Since 1987 120 taxa more than vertebrates (51 species of birds) were established in the Middle Vi... more Since 1987 120 taxa more than vertebrates (51 species of birds) were established in the Middle Villafranchian (MN17 zone) site near Varshets (430 13'N, 23°17'E). The site is type-locality of Lagopus balcanicus Boev, 1995 and provides the second record of Apus baranensis Janossy 1977. Chauvireria balcanica is described by 1160 bone finds (MNI = 49) – over 85 % of the total amount of the collected avian material. Diagnosis: A small phasianid of Perdicinae subfamily with almost parallel os matacarpalis majus and os m. minus, sharper and smaller processus pisiformis, more erected processus extensorius, narrower spatium intermetacarpalis, well developed processus intermetacarpalis, which reaches os metacarpalis minus and which cranial edge forms an almost right angle. Osteometrically Chauvireria balcanicll was of the same size as recent Ammoperdix griseogularis and A. heyi. The means of the total lengths (in mm) of some long bones are: coracoid – 27,2 (n=14); humerus – 40,4 (n=9)...
A review of the fossil history of g. Loxia is presented. Bulgarian record of crossbills consists ... more A review of the fossil history of g. Loxia is presented. Bulgarian record of crossbills consists of several finds of 4 sites – 3 of Upper Pleistocene (Wurmian) age and one of Middle Villafranchian (ca. 2.2 mya). The last site (a ponor near the town of Varshets, NW Bulgaria) has provided the earliest record of the genus. These finds are described as Loxia patevi sp. n.
An analysis of the past geographical and altitudinal distribution of bone remains of the elk (Alc... more An analysis of the past geographical and altitudinal distribution of bone remains of the elk (Alces alces) and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) in Bulgaria is given. The data from seven fossil localities (Early-Late Pleistocene) from four provinces in the country are presented. The fossil record in Bulgaria shows the wide distribution of both deer species in the plain and hilly landscapes in the Danubian Plain in northern Bulgaria. No record of the two species has been known from Bulgaria south of the Stara Planina Mts. The localities of both species are spread over 250-750 m a. s. l., but majority of the findings are located at 335-390 m a. s. l. of the open steppe habitats. All data originate from the prehistoric cave dwellings of the Paleolithic people.
The Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila [Clanga] pomarina) is a territorial raptor, distributed from Bal... more The Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila [Clanga] pomarina) is a territorial raptor, distributed from Baltic region to Anatolia and Caucasus. Bulgaria is a part of the southern limit of the species distribution range. Since 2014, intensive field research in Eastern and Central Bulgaria identified an abundant and stable population of the species. For the period 2014–2023, 167 different active nests were found, and more than 450 occupied territories were mapped in Eastern and Central Bulgaria. Thus, the current population estimate is at least 1,000 breeding pairs. About 60% of the breeding population of the Lesser Spotted Eagle was situated in SPAs, but only 2.3% was located within Nature reserves, indicating insufficient protection of the species. The increasing anthropogenic pressure, mainly in terms of dramatic alteration of the species foraging and breeding habitats, and the lack of efficient legal protection pose a serious risk to the future of the Lesser Spotted Eagle in this part of th...
Dokladi na Bʺlgarskata akademiâ na naukite, May 25, 2024
The oldest remains of the White-tailed eagle in Bulgaria came from the Neolithic-Chalcolithic (60... more The oldest remains of the White-tailed eagle in Bulgaria came from the Neolithic-Chalcolithic (6000-4000 BC). Five Holocene localities of the species have been established in the country, in which a total of 24 bone finds of at least 10 individuals have been found. It is thought that, as in other countries in Europe, from at least the Iron Age to the late Middle Ages, large primaries and rectrices of these eagles were used to produce stabilizers for the hunting arrows of ancient hunters. All localities are located in North Bulgaria along the Danube and Black Sea coasts, but always adjacent to another water body (lake, marsh or river).
