First Meeting of the Advisory Group on the

Conservation of Biological Diversity

"BLACK SEA RED DATA BOOK"

Held in Istanbul, Turkey, 21-23 January 1997

Programme Coordination Unit

GEF Black Sea Environmental Programme

Istanbul, Turkey

Report

I. Opening of the Meeting

1. The First Meeting of the Advisory Group on the Conservation of Biological diversity was opened on 21 January 1997 at the GEF Black Sea Environmental Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) in Istanbul by the BSEP Coordinator Dr. Laurence D. Mee. He summarised the 3.5-year history of the BSEP and underlined two main steps of its progress during 1996: the preparation of the "Black Sea Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis" and adoption of the "Strategic Action Plan for the Rehabilitation and Protection of the Black Sea", which are the basic documents for further regional development and international cooperation in the field of Black Sea nature conservation as the whole and biological diversity protection in particular. He noted that 1997 will be the last year of the BSEP and expressed the hope that this meeting constitute a successful beginning for the preparation and publication of the Black Sea Red Data Book (BSRDB) by the end of the Programme.
2. Eleven members of Advisory Group and three observers were briefly introduced (a detailed list of participants appears in Annex 1 to this report). They represented all six Black Sea countries, the GEF BSEP Coordination Unit and the Secretariat of Bern Convention. The participants expressed their regret that sudden illness had prevented the invited IUCN representative from attending.
3. The meeting designated Professor Yuvenaly Zaitsev as the Chairperson and Dr. Alexei Birkun as the meeting's rapporteur.
4. The agenda proposed by the PCU was adopted. It is reproduced in Annex 2 to this report.
5. A set of draft documents and additional published/printed information was distributed among the participants. The titles of these papers are presented in Annex 3.

II. The Grounds, Purpose and Objectives of the Meeting

The grounds, purpose and objectives of the meeting were reviewed in the introductory speeches by Professor Yuvenaly Zaitsev and Dr. Vladimir Mamaev:

Formal grounds

On the base of the scientific data included in the "Black Sea Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis" the "Strategic Action Plan for the Rehabilitation and Protection of the Black Sea (BS-SAP)" was adopted at the Ministerial Conference held in Istanbul in October 1996. In signing the BS-SAP the governments of Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, the Russian Federation, Turkey and Ukraine made the following commitment (paragraph 61):

"A regional Black Sea Red Data Book, identifying and describing endangered species, will be prepared and published by December 1998. It is advised that the work on the Red Data Book be coordinated by the Istanbul Commission, through its Advisory Group on the Conservation of Biological Diversity".

Nevertheless, many GEF BSEP experts and PCU staff feel strongly that work on BSRDB should be started as soon as it is possible. This process will consist of two main stages, namely:

• the scientific compilation stage that should be finished by the end of 1997 through the publication of the BSRDB; and,
• b) the official (legal) adoption stage that should be finished by the end of 1998, when BSRDB will enter into force as a regional intergovernmental document.

Purpose of the meeting

To initiate the first stage (II.1.a) of BSRDB preparation on the national level (in each Black Sea country).

Objectives

• to review the existing national Red Data Books and Lists in the Black Sea region in comparison with IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and the lists of species protected by international conventions and agreements;
• to discuss the geographical coverage of the BSRDB;
• to discuss a preliminary list of animal and plant taxa to be included in the BSRDB;
• to discuss the guidelines for applying the IUCN Red List Categories according to the requirements of the BSRDB;
• to discuss the general structure of the BSRDB and the contents (format) of a universal sheet for species description:
• to prepare a plan for work on the initial stage at the national level.

III. Review of National and International Red Data Books and Lists

1. The national advisors on biodiversity - Drs. Tsonka Konsulova, Akaki Komakhidze, Adriana Petranu, Stanislav Volovik, Bayram Ozturk and Boris Alexandrov - reviewed the marine species listed in the Red Data Books (Lists) of Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, the Russian Federation, Turkey and Ukraine (summaries of their presentations can be found in Annex 4). Mr. Eladio Fernandez Galiano detailed the differences in the lists of threatened species which are protected by international conventions and agreements (Bern, Bonn, Washington, etc.).
2. It was underlined that:

• at present there are no Red Data Books or Lists which cover all the threatened and rare species in the Black Sea ecosystem;
• to date, no regional Red Data Book has ever been prepared for the marine environment anywhere in the world -- the BSRDB will be the first;
• the BSRDB should include Black Sea species which are already mentioned in all the existing national and international Red Data Books and Lists, plus other Black Sea threatened species which will be introduced to the BSRDB by specialists using accumulated data.

