Siro
Siro beschkovi Mitov, 1994
Order Opiliones
Family Sironidae
Conservation status: in Bulgaria: Critically endangered CR [B2a, b (ii)(v); C2a (ii)].
General distribution. Bulgaria.
Distribution and abundance in Bulgaria. A local endemic occurring in the cave Haydushkata (Skokovska cave), in the region of the village of Deventsi, Pleven District [2, 3, 4, 7]. A species with small numbers; probably its population is below 250 individuals. It lives in an aggregated fashion on an area of 1 600 m2. Its density varies from 1 to 11 individuals/m2.
Habitats. Caves.
Biology. A troglobiont with an unknown biology. It is found under pieces of wood and stones in the darkest parts of the cave.
Similar species. None.
Negative factors. The use of the caves for industrial purposes; illegal tourism; treasure-hunting; uncontrolled gathering by collectors.
Conservation measures taken. The Haydushkata cave is declared a natural site by Order No 1635 of 27.05.1976 issued by the Ministry of Environment and Waters.
Conservation measures needed. Research activities for clarifying the biology and ecology of the species.
References. 1. Martens, 1978; 2. Beron, 1994; 3. Mitov, 1994; 4. Beron & Mitov, 1996; 5. Giribet, 2000; 6. Boyer et al., 2005; 7. Deltshev et al., 2005; 8. Karaman, 2005; 9. Novak, 2005.
Author: Plamen Mitov