The avian finds of the first in Bulgaria complexly studied (1983-1985) palaeontological site of v... more The avian finds of the first in Bulgaria complexly studied (1983-1985) palaeontological site of vertebrate fauna are described. Three finds (distal endings of long bones of the legs) originated from the Early Pliocene (Ruscinian, MN zone 14, 5.4 - 3.4 Ma). Taxonomically, they are referred to 3 families of Anseriformes and Galliformes: Balcanas pliocaenica g. n. et sp. n. - humerus sin.; Tetrao rhodopensis sp. n. - humerus sin. dist. and Perdicinae gen. indet. - tibiotarsus sin. dist. Diagnosis of Balcanas pliocaenica g. n. et sp. n.: A medium sized anatid of Anatini tribe with narrower and more transverally orientated fossa m. brachialis, obliquely outlined toward diaphysis medial edge of epicondylus ulnaris in ventral view, better developed fossa olecrani and shallower and unclear outlining of epicondylus radialis from condylus radialis, than both, in Anas and Aix, more laterally located and more clearly marked fossula ligamenti articulationis on the epicondylus radialis. Diagnosis...
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
The middle Villafranchian site (MN zone 17) near Varshets provided over 110 species of vertebrate... more The middle Villafranchian site (MN zone 17) near Varshets provided over 110 species of vertebrates, 51 of them avian species. That makes it the richest Tertiary site of that age in Europe. The paper describes a new falcon by a right half of the postacetabular part of the pelvis (holotype, No NMNHS 1642). Diagnose: a medium sized (between F. subbuteo and F. peregrinus) fossil species of g. Falco, differing by the sharp transition (turn) of crista iliaca dorsolateralis over the ala ischii (Fig. 1) and the rounded (oval), but not angular shape of the caudal edge of foramen ilioischiadicum. All sites of g. Falco up to now originate from SE Europe.
The paper summarizes all data on the fossil biota established from the richest Bulgarian paleonto... more The paper summarizes all data on the fossil biota established from the richest Bulgarian paleontological site. Data for a total of 166 taxa (ca. 7000 identifiable findings) of higher plants and invertebrate and vertebrate animals are presented. Their importance to the science and the paleoecology of the SE Europe is discussed. Records: Magnoliophyta (2 orders, 3 families, 5 taxa), Mollusca (1 order, 2 taxa), Amphibia (2 orders, 5 families, 10 taxa), Reptilia (2 orders, 8 (9) families, 13 taxa), Aves (10 orders, 22 families, 66 taxa), Mammalia (8 orders, 19 families, 70 taxa). Number of new taxa, described from the site: 1 species and 4 subspecies of trees and shrubs (flowering plants), 17 birds (1 genus, 16 species) and 2 mammals. A forest-steppe savannah-like landscape dominated about 2.25 mya in the region of the site.
B o c h e ń s k i Z. M., T o m ek T., B o e v Z., M ite v I. 1993. Patterns o f bird bone fragmen... more B o c h e ń s k i Z. M., T o m ek T., B o e v Z., M ite v I. 1993. Patterns o f bird bone fragmenta tion in pellets o f the Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) and the Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) and their taphonomic implications. Acta zool, cracov., 36(2): 313-328. Abstract. Fragmentation o f bird bones in pellets o f Strix aluco and Bubo bubo was studied. Each o f the owl species examined showed a different pattern o f damaging bones o f its bird victim s. The differences involve: 1-the relative abundance o f skeletal elements in pellet materials, 2-characteristic damage to the brain case, 3-the degree o f fragmentation o f various skeletal elem ents, 4-the relative preservation o f the proximal and distal parts o f long bones, 5-the application o f different bones (in each owl species) for the calculation o f the MNI. B ig prey o f S. aluco suffered more damage than small prey. In B. bubo, pellet materials from nest sites differed from those o f non-nest sites in respect o f the relative abundance of tarsometatarsi and humeri. All these differences can help in the determination o f the origin o f som e fossil assemblages. They also provide valuable information on the ethology o f killing.
