Distinct evolutionary trajectories of MHC class I and class II genes in Old World finches and buntings.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes code for key proteins of the adaptive immune system, which present antigens from intra-cellular (MHC class I) and extra-cellular (MHC class II) pathogens. Because of their unprecedented diversity, MHC genes have long been an object of scientific interest, but due to methodological difficulties in genotyping of duplicated loci, our knowledge on the evolution of the MHC across different vertebrate lineages is still limited. Here, we compared the evolution of MHC class I and class II genes in three sister clades of common passerine birds, finches (Fringillinae and Carduelinae) and buntings (Emberizidae) using a uniform methodological (genotyping and data processing) approach and uniform sample sizes.

Conservation priorities for terrestrial mammals in Dobrogea Region, Romania.

Based on species occurrence records of museum collections, published literature, and unpublished records shared by mammalian experts, we compiled a distribution database for 59 terrestrial mammals populating the extensively protected Dobrogea Region of Romania. The spatial patterns of mammal distribution and diversity was evaluated and systematic conservation planning applied to identify priority areas for their conservation. The spatial analyses revealed that intensive sampling was not directly correlated to mammal diversity but rather to accessibility for inventory.

A new feather mite species of the genus Canestrini, 1899 (Acarina, Trouessartiidae) - an integrative description (morphology and DNA barcoding data).

A new species of the feather mite genus (Trouessartiidae) is described from the Large Niltava (Blyth) (Passeriformes, Muscicapidae) in Northeast India (Meghalaya, Jaintia Hills, Shnongrim village). Constantinescu, is morphologically closely related (no phylogenetic meaning) to Gaud, 1968 from (Mayr) (Passeriformes: Monarchidae), sharing in males a unique character within the genus, by having setae on legs IV hemispheroid, with spine-shaped apex. Males of the new species have the prodorsal shield without ornamentation, the prohysteronotal shield and lobar shield connected, and the terminal cleft parallel sided.

A new feather mite species of the genus Gaud, 1968 (Acarina, Proctophyllodidae) from the Large Niltava, (Passeriformes, Muscicapidae) - an integrative description.

A new species of the feather mite genus (Proctophyllodidae: Pterodectinae) is described from the Large Niltava (Blyth) (Passeriformes, Muscicapidae) in northeast India (Meghalaya, Jaintia Hills, Shnongrim village). Constantinescu, differs from all known species of the genus by having in males the aedeagus with bilobate tip. The morphological description is supplemented with molecular characterisation of a fragment f near the 5` terminus of the mitochondrial COI gene.

Two new species of the feather mite genus Trouessartia (Acari: Trouessartiidae) from Asia.

Two new feather mite species of the genus Trouessartia Canestrini are described from birds captured in Meghalaya (India): Trouessartia longidenticulata Constantinescu sp. n. from Pycnonotus cafer (Linnaeus) (Passeriformes, Pycnonotidae) and Trouessartia dicruri Constantinescu sp.

Two new species of the genus Trouessartia (Acari, Trouessartiidae) from laughingthrushes (Passeriformes, Leiothrichidae).

Two new feather mite species of the genus Trouessartia Canestrini are described from laughingthrushes (Passeriformes: Leiothrichidae) captured in Meghalaya (India): Trouessartia cyanouropterae sp. n. from Actinodura cyanouroptera (Hodgson) and Trouessartia alcippeae sp.