Research program reports

28 November 2019

The Zoological Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences has completed the final report (stage 3) under the program 'Fauna inventory of the Kurgalsky Peninsula: biodiversity and biological risks, 2019'

Abstract: Zoological Institute RAS as the executor of the scientific program 'Fauna inventory of the Kurgalsky Peninsula: biodiversity and biological risks, 2019' under Contract with Nord Stream 2 AG Company on 11.03.2019 has completed all the work and presents here the final report. According to 'Technical assignment', the Institute prepared four parts of the report, namely 'Kurgalsky Peninsula terrestrial fauna inventory' (entomology, malacology, herpetology, theriology); 'Dynamics of parasitic associations' (parasitology); 'GIS-modeling of parasitic associations' (modeling of mosquitoes and ixodid ticks); 'Kurgal Program information-analytical system' (data sets and web). Part of the fauna inventory includes paragraphs with the information on Red Data Book species, invasive, and pest species. In the final part of the report, the program executors propose a possible variant of compilation of current research experience in terms of further research opportunities in the field of GIS-modeling of the biotopic distribution of economically and medically important invertebrate species in small areas. During the work, 31 field trips in the Kurgalsky Peninsula that included 65 routs and 615 geographical sites were performed. 1120 specimens that were included in the Information-analytical system of the Kurgal Program were added to the ZIN collection, During execution of the program, new data was obtained with the use of photo-traps and the analysis of parasitological archive; a new approach in GIS-modeling for linear route analysis was also tested.

Study timeline: from 11 March till 25 December of 2019.

Key words: biodiversity, animals, fauna, rare species, invasive species, parasitology, phytopathogenic animals, natural focal diseases, GIS-modeling, information and analytical systems.

Kurgalsky terrestrial fauna inventory

Entomology: Coleoptera

A taxonomic analysis of the coleopteran fauna of the Kurgalsky Peninsula, carried out in the framework of studies in 2019, revealed rare (four species of the family Lampyridae, Elateridae, Melandryidae), red-listed (four species of the family Carabidae, Lucanidae, Elateridae, Trogossitidae), and potentially harmful (four species of the family Curculionidae) species of beetles. No invasive species were found. On the basis of research results, a preliminary list of coleopteran species of the Kurgalsky Peninsula was compiled, including 598 species from 62 families. Part of the material (100 specimens) was included in the Information-Analytical System (IAS) of the program (Fig. 1).

Two field trips were carried out in the framework of studies in 2019:

1. 17–20 June of 2019. Cameral processing revealed 202 species of beetles from 41 families, of which (i) one species was observed in the territory of Russia for the first time (Contacyphon hilaris); (ii) one species was recorded in the fauna of the Leningrad Region and the Northwest of the European Russia for the first time (Nebria brevicollis); (iii) three species were included in the Red Data Book of Leningrad Region (2018) with new localities within the Kurgalsky Peninsula (Carabus violaceus, Sinodendron cylindricum, Peltis grossa). In comparison with the results obtained in 2015, 129 species of beetles as first recorded for the Kurgalsky Reserve were revealed.
   Four localities were investigated during this trip: (A) Konnovo village vicinity (Kurgalsky Peninsula; N59°40' E28°01'); (B) western bank of the Lake Beloe (Kurgalsky Peninsula; N59°41' E28°06'); (C) Logi village vicinity (Soikinsky Peninsula; N59°48' E28°29'); (D) southwestern bank of the Lake Suidovo (Soikinsky Peninsula; N59°43' E28°32').
2. 28 August – 06 September 2019. Cameral processing revealed 150 species of beetles from 43 families, of which (i) one species was included into the Red Book of Leningrad Region with new localities within Kurgalsky Reserve (Ampedus erythrogonus).
   Seven Kurgalsky Peninsula localities were investigated during this trip: (A) Kaibolovo village vicinity (N59°44' E28°01'); (B) Tiskolovo village vicinity (N59°43' E28°01'); (C) Konnovo village vicinity (N59°40' E28°01'); (D) Gakkovo village vicinity (N59°39' E28°02'); (E) Kir'jamo village vicinity (N59°38' E28°05'); (F) eastern bank of the Lake Lipovskoye (N59°41' E28°06'); (G) southern and southwestern banks of the Lake Beloe (N59°41' E28°06').

Species from the Red Data Book of Leningrad Region:

1. Carabus violaceus Linnaeus, 1758 (family Carabidae) — two specimens (N59°40.732' E28°05.189');
2. Sinodendron cylindricum (Linnaeus, 1758) (family Lucanidae) — one specimen(N59°40.732'E 28°05.189');
3. Ampedus erythrogonus (P.W.J. Müller, 1821) (family Elateridae) — one specimen (N59°40.459' E28°05.995'); 1 specimen (N59°44.840' E28°02.482').
4. Peltis grossa (Linnaeus, 1758) (family Trogossitidae) — one specimen (N59°41.332' E28°00.220')

Pest species:

1. Hylobius pinastri (Gyllenhal, 1813) (family Curculionidae);
2. Hylurgops palliatus (Gyllenhal, 1813) (family Curculionidae);
3. Trypodendron lineatum (G.-A. Olivier, 1795) (family Curculionidae);
4. Ips typographus (Linnaeus, 1758) (family Curculionidae).

Entomology: Lepidoptera

A taxonomic analysis of the lepidopteran fauna of the Kurgalsky Peninsula, carried out in the framework of studies in 2019, revealed rare (two species of the family Geometridae, Erebidae), red-listed (two species of the family Nymphalidae, Erebidae) and pest (free species of the family Pieridae, Noctuidae) species. No invasive species were observed. On the basis of the research results, a preliminary list of lepidopteran species of the Kurgalsky Peninsula was compiled, including 82 species from 8 families. Part of the material (66 specimens) is included in the IAS of the program.