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Jul 17, 2022
An analysis of the past geographical, altitudinal and chronological distribution of the European ... more An analysis of the past geographical, altitudinal and chronological distribution of the European bison remains in Bulgaria is given. The Paper summarizes all scattered data published in the last 36 years on the distribution of the species. Data of 18 fossil and subfossil localities (Late Pleistocene to 17 th c. AD) from 15 out of 28 provinces in the country are presented. The fossil/subfossil record in Bulgaria proves the wide distribution of the wisent in the lowland, plain, and lower hilly landscapes in Bulgaria. Most data originate from prehistoric, ancient, and medieval settlements. The wisent was distributed mainly in the plains in places up to 300 m a. s. l., where are located over 70 percent of the known sites, although it was found in the mountains at 1080 m. a. s. l. The species survived in the country until the 16th-17th c. AD, i.e. seven centuries longer than known so far.
DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), May 1, 2016
The paper summarizes all data on the fossil biota established from the richest Bulgarian paleonto... more The paper summarizes all data on the fossil biota established from the richest Bulgarian paleontological site. Data for a total of 166 taxa (ca. 7000 identifiable findings) of higher plants and invertebrate and vertebrate animals are presented. Their importance to the science and the paleoecology of the SE Europe is discussed. Records: Magnoliophyta (2 orders, 3 families, 5 taxa), Mollusca (1 order, 2 taxa), Amphibia (2 orders, 5 families, 10 taxa), Reptilia (2 orders, 8 (9) families, 13 taxa), Aves (10 orders, 22 families, 66 taxa), Mammalia (8 orders, 19 families, 70 taxa). Number of new taxa, described from the site: 1 species and 4 subspecies of trees and shrubs (flowering plants), 17 birds (1 genus, 16 species) and 2 mammals. A forest-steppe savannah-like landscape dominated about 2.25 mya in the region of the site.
Obučenie po prirodni nauki i vʺrhovi tehnologii, Jul 1, 2023
The most important moments of the life of the noted ornithologist and environmentalist Nikolay Bo... more The most important moments of the life of the noted ornithologist and environmentalist Nikolay Boev are presented. His most significant and versatile contributions to the popularization of the nature protection idea, natural science knowledge, and scientific contributions to the study and protection of Bulgaria‘s animal world are outlined. One of his bright individual abilities - the ability to draw – is also presented. Nikolay Boev is among the first scientific illustrators in Bulgaria. It is little known that he was also a talented cartoonist.
During cave bear excavations in the Loutra Almopias Cave, Pella District, in Central Macedonia, G... more During cave bear excavations in the Loutra Almopias Cave, Pella District, in Central Macedonia, Greece, an ecologically highly diverse Late Glacial faunal assemblage, mainly micromammals and birds, was sampled from an elevated small niche labelled LAC Ia. The lagomorphs are represented by steppe pika (Ochotona pusilla), brown (or European) hare (Lepus europaeus) and mountain hare (Lepus timidus). The site evidences the first record of this last species in Greece and its southernmost evidence so far. The taphonomic patterns of the fossils refer to eagle owls (Bubo bubo) as an accumulating agent. This is congruent with the total LAC Ia species spectrum and the bone element abundance and destruction patterns. Radiocarbon dates of 12,350±40 14 C yrs BP (VERA-5631) from a Lepus sp. bone and 16,427±96 14 C yrs BP (VERA-7402) from a L. timidus premolar indicate the emplacement of the assemblage in the (very probably early phase of the) Late Glacial. The taphocoenosis reflects a high variety of habitats and biodiversity from periglacial alpine grassland to deciduous forests and Mediterranean open fore-land areas with scattered brush and thick scrub. The position of the eagle owl site is approximately 50 m inside the cave. Along the distance from the Late Pleistocene entrance, the nocturnal raptors had to manage two direction changes within their flight path. That opening was closed later by talus sediments, and thus the fossil owl nest or feeding place has been sealed. The LAC Ia assemblage is so far a unique terrestrial record of Late Glacial biota in the Southern Balkans.
Although the Collared Dove appeared in Bulgaria at 17-18 th century, the subfossil record of the ... more Although the Collared Dove appeared in Bulgaria at 17-18 th century, the subfossil record of the species in the country is rather scant. Only five Late Holocene sites contain bone remains (88 bones of 9 individuals), but all of them remained imprecisely dated. Some of the sites could be of older (possibly: Early Medieval Ages) age. All sites are situated in the NE Bulgaria and represent former feeding places of Eagle owls (Bubo bubo).
