappeared as a commercial species. On the Turkish coast,
the catches recorded by F A O were 39 t (1989), 5 6 1 (1990), and 780 t (1991).
Conservation m e a s u r e s taken. In the last 25 years, no gill nets have been allowed
for catching mackerel.
References
343
Radu, G., E. Leonte, G., Butoi, F. Verioti, A. Gorban & E. Radu, 1996. Principalele
specii de pesti si mamifere din M a r e a Neagra (Determinator) (Main fish and
m a m m a l s from the Black Sea) (Identification sheets) (in Romanian).
344
Scorpaena porcus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Order SCORPAENTFORMES
Family S C O R P A E N T D A E
I U C N Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU
345
littoral areas of the north-western Black Sea are critical habitats due to pollution and
hypoxia.
Biology. Feeds mainly on small fish such as gobies and blennies, but also on
crustaceans and other invertebrates. S p a w n s in summer; eggs covered with a
mucilaginous m e m b r a n e ; sexual maturity reached at three years of age, rarely after
t w o years.
Population trends. After 1975, with intensified eutrophication, periodic hypoxia and
other anthropogenic pressures, a decline occurred. The species is currently rare in
catches but remained present in isolated individuals, even in 1990-1995.
References
Compiled by A. Petranu.
346
Smirnoviella reducta (Monchenko, 1977)
S y n o n y m s : None.
C o m m o n names: None.
Order C Y C L O P O I D A .
Family C Y C L O P I D A E : H A L I C Y C L O P I N A E .
I U C N Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN (Ukrainian sector)
Distribution. Central part of the Dniestr river liman of the Black Sea. Endemic of
this river liman. All three congeners are k n o w n only from the Caspian Sea
( M o n c h e n k o , 1982). This genus, by its range and peculiarities of halopathy, belongs
to the Ponto-Caspian Zoogeographie c o m p l e x and arose in o n e of the basins that
preceded the Black Sea.
347
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. A bottom-dwelling species
inhabiting the m u d sands at different depths of the river limans. F o u n d at a salinity
0.56-1.51 ppt.
Biology. Polycyclic during the w a r m season of the year. Limiting factors include
strong seasonal salinity oscillations and a very narrow area of distribution.
Threats. Pollution of the river limans and eutrophication causing hypoxia of bottom
water.
References
Compiled by V. Monchenko.
348
Solea nasuta Nordmann, 1840
S y n o n y m s : none.
C o m m o n names: Engl: Snouted sole; Bulg: Morsky ezik; Georg: Zghvis ena; R o m :
Limba de mare; Russ: Morskoy yazyk; Turk: Ege dil baligi; Ukr: Mors'ky yazyk
Order P L E U R O N E C T I F O R M E S
Family S O L E I D A E
Taxonomic description. An oval flatfish with the eyes on the right side of the head.
Small, slightly curved mouth. Varies in colour due to its mimetic ability, but usually
grey-brown or reddish. Size up to 50 centimeters.
I U C N Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU
Population trends. No available information, but overfishing and illegal fishing are
probably contributing to a decliing trend.
349
Threats. Overfishing, illegal fishing, sand dredging, coastal nets, pollution.
References
Aksiray, F., 1987. Turkish Marine Fishes Identification Book. Publication of the
University of Istanbul no. 3490. Second Edition. Istanbul, Turkey : 811 pp.
350
Solen vagina (Linnaeus, 1758)
Order V E N E R I D A
Family S O L E N I D A E
I U C N Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN
Biology. T h e sexes are distinct, the species is oviparous and feeds on phytoplankton
and suspended organic particles. Burrows sometimes deeply (up to 50 c m ) . It is
extracted by digging into the sand, or by introducing grains of salt into its burrow.
351
Population trends. After 1970, very small n u m b e r of individuals only in Romanian
Black Sea waters. Mostly empty shells in b o t t o m samples during the last two decades.
References
Bacescu, M., G. I. Miiller & M.-T. Gomoiu, 1971. Ecol. mar. 4: 357 pp. (in
Romanian).
352
Somateria mollissima (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms. None.
C o m m o n n a m e s : Bulg: Obiknoveva gaga; Engl: Eider; Rom: Eider; Russ: Gaga
obyknovennaya; Turk: Pufla; Ukr: Gaga zvychayna.
Order ANSERIFORMES
Family A N A T I D A E
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU (Ukraine sector)
Biology. The birds begin to arrive in the first days of March. Egg laying is observed
in April and the first half of M a y . Second-year females start breeding in early June.