IV. Geographical Coverage of the BSRDB

It was decided that the geographical scope of the BSRDB should cover the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, and also all of their coasts, including wetlands connected to the seas. The geographical scope of the BSRDB will not cover the entire Black Sea basin or extend to the Sea of Marmara.[The geographical scope of the BSRDB will thus be identical with the scope of the GEF BSEP.]

V. List of Animal and Plant Taxa

It was decided that the BSRDB will include:

• threatened and rare species of marine plants and animals; and,
• threatened and rare species of coastal organisms which are ecologically close to the marine environment (the life cycle of which depends on the sea ecosystem itself).

The preliminary list of taxa (Annex 5) prepared by Prof. Yuvenaly Zaitsev was discussed 'step by step' by the national representatives. The entire list was adopted as the basis for further work. It was decided that additional species could be included (the list is open for any additions) if it is deemed necessary and if the proposal for admission is backed by reliable information.

Bird Life International (BLI) was proposed as an advisor organization. BLI can provide additional information on the birds which will be listed in BSRDB.

VI. IUCN Categories for BSRDB Preparation

After multiple discussions it was decided to use all eight IUCN Red List Categories prepared by the IUCN Species Survival Commission (1994) to describe the status of each species, namely:

• Extinct (EX),
• Extinct in the Wild (EW),
• Critically Endangered (CE),
• Endangered (EN),
• Vulnerable (VU),
• Lower Risk (LR),
• Data Deficient (DD),
• Not Evaluated (NE).

The IUCN Criteria and Guidelines for applying the Red List Categories (1995) were distributed among the participants at the meeting.

VII. General Structure of the BSRDB and a Sheet for Species Description

The BSRDB will be prepared in two versions:

• as a conventional book (with the sheets for each species description); and,
• as software (CD multimedia) for computer users.

Both versions will consist of:

• an introduction;
• sheets (files) describing threatened species;
• annexes (references, indexes).

The book will be written in English. The scientific names of each species will also be given in Latin and in the official languages of the Black Sea countries (Bulgarian, Georgian, Romanian, Russian, Turkish and Ukrainian). A list of the common names of some threatened Black Sea species (prepared by Prof. Yuvenaly Zaitsev) is contained in Annex 6.

The species descriptions (sheets/files) will be divided into several chapters according to plant and animal taxonomy. The sheet/file of each species description will include the following information:

• names: full scientific name, synonym(s), common names;
• taxonomy: order, family, taxonomic comments;
• picture of a species (the best for identification);
• IUCN status:
• global status,
• Black Sea regional level (regional view on population status), subregional (national) levels;
• distribution (including a map);
• habitat type, critical habitats, limiting factors;
• notes on biology;
• population trends (since the 1960s, including the dynamics of species numbers);
• threats (anthropogenic impacts);
• conservation measures taken;
• conservation measures proposed;
• references.

The participants agreed on the format of the Species Sheet. Dr. Vladimir Vladimirov prepared a computer matrix for this sheet and distributed it among the participants (Annex 7). Dr. Vladimirov also prepared a draft view of the multimedia screen consisting of three windows: a map window, a picture window and a descriptive text window (Annex 8).

VIII. Working Plan, Coordination and Funding

1. The participants noted that the preparation of the BSRDB was a collective task and dependent on the efforts of all participants in their individual countries. The following Working Plan was adopted for 1997:
2. Task Deadline
   1. Corrections of Black Sea Red Data Lists (national level). 28 Feb
   2. Information on data available for species listed (national level). 28 Feb
   3. Information about pictures available (national level). 28 Feb
   4. Preparation of Species Sheets (national level). 15 June
   5. Deadline for completion of the Black Sea Red Data List (regional level). 15 June
   6. Deadline for the collection of pictures (regional level). End of June
   7. 2nd Meeting on BSRDB preparation (regional level). End of June
   8. Compilation and computerization of the BSRDB (regional level). End of Oct
   9. Publication of the BSRDB. End of Dec
3. Professor Yuvenaly Zaitsev was designated as the Scientific Coordinator and Dr. Vladimir Mamaev as the Responsible Manager for the BSRDB. The National Coordinators for Biodiversity will organize the preparatory work in their own countries.
4. Cem Kirac proposed to use his collection of slides for BSRDB, and if pictures of species are not available to organize underwater photo-competition among voluntary cameramen for new pictures.
5. Funding for BSRDB.