Two field trips were carried out in the framework of studies in 2019:

1. 17–19 June 2019. Cameral processing revealed 56 species of butterflies from 8 families, with main species being distributed everywhere in Leningrad Region. The following species were also found: (i) a new species for the Kurgalsky Peninsula (Lycaena alciphron), which was recorded at the northernmost border of the range. Most populations of this species are known from Luga district (south of Leningrad Region); (ii) two rare species for the Leningrad Region (Thera serraria, Manulea depressa) were found in the examined area; and (iii) one species listed in the Red Book of Leningrad Region (Pararge aegeria). Numerous finds of Vanessa cardui are the result of mass migrations of this species to the north from the Mediterranean in June 2019.
   Four localities were investigated this trip: (A) Konnovo village vicinity (Kurgalsky Peninsula; N59°40' E28°01'); (B) Northwest and west shores of the White lake (Kurgalsky Peninsula; N59°41' E28°06'); (C) Logi village vicinity (Soikinsky Peninsula; N59°48' E28°29'); (D) Southeast shore of the Lake Suidovo (Soikinsky Peninsula; N59°43' E28°32').
2. 05–06 September 2019. Cameral processing revealed 19 butterfly species from 4 families, of which (i) one species is listed in the Red Book of the Leningrad Region (Catocala fraxini); (ii) three pest species (Pieris brassicae, Autographa gamma, and Hydrae ciamicacea); (iii) one species was first recorded for the fauna of the Leningrad Region (Agrcohola litura). The remaining 15 species are common in the region and have no practical value.
   Two localities were investigated in this trip: (A) Kaibolovo village vicinity (N59°44' E28°01'); (B) Gakkovo village vicinity (N59°39' E28°02').

Species from the Red Book of the Leningrad Region:

1. Pararge aegeria (Linnaeus, 1758) (family Nymphalidae) — two specimens (N59°48' E28°29');
2. Catocala fraxini (Linnaeus, 1758) (family Erebidae) — two specimens (N59°40.732' E28°05.189').

Pest species:

1. Pieris brassicae Linnaeus, 1758 (family Pieridae);
2. Autographa gamma (Linnaeus, 1758) (family Noctuidae);
3. Hydraecia micacea Esper, 1789 (family Noctuidae);
4. Agrcohola litura (Linnaeus, 1761) (family Noctuidae).

Malacology: Terrestrial molluscs

A taxonomic analysis of the terrestrial mollusc fauna of the Kurgalsky Peninsula, carried out within the framework of studies in 2019, revealed: (i) one species included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species — Vertigo pusilla; (ii) two species are included in the Red Data Books of Leningrad Region and St. Petersburg (Cepaea hortensis) and the Red Data Book of St. Petersburg (Perforatella bidentata); (iii) the subspecies Clausilia pumila pumila was discovered in Leningrad Region for the first time.

As a result of research in 2019, at least 28 species of terrestrial molluscs were found in the Kurgalsky Peninsula, constituting about 40% of the regional terrestrial malacofauna. It has been established that the land malacofauna of the Kurgalsky Peninsula includes mainly species widespread in the Palaearctic and Europe (northern and eastern Europe). A distinctive feature of the terrestrial molluscs fauna of the peninsula is the almost complete absence of relatively thermophilic species living in the litter of broad-leaved forests and exposed landscapes (specimens of Aciculidae, Carichiidae, some Vertiginidae, Truncatellinidae, Enidae, and Agriolimacidae). Probably it is due to plants growing here and microclimatic conditions formed under their canopy. It should be noted that part of molluscs from the abovementioned families live in mixed forests in more southern latitudes. Therefore, it cannot be excluded that the absence of such species on the peninsula in mixed forests is associated also with macroclimatic factors.

Land molluscs of the Kurgalsky Peninsula are tolerant to high acidity of the environment and to the absence of abundant humus and leaf litter accumulations. They feed mainly on hyphae of fungal mycelium and/or fruit bodies of fungi and are able to wait out adverse conditions in rotting deadwood under the bark.

Trip from August 28 till September 06, 2019; сameral processing revealed 28 species from 14 families. Habitat confinement of species: (i) thickness of leaf litter (family Cochlicopidae, Valloniidae, Vertiginidae, Clausiliidae, Punctidae, Discidae, Zonitidae, Vitrinidae, Gastrodontidae, Euconulidae, Arionidae, Hygromiidae); (ii) grass and shrub layer (family Arionidae, Succineidae, Cochlicopidae); (iii) moss (family Agriolimacidae). One species recorded in the Red Data Book of Leningrad Region (Vertigo pusilla) was noted.

The studies were carried out at six points on the Kurgalsky Peninsula: (A) the vicinity of Kaybolovo (N59°44' E28°01'); (B) the vicinity of Tiskolovo (N59°43' E28°01'); (B) the vicinity of Konnovo (N59°41' E28°02'); (d) the vicinity of Gakkovo (N59°39' E28°02'); (D) the vicinity of Kiryamo (N59°38' E28°05'); (f) the southern shore of the Lake Beloe (N59°40' E28°06').

Species included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species:

1. Vertigo pusilla O. F. Muller, 1774 (fam. Vertiginidae) — 1 specimen (N59°44'46.0' E28°02'55.8').
   Note: A rare European mollusc (Fig. 2), included (2008) in the IUCN red list of threatened species. The species was found in leaf litter in the spruce-aspen forest.

Species included in the Red Data Books of St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region:

1. Cepaea hortensis (Müller, 1774) (fam. Helicidae) — 1 specimen (N59°44'06.0' E28°02'09.0');
2. Clausilia pumila pumila C. Pfeiffer, 1828 (fam. Clausiliidae) — 1 specimen (N 54°40'59,2" E 28°05'01,6").

