Although the two species of chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra and R. pyrenaica) are currently classified as least-concern by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), inconsistencies on the subspecies classification reported in literature make it challenging to assess the conservation status of the single subspecies. Previous studies relying on mitochondrial genes, sometimes in combination with nuclear or Y-chromosome markers, reported the presence of clusters corresponding to the geographic distribution but highlighting ambiguities in the genus phylogeny. Here we report novel de novo assembled sequences of the mitochondrial genome from nine individuals, including previously unpublished R. r. balcanica and R. r. tatrica subspecies, and use them to untangle the genus phylogeny. Our results based on the full mitogenome inferred phylogeny confirm the previously reported genus subdivision in three clades and its monophyletic positioning within the Caprinae. Phylogeny and taxonomy of Rupicapra species thus remain controversial prompting for the inclusion of archeological remains to solve the controversy.

In our study, fancy southern platyfish Xiphophorus maculatus (Cyprinodontiformes, Poeciliidae) were examined due to breathing disorders and mortality. Fish came from Vietnam farm and were redistributed by international wholesaler. In fish, loss of appetite and gasping near the water surface was observed. Gill tissue showed small white spots, caused by metacercariae and areas of clearing surrounding the cysts. Primary branchial filaments were hyperplastic, necrotic, significantly deformed and shortened. Samples were fixed in 98% alcohol for molecular analyses. The identity of C. formosanus (Opisthorchiida: Heterophyidae) was confirmed by molecular methods (GenBank accession number OP808358). In this study, we present the first report of C. formosanus in Central Europe. Uncontrolled transport of fish can lead to health and economic concerns, including the transmission of zoonotic pathogens to non-native ecosystems.

Introduction and objective: The negative impact of pollutants on organisms is complex and still insufficiently investigated. This is caused by the diversity of organisms and by the high variability of the composition of foreign substances and their synergistic effects on each organism. The...