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Endemic, Relict And Endangered Species Of Mollusks In Dobrogea, Romania-Case Study: Conacu-Negresti Valley

Monica Axini 1,* and Fawaz Al-Azki 1,2,3,4 1“Monachus” Group of Scientific Research and Ecological Education, Constanta, Hortensiei Alley, no. 8, 900518, Constanta, Romania 2“Dr. Fawaz Azki” Geological Museum, Ain Al-Baida, Kismin-Lattakia, Syria 3“Tishreen” University, Faculty of Science, Department of Geology, Lattakia, Syria 4“Durham” University, Department of Earth Sciences, Durham-Newcastle, UK * Corresponding author e-mail: [email protected]

Received: 07/11/2015 Revised: 13/12/2015 Accepted: 08/01/2016

Abstract : Conacu-Negre şti Valley is located Keywords : Gastropods diversity, Endemic, in the south-eastern part of Romania relict and endangered species, Climate (southwest of Dobrogea), particularly in an change, Conacu-Negre ṣti Valley, Dobrogea area with excessive continental climate. The Region, Romania valley is characterized by a series of specific Abbreviations : Zoogeoelements: Central habitats, of which the most important are the and South European-Anatolian (CESEAN), dry steppe meadows, exposed limestone European (E), Dobrogean Endemic (ED), rocks and Conacu-Negre şti Lake. The Regional Endemic (ER), European-Turanian biodiversity of the valley is very interesting, (ET), Holarctic (H), Holopalearctic (HP), characterized by a number of rare, endemic North Mediterranean (NM), North and relict species, specific to Dobrogea Mediterranean-Turanian (NMT), Province. This paper presents the data Mediterranean-Lusitanian (ML), Pontian concerning the gastropods diversity, (P), Ponto-Mediterranean (PM), Pontian- identified in this area so far, focusing on Southeast European (PSEE), Caspian Relict endemic, relict and endangered species, and (RC), Preglacial Relict (RP), South climate change that have succeeded in this European-Turanian (SET), Transpalaearctic geographical area. The data represent the (TP), West and Central Eurosiberian results of the research activities developed (WCES), West and Central Palearctic within the framework of our scientific and (WCP), West-Palearctic (WP). educational program on the Conacu- Ecological data, conservation status (after Negre ṣti Valley from 2002 until now COUNCIL DIRECTIVE and IUCN): (2016). brackish (B), limiting freshwater level for

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International Journal of Global Science Research ISSN: 2348-8344 (Online) Vol.3, Issue 5, April 2016, pp. 277-288 Available Online at www.ijgsr.com © Copyright 2014 | ijgsr.com | All Rights Reserved marine and salinity level for the freshwater Cobadin Plateau landscape consists of large form (B-‰), 3-Bern Convention (BC), and almost flat interfluves. There start a calciphilous (CA), crenobiont (CR), data series of short valleys discharging into the deficient (DD), European importance (E), Danube River (Brezeanu, 1997). the Red List of Threatened Animals and The landscape has formed predominantly on Plants in Europe (ESC), eurybiont (EU), V- Cretaceous and Sarmatian limestone, on Habitats Directive (HD), hygrophilous Precambrian basement lithology and (HG), freshwater (L), lithophilous (LI), covered by a thick blanket of 40 m of mesophilous (ME), not-evaluated (NE), Quaternary loess. The Proterozoic pelophilous (PE), phytophilous (PH), foundation is composed of crystalline schists pomatophilous (PO), rare (R), rhithrophilous and sedimentary superstructure, which are (RH), stenoepibathic (SC), stagnant water distinguished by two types of Paleozoic- (SW), terrestrial (T), trogloxene (TX), Mesozoic and Neozoic formations. xerophilous (XPH), world importance (W), Paleozoic Silurian formations are composed α-β-mesosaprobic ( α-β), β- mesosaprobic of clay schists with Devonian diaclases, (β), o-β-mesosaprobic (o-β). consisting of thick marl clay, marl- limestone, etc. Mesozoic formations are INTRODUCTION composed of alternating calcareous and Dobrogea is located on the northern Balkan detritic deposits. Jurassic Period strata are Peninsula in southeastern Central Europe composed of alternating limestone and (44 017`03, 77``N, 28 021`53, 27``E). It diatomites. The Cretaceous period is occupies an area of approximately 23.142 represented by reef limestone and, marl- km 2, of which 15.570 km 2 are located in limestone, with sand, glaucenic sandstones, Romania (making up 6.52% of the total area and micro-conglomerates in the middle of Romania) and 7.572 km 2 in Bulgaria. The strata, and marl clay at the base. Uppermost Dobrogea Region is bordered by the lower strata are dominate by debris facies with Danube River to the southwest, west, calcareous sandstones, micro- northwest and north, the Danube Delta to the conglomerates, chalk, etc. These formations northeast, the Black Sea to the east and the have been subjected to folding with Ludogorie Plateau to the southeast and foundation blocks revealing wavy structure south. (Al-Azki, 2003; 2006, 2007, 2010-2011a, b; Conacu-Negre şti Valley is located in the Cote ţ, 1969). extreme south-eastern part of Romania The landscape of the valley consists of (south-eastern part of Europe), in the center gorges with limestone walls, with of Cobadin Plateau, subunit of Negru–Vod ă “limestones to day”, Conacu-Negre şti Lake Plateau, by Iana (1970), falls within the being located within this area, canyons, following geographical coordinates: the ravines, xerophyte steppe grasslands, grassy parallel 10 43 058`48,93`` north latitude and hills and bushes. the meridian 28 010``05,12`` east longitude. This explains position in the world in MATERIALS AND METHODS temperate climate zone. Location of the By 2003, the valley was known only valley in the extreme south-eastern of geographically. In 2003, we started a Romania justify the excessive continental comprehensive long-term program of climate characteristics of this area, with scientific research of the valley. Since then environmental influences in all components. and until now, we carry on scientific research of the valley–in geological,