Herpetology

The list of amphibians and reptiles of the Kurgalsky Reserve is compiled mainly on the basis of the results of territory survey in 2019. The herpetofauna of the Kurgalsky Reserve is quite diverse and includes 11 species of amphibians and reptiles. Amphibians are represented by four families, such as true salamanders (Salamandridae), true toads (Bufonidae), spadefoot toads (Pelobatidae), and true frogs (Ranidae), and six species: the common newt (Lissotriton vulgaris), the common toad (Bufo bufo), the European spade foot toad (Pelobates fuscus), the moor frog (Rana arvalis), the common frog (Rana temporaria), and the marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus).The fauna of reptiles, like everywhere else in the north, is poor. It includes five species: the slow worm (Anguis fragilis) (Fig. 3), the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis), the common lizard (Zootoca vivipara), the grass snake (Natrix natrix), and the common adder (Viperaberus) represented by four families – glass lizards (Anguidae), true lizards (Lacertidae), grass snakes (Natricidae), and vipers (Viperidae). Several species (Lissotriton vulgaris, Bufo bufo, Rana arvalis, Rana temporaria, Anguis fragilis, Zootoca vivipara, Vipera berus), widely distributed in the boreal zone of Eurasia, form the core of herpetofauna. Two species (Lacerta agilis, Natrixnatrix) with western-central-Palaearctic distribution are also present in the herpetofauna of the peninsula. The southern element in the fauna includes two species of amphibians – Pelobates fuscus and Pelophylax ridibundus, mainly distributed in the forest-steppe and steppe zones.The extreme western position of the Kurgalsky Reserve enriches the herpetofauna with such regionally rare species as Pelobates fuscus, Pelophylax ridibundus, Lacerta agilis, Natrix natrix. Two amphibian species are widespread and common (Rana temporaria, Bufo bufo).

The herpetofauna of the Kurgalsky Peninsula is characterized by high biodiversity and population density of amphibians and reptiles in comparison with the neighboring Soykinsky Peninsula. This fact is explained primarily by the landscape and climatic features of the Kurgalsky Peninsula and better preservation of forest and coastal ecosystems.

Red Data Book species

Three species are rare in St. Petersburg Province and are mentioned in the regional Red Data Books. The European spade foot toad is listed in the Red Data Book of St. Petersburg Province as an endangered species (cat. 2), the sand lizard is listed in the Red Data Book of East Fennoscandia as rare in St. Petersburg Province (cat. 3), and the grass snake is in the Red Data Book of the St. Petersburg Province as  a rare species (cat. 3) (Red Data Book…, 1998; Red Data Book…2018). The rare and protected species, Natrix natrixis is confirmed for the territory of the Kurgalsky Reserve in 2019 (Fig. 4). According to our data, this species is represented in the peninsula by sustainable population with high density. Two other protected species, Pelobates fuscus and Lacerta agilis were not recorded in 2019.

Theriology: Small mammals

A taxonomic analysis of the microtheriofauna of the Kurgalsky Peninsula, carried out in the framework of studies in 2019, revealed nine species from 5 families: Erinaceidae (Erinaceus europaeus), Talpidae (Talpa europaea), Soricidae (Neomys fodiens, Sorex araneus, S. caecutiens, S. minutus), Muridae (Sylvaemus uralensis), Cricetidae (Myodes glareolus, Microtus rossiaemeridionalis). The European hedgehog and the European mole were met on the routes. The remaining species were captured during the inventory by traps and cone lines at test sites on the Kurgalsky Peninsula. Myodes and Microtus were more often found in cluttered mixed spruce forests, black alder forests, and lime trees with dense deciduous undergrowth (from 9 to 28.8 individuals per ha). The maximum density of voles was observed in coastal biotopes and cluttered spruce forests (27–28.8 individuals per ha). Wet spruce forests, overgrown fields, birch forests and pine plantations showed a lower density of voles (3–9 individuals per ha). Sorex dwells in more humid and boggy areas - the outskirts of high bogs, moist black alder forests, and sphagnum spruce forests. The relative density ranged from 0.5 to 2 individuals per 10 cones per day. The Sylvaemus shows low abundance (1.8–5.4 individuals per ha), but it is found both in grassy deciduous stands of different ages and in mature coniferous forests. According to the data of previous years (researches by A.I. Ayrapetyants, A.G. Bublichenko, etc.), 23 species of small mammals were found on the Kurgalsky Peninsula. In addition to those noted in 2019, five species from the Red Data Book of the Leningrad Region (the families Vespertilionidae, Sciuridae, Gliridae, Cricetidae) habitat on the peninsula.

Three field trips were carried out in the framework of studies in 2019:

1. 17–20 June 2019. Cameral processing revealed four usual species of small mammals from two families: Cricetidae (Myodes glareolus) и Soricidae (Sorex araneus, S. caecutiens, S. minutus). In total, 31 specimens were collected. The relative abundance of each group was as follows:  Myodes — 5.3% per 100 traps per days; Sorex — 2.4% per 100 traps per days.
   Four localities were investigated during this trip: (A) West bank of the Lake Beloe (Kurgalsky Peninsula; N59.6791° E28.0839°); (B) Work points "Shore zone" (Kurgalsky Peninsula; N 59.6891° E 28.0041°); (C) Work points "Sand Pit" (Soikinsky Peninsula; N59°43.282' E28°33.702); (D) Work points "Bay" (Soikinsky Peninsula; N59°49.594' E28°34.406'). 31 catching sites were laid around these geographical points in various habitats.
2. 06–09 August 2019. Cameral processing revealed six usual species of small mammals from three families: Cricetidae (Myodes glareolus, Microtus rossiae meridionalis) Muridae (Sylvaemus uralensis), and Soricidae (Sorex araneus, S. caecutiens, S. minutus). In total, 18 specimens were collected.The relative abundance of each group was as follows: Myodes— 4.3% per 100 traps per days; Microtus — 0.9% per 100 traps per days; Sylvaemus— 0.3% per 100 traps per days; Sorex — 2.0% per 100 traps per days. The work was carried out at the same four localities that were mentioned above.
3. 28 August–06 September 2019. Cameral processing revealed six usual species of small mammals from three families (Appendix 5): Cricetidae (Myodes glareolus) Muridae (Sylvaemus uralensis), and Soricidae (Neomys fodiens, Sore xaraneus, S. caecutiens, S. minutus). In total, 101 specimens were collected. The relative abundance of each group was as follows: Myodes— 8.3% per 100 traps per days; Microtus — 0.9% per 100 traps per days; Sylvaemus— 1.0% per 100 traps per days; Sorex — 5.4% per 100 traps per days. The work was carried out at the same four localities that were mentioned above.