The BSEP PCU will provide national experts with small contracts.

IX. Closure of the Meeting

The meeting was closed at 16:30 p.m. on 23 January 1997 with an acknowledgment of the efforts of the chairperson, the participants and the staff of BSEP PCU.

LIST OF DISTRIBUTED DRAFT DOCUMENTS

AND ADDITIONAL WORKING MATERIALS

1. Draft list of threatened species of plants and animals to be included in the Black Sea Red Data Book.
2. List of common names of some threatened Black Sea species.
3. Draft sheet for species description.
4. Black Sea Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (GEF BSEP PCU, Istanbul, Turkey, 24 June 1996. P.101-122).
5. Strategic Action Plan for the Rehabilitation and Protection of the Black Sea (Istanbul, Turkey, 31 October 1996).
6. IUCN Red List Categories. (Prepared by the IUCN Species Survival Commission. Approved by the 40th Meeting of the IUCN Council in Gland, Switzerland, 30 November 1994.)
7. Draft Guidelines for Applying the IUCN Red List Categories at the National Level / Results of the National Red List Workshop (Gland, Switzerland, 23-24 March 1995).
8. Report of the First Coordination Meeting for the Establishment of a European Action Programme for Threatened Species (Action Theme No.11, Strasbourg, France, 12-13 September 1996) / Council of Europe and UNEP, Strasbourg, 14 October 1996, STRA-BU (96) 8.

In addition, Mr. Cem Kirac distributed the following:

1. Kirac C and Savas Y, Status of the Monk Seal Monachus monachus in the neighbourhood of Eregli, Black Sea coast of Turkey (Zoology in the Middle East, 1996, Vol.12).
2. Kirac C, Status of the Monk Seal Monachus monachus on the Black Sea coasts of Turkey (Manuscript, Istanbul, 22 January 1997, 5 pp.).

SUMMARIES OF RED DATA BOOKS IN THE BLACK SEA COUNTRIES

BULGARIA

by Tsonka Konsulova

The "Red Data Book (RDB) of the Republic of Bulgaria" was published in 1985 in order to make the public familiar with the prevailing state of plant and animal species which were found only infrequently in the country, e.g. they were not as widespread as "ordinary ones".

Three categories of deficiency were adopted:

1. Category A - plant and animal species and subspecies that had disappeared or become extinct;
2. Category B - plant and animal species and subspecies that were threatened either because of an unfavorable change in their habitats and narrow ecological niches or because of poor self-restoration of their populations;
3. Category C - rare plant and animal species, which either consisted of only a very small number or were extremely limited in occurrence and which, if no urgent measures were taken for their protection, were in danger of becoming extinct.

The two-volume Bulgarian RDB provides a sound basis for a large number of positive initiatives and statutory acts aimed at the improvement, protection and restoration of the species included in it. It also serves as a basis for the adoption of measures to protect other species that are not yet included in it. The species in the Bulgarian RDB were classified according to the present level of knowledge on the genetic fund; this knowledge is rather scarce on certain groups of plants and animals.

Volume 2 of the Bulgarian RDB includes information on 157 vertebrate species of the classes Cyclostomata, Osteichthyes, Amphipoda, Reptilia, Aves and Mammalia.

The description of each species contains the following information:

1. Category of the species;
2. Distribution;
3. Abundance (density);
4. Habitat characteristics;
5. Reproduction;
6. Factors affecting negative consequences;
7. Conservation measures taken;
8. Conservation measures proposed;
9. References.