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International Journal of Global Science Research ISSN: 2348-8344 (Online) Vol.3, Issue 5, April 2016, pp. 277-288 Available Online at www.ijgsr.com © Copyright 2014 | ijgsr.com | All Rights Reserved paleontological, paleo-biodiversity, or endemic to this geographical region, or at biodiversity terms, and of conservation of its limit of areal (Axini and Tofan, 2009). The geo-biodiversity. plenty and the diversity of original In terms of mollusks diversity and its ecological and genetic fund which Dobrogea conservation research, during the scientific was so generous endowed, it is more program carried out between 2002 and 2015, expressive by the fact that Romania is only different stations were established for field 2.36% of Europe surface (Axini, 2011a). observations, identification of species and In South Dobrogea, the Conacu-Negre şti sampling both from the lake and the valley. Valley (Figure 1 A, B, C) is located on a 10 stations were established at different north-west to south-east axis. It is a points in the lake, taken differently “canara” (Axini and Alexandrov, 2011; depending on the nature of the substrate, Iana, 1973), a term specific to Dobrogea, lake depth and the existence of marsh, and meaning a valley generally short, aquatic and floating vegetation. From these narrow, with limestone slopes, high and stations, samples were collected monthly. steep walls with small caves, partly covered All samples were taken from the shore area with Sub Mediterranean xerophyte meadows of the lake, on the distance of two meters. and scrub forest vegetation. For the land, 12 stations were established By Axini and Al-Azki (2012), the Conacu- depending on the type of the existing Negre şti Valley is distinguished by habitats in the valley: limestone walls with spectacular landscape beauty and is “rocks to day”, grassy hills, canyons, characterized by extremely rich and diverse plateaus, ravines, debris walls, limestone biodiversity, with many rare or endemic walls with fossil mollusks. For species specific to Dobrogea Province, and identification, it was widely used field Romania too (Axini et al ., 2010). Its observations and photographs taken monthly significance also is derived from its by the team, during the field trips. geological, geomorphologic, and Subsequently, all samples have been paleontological characteristics. Also, the transported, stored and examined / studied in geo-diversity of the valley is very our laboratories. interesting, characterized by rare geological The nomenclature of taxa and data structures and geomorphological processing is according to data from phenomena, as a result of a unique literature as well as to national and geological and paleontological history, international legislation. specific to Dobrogea Province. In this geological, geographical and RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ecological context, the species of mollusks By its characteristics different from the rest have appeared and developed. Currently, of the country (geographical position, 309 living species occurs in Dobrogea, presence and influence of Black Sea climate which inhabit both terrestrial, aquatic, and soil structure, history and evolution of underground and marine environments. Of land with consequences for the history and these, many species are endemic or relict. evolution of its biodiversity), Dobrogea is an geographical "entity" characterized by a mixture of flora and fauna elements of Southern, Eurasian, Ponto-Caspian, European origin, etc.; many species are rare