Since 1987 120 taxa more than vertebrates (51 species of birds) were established in the Middle Vi... more Since 1987 120 taxa more than vertebrates (51 species of birds) were established in the Middle Villafranchian (MN17 zone) site near Varshets (430 13'N, 23°17'E). The site is type-locality of Lagopus balcanicus Boev, 1995 and provides the second record of Apus baranensis Janossy 1977. Chauvireria balcanica is described by 1160 bone finds (MNI = 49) – over 85 % of the total amount of the collected avian material. Diagnosis: A small phasianid of Perdicinae subfamily with almost parallel os matacarpalis majus and os m. minus, sharper and smaller processus pisiformis, more erected processus extensorius, narrower spatium intermetacarpalis, well developed processus intermetacarpalis, which reaches os metacarpalis minus and which cranial edge forms an almost right angle. Osteometrically Chauvireria balcanicll was of the same size as recent Ammoperdix griseogularis and A. heyi. The means of the total lengths (in mm) of some long bones are: coracoid – 27,2 (n=14); humerus – 40,4 (n=9)...
A review of the fossil history of g. Loxia is presented. Bulgarian record of crossbills consists ... more A review of the fossil history of g. Loxia is presented. Bulgarian record of crossbills consists of several finds of 4 sites – 3 of Upper Pleistocene (Wurmian) age and one of Middle Villafranchian (ca. 2.2 mya). The last site (a ponor near the town of Varshets, NW Bulgaria) has provided the earliest record of the genus. These finds are described as Loxia patevi sp. n.
An analysis of the past geographical and altitudinal distribution of bone remains of the elk (Alc... more An analysis of the past geographical and altitudinal distribution of bone remains of the elk (Alces alces) and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) in Bulgaria is given. The data from seven fossil localities (Early-Late Pleistocene) from four provinces in the country are presented. The fossil record in Bulgaria shows the wide distribution of both deer species in the plain and hilly landscapes in the Danubian Plain in northern Bulgaria. No record of the two species has been known from Bulgaria south of the Stara Planina Mts. The localities of both species are spread over 250-750 m a. s. l., but majority of the findings are located at 335-390 m a. s. l. of the open steppe habitats. All data originate from the prehistoric cave dwellings of the Paleolithic people.
The Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila [Clanga] pomarina) is a territorial raptor, distributed from Bal... more The Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila [Clanga] pomarina) is a territorial raptor, distributed from Baltic region to Anatolia and Caucasus. Bulgaria is a part of the southern limit of the species distribution range. Since 2014, intensive field research in Eastern and Central Bulgaria identified an abundant and stable population of the species. For the period 2014–2023, 167 different active nests were found, and more than 450 occupied territories were mapped in Eastern and Central Bulgaria. Thus, the current population estimate is at least 1,000 breeding pairs. About 60% of the breeding population of the Lesser Spotted Eagle was situated in SPAs, but only 2.3% was located within Nature reserves, indicating insufficient protection of the species. The increasing anthropogenic pressure, mainly in terms of dramatic alteration of the species foraging and breeding habitats, and the lack of efficient legal protection pose a serious risk to the future of the Lesser Spotted Eagle in this part of th...
Dokladi na Bʺlgarskata akademiâ na naukite, May 25, 2024
The oldest remains of the White-tailed eagle in Bulgaria came from the Neolithic-Chalcolithic (60... more The oldest remains of the White-tailed eagle in Bulgaria came from the Neolithic-Chalcolithic (6000-4000 BC). Five Holocene localities of the species have been established in the country, in which a total of 24 bone finds of at least 10 individuals have been found. It is thought that, as in other countries in Europe, from at least the Iron Age to the late Middle Ages, large primaries and rectrices of these eagles were used to produce stabilizers for the hunting arrows of ancient hunters. All localities are located in North Bulgaria along the Danube and Black Sea coasts, but always adjacent to another water body (lake, marsh or river).