The Bulgarian RDB gave the number of extinct (Category A), threatened by extinction (Category B) and rare (Category C) animals as follows:

Of these 157 animal species, 65 were marine and brackish water species. They were subdivided as follows:

The RDB of Bulgaria (animals) consists of the following chapters:

1. Preface.
2. Maps of the Existing and Projected Protected Faunistic Areas of National and International Importance.
3. List of Extinct (A), Threatened (B) and Rare (C) Animals in Bulgaria as of 1 January, 1982.
4. Fishes (Cyclostomata, Osteichthyes).
5. Amphibia, Reptilia.
6. Birds.
7. Mammals.
8. References.
9. Index of Bulgarian names of animal species and subspecies.
10. Index of Latin names of animal species and subspecies.
11. Index of Bulgarian RDB authors.
12. Summary in Russian.
13. Summary in English.
14. Legend of the chronological species maps in Bulgaria.

The Editorial Board shares the general opinion that the RDB may contain omissions or inaccuracies in the definition of a given category. This makes it imperative that there is a continuous monitoring of the number and state of the populations of rare and threatened species. The Editorial Board adds that on the lower animals and plants (e.g. invertebrates etc.) should also be taken into consideration. In addition to providing the scientific basis for nature conservation there is no doubt that the book will make a major contribution to the correct conservation, restoration and rational use of the genetic fund.

GEORGIA

by Akaki Komakhidze

An analysis of the existing literature has shown that the following publications are currently available in Georgia:

• The Red Data Book of the USSR. 1984. Vol. 1 and 2, Moscow, Lesnaya promysh-lennost Publ. (in Russian).
• The Red Data Book of the Georgian Republic. 1982, Tbilisi, Sabchota Sakartvelo Publ. (in Georgian).

The Red Data Book (RDB) of the USSR uses five different status categories, namely:

1. 1st category. Endangered species which cannot be saved without special measures.
2. 2nd category. Species with respectively high numbers, but declining so dramatically that they could quickly become endangered.
3. 3rd category. Rare species which are not endangered at the moment, but occur in such low numbers or in such limited areas that they could become extinct if there were unfavorable changes in their habitat due to natural or anthropogenic impacts.
4. 4th category. Species whose biology has been insufficiently studied or whose number or condition causes concern, but for which the data is insufficient to assign them to any of above categories.
5. 5th category. Rehabilitated species which are no longer in danger and whose future has been secured by protective measures but which are not exploited industrially and whose numbers need to be constantly controlled.

The following species of Black Sea fauna and flora are included in the RDB of the USSR:

• the sturgeon Linnaeus, 1758;Acipenser sturio
• the monk seal Monachus monachus Hermann, 1779;
• the Black Sea bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus ponticus Barabasch, 1940.

The RDB of Georgia contains status categories, namely:

1. 1st category. Species which are almost extinct or whose habitats are difficult to access.
2. 2nd category. Endangered species.
3. 3rd category. Rare species.

The following species of Black Sea fauna and flora are included in the RDB of Georgia:

• the sturgeon Acipenser sturio Linnaeus, 1758;
• the monk seal Monachus monachus Hermann, 1779.

The compilation of a Black Sea RDB necessitates a consistent approach to classification in all the littoral states. It is suggested that the classification adopted in 1994 by the International Union on the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) be taken as a basis, namely:

• Extinct (EX) - a taxon is considered extinct when the last individual dies.
• Extinct in the wild (EW) - when a taxon can be saved in cultivation, captivity or when research cannot locate an individual at the time (daily, seasonally, annually) which corresponds to the life cycle of the taxon concerned.
• Taxon crucially endangered (CR) - when a taxon is endangered under certain conditions.
• Taxon endangered (EN) - a taxon which is not threatened with extinction at the moment, but faces high risks and may disappear in the near future.
• Vulnerable (VU) - a taxon is considered vulnerable when does not come under any of the above categories, but may become endangered under certain conditions.
• Taxon with low risk (LR) - all remaining taxa. They can be divided into three subcategories:
  1. Dependent on conservation.
  2. Close to danger.
  3. With the lowest risk.

• Category with deficient data (DD) - includes taxa on which information is inadequate to evaluate the risk of extinction. IUCN adopted criteria for each category taking into account the number, distribution, habitat and existing potential level of exploitation.
• Non-evaluated (NE) - includes taxa which cannot be included in any of the above categories.