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A B

Figure 1: A - Map of Europe emphasizing the position of Dobrogea and Conacu - Negre şti Valley in Europe; B - Geographical position of Conacu - Negre şti Valley in Dobrogea Region; C - Conacu - Negre şti Valley (from Google Earth, accessed January 18, 2016)

By Axini and Al-Azki (2015), Conacu- Of the gastropods identified thus far, the 22 Negre şti Valley hosts many species of species included both terrestrial and aquatic invertebrate animals, of which, so far, we taxa among which 9 families grouped in 3 have identified a total of 101 terrestrial and orders (Table 1) (Axini, 2012b; Cioboiu, aquatic species, belonging of 17 orders and 2002; Grossu, 1986, 1987; Müller, 2002; 57 families. Of these, gastropods are second Negrea, 2002; Skolka, 2008; Skolka et al ., after the insects that hold the highest 2005). numerical proportion (Axini, 2012a; Axini and Skolka, 2010a, b).

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Thiaridae Esperiana esperi (F ÉRUSSAC 1823) Esperiana acicularis (F ÉRUSSAC 1829) Mesogastropoda Valvatidae Valvata piscinalis (O. F. M ÜLLER 1774) Bithynidae Bithynia leachi (S CHEPPARD 1823) Bithynia tentaculata (LINNAEUS 1758) Physidae Physa acuta (D RAPARNAUD 1805) Ph. fontinalis (LINNAEUS 1758) Planorbiidae Planorbarius corneus (LINNAEUS 1758) Basomatophora Gyraulus albus (O. F. M ÜLLER 1774) Lymneidae Radix ovata (D RAPARNAUD 1805) Radix peregra (O. F. M ÜLLER 1774) Galba truncatula (O. F. M ÜLLER 1774) Stagnicola palustris (O. F. M ÜLLER 1774) Chondrula tridens (O. F. M ÜLLER 1774) Enidae Zebrina detrita (syn. Helix detrita ) (M ÜLLER 1774) Zebrina varnensis (L. P FEIFFER 1847) Helicella obvia dobroudschae (C LESSIN 1886) Stylomatophora Helicidae Cepaea vindobonensis (A. FÉRUSSAC 1821) Helix pomatia (LINNAEUS 1758) Helix lucorum (O.F. M ÜLLER 1774) Limacidae Limax cinereo-niger (W OLF 1803) Limax flavus (LINNAEUS 1758)

The analysis of the geographical elements of followed by West Palearctic, Caspian Relict, gastropods from Conacu-Negre şti Valley Pontian-Southeast European, Holarctic, (Hubenov, 2007; Zoltán et al. , 2004) Holopalearctic, West and Central showed that the North Mediterranean- Eurosiberian and European elements, each Turanian elements dominate with 3 taxa, with 2 taxa (Table 2).

Table 2: The Zoogeographical Elements, Ecological Data and Conservation Status of Gastropods from Conacu-Negre şti Valley (original)

Species Zoogeoelements Ecological data/conservation status

Bithynia leachi WP L, PO, RH, SW, β Bithynia tentaculata WP L, B, PO, SW, PH, NE, o-β Cepaea vindobonensis PM T, XPH