The avian finds of the first in Bulgaria complexly studied (1983-1985) palaeontological site of v... more The avian finds of the first in Bulgaria complexly studied (1983-1985) palaeontological site of vertebrate fauna are described. Three finds (distal endings of long bones of the legs) originated from the Early Pliocene (Ruscinian, MN zone 14, 5.4 - 3.4 Ma). Taxonomically, they are referred to 3 families of Anseriformes and Galliformes: Balcanas pliocaenica g. n. et sp. n. - humerus sin.; Tetrao rhodopensis sp. n. - humerus sin. dist. and Perdicinae gen. indet. - tibiotarsus sin. dist. Diagnosis of Balcanas pliocaenica g. n. et sp. n.: A medium sized anatid of Anatini tribe with narrower and more transverally orientated fossa m. brachialis, obliquely outlined toward diaphysis medial edge of epicondylus ulnaris in ventral view, better developed fossa olecrani and shallower and unclear outlining of epicondylus radialis from condylus radialis, than both, in Anas and Aix, more laterally located and more clearly marked fossula ligamenti articulationis on the epicondylus radialis. Diagnosis...
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
The middle Villafranchian site (MN zone 17) near Varshets provided over 110 species of vertebrate... more The middle Villafranchian site (MN zone 17) near Varshets provided over 110 species of vertebrates, 51 of them avian species. That makes it the richest Tertiary site of that age in Europe. The paper describes a new falcon by a right half of the postacetabular part of the pelvis (holotype, No NMNHS 1642). Diagnose: a medium sized (between F. subbuteo and F. peregrinus) fossil species of g. Falco, differing by the sharp transition (turn) of crista iliaca dorsolateralis over the ala ischii (Fig. 1) and the rounded (oval), but not angular shape of the caudal edge of foramen ilioischiadicum. All sites of g. Falco up to now originate from SE Europe.
The paper summarizes all data on the fossil biota established from the richest Bulgarian paleonto... more The paper summarizes all data on the fossil biota established from the richest Bulgarian paleontological site. Data for a total of 166 taxa (ca. 7000 identifiable findings) of higher plants and invertebrate and vertebrate animals are presented. Their importance to the science and the paleoecology of the SE Europe is discussed. Records: Magnoliophyta (2 orders, 3 families, 5 taxa), Mollusca (1 order, 2 taxa), Amphibia (2 orders, 5 families, 10 taxa), Reptilia (2 orders, 8 (9) families, 13 taxa), Aves (10 orders, 22 families, 66 taxa), Mammalia (8 orders, 19 families, 70 taxa). Number of new taxa, described from the site: 1 species and 4 subspecies of trees and shrubs (flowering plants), 17 birds (1 genus, 16 species) and 2 mammals. A forest-steppe savannah-like landscape dominated about 2.25 mya in the region of the site.
B o c h e ń s k i Z. M., T o m ek T., B o e v Z., M ite v I. 1993. Patterns o f bird bone fragmen... more B o c h e ń s k i Z. M., T o m ek T., B o e v Z., M ite v I. 1993. Patterns o f bird bone fragmenta tion in pellets o f the Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) and the Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) and their taphonomic implications. Acta zool, cracov., 36(2): 313-328. Abstract. Fragmentation o f bird bones in pellets o f Strix aluco and Bubo bubo was studied. Each o f the owl species examined showed a different pattern o f damaging bones o f its bird victim s. The differences involve: 1-the relative abundance o f skeletal elements in pellet materials, 2-characteristic damage to the brain case, 3-the degree o f fragmentation o f various skeletal elem ents, 4-the relative preservation o f the proximal and distal parts o f long bones, 5-the application o f different bones (in each owl species) for the calculation o f the MNI. B ig prey o f S. aluco suffered more damage than small prey. In B. bubo, pellet materials from nest sites differed from those o f non-nest sites in respect o f the relative abundance of tarsometatarsi and humeri. All these differences can help in the determination o f the origin o f som e fossil assemblages. They also provide valuable information on the ethology o f killing.