353
2
Breeding density can be up to 5 nests.m" . Clutch size 4-8 eggs, normally 5-6. Those
of 9-16 eggs are laid by two females. No second breeding. Incubation lasts for 26-28
days. Hatching well synchronized. T h e first broods appear at the end of April. In
July-August, juveniles and females aggregate in flocks of up to 3,000 birds and stay
along the coast of the Tendra and Dzharalgach bays. Part of the Black Sea population
overwinters in bays within the area of the "Chernomorski" reserve or moves offshore.
Most of this southernmost population overwinters along the Bulgarian coast. Diet
basically c o m p o s e d of molluscs (mussels predominate), small crabs and copepods.
Population trends. Decreasing, birds redistributing over the islands of Tendra bay.
Threats. Nest and chick predation by yellow-legged gull, reduction of mussel bed
area, hunting, fish-nets.
References
354
Ardamatzkaia T. B., A. R u d e n k o & G. Birds, 1996. Invertebrates of the
'Chernomorski' State Biosphere reserve /annotated lists of the species. Vestnik Zool.
1: 19-32. (in Russian).
Compiled by T. Ardamatzkaia.
355
Spicara smaris (Linnaeus, 1758)
Order PERCIFORMES
Family C E N T R A C A N T H I D A E
Taxonomic description. B o d y rather elongate, its length five to six times its height;
snout pointed, m o u t h protractile; eye diameter smaller than preorbital length; scales
small; j a w s bearing villiform teeth, some of the anterior ones stronger; palate smooth
or nearly so (none or very few teeth). Dorsal fin without a notch; pectoral fins
moderately developed; dorsal fin high; back grayish-brown or grayish-yellow, with
rather indistinct b r o w n cross bands. A black rectangular blotch between lateral line
and pectoral fin. Size m a x i m u m 20 cm (males) and 15 cm (females); average
8-20 cm.
I U C N Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: D D
356
these depths, especially in winter. Threat: pollution of coastal waters where
reproduction takes place.
Population trends. Caught with trammel nets, bottom trawls and pots. On the
Romanian littoral the species is accidental in the catches. On the Turkish littoral, the
catches recorded in 1989 were 6 5 4 1 , in 1990 - 1,638 t and in 1991-3391.
Conservation m e a s u r e s taken. N o n e .
References
Banarascu, P., 1964. Fauna of RPR. Pisces, Osteichthyes. Edit. Acad.R. P. Romania.
357
Symphodus ocellatus (Forsskal, 1775)
Order P E R C I F O R M E S
Family L A B R I D A E
I U C N Status
W o r l d level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU (Bulgarian Coast)
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Inshore, near rocks; senstive to
toxic chemicals.
358
Population trends. Declining.
References
Quingard, J. & A. Pras, 1986. Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the
Mediterranean 2: 937-938.
Stojanov, S. etal, 1963. T h e fishes in the Black Sea. Varna, Publishing House: 246
pp.
Svetovidov, A. 1964. T h e fishes of the Black Sea. Publ. House Science: 550 p p .
359
Symphodus tinca (Linnaeus, 1758)
Order PERCIFORMES
Family LABRIDAE
I U C N Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU (Bulgarian Coast)
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Inshore, near rock and sea-grass,
1 to 20 m; inshore, rear rocks; Sensitive to organic contamination.
360
Threats. Organic pollution.
Conservation m e a s u r e s taken. N o n e .
References
Quingard, J. & A. Pras, 1986. Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the
Mediterranean 2: 940.
Stojanov, S. et ah, 1963. T h e fishes in the Black Sea. Varna, Publishing House:
246 pp.
361
Syngnatus tenuirostris (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: None.
C o m m o n n a m e s : Engl: Horse pipefish; Russ: Tonkorylaya ryba-igla; Turk: Deniz
ignesi.
Order SYNGNATHIFORMES
Family SYNGNATHIDAE
I U C N Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: LR
362
Biology. A herbivore; reproduction starts in spring and ends in summer, eggs develop
within 6-10 days.
Reference
Slastenenko, E., 1955-1956. The Fishes of the Black Sea Basin. General Directorate
of the Meat and Fish Office. Istanbul, Turkey: 705 pp.
Compiled by B. Oztiirk.
363
Syngnathus typhle (Linnaeus, 1758)
Order S Y N G N A T H I F O R M E S
Family SYNGNATHIDAE
I U C N Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: V U
Distribution, Habitat type. A marine pelagic fish, able to survive in fresh ater.