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International Journal of Global Science Research ISSN: 2348-8344 (Online) Vol.3, Issue 5, April 2016, pp. 277-288 Available Online at www.ijgsr.com © Copyright 2014 | ijgsr.com | All Rights Reserved Chondrula tridens ET, NMT T, XPH-ME Esperiana acicularis RC, PSEE L, CR, RH, PO, LI Esperiana esperi RC, PSEE L, CR, PO, LI, DD Galba truncatula H L, EU, PE, PH, o-β Gyraulus albus WCES L, B-8‰, PO, RH, SW, PH, R, N Helicella obvia dobroudschae ED T, XPH Helix lucorum NMT T, ME-HG Helix pomatia E T, XPH-ME, EU, E, ESC, BC-3, HD-V Limax cinereo-niger E T, ME Limax flavus RP, P, NM T, ME, N Physa acuta NMT, SET L, EU, PC, TX, NE, α-β Physa fontinalis TP L, PH, R, N, α-β Planorbarius corneus WCES L, B-8‰, SW, PO, NE, α-β Radix ovata HP L, B-2,5‰, SW Radix peregra HP L, EU, PH, PE Stagnicola palustris H L, EU, PH, PC Valvata piscinalis WCP L, RH, PO, SW, PH, NE, β Zebrina detrita CSEAN T, XPH, CA, E Zebrina varnensis ER T, XPH, CA, W

By Axini (2006) among them in the basin of a strong limestone geological structure the lake water (43 059`15.94``N, formed by the withdrawal of the former 28 009`24.52``E), 3 species of gastropods Sarmatian Sea. Moreover, the presence of have a great scientific importance: this last-geological-time sea was Planorbarius corneus , Esperiana esperi , E. demonstrated by fossil species of mollusks acicularis . It is known as gastropod present in large numbers here (such as populations occupy an important place in the Mactra sp.), and the limestone "to day" that lake biocoenoses structure, by the specific dominates the valley. These fossil mollusks and numerical diversity and biomass. They species are present in the limestone rocks are the first organisms that are investigated from coastal zone of the lake, on the when examining a stagnant water. Their limestone walls of the valley, in the canyons presence in large numbers indicates the level and ravines, on the Sarmatian coasts with of oxygen in water, and therefore the “limestone rocks to day” (Al-Azki, 2012a, b; presence of life in aquatic ecosystems Axini and Al-Azki, 2014). (Chiriac and Udrescu, 1965; Cioboiu, 1998; The Danubian and Pontic species of Gomoiu and Skolka, 2001; Ţig ănu ş and gastropods, Esperiana esperi and Esperiana Samargiu, 2003). acicularis , are Pontian-Southeast European According to Axini and Al-Azki (2015), the relicts. Identification of these species in presence of gastropod Planorbarius corneus large numbers showed that the valley was a in large specimens (species that indicate the branch of the Danube River making the existence of high levels of calcium ions in connection between it and the Black Sea, or lake water) demonstrated that the valley has the presence of millions years ago of

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International Journal of Global Science Research ISSN: 2348-8344 (Online) Vol.3, Issue 5, April 2016, pp. 277-288 Available Online at www.ijgsr.com © Copyright 2014 | ijgsr.com | All Rights Reserved ParaThethys Sea, and later, of Sarmatian Sea canyons in the south-west of the valley (Axini and Al-Azki, 2012). This was (43 057`58.97``N, 28 010`14.88``E) (Figure demonstrated by the geological structure of 2A). the valley, shape and position of the two

Figure 2: A - Top view of some arms of the large canyon; B - Grassy hill with Sarmatian “limestone to day” (original photos., 2009)

Also this was demonstrated by the presence limestone walls with “rocks to day” (Figure in large number of terrestrial xerophilous 2B), together with Chondrula tridens and gastropod species, Zebrina varnensis Zebrina detrita . Zebrina varnensis (Figure (43 059`44.28``N, 28 010`25.59``E) - regional 3A) is a highly resistant species to drought, endemism spread of the Black Sea coast of found on sunny slopes covered with Romania and Bulgaria. Zebrina varnensis herbaceous vegetation, in sandy areas was found in numerous copies on the (Axini, 2012c).