However, we believe that for the marine hydrobionts such classification is so detailed and complicated as to make it impossible to use practically. The issue should be studied by relevant experts and an acceptable classification adopted according to their recommendations. All the littoral states should set up national expert teams to assist with the compilation of a Black Sea RDB. These teams will identify the geographical areas (swamps, estuaries, adjacent lakes, etc.) connected with the Black Sea and decide whether they should be included in the Black Sea RDB. Only after the geographical scope of the book has been finalized can other issues connected with the Red Book be discussed.

ROMANIA

by Adriana Petranu

There is no national Red Data Book (RDB) in Romania. The preparation of a Danube Delta RDB is one of the tasks of the Strategic Plan for the Management of Danube Delta, and considerable information concerning the marine sector of the delta is already stored in its database.

In addition, some Romanian marine biologists have published lists of rare and threatened species, including a Red List of extinct, endangered, rare and insufficiently known benthic macrophytes in the Romanian Black Sea. An inventory of marine algae was prepared on the basis of categories proposed by the International Union on the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Field studies covering the last three decades identified 143 macrophytes in Romanian maritime waters, including: 20 extinct and endangered species (6 Chlorophyta, 4 Phaeophyta, 10 Rhodophyta), 34 rare species (6 Chlorophyta, 2 Xanthophyta, 9 Phaeophyta, 17 Rhodophyta), and 4 insufficiently known species (1 Phaeophyta, 3 Rhodophyta).

Five species of Natantia and three species of Reptantia decapods have disappeared from Romanian Black Sea coastal waters:

RUSSIA

by Stanislav Volovik

The Red Data Book of the USSR (1984) and the Red Data Book of the RSFSR (1983) were published in Russia. The following Black Sea/Azov Sea Basin animal species are included in the Red Data Book (RDB) of the USSR:

• Mammals - 15 species (9 species in Russia);
• Birds - 22 species (15 in Russia);
• Amphibians and Reptiles - 15 species (4 in Russia);
• Fish - 1 species (1 in Russia);
• Arthropods - 66 species (55 in Russia);
• Crustaceans - 1 species (1 in Russia);
• Molluscs - 1 species (1 in Russia).

The RDB of the RSFSR contains less species than the RDB of the USSR, particularly as regards aquatic organisms. For example, the RSFSR RDB does not include any species of Black Sea/Azov Sea fish or molluscs.

In 1996 a two-volume book of the rare and endangered plants and animals in the Rostov-on-Don region was published. It includes some representatives of Black Sea/Azov Sea ecosystems, but the data presented pertains to the early and mid 1980s.

During the preparation of Russian National Report on Black Sea Biodiversity it was found that in recent years the population status of many species in the Rostov-Don region has deteriorated. It is possible that a similar situation exists in the Krasnodar region, although data has yet to be published.

Support should be provided for the publication of a RDB for the Black Sea/Azov Sea Basin. The State Committee of Fisheries of the Russian Federation promised to provide some financial support for the preparation of the book, but only for the section on aquatic organisms.

All the threatened and rare organisms in the marine and coastal ecosystems (including wetlands) should be included in the Black Sea RDB. A source of funding should be sought for specialists who will compile data on plants (excluding algae), amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.

TURKEY

by Bayram Ozturk

No Red Data Book (RDB) has yet been published in Turkey. After the Turkish Ministry of the Environment signed the Rio Declaration in 1992, it decided to prepare a Turkish RDB. The book is still being prepared and is currently expected to be published in 1998. It will include both aquatic and terrestrial organisms.

However, even though Turkey has no RDB, some threatened species are nevertheless under legal protection. For example the catching of Huso huso, Monachus monachus, and three cetacean species in the Black Sea is forbidden.

DHKD, a Turkish NGO, recently compiled a Turkish RDB for birds. It is due to be published later in 1997.

