One of the most successful predators on island ecosystems is the domestic cat, which is considered responsible for the decline of numerous species’ populations. This can be estimated by the analysis of cats’ dietary habits, yet prey identification is not always possible, and thus, in cases where precise prey identification is required, one of the most accurate methods derives from observing the hunting process. However, the cryptic nature of the feral cats and the constant vigilance of the species that are preyed upon make the observation process difficult, especially when the prey has a low population density. Here, we report for the first time such a case: a feral cat that has ambushed, killed, and consumed a regionally near-threatened species, the Persian squirrel. This incidental observation happened in the squirrel’s westernmost end of its distribution, the island of Lesvos, Greece. Due to the unexpectedness of the event, in the following days, we estimated both the squirrels’ and cats’ population density. Results showed that while the density of the squirrels is moderate, the population density of the feral cats is almost fifteen times higher. For this reason, management actions need to be taken in an effort to minimize the impacts of feral cats on the native species of the island.

The coypu (Myocastor coypus), a semi-aquatic rodent native to South America, has established invasive populations across North America, Asia, and Europe. In Greece, since its initial recording in 1965, the species has been rapidly expanding, forming sizable populations in northern continental regions. However, the extent of its invasion and the environmental drivers shaping its distribution and spatial patterns in western–central Greece remain poorly understood. Here, we address this knowledge gap, aiming to identify and map new coypu records, investigate the relationship between coypu presence and habitat characteristics, and analyze its spatial distribution. Between 2020 and 2023, we conducted 50 field surveys across the study area, documenting direct and indirect evidence of coypu presence. We integrated kernel density estimation, Getis-Ord Gi*, and Anselin local Moran’s I to identify spatial distribution patterns and hotspots of the coypu. Additionally, we analyzed environmental factors including land cover type, total productivity, and geomorphological features to determine their influence on habitat selection. Our findings reveal significant spatial clustering of coypus, with 12 identified hotspots primarily located in protected areas, and highlight tree cover density and productivity variability as key predictors of coypu presence. The suitability of western–central Greece for the coypu appears to be driven by extensive wetlands and interconnected hydrological systems, with hotspots concentrated in lowland agricultural landscapes, providing essential data to guide targeted management strategies for mitigating the ecological risks posed by this invasive species.

We conducted a habitat suitability assessment for two burrowing rodents, Anatolian or Nehring’s blind mole rat (Nannospalax xanthodon) and Harting’s vole (Microtus hartingi), on the island of Lesvos using a niche-based approach. We collected data on the presence of the two species across the island and selected several environmental variables, including land cover, geology, and habitat topography, to assess their influence on habitat suitability. We used the Maxent species distribution modelling algorithm to predict suitable habitats. The results showed that both species preferred habitats with low slopes and specific geological substrates, i.e., alluvial deposits and volcanic rocks. M. hartingi showed a preference for open habitats such as saltmarshes and non-irrigated arable land, while N. xanthodon preferred non-irrigated arable land, pastures, and discontinuous urban fabric. The model predicted a wider area of suitable habitats for Microtus hartingi compared to N. xanthodon. Interestingly, the two species are absent from the southeastern part of the island despite our model predicting high suitability; this indicates that a natural barrier of hilly terrain, extensive pine forests, and limestone rock formations may exist that impedes dispersal. Our study provides valuable insights into the habitat preferences of these two burrowing rodents on the island of Lesvos, which can inform biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management strategies.

Stylianos P. Zannetos, Yiannis Zevgolis, and Triantafyllos Akriotis (2018) First record of Crested (or Crested-type) Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus for Greece. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club: Vol. 138, No. 4, pp. 386-388. https://doi.org/10.25226/bboc.v138i4.2018.a10

Historia naturalis bulgarica -- Volume 45 (2023) -- Extremely rare case of melanistic greater flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus documented for the first time in Europe in Lake Kerkini National Park, Northern Greece -- Article synopsis