Zoologičeskij žurnal
"Zoologicheskiy zhurnal" is Russia's oldest scientific periodical covering all problems of zoology. In the field of theoretical zoology, the journal pays special attention to the laws of evolution and phylogeny of animals, the problem of species and speciation, taxonomy, individual development of animals, evolutionary and functional morphology, embryology, histology, cytology, bionics, problems of ecology, biocenology and biological productivity of terrestrial and aquatic fauna, questions of zoogeography, origin and development of faunas. Among practical issues, the journal broadly covers the scientific foundations of fishing, hunting, pest control of cultivated and wild plants, human parasites and economically useful animals. The journal publishes works on the problems of fauna reconstruction and the protection of the animal world, as well as on the use of animals to determine water quality and to purify water.
In a special section, articles on methods of zoological research are printed. The journal covers the activities of Russian and foreign zoological institutions, their problems and achievements, and also publishes reports on conferences, expeditions, etc. The bibliography section publishes reviews of the most significant books published in Russia and abroad on various problems of zoology.
The journal is intended for specialists working in the field of theoretical and applied zoology, including medical and veterinary parasitology, plant protection, as well as for teachers, postgraduates.
At the moment, the journal is published mainly in Russian, and some articles in English.
Media registration certificate: ПИ № ФС 77 – 80756 от 07.04.2021
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Vol 104, No 9 (2025)
ARTICLES
New faunistic and taxonomic data on oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) from the Arsi Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Abstract
The present study is based on oribatid mite material collected from the Arsi Mountains National Park, central Ethiopia in October 2022. A list of 74 species belonging to 52 genera and 34 families is presented. One new species is described from woodland litter: Sadocepheus arsiensis Ermilov sp. n. (Cepheusidae).
Zoologičeskij žurnal. 2025;104(9):3-12
3-12
Nest Structure and Hibernation Adaptations of Formica forsslundi (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) Ants on Peat Bogs
Abstract
The ant species Formica forsslundi is stenotopic, being known for its disjunct distribution and association with oligotrophic habitats such as peat bogs. There is also evidence of nest complexes and nest-building of F. forsslundi in sandy soil conditions. Our study presents a different interior nest structure and morphology related to peat bog characteristics. We describe four types of anthill based on their shape, seasonal exploitation, location and tunnel system. Two of these types are major nests containing ants all over the year, whereas the other two are auxiliary, used only in the summer. According to this and foraging activity data, we suggest that F. forsslundi ants meet the criteria of obligate social polycaly, unlike an earlier viewpoint proposing diffusive or closed polycaly. Moreover, we located the hibernation places, either turf cavities or specific chambers in the middle of the nest.
Zoologičeskij žurnal. 2025;104(9):13-20
13-20
Adaptation of Larval Development of the Common Frog (Rana temporaria) to a Shorter Activity Season and Its Putative Genetic Basis
Abstract
The development of most amphibian species occurs in an aquatic environment and the duration of larval development largely depends on the ambient temperature. As shown earlier (Richter-Boix et al., 2011), natural selection may influence the frequency of alleles of the RC08604 locus which lies in the regulatory region of the thyroid receptor gene TRβ, in populations of Rana arvalis living in conditions with varying average annual temperatures. Our study of the allelic composition of microsatellites, including the RC08604 locus, in Rana temporaria of an introduced population from Kamchatka and from the native range of the species from the Moscow Region shows that the differences between these populations in Fst of the study microsatellite loci can be considered insignificant, except for the RC08604 locus. This difference of the RC08604 locus from other loci corresponds to a faster growth up to metamorphosis in larvae from the Kamchatka population. This difference in larval growth rate was revealed through breeding under the same laboratory conditions. Apparently, the differences between the two study populations are the result of a rapid adaptation of the Kamchatka population to a comparatively short activity season. This could have been developed only 10 years following the formation of that population.
Zoologičeskij žurnal. 2025;104(9):21-25
21-25
The population of the common grass snake (Natrix natrix Linnaeus, 1758, Colubridae, Reptilia) in the city of Moscow. 2. Populational morphological characteristics and features of the ecology of the grass snake on the Shchukinsky peninsula.