Living only between plants, especially Zostera. C o m m o n throughout the Black Sea
littoral and A z o v Sea; also recorded in lakes Razelm-Sinoe.
364
Limiting factors. Loss of vegetation, essential for its development and spawning;
eutrophication of littoral waters; hydrotechnical works which reduce the Zostera
fields.
Biology. Feeds on crustaceans and juvenile fish; spawning period from March till
August; females lays eggs in the incubation pocket of males; incubation lasts four
weeks.
Conservation m e a s u r e s taken. N o n e .
Conservation m e a s u r e s proposed. Purification of the drainage waters of coastal
cities.
References
Muller, G. I., V. H. Skolka & N. B o d e a n u , 1969. Preliminary data regarding the algal
and animal populations associated with the Cystoseira barbata fields from the
Black Sea R o m a n i a n littoral. Hidrobiología 10: 270-289. (In Rom.).
365
Tado ma ferruginea (Pallas, 1764)
Order ANSERIFORMES
Family ANATIDAE
I U C N Status
W o r l d level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: V U
Biology. A resident of the whole Black Sea basin. In the northern sub-regions it is a
breeding, s u m m e r and irregular winter species. Breeding starts in late March -
beginning of April. Nests are located in rocky niches and holes (those dug by foxes
are occupied as well) often fairly high, or in abandoned buildings. The clutch consists
of 8-12 eggs and is incubated by the female, while the male protects the nesting
territory. Brooding duties are shared. Non-breeders associate in flocks of irregular
size and stay in the breeding areas. In April-June these flocks are joined by
unsuccessful breeding birds, in August and later the families with juveniles complete
these associations. In late October the northern populations m o v e southwards. In
366
w a r m years some birds spend winter in the coastal areas of the northern sub-regions.
Both vegetative (plants, seeds) and animal (insects, molluscs) food is consumed.
Threats. Reduction of the breeding range due to recreational and economic activities,
disturbance and killing by people, predation by crows, raccoons, foxes, and domestic
dogs.
References
Compiled by Y. Andryushchenko.
367
Thunnus thynnus Linnaeus, 1758
Order PERCIFORMES
Family S C O M B R I D A E
I U C N Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: E N
Subregion level: E N
368
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. A pelagic species;
immature specimens found in w a r m waters only, adults also enter cold waters in
search of food. Present throughout the Mediterranean and Black Sea; c o m m o n
mainly along the North African coasts, from Gibraltar to Libya, off the coasts of
Spain and France, around Sicily and Sardinia, in the Bosphorus and the Black Sea.
Also widely distributed in the Atlantic Ocean, extending as far north as
Newfoundland, the northern coasts of Norway, Lofoten Islands and Iceland.
Threatened by pollution of the Sea of M a r m a r a and by lack of food.
Threats. Pollution.
References
369
F A O , 1973. Species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Mediterranean and
Black Sea, fishing area 37. R o m e .
Ozturk, B. & A. A. Ozturk, 1996. On the biology of the Turkish straits system. Bull.
Inst, oceanograph. M o n a c o , CDZSM Science Series 17 (2).
370
Trachinus draco (Linnaeus, 1758)
S y n o n y m s : None.
C o m m o n n a m e s : Engl: Greater weever; Bulg: Morski drakon; Russ: Morskoy
drakon; Turk: Trakonya.
Order PERCIFORMES
Family T R A C H I N I D A E
I U C N Status
W o r l d level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: CE
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Littoral and benthic; on sandy,
m u d d y or gravel bottoms. Sensitive to hydro-chemical regime.
Biology. Reproduction: June-September; eggs and larval stages pelagic. Food: small
invertebrates and fishes.
371
Population trends. Declining.
Conservation m e a s u r e s taken. N o n e .
References
Svetovidov, A., 1964. T h e fishes of the Black Sea. Varne, Publ. H o u s e Science :550
pp.
Tortonese, E., 1986. Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean 2:
953.
372
Trigla lucerna Linnaeus, 1758
Order S C O R P A E N I F O R M E S
Family T R I G L I D A E
I U C N Status
W o r l d level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: V U
373
Biology. Feeds mainly on crustaceans, mostly decapods, but also on fish and
molluscs; spawning from D e c e m b e r till July, with m a x i m u m intensity in June-July;
pelagic eggs, spherical in shape, with a large fat drop.
