Faunistic study on the earthworms (Annelida: Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) from the Sarnena Sredna Gora Mts

Abstract

A total of 381 specimens belonging to 17 earthworm species were collected with 152 pitfall traps in 26 sampling sites during a study of the biodiversity of the Sarnena Sredna Gora Mts. Together with the previous available data this constitutes 42% (21 species) of the lumbricid fauna of Bulgaria. Ten species represent new records for the explored territory. The data on the biotopic distribution and relative abundance of the identified earthworm species were provided for the first time and give valuable information on the species composition of the lumbricids, their specific preferences for environmental conditions, and the conservation value of the studiеd habitats. The material was collected by a non-traditional method – pitfall traps, a method not applied before for the target group. A comparative analysis of the established earthworms of Sarnena Gora with those from the neighboring regions was done. It showed the importance of the geographical location, relief, climate, soil type and human factor in the formation of the lumbricid fauna.

Keywords

• lumbricids
• sarnena gora
• check list
• new records