Theriology: Large mammals

The section includes the description of results obtained during winter route countings (hereinafter, referred to as "snow route countings" because due to a sharp increase in temperature in the days of our study it was impossible to fulfill requirements of the winter route counting method completely, with repeated passes) and material from photo traps. The section describes the distribution and species composition of large, commercial, and invasive species.

Snow route countings

In March 2019, 4 routes with a total length of 34.775 km were conducted on the Kurgalsky Peninsula. Routes covered 17 different biotopes. The main biotopes included mixed spruce forests of different ages (35.9% of the length of all routes) with different coefficients of birch, aspen, black / gray alder, pine in the stand, mixed pine forests of different ages (14.7%), lichen pine forests of different ages (13.8 %), green moss pine forests of different ages (12.1%), moist birch forests (3.7%), overgrown fields (2.6%), mixed alder forests (2.2%), and sphagnum pine forests (1.9%). According to the results of March route countings, the highest indices of trace activity were recorded in mixed spruce forests of different ages and in areas bordering spruce forests, possibly, due to the predominance of spruce plantations in the structure of forest stands of the Kurgalsky Peninsula, as well as to the best protective properties of spruce forests in the winter.

During route surveys, traces of the activity of the following mammalian species were noted (Table No.): the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), the snow hare (Lepus timidus), the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber), the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), the red fox (Vulpesvulpes), the European polecat (Mustelaputorius), the pine marten (Martesmartes), the European badger (Mele smeles), the mink (undetermined species, most likely Neovison vison), the wild boar (Suss crofa), the moose (Alces alces), the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and the sika deer (Cervus nippon). Fodder stations and traces of vital activity of the western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and the hazel grouse (Bonasabonasia) were also noted. Information on the presence of the stoat (Mustela erminea), the least weasel (Mustela nivalis), the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), the grey wolf (Canis lupus), the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), the brown bear (Ursus arctos) and the wolverine (Gulogulo), that presumably, dwell in the Kurgalsky Peninsula was not confirmed.

The highest rate of recorded fresh footprints belonged to the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) (invasive species) — 10.64 registrations per 10 km of the route. Also, high levels of trace activity were observed in the pine marten (Martes martes) (8.34 pcs/10km), the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) — 6.33 pcs/10 km, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the snow hare (Lepus timidus) — 4.89 pcs/10 km.

Species included in the Red Data Book of Leningrad Region (observed on routes):

1. Traces paths of the Mustela lutreola (Linnaeus, 1761) / Neovison vison (Schreber, 1777) (fam. Mustelidae).
   Note: During field surveys in 2019 it was not possible to reliably confirm the habitat of the European mink. Traces marked at 311 (N59°39.220 'E28°06.503'), 317 (N59°38.933 'E28°06.666'), 326 (N59°38.719 'E28°07.664'), 333 (N59°38.658 'E28°08.778 ') and 347 (N59°38.569' E28°10.355 ') can belong to both Mustela lutreola and Neovision vision.

Invasive species (observed on routes):

1. Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758 (fam. Suidae);
   Note: According to literature (Rudenko, Semashko, 2003), the wild boar entered Leningrad Region in the middle of the 20th century and since then has been an integral representative of the theriofauna, including the territory of the Kurgalsky Peninsula. Traces of activity of the wild boar were noted in the area of cape Pihlisaar, in the vicinity of the village of Kaibolovo, the village of Tiskolovo and the village of Konnovo.
2. Nyctereutes procyonoides (Gray, 1834) (fam. Canidae);
   Note: The raccoon dog is also, apparently, a numerous representative of the theriofauna of the Kurgalsky Peninsula. In Leningrad Region it was introduced in 1936 in Boksitogorsky district for the first time, and again in 1953 in Priozersky district. After that, it settled not only in the region, but also in Karelia and Finland. Multiple traces (imprints) were noted during route surveys in the south of the village Kurgolovo at the western end of  the Lake Lipovskoe.
3. Neovision vision (Schreber, 1777) (fam. Mustelidae);
   Note: Currently lives almost throughout the former USSR. Acclimatization began in 1933. On the territory of the Kurgalsky Reserve traces of vital activity of the mink were noted, but the species was not exactly established. Possibly, Mustela lutreola is present (Red Data Book species).
4. Castor: C. fiber Linnaeus, 1758, C. Canadensis Kuhl, 1820 (fam. Castoridae);
   Note: From 1927 to 1941, the Eurasian beaver was settled in 12 regions of the European part of the USSR. The North American beaver entered the territory of the Leningrad Region from Finland, where it was introduced in 1937. During the field season of 2019, more than 10 residential settlements in different parts of the reserve were identified. Unfortunately, the definition “to species” is possible only with the capture.
5. Cervus: C.nippon Temminck, 1838, C. elaphus Linnaeus, 1758 (fam. Cervidae);
   Note: In March 2019, during route surveys, a group of 6 sika deer (3♂, 3♀) were detected on the western shore of the lake Lipovskoe at organized feeders. The red deer (Cervus elaphus) was not registered during the route counts. According to the Committee for the Protection, Control and Regulation of the Use of the Wildlife of the Leningrad Region, 6 individuals of the red deer live in the territory of Kingisepp District in 2019.