Abstract
In 2022–2025, morphological and ecological features of the Natrix natrix population were studied on the Shchukinsky Peninsula in Moscow City, Russia. A total of 131 grass snakes were captured, marked and photographed, including 73 for the first time. Using the method of re-trapping the tagged sexually mature individuals based on the Petersen–Lincoln formula, the adult micropopulation was calculated at 83.9 ± 21.2 individuals. The total absolute abundance of the micropopulation, according to expert estimates and taking into account the young under the age of 1 year, was estimated at 80–100 individuals. The maximum relative abundance of grass snakes in optimal habitats did not exceed 1.5 individuals/100 m of coast. Using the correlation between total length and age, the dominance of 4-year old males with a total length of 63–74 cm and of 6–7-year old females with a length of 82–92 cm was established. One-fourth of the micropopulation consisted of injured individuals with partially amputated tails, among which females with a total length of more than 100 cm predominated. Based on the Student t-test, the presence of sexual dimorphism of the grass snake in terms of body length (L), tail index L/Lcd and the number of tail scales (Scd) was confirmed and statistically justified. In the recaptured individuals, both males and females, negative and positive tail allometry was established during ontogeny, respectively. Phenotypes of ventral surface coloration and the frequency of their occurrence were revealed and described. Using tagging and considering a sedentary lifestyle, the grass snakes were found to move 26–1600 m between captures. The movements of males during the activity season were on average 1.9 times higher than those of females. The velocity along the banks of the Moskva River in individuals was 105–123.5 m per hour in early May and October. Multiple captures of the same individuals in 2022–2025 made it possible to establish back and forth movements of males and females to some locations. The moving routes and distances traveled by males and females of the grass snake varied significantly, this being accounted for by the different strategies and motivations of the sexes during the mating season. Movements of the grass snake across the territory of the Shchukinsky Peninsula were regulated by the spatial and temporal strategy of using the area for reproduction and a successful existence of the micropopulation in conditions of high anthropogenic pressure and a short, six-month long period of activity. The patterns of movements of grass snakes show that they were characterized by the simplest diffusely homogeneous type of relationship with minimal interconnectedness of individuals. Obviously, this type of relationship allowed grass snakes most of the forage, protective and other resources of the territory to be used for successful life.
Zoologičeskij žurnal. 2025;104(9):26-44
26-44
Remains of cave lions, Panthera spelaea Goldfuss, 1810 (Carnivora, Felidae) from Middle and Late Pleistocene localities of the south of Western and Central Siberia
Abstract
312 bone remains of cave lions from the south of western and central Siberia representing 5 alluvial and 8 cave sites of the Middle and Late Pleistocene fauna of large mammals were studied. Ar the alluvial localities of the plain part of the south of western Siberia, the remains of the cave lion are the most numerous among the other large predators. They account for an average of 0.65% of all megafauna remains. In the Middle Pleistocene, Panthera spelaea lived in the south of western Siberia and, based on the size of the bones of the postcranial skeleton, were similar in size to the Late Pleistocene lions of Western Europe. In the Late Pleistocene, a relatively small form of P. spelaea lived there, similar in body size to or slightly larger than the East Siberian subspecies P. s. vereshchagini. In terms of the size of the bones of the postcranial skeleton, the Late Pleistocene cave lions of the south of western and central Siberia were smaller (by an average of 5.8%) than P. s. spelaea of the Late Pleistocene of Western Europe. Lionesses were smaller than males by an average of 9.1%. The Altais were shown also to be home to a population of larger cave lions in the Late Pleistocene, similar in tooth size to the Late Pleistocene Western European lions. Remains of the smallest specimens of P. spelaea have been found since the beginning of the Sartan period (MIS-2). Obviously, on the eve of the final extinction, cave lion populations throughout their distribution range experienced a noticeable decrease in their body size. The main prey of cave lions in the south of western Siberia in the Middle and Late Pleistocene was obviously such most widely represented species as bison and horses. The most recent remains of P. spelaea from this territory are dated 13.3 thousand years ago.