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Jul 17, 2022
An analysis of the past geographical, altitudinal and chronological distribution of the European ... more An analysis of the past geographical, altitudinal and chronological distribution of the European bison remains in Bulgaria is given. The Paper summarizes all scattered data published in the last 36 years on the distribution of the species. Data of 18 fossil and subfossil localities (Late Pleistocene to 17 th c. AD) from 15 out of 28 provinces in the country are presented. The fossil/subfossil record in Bulgaria proves the wide distribution of the wisent in the lowland, plain, and lower hilly landscapes in Bulgaria. Most data originate from prehistoric, ancient, and medieval settlements. The wisent was distributed mainly in the plains in places up to 300 m a. s. l., where are located over 70 percent of the known sites, although it was found in the mountains at 1080 m. a. s. l. The species survived in the country until the 16th-17th c. AD, i.e. seven centuries longer than known so far.
DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), May 1, 2016
The paper summarizes all data on the fossil biota established from the richest Bulgarian paleonto... more The paper summarizes all data on the fossil biota established from the richest Bulgarian paleontological site. Data for a total of 166 taxa (ca. 7000 identifiable findings) of higher plants and invertebrate and vertebrate animals are presented. Their importance to the science and the paleoecology of the SE Europe is discussed. Records: Magnoliophyta (2 orders, 3 families, 5 taxa), Mollusca (1 order, 2 taxa), Amphibia (2 orders, 5 families, 10 taxa), Reptilia (2 orders, 8 (9) families, 13 taxa), Aves (10 orders, 22 families, 66 taxa), Mammalia (8 orders, 19 families, 70 taxa). Number of new taxa, described from the site: 1 species and 4 subspecies of trees and shrubs (flowering plants), 17 birds (1 genus, 16 species) and 2 mammals. A forest-steppe savannah-like landscape dominated about 2.25 mya in the region of the site.
Obučenie po prirodni nauki i vʺrhovi tehnologii, Jul 1, 2023
The most important moments of the life of the noted ornithologist and environmentalist Nikolay Bo... more The most important moments of the life of the noted ornithologist and environmentalist Nikolay Boev are presented. His most significant and versatile contributions to the popularization of the nature protection idea, natural science knowledge, and scientific contributions to the study and protection of Bulgaria‘s animal world are outlined. One of his bright individual abilities - the ability to draw – is also presented. Nikolay Boev is among the first scientific illustrators in Bulgaria. It is little known that he was also a talented cartoonist.
During cave bear excavations in the Loutra Almopias Cave, Pella District, in Central Macedonia, G... more During cave bear excavations in the Loutra Almopias Cave, Pella District, in Central Macedonia, Greece, an ecologically highly diverse Late Glacial faunal assemblage, mainly micromammals and birds, was sampled from an elevated small niche labelled LAC Ia. The lagomorphs are represented by steppe pika (Ochotona pusilla), brown (or European) hare (Lepus europaeus) and mountain hare (Lepus timidus). The site evidences the first record of this last species in Greece and its southernmost evidence so far. The taphonomic patterns of the fossils refer to eagle owls (Bubo bubo) as an accumulating agent. This is congruent with the total LAC Ia species spectrum and the bone element abundance and destruction patterns. Radiocarbon dates of 12,350±40 14 C yrs BP (VERA-5631) from a Lepus sp. bone and 16,427±96 14 C yrs BP (VERA-7402) from a L. timidus premolar indicate the emplacement of the assemblage in the (very probably early phase of the) Late Glacial. The taphocoenosis reflects a high variety of habitats and biodiversity from periglacial alpine grassland to deciduous forests and Mediterranean open fore-land areas with scattered brush and thick scrub. The position of the eagle owl site is approximately 50 m inside the cave. Along the distance from the Late Pleistocene entrance, the nocturnal raptors had to manage two direction changes within their flight path. That opening was closed later by talus sediments, and thus the fossil owl nest or feeding place has been sealed. The LAC Ia assemblage is so far a unique terrestrial record of Late Glacial biota in the Southern Balkans.
Although the Collared Dove appeared in Bulgaria at 17-18 th century, the subfossil record of the ... more Although the Collared Dove appeared in Bulgaria at 17-18 th century, the subfossil record of the species in the country is rather scant. Only five Late Holocene sites contain bone remains (88 bones of 9 individuals), but all of them remained imprecisely dated. Some of the sites could be of older (possibly: Early Medieval Ages) age. All sites are situated in the NE Bulgaria and represent former feeding places of Eagle owls (Bubo bubo).
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