Comments on the status of European mink (Mustelalutreola) populations:

Recently, ecologists have spread the opinion that the European mink has completely disappeared, at least in the South-West of Russia. However, this conclusion cannot be drawn on the basis of (a) the lack of meetings, and (b) the results of abundance assessment by standard methods. The specialists from the Theriology Department of ZIN comment this problem and they propose the need for a special study to accurately establish the presence or absence of European mink in the region.In their opinion, a comprehensive study of molecular methods (litter analysis) and photo-traps is required. The standard method of "winter routes" does not allow to distinguish between American and European mink. We included European mink in the species list of Kurgal fauna based on two reference:

1. Maran, T., Skumatov, D., Gomez, A., Põdra, M., Abramov, A.V. and Dinets, V. 2016. Mustelalutreola. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T14018A45199861.
2. Bublichenko A.G., Golubkov S.M. and Kijashko P.V. 2018. The Red Book of the Leningrad Region.Animals.Sankt-Peterburg: Papirus. 489-490.

In both references noted the presence of European mink in the Leningrad Region and marked single meetings on the Kurgalsky Peninsula (figure see in Bubluchenko et al., 2018: 489).

Camera trap’s materials

Bushnell Essential photo traps were used for monitoring. The cameras were installed on August 6 and 8, 2019.The traps were removed on November 11, 2019. The total monitoring time was 266 trap-days. The following mammals were captured: European badger (Meles meles), raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), wild boar (Sus scrofa), moose (Alces alces), European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), grey wolf (Canis lupus), pine marten (Martes martes), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), brown bear (Ursus arctos), mink (not identified), beaver (not identified). Also, greater spotted eagle (Aquila clanga), capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus♀) and mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) were noted. Raccoon dog, wild boar and moose were recorded at 3 out of 5 monitoring points.

In the conditions of the Kurgalsky reserve, a raccoon dog competes with a badger and a fox, often occupying their burrows. The constant presence of several individuals near the badger "town" was recorded on a trail camera. Also, raccoon dogs were recorded on a beaver dam, in relative proximity to the fixation point of fresh tracks during during route surveys.

The studies were carried out at five points:

1. Test site "Beaver settlement behind Konnovo village"; 08.08–31.08.2019 (Kurgalsky Peninsula; N59°40.919' E28°02.792');
2. Test site "Valley of a dry stream"; 06.08–05.09.2019 (Kurgalsky Peninsula; N59°44.815' E28°02.728');
3. Test site "Badger Town"; 08.08–06.11.2019 (Kurgalsky Peninsula; N59°45.610' E28°04.993');
4. Test site "Old loggings"; 05.09–06.11.2019 (Kurgalsky Peninsula; N59°39.792' E28°05.703');
5. Test site "Beaver dam on the melioration canal"; 06.09–6.11.2019 (Kurgalsky Peninsula; N59°38.915' E28°09.620').

The dynamics of parasitic communities

Bloodsucking insects

The section includes a description of the results for the species determination of blood-sucking mosquitoes of the Kurgalsky Peninsula. The determination of mosquitoes by morphological characters is difficult due to a large number of variable characters. To exclude the age factor ("wing-wearing") in this work, we used the method of laboratory breeding of imago. The section also describes the results of the analysis of data from the parasitological archive of Sergey Aibulatov, compiled by him on the basis of materials collected at the Kurgalsky Peninsula in 2005–2009. These data were used for GIS analysis. A review of mosquito infection by viral pathogens is made.

Culicidae species list

A taxonomic analysis of the blood-sucking mosquitoes (Culicidae) of the Kurgalsky Peninsula, carried out in the framework of studies in 2019, revealed nine species from five genera: Aedes cantans, A. cinereus, A. communis, A. diantaeus, A. punctor, Anopheles maculipennis, Coquillettidia richiardii, Culex pipiens, Culiseta alaskaensis. Accordingly, 34 species of blood-sucking mosquitoes were revealed by Aibulatov (2009) within the peninsula between 2005 and 2009.

The collecting of blood-sucking mosquitoes (larvae collecting) in the territory of the Kurgalsky and Soikinsky Peninsulas was carried out in May 7 and August 14, 2019 (2 days), in various habitats (spruce, pine, and black alder forests). Two localities were investigated in the Soikinsky Peninsula: (A) Staroye Garkalovo village vicinity, spruce forest (Point 1: N59°46.503' E28°07.489'); (B) Staroye Garkalovo village vicinity, cone (Point 7: N59.802° E28.667°). Five localities were investigated in the Kurgalsky Peninsula: (C) Kurgalovo village vicinity (Point 2: N59°47.754' E28°40.003'); (D) near the road between Kurgalovo and Tiskolovo (Point 3: N59°45.627' E28°05.090'); (E) ravine (Point 4: N59°45.810' E28°05.019'); (F) black alder ('alder') (Point 5: N59°45.928' E28°04.830'); (G) Tiskolovo village vicinity (Point 6: N59°42.650' E28°02.115').

The method of species determination included field collection of larvae, their laboratory cultivation, and obtaining of adults. Individual and mass breeding (cultivation) of blood-sucking mosquitoes, their determination and fixation were performed in the Laboratory of parasitology of the Zoological Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences from May 8 till May 31 and from August 15 till September 6, 2019. A total of 7600 larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes were collected at seven localities. These material gave about 2000 adult mosquitos.

Analysis of the parasitological archive 2005-2009: habitats and relative abundance

Three localities of mass collected material were selected for a comparative analysis of the relative number of mosquitoes of the Kurgalsky Peninsula:(А) Lipovo village vicinity (N59°45' E28°09'); (B) Tiskolovo village vicinity (N59°43' E28°02'); (C) Kurgolovo village vicinity (N59°46' E28°07'). The analysis was performed on imago caught in field.

The species Aedes communis posseses high abundance and dominant position in all localities; other species such as A. cantans, A. cinereus, A. diantaeus possess subdominant position. A. communis is widespread and dominates in the majority of regions of northwestern Russia (Khalin, 2009). The proportion of A. communis is statistically significantly higher in the vicinity of Lipovo than in the vicinity of Kurgolovo and Tiskolovo (p = 0.0002317 and 0.01326; Fisher's exact test without adjustments for multiple comparisons). In the proportion of A. communis, Kurgolovo and Tiskolovo do not demonstrate significant differences (p = 0.4781).