Zoologičeskij žurnal. 2025;104(9):45-75
45-75
A little-known case of polar bear (Ursus maritimus, Carnivora, Ursidae) penetration into the taiga zone of Russia’s European Northeast
Abstract
A case of polar bear penetrating deep into the taiga zone of Russia’s European Northeast to a minimum distance of about 220 km from the Arctic Ocean coast is described. On 06/25/1983, the animal (a female weighing 150–170 kg) entered the village of Myla in the Ust-Tsilemsky District of the Komi Republic (65°25ʹ31ʺ N, 50°52ʹ49ʺ E). This is only the third documented case of polar bear occurrence in the taiga zone of the region in the XIX–XX centuries. The appearance of the predator was associated with a significant (about 70%) ice cover in the southeastern part of the Barents Sea, this having allowed the predator to reach the coast of the region.
Zoologičeskij žurnal. 2025;104(9):76-84
76-84
Morphotypic variations in the third upper cheek tooth of the chromosomal races of Alexandromys evoronensis (Arvicolinae, Rodentia) natural populations and laboratory breeds
Abstract
The Evoron vole is a narrow-range species known from three isolated populations in three mountain basins in the south of the Russian Far East. The species has multiple chromosomal polymorphism found in two chromosomal races: “evoron” and “argi”. Morphotypic variations in the masticatory surface of 357 third upper molars (M3) belonging to voles from six natural populations (Evoron-Chukchagir Lowland – 2, Verkhne-Bureinskaya Depression – 1, Verkhne-Zeya Basin – 2, upper reaches of the Amgun River – 1), as well as three lines of laboratory breeds of chromosomal races were analyzed. Traditional and complex methods were used to describe morphotypes. Sixteen morphotypes were described using the complex method, ten of which were not previously described for the species. Each sample was characterized by its own set of main morphotypes. The number of reserve morphotypes in natural populations was less (from 0 to 5) than in laboratory lines (from 5 to 10). In individuals of the chromosomal race “evoron” (animals from the Evoron-Chukchagir Lowland), the complex method revealed both the presence of M3 morphotypes with fused first two prisms and lower morphotypic variability compared to the chromosomal race “argi” (animals from the Verkhne-Bureinskaya Depression and the Verkhne-Zeya Basin). The chromosomal races were also shown to differ in the number of morphotypes (M3), their combinations, asymmetry index, and the frequency of combinations. Comparing the M3 complexity coefficients of two groups of all samples taken at different times in the 1970s and 2000s from three intermountain basins revealed a chronographic trend of an increased proportion of simple teeth in the forty-year long interval of studies.
Zoologičeskij žurnal. 2025;104(9):85-104
85-104
ХРОНИКА И ИНФОРМАЦИЯ
Pyotr Petrovich Gambaryan (April 18, 1925 – August 31, 2017) – the formation of a scientist and his school: For his 100th birthday
Abstract
The biography of Pyotr Petrovich Gambaryan, an outstanding specialist in the field of comparative anatomy and locomotion of mammals, Doctor of Biological Sciences, the winner of the Severtsov Prize, is briefly presented. The author traces the path of his formation as a scientist, highlights the procedures for applying for the degrees of candidate and Doctor of Biological Sciences, quotes from well-known scientists with an assessment of P. P. Gambaryan’s scientific works. In the early 1970s, P. P. Gambaryan became Head of the Laboratory of Functional Morphology and led it until his retirement in 2006. He managed to organize special work in the laboratory on the problem he was interested in, and worked with great energy and enthusiasm. P. P. Gambaryan studied animal morphology in combination with the function of the musculoskeletal system, using various methods such as cinematography, X-rays, special equipment with electronic sensors, oscilloscopes and other devices for recording movements, which he designed himself. Being an enthusiast in his field, P. P. Gambaryan always attracted young people to his work. He spared neither effort nor time for classes with his assistants, he was an excellent organizer of research, the head of interns, graduate students and junior researchers. To write this article, we used documents from the Scientific Archive of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences: personal and attestation files of P. P. Gambaryan and his students: K. M. Gasparyan, R. G. Ruhkyan, A. D. Pechenyuk, G. E. Zubtsova, A. A. Aristov and O. V. Zherebtsova. The Orders of the Zoological Institute, Minutes of meetings of the Scientific Council and some other documents from 1961 to 2006 were also studied. The material presented here is being introduced into scientific circulation for the first time.
Zoologičeskij žurnal. 2025;104(9):105-124
105-124