Population trends. A rare species, caught with bottom trawls but also with long-
lines and band lines. The species constitutes a separate statistical category in Turkey.
In the other countries it is included in larger statistical categories, being rare in
catches. On the Turkish coasts catches were 80 t (1989), 60 t (1990) and 1 1 2 1 (1991).
References
Radu, G., E. Leonte, G. Butoi, F. Verioti, A. Gorban & E. Radu, 1996. Principalele
specii de pesti si mamifere din M a r e a Neagra (Determinator). Main fish and mammal
species from the Black Sea (Identification sheets). I R C M Constantsa (in Romanian).
Compiled by A. Petranu
374
Tursiops truncatus Montagu, 1821
Order CETÁCEA
Family D E L P H I N I D A E
I U C N Status
W o r l d level: D D
Black Sea Regional level: DD
Subregion level: EN in Romania, VTJ in Bulgaria and Ukraine
375
Crimea in autumn, but migratory routes should be studied m o r e thoroughly, including,
in particular, the Turkish strait system - the single possible route for genetic exchange
between Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea populations. T h e Kerch Strait, Bosphorus,
and contiguous waters are the m o s t critical places for cetacean m o v e m e n t s because of
strong antropogenic pressure, caused by a variety of activities. T h e peculiarities of
bottlenose dolphin reproduction mentioned b e l o w seem to be the m a i n natural factor
limiting population growth.
Biology. T h e biggest (up to 3.3 m long) Black Sea cetacean, with a long life span
(about 25-30 years) and low fertility. Females b e c o m e mature earlier (after 5-6,
m a x i m u m 12 years) than males (8-12 years). Sexual behaviour during the whole
year, with a peak in spring-early summer. T h e 12-months gestation periods take turns
with barren intervals from 2-3 to six years. Usually one calf. Lactation varies from
four months to 1.5 year. Most benthic and pelagic fish species, both small and big,
are suitable prey, including Black Sea scad, herring, anchovy, whiting, turbot, grey
and striped mullet, red mullet, bonito, etc. In recent years the acclimatized Far East
mullet (Mugil so-iuy) has b e c o m e its preferred prey during migrations off the Crimea.
Each dolphin consumes 6-32 kg of fish per day.
376
hundreds of bottlenose dolphins were captured alive in the Soviet Union and R o m a n i a
for scientific, military and commercial needs. T h e Russian Federation and Ukraine
are continuing that practice periodically in T a m a n Bay and near the south coast of the
Crimea.
References
377
( M a m m a l s of the Soviet Union. Vol.2. Part 3. Pinnipeds and T o o t h e d Whales).
M o s c o w , Vysshaya Shkola: 718 pp. (in Russian).
Klinowska, M., 1991. Dolphins, Porpoises and Whales of the World. T h e IUCN Red
Data Book. Gland and Cambridge, I U C N : iii + 429 pp.
378
Upogebia pusilla Petanga, 1792
Order D E C A P O D A
Family C A L L I A N A S S I D A E
I U C N Status
W o r l d level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN
379
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Upogebia pusilla
inhabits b u r r o w s in sandy-clay and m u d d y bottoms. Sometimes, after a heavy storm,
specimens are cast ashore. A specific feature of its behaviour is that it leaves its hole
during the night to search for food. This causes mass mortality in conditions of
oxygen shortage, which is strongest in the night and is a result of the intense summer
phytoplankton blooms of the last ten years.
Biology. This species lives in holes in the ground that it leaves only to seek food. It
feeds on dead organic matter. It is monosexual, with summer reproduction. Many
benthic fish (flounder, gobies etc.) feed on it.
380
References
Bulgurkov, K., 1938. S o m e fresh- and saltwater Decapoda from the vicinity of
Varna and Sozopol. Tr. Chernomor. Biol. St. Varna 7: 103 - 159.
Konsulova, T., 1992. Seasonal structure and ecological status of Varna bay (Black
Sea) sandy and m u d d y macrozoobenthic coenoses. Rapp. C o m m . int. M e r medit.
3 3 : 42.
Compiled by T. Konsulova
381
Uranoscopus scaber (Linnaeus, 1758)
Order P E R C I F O R M E S
Family U R A N O S C O P I D A E
I U C N Status
W o r l d level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: CE (Bulgarian Coast)
Distribution. Atlantic coast of Europe and Africa, Mediterranean and Black Sea
(Hureau, 1986). In Bulgaria very rare along the entire coast.