Further analysis of the archive included sorting of the data by three points, taking into account four types of habitats: (i) spruce forest (May–August collecting); (ii) pine forest (May–August collecting); (iii) black alder (May 31–August collecting); and (iv) cane thickets along the coastline (June–August collecting).

All attacking species of mosquitos were represented by species of the genus Aedes. The species A. communis dominated in all habitats; A. cinereus in cane thickets shares a dominant position. Species A. cantans, A. diantaeus, and A. punctor can be considered subdominant A. communis in three types of forests, while A. dorsalis can be considered as subdominant of A. communis in cane thickets. The high relative abundance of A. cinereus in reed beds is in good agreement with the data on the biology of this species. Gutsevich et al. (1970) indicate that this species is characteristic of open biotopes: meadows, sparse forests, and areas dominated by shrubs.

The material of the archive on 2008 was chosen to determine the 'optimality' and 'pessimality' of habitats for the tasks of GIS-modeling of mosquito distribution on the Kurgalsky Peninsula due to the larger number of species than in other years. This can be explained by favorable weather conditions in spring and summer of 2008. Five samples were taken in the analyzed year, collected in May and June in the pine forest (Archive point 2'; N59º46'29.0' 'E028º07'25.7' ') with three species: A. communis, A. diantaeus, and a single individual of A. punctor. In the spruce-small-leaved forest (Archive point 6'; N59º45'37.7' 'E028º05'07.9' ') 122 samples were taken, where 10 species were present: A. annulipes, A. behningi, A. cantans, A. cinereus, A. communis, A. diantaeus, A. euedes, A. intrudens, A. punctor, A. vexans. In the thickets of black alder (Archive point 28'; N59º46'36.8' 'E028º06'59.6' ') two samples were taken in which three species were present: A. communis, A. cantans, A. euedes. Cane thickets data were not available in the 2008 archive. We used the calculated abundance data for this habitat (Archive point 7 '; N59º4604.9' 'E028º04'32.6' ') from results by Alexei Razygraev. A. communis and A. cinereus, as well as A. dorsalis, were noted in the cone.

Medical significance of  blood-sucking mosquitoes of the Kurgalsky Peninsula: An overview

Blood-sucking mosquitos are known as specific carriers of human pathogens, viruses, and nematodes, as well as mechanical carriers of bacteria and a number of viruses. Medical significance of the species of Culicidae family has been studied in many countries, the results of these studies have been published in numerous works. We analyzed literature on the medical value of 34 species of blood-sucking mosquitoes found in the territory of the Kurgalsky Peninsula.

There is no data in literature on the isolation of viruses from mosquitoes in the territory of the Leningrad Region. For the adjacent territories of Karelia, Estonia, and Finland, there are data on the circulation of two groups of viruses in mosquito populations: (i) Ockelbo virus, described from Sweden. The virus most likely causes the "Pogosta disease" known in Finland and the "Karelian fever" found in the Muezersky District of the Republic of Karelia (Francy et al, 1989). This virus was isolated from several species of mosquitoes, including such as Aedes cantans, A. cinereus, A. communis, A. excrucians, A. intrudens, Culex pipiens, C. torrentium, and Culiseta morsitans (Gratz, 2005); (ii) Inkoo virus belongs to the California serogroup of bunyaviruses; it is widespread in northern Europe and was registered in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. In Scandinavia, the carriers of the Inkoo virus include Aedes communis and A. punctor (Francy et al, 1989; Gratz, 2005).

References

• Aibulatov, S. V. 2009. Insects of the gnus complex (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae, Culicidae, Simuliidae, Tabanidae) in the Kurgalskii Peninsula in Leningrad Region. Entomologicheskoe Obozrenie. Vol.88. P.343–359. [in Russian]
• Francy D.B., Jaenson T.G.T., Lundstrom J., Schildt E.-B., Espmark A., Hendriksson B., Niklassson B. 1989. Ecologic studies of mosquitoes and birds as hosts of Ockelbo virus in Sweden and isolation of Inkoo and Batai viruses from mosquitoes. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Vol.41. P.355–363.
• Gratz N. 2005 The vector-borne diseases of Europe: Their distribution and public health burden. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe. 158 p. [in Russian]
• Gutsevich, A.V., Monchadsky, A.S., Stackelberg, A.A. 1970. Fauna SSSR. Nasekomye dvukrylye. Volume 3. No. 4. Komary semeystva Culicidae. Leningrad: Nauka. 384 p. [in Russian]
• Khalin, A.V., Aibulatov, S.V. 2019. Fauna of blood-sucking insects of the gnus complex in the Northwestern region of Russia. III. Mosquitoes (Culicidae). Parazitologiia. Vol.53. P.307–341. [Russian].

Ixodid ticks: infection and abundance

An analysis of the April and May collections of ixodid ticks demonstrated the presence of two species of ticks in the territory of the Kurgalsky Peninsula, namely, Ixodes persulcatus and I. ricinus. Data on the relative abundance of these species vary. I. persulcatus shows abundance from 0.6 to 40.7 individuals per 1 flag per hour in different habitats; I. ricinus — from 1.0 to 9.3 individuals per 1 flag per hour. The total length of the estimation routes was about 60 km. In total, approximately 35 sq. km were examined on the Kurgalsky Peninsula from 35 April to 15 May 2019, taking into account the standard flag width (60 cm) and the number of the counters. These data allow us to determine the average (without taking into account the particular habitats) relative density of each tick species. For I. persulcatus, the density was 2.14 individuals per 1 sq. km; for I. ricinus it was 1.41 individuals per 1 sq. km. In addition, according to the collection of ixodid ticks by the method of combing of small mammals, a non-anthropophilic tick, Ixodes trianguliceps, was found in the Kurgalsky Peninsula.

Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology of St. Petersburg under the contract with Zoological Institute analyzed ticks from the Kurgalsky Peninsula for the presence of two pathogens: tick-borne encephalitis virus (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and borreliosis complex Borrelia burgdorferi s. lato (PCR method). The Center revealed only the causative agents of borreliosis in the populations of the Kurgalsky Peninsula. Of the 55 tick samples, the presence of borrelia was noted in 34. Of these, 30 samples belonged to I. persulcatus, and only four to I. ricinus (Fig. 6).

Out of the limits of the Kurgalsky Peninsula in the northwestern territory of Russian Federation and in the territory of adjacent countries, both tick species were found. In ticks collected in Novgorod and Archangelsk Provinces, and also in parks of St. Petersburg, determined as the taiga tick Ixodes persulcatus, DNA of the Lyme disease pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi and also of the erlichia Ehrlichia muris were revealed (Eremeeva et al., 2007). In the northern Norway, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato were found in 21% of nymphs and in 46% of adult ticks, together with Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii, and Borrelia valaisiana genospecies (Hvidsen et al., 2015). Tests on the presence of the tick-borne encephalitis virus performed in Lithuania had demonstrated that from 1.38% to 3.33% of Ixodes ricinus ticks, collected from cows, goats, and sheep, were infected with this virus (Juceviciene et al., 2005).

References

• Eremeeva M.E., Oliveira A., Moriarity J., Robinson J.B., Tokarevich N.K., Antyukova L.P., Pyanyh V.A., Emeljanova O.N., Ignatjevа V.N., Buzinov R., Pyankova V., and Dasch G.A. 2007. Detection and identification of bacterial agents in Ixodes persulcatus Schulze ticks from the Northwestern Region of Russia. Vector-borne and zoonotic diseases. Vol.7. P.1–11. https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2007.0112
• Hvidsten D., Stordal F., Lager M., Rognerud B., Kristiansen B.-E., Matussek A., Gray J., Stuen S. 2015. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato — infected Ixodes ricinus collected from vegetation near the Arctic Circle. Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases. Vol.6. P.768–773. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.07.002
• Juceviciene A., Zygutiene M., Leinikki P., Brummer-Korvenkontio H., Salminen M., Han X., Vapalahti O. 2005. Tick-borne encephalitis virus infections in Lithuanian domestic animals and ticks. Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases. Vol.37. P.742–746.

GIS-modeling of parasitic communities

Geographic information systems, GIS, make it possible to add a spatial idea of the distribution of the studied parameters, to calculate the spatial relationships of the quantitative characteristics of the studied objects (for example, population densities of different species, frequency of occurrence of individuals in certain age stages or physiology states, amount of deadwood per unit area in forest communities, etc.) and environmental factors (various climatic factors, position in the relief, soil moisture, etc.), to identify the contours in which the characteristics specified in the model are observed.

The construction of the model includes three levels of data collection and its preparation (Fig. 7), which can be shown on the example of the material on ixodid ticks collected in April and May 2019 in the Kurgalsky Peninsula.

The first level includes field parasitological studies, which have their own specificity in terms of the method of collecting and fixing geodata. This specificity is that the counters form a 'pool' from a certain part of the route. In the course of the standard route accounting, when each meter 'drag' the flag (100/60 cm), a tick sample is formed either in time or along the habitat boundary. In these conditions, it is difficult to determine the personal geo-positioning of each individual tick as well as it is difficult to determine the geo-position of the entire sample. When planning field parasitological trips under the Kurgal program, two conditions were agreed: (a) to examine individual habitat with (b) local recording of the GPS track by each meter. Compliance with these conditions allowed us to propose the 'Mean Track Position' (MTP) algorithm, which allowed us to solve the problem of determining the geo-position for each sample of ixodid ticks. This algorithm is included in the second level of preparation of the model.

The second level involves the transformation of primary data. One transformation option is to obtain MTP for each tick sample. According to the methodology, the GPS-track is localized inside a habitat or a system of similar habitats. To obtain MTP for each track, the average position of the coordinates in latitude and longitude is determined. For this, a BaseCamp set of programs is used for converting GPX file data to CSV format; and determining quantitative parameters of a track and MS Excel is used for determining the sum of the exact time of a track; for obtaining average positions of coordinates. According to the results of tick collection, where there are data on the relative abundance (individuals per 1 flag per hour) inside each of the examined habitat, a 'conditionally optimal habitat' with the maximum relative abundance is determined; and a 'conditionally pessimal habitat' with zero or minimum abundance. All these data, including the description of biotope conditions, allow us to move to the third level of data preparation.

The third level involves the integration of all geobotanical descriptions of the collection points of parasitological material (remote sensing verification on the ground), the use of satellite image processing data of different spectra (the procedure for decoding habitat in composite images within a given optical range), and the use of data on conditionally optimal and conditionally pessimal habitats.

GIS modeling of the distribution of ixodid ticks

As a basis for constructing GIS models for ixodid ticks, we took the data of 2019 from the collection points in the Kurgalsky Peninsula. The relative abundance was calculated using data on the length of the route, the duration of the collection of material, the number of collectors on the route and the number of ticks collected (Ixodes persilcatus and/or I. ricinus) in a particular habitat. The coding of optimality/pessimality habitat factors was based on detailed descriptions of habitat. Twelve classes were identified that were further used in the GIS analysis: Pine (PsF), Spruce (SrF), Small-leaved forest (SLF), Broad-leaved forest (BLF), 'Sedge', 'Cane', Drained soil (Drained), Non-drained soil (Ndrained), 'Bush', 'Shrubs', 'Herbs', 'Meadow'. All these parameters are used in the presence/absence format (1/0) on the accounting routes.

Spatial modeling (Fig. 8: Third Level) was divided into the following stages:

(A) Stage of obtaining a correlation between the abundance of species and biotopes and their individual parameters. It is based on the receipt of a variety of the same collection points of field information of geobotanical and zoological materials.