A B

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Figure 3: A - Limestone wall with Zebrina varnensis ; B - Herbaceous plants with Zebrina detrita ; C – picture of Helicella obvia dobrudschae from the large canyon (original photos, 2009)

Chondrula tridens (44 000`20.83``N, two biogeographic regions, Dobrogea and 28 008`32. 99``E) and Zebrina detrita (Figure Muntenia (Axini, 2011b, c). Its remnants 3B) was found on the limestone walls with can be seen on the lake bottom (Conacu- “rocks to day”, in less numerous specimens. Negresti Lake), of recent geological time, These are xerophilous species belonging to formed by natural damming (Basarabeanu, the genera of West Asian origin. The 1969; Gâ ştescu & Breier, 1969; Godeanu, presence in areas without forests of Zebrina 2002). detrita (large snail) and Chondrula tridens On limestone slopes with “rocks to day”, on (relatively common species in the foliage of plateaus, hills and canyons in the south-west oak forests) previously confirmed the of the valley is worth mentioning many existence of the pubescent oak forest individuals of the gastropod Helicella obvia (Quercus pubescent ); however, it is no dobroudschae (Figure 3C) (43 059`44.28``N, longer found in Conacu-Negre şti Valley 28 010`25.59``E) (xerophilous species, today. endemic to Dobrogea). The existence of this forest was proved by the limestone walls tilt and the existing of Conclusion: Until 2003, the valley was herbaceous and shrub plant species (specific known only from the geographical field such forests) in the canyons of the south- studies and research of Mrs. Dr. Sofia Iana, west of the valley or on the grassy hills and University of Bucharest, on the Negru - limestone walls. Also by Axini (2009) the Vod ă Plateau, Dobrogea. In 2003, we proof that the valley has been dominated by developed a research project on the geo-bio- an oak forest was the presence of insect diversity of the Conacu-Negresti Valley. species which normally live in a oak forest. The own effort became a permanent This forest was part of Cobadin Forest, part research program, undertaking new research of the “Deliorman” Secular Forests (name and public education projects for from Cumana Language, which translated environmental protection of this valley. “Black Wood”). These forests, largely Currently, there is no research on the palaeo- disappeared today, spanning in southern of bio-diversity, geological structures and

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International Journal of Global Science Research ISSN: 2348-8344 (Online) Vol.3, Issue 5, April 2016, pp. 277-288 Available Online at www.ijgsr.com © Copyright 2014 | ijgsr.com | All Rights Reserved hydro-geo-biological and climate change Cobadin, Jude ţul Constan ţa, Constanta, phenomena of this valley from Dobrogea Romania, 200 pp. (in Romanian). Region. Our findings are unique. In the future, they will be upgraded with new data Al-Azki F. (2003) Geological Encyclopedia and research of laboratory and field. (from A to Z). vol. 1, Damascus; Al- Moreover, our research on the valley are Hawaran Publisher, 1050 pp. (in Arabic). singular. No literature data were found in this field on this region. Al-Azki F. (2006) Geological Encyclopedia The data presented in this work were (from A to Z). vol. 2, Damascus; Al- compiled from field and laboratory studies Hawaran Publisher, 1050 pp. (in Arabic). conducted in 2002 - 2015. A total of 22 species of gastropods was Al-Azki F. (2007) Geomorphology. identified in this time, which have a very Lattakia; Syrian Arab Republic, Ministry of important role in the demonstration of High Education, Tishreen University, climate change in the area. Of these Faculty of Science, Dep. of Geology, 288 Mollusca, two are endemic, seven are pp. (in Arabic). relicts, and two are rare. One species ( Helix pomatia ) is of European importance and AL-Azki F. (2010-2011) Geological Survey, included on the Habitats Directive and Bern Field Geology. Lattakia; Syrian Arab Convention lists. Republic, Ministry of High Education, The presence of these species will help us to Tishreen University, Faculty of Science, reconstruct of palaeo-environments Dep. of Geology, 330 pp. (in Arabic). correlated with current ecosystems and natural history in Conacu-Negresti Valley, Al-Azki F. (2010-2011) Geological Survey, and also in Dobrogea. Field Geology. Lattakia; Syrian Arab At present, the valley does not have Republic, Ministry of High Education, designated conservation status. Human Tishreen University, Faculty of Science, impacts on different aspects may contribute Dep. of Geology, 240 pp. (in Arabic). to future declines and even disappearance of some gastropods species in Conacu-Negre şti Cote ţ P. (1969) Dobrogea de Sud - Genez ă Valley, many species important to science şi Evolu ţie. Studii Geografice asupra and human well-being, some of which have Dobrogei. Lucr ările Primului Simpozion de not been described yet. Geografie a Dobrogei: 51-55 (in Romanian).

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