382
Conservation m e a s u r e s proposed. Improve water quality.
References
Hureau, J. 1986. Fishes of the North - eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean 2:
955-956.
Stojanov, S. et ah, 1963. T h e fishes in the Black Sea. Varna, Publishing house
Science: 246 pp.
Svetovidov, A. 1964. T h e fishes of the Black Sea. Varna, Publ. House Science:
550 pp.
383
Xantho poressa (Qlivii, 1792)
Order D E C A P O D A
Family X A N T H I D A E
Taxonomic description. Chelipeds with black fingers; carpus with antero-inner teeth
without tubercles or granulations. Dactylus with longitudinal margin; not completely
closed. Claws short, thick, short, hairy in adults. Size : length 28 m m , width 20 mm.
Colour variable - chestnut with red points. Fingers of chelae black. Eggs lilac.
I U C N Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Stony bottoms with
mussels. F o u n d at depths of 0.5-3 m but can reach 20 m. Suffers from hard frost or
storms. Its biotope is also affected by developments along the shores such as the
building of seaside resorts and ports.
384
Threats. Pollution from point sources, hypoxia; silt, covering stony bottoms.
References
Borcea, I., 1926. Note sur quelques crabes de rivage du littoral Roumain. Ann. Sci.
Univ. Jassy 14: 140.
Borcea, I., 1931. Action du froid sur la faune littoral de la M e r Noire. Ann. Sci.
Univ. Jassy 16: 751-759.
Gutu, M., 1980. Recent changes in the D e c a p o d fauna of the Romanian Black Sea
littoral. Trav. M u s . Hist. nat. G. Antipa 2 1 : 103-110.
Compiled by C. Dumitrache.
385
Xiphias gladius Linnaeus, 1758
Order P E R C I F O R M E S
Family X I P H I I D A E
I U C N Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Pelagic, in coastal waters as well
as in offshore surface waters. C o m m o n throughout the Mediterranean, Azov Sea and
in all tropical and temperate oceans. In the E a s t Atlantic from the North Sea to a
latitude of 45 °S.
Biology. A highly migratory and very aggressive fish, generally not forming schools.
Feeds on a w i d e range of fish, especially schooling species, on pelagic crustaceans
and on squids. It uses its sword to kill larger prey. In coastal waters it is caught with
fixed nets but mainly with floating long lines (small specimens).
386
Population trends. In the last three decades, only isolated specimens have been
caught in stake nets in the R o m a n i a n waters (Sulina, Constantsa and Agigea). No
catch for the last five years on the Turkish coast.
References
Radu, G., E. Leonte, G. Butoi, F. Verioti, A. Gorban & E. Radu, 1996. Principalele
specii de pesti si mamifere din M a r e a Neagra (Determinator). Main fish and m a m m a l
species from the Black Sea (Identification sheets). I R C M , Constantsa, (in Romanian).
F A O , 1973. Species identification sheets for fishery purposes. 1973. Mediterranean
and Black Sea, fishing area 37. R o m e .
387
Zosterisessor ophiocephalus Pallas, 1811
Order PERCIFORMES
Family G O B J J D A E
I U C N Status
W o r l d level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: CR
388
Population trends. Declining.
References
Miller, P., 1986. Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean 3: 1085.
389
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Antipa, G., 1933. Les esturgeons de la mer Noire, leur biologie et les
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1-17.
390
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Artuz, I., 1967. Sea stars of Turkish waters. J. Turk. Biol. 1: 11-24.
391
Bacescu, M., G. I. Muller & M. T. Gomoiu, 1971. Ecological benthic
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393
Borcea, L, 1926-1927. Note sur les huîtres du littoral roumain de la mer
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Borcea, I., 1926. Note sur quelques crabes de rivage du littoral Roumain.
Ann. Sei. Univ. Jassy 14: 140.
Borcea, I., 1931. Action du froid sur la faune littoral de la Mer Noire.
Ann. Sei. Univ. Jassy 16: 751-759.
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Bulgurkov, K., 1938. Some fresh- and saltwater Decapoda from the
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394
Capra, F., 1945. Odonata di Liguria. Ann. Mus. civ. Stor. nat. Genova
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395
Davis P. H., 1965-1985. Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands.
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397
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398
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401
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402
Manea, G. & M. Mihai, 1957. First experiments of reproduction and
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403
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the genus Colpocyclops (Crustaea, Copepoda) and the first description of
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404
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406
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407
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