(B) Stage of identification of the distribution of habitats based on terrestrial data and 'Orbital remote sensing of the Earth's surface' in geographic information systems linked using a global positioning system (GPS) with TerrSet Soft. At this stage, the spectral data of individual channels and the main calculated indices (normalized vegetative index NDVI and normalized humidity index NDWI) did not provide enough good information to compose a spatial model. Under these conditions, to obtain a distribution model of the main habitat, Landsat 8 satellite images were visually analyzed for different periods of the growing season (May to October) with low cloud cover (the specified search parameter - no more than 20% of the image area is covered with clouds), the scene was selected as the most informative for the end of May (2019-05-22).

(C) Stage where the spectral values were classified in channel 6 (far-infrared light), in which the following biotopes were recognized: (i) coastal-aquatic vegetation; (ii) meadows; (iii) predominantly coniferous forests; (iv) mainly deciduous forests. The NDVI image of this scene was classified into 2 categories: (i') shady forests and (ii') everything else. The NDWI image of this scene was also classified into 2 categories: (i'') raw land areas and (ii'') everything else.

(D) Then, using the raster algebra method, by identifying intersections of groups of biotopes identified along channel 6 with the shade and bogging of terrestrial habitats, it was possible to isolate 9 habitats, which are shown in the model (Fig. 9: A).

(E) Stage where the subsequent reclassification of the obtained images and the selection of suitable palettes made it possible to simulate the distribution of ixodid ticks (abundance) over the territory of the Kurgalsky Peninsula (Fig. 9: B). Taking into account that in 2019 a very small area of the peninsula was examined parasitologically (about 35 sq. km), the obtained GIS model showed the presence and abundance of ixodid ticks in different biotopes in different parts of the peninsula in May 2019. This model can be used for forecasts for subsequent years under the similarity of weather conditions with those in May 2019. Similar forecasts are in demand in terms of plans for recreational use of the peninsula and the Natural Reserve territory.

GIS modeling of the distribution of blood-sucking insects (Culicidae)

As a basis for constructing GIS models for Culicidae communities we took the 2008 data from the parasitological archive (2005–2009) on the collection points on the Kurgalsky Peninsula and the relative number of feeding females (adults). The specified year was optimal in weather conditions, and the fees are distinguished by a high species diversity of mosquitoes, compared with other years, including 2019.

Studies were carried out in the vicinity of five points located in five “enclosing habitats”: (i) transitional swamp; (ii) lowland cane swamp; (iii) forest black alder swamp; (iv) drained spruce-leaved forest; and (v) drained pine forest. The description technique involved the description of habitat sets in circles of different radii, which should subsequently be tested when determining the biotope spectra in a GIS model and analyzing the level of correlations between habitat sets and the presence of a species/group of mosquitos. A total of 70 points were described in August 2–6, 2019. Projective coverings of all major plant species were also identified to address additional issues and to correctly identify the type of plant community. Parameters were selected, including using data from the analysis of the parasitological archive. These parameters were used to code the optimal/pessimal habitats.

Spatial modeling was carried out according to the same scheme described for ixodid ticks (steps A–E see above). The difference was only in the satellite scenes taken for analysis - May 2008.

As a result of the simulation, the distribution of optimal habitats for the two complexes “dominant/subdominant” Culicidae was obtained: (1) Aedes communis / A. cinereus / A. dorsalis in cane (Fig. 9: Cane); (2) A. communis / A. euedes in black alder forests (Fig. 9: Alder). The low number of species (including those from the communities of Figure 9) and weak efforts (the emphasis was placed on collecting and cultivation larvae) to collect feeding adult females to obtain comparable indicators for 2008/2019 didn’t allow us to get a GIS model for 2019. However, the 2008 GIS model is applicable for forecasts for subsequent years with weather conditions similar to those observed in May 2008.

Information-analytical system

As part of the implementation of the scientific program, a group of IT specialists of the ZIN RAS created a client-server information-analytical system (IAS) data management system that includes two main components: (a) a set of specialized programming elements in the Microsoft SQL Server environment (server part) — scalar and table functions stored procedures, triggers, etc., and (b) a Windows software application (client part). The sets of IAS databases were replenished as primary field information came from scientific performers and cameral data processing of collected materials.

At the first stage of the program, a draft technical task for the development of a primary data input system in IAS was prepared. It assumed two ways: (A) Creating a web application; (B) Creating a Windows application. During stage 2, work was carried out to create an input tool in the form of a Windows application in the Embarcadero RAD Studio environment in C ++. During the implementation of the 3 stages of work, the input tool passed comprehensive testing and debugging.

The application interface is implemented in the form of several tabs with different functional loads. For example, on the first tab, "Expeditions", work is organized with the highest level of IAS objects, expeditions-trips.

In total, more than 5600 entries were made in the core, auxiliary and service tables of the IAS by using the data entry tool. The current statistics of the IAS is available in the special section «Current Information».

The information structure of the IAS and the API (application software interface) developed for it provide dynamic publication of the expeditionary data entered in real time in the special section «Field Works».

As part of the program, cameral processing of specimens and samples obtained during numerous field trips is provided. The final stage of cameral processing in most cases is the setting of specimens to the research collections of the Zoological Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences. In general, the statement of collection items in the research collection implies a species definition, assignment of a catalogue number, writing of labels, a set of acts for setting item for permanent storage.

An indispensable condition for cameral processing within the framework of this project is the inclusion of information on ordinary (not typical) collection specimens in the information system for research collections of the ZIN RAS (ISRC). To this cameral processing is supplemented by photographing specimens and forming an image archive, as well as entering specimen’s metadata into the ISRC.

At the moment, the information-analytical system (IAS) is fully integrated with the information system for research collections of the ZIN RAS (ISRC).

The results of the integration of IAS and ISRC are available in the special section «Collected Data». A set of procedures on testing and debugging of the ISRC in terms of its work with incomplete filling of metadata for specimens that are not typical material was carried out. Within the framework of the project data on 100 specimens of beetles and 66 specimens of butterflies were entered into the ISRC.

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