STATUS OF THE MONK SEAL (M.monachus) ON THE BLACK SEA COASTS OF TURKEY

By Cem Kirac

The existence of the Monk Seals was mentioned by Mursalaglu (1964), Berkes (1978), Ozturk (1996) and Kirac & Savas(1996). As recent information it is stated that 2 monk seals are recorded in the Turkish Black Sea coast in between 1991 -1994, swimming along the coast between Cide, Gatalzeytin, Inebow, Abana and Doganyurt (Ozturk, 1996). He also states that the population of M.monachus in the Black Sea is diminishing very fast.

Meanwhile, the studies of AFAG in between Akcakoca and Zonguldak having 74 km coastline performed in between 1989 and 1994 revealed that monk seal is extinct in this zone with the last regular monk seal sighting in December 1987 (Kirac & Savas, 1996).

SAD/AFAG made two expeditions in these coasts in 1993 and 1994 respectively. Our studies contained only interviews with professional artisan fishermen who log many hours and days on seas which many scientist and conservationist could not perform. Also, amateur coastal fishermen, seaman, divers and other interested people are interviewed. The standard inquiry form of AFAG for "Monk Seal Sightings" were used in taking Seal Sighting data and each sighting sheet is stored in a Dbase Program to keep and analyze the data when needed.

On the contrary of our studies made on the western Black Sea Coasts (between Akcakoca and Zonguldak) AFAG could not make field studies on seas in the Central Black Sea Coasts due to limited finance. However, we could obtain preliminary data about the existence of monk seals, approx. number and their approx. distribution on the 350 km coastline. The results of these two expeditions showed that min. three monk seals live on Turkish Black Sea Coasts. This number is not the result of individual identifications but an indication of total # of seal sighted together.

AFAG obtained 97 seal sighting data belonging to the years between 1960 - 1995, while 78 sighting data belong to the period between 1990 - 1995 (July). There 2 seals together (n=4) in 3 different locations between 1990 - 1995 & 3 seals together (n=3) in 3 different locations between 1990 - 1995.

The different locations having multiple seal sightings may indicate the higher numbers of monk seals indicated above. The distances of the sighting locations can be given separately upon request.

Habitat degradation is minimal and there is tourist development in the mentioned zone of Turkish Black Sea Coast. Protection of species seems much easier comparing to other parts of Turkey (Kirac & Veryeri, 1996), (Guclusoy, 1995, 1996) as have been experienced through our short and long term research and/or conservation projects. There are 17 caves found by Ozturk (1996) in just one part of the mentioned zone.

UKRAINE

by Boris Alexandrov

Law N2750-XII "Red Data Book of Ukraine" was signed on 29 October 1992. According to this law, 430 species of plants and 396 species of animals in Ukraine are listed as Red Data Book (RDB) organisms. They include 19 species of algae and 100 species of animals which are inhabitants of the Black Sea.

The first volume of the Ukrainian RDB (Animals) was published in 1994. It included pictures, maps and detailed description of extinct and endangered species. The second volume of the Ukrainian RDB (Plants) is due to be published shortly *.

Some Ukrainian specialists recommend including in the Black Sea RDB species which do not live in the sea but have causal relations (trophic and living connections) with marine ecosystems. These include some species of birds and plants which inhabit coastal dunes, peninsulas, islands and wetlands. The following list of these organisms has been compiled by ornithologists (Dr. J. Chernichko, Ju. Andriuschenko, V. Kinda and P. Gorlov from the Azov-Black Sea Ornithological Station of Ukraine) and botanists (Dr. S. Djatlov and Dr. T. Vasiljeva-Nemertsalova from Odessa State University) :

* The second volume of the Ukrainian RDB (Plants) was published in February 1997. It is available from the Ministry for Environmental Protection and Nuclear Safety of Ukraine.

BRIEF COMMENTS ON THE STRUCTURE AND CONTENTS

OF A FUTURE BLACK SEA RED DATA BOOK

by Alexei Birkun

The Black Sea Red Data Book (BSRDB) group (commission) should be organized as a permanent working body of the BSEP Biodiversity Party and later as an institution under the Secretariat of the Bucharest Convention to provide a basic and continuous inventory of threatened species of flora and fauna of the Black Sea including both its smaller seas and coastal zone. The geographic scope of the BSRDB should not (at least for the present) include the whole Black Sea basin.

The BSRDB group should prepare the first volume of the BSRDB (Animals) during 1997 using already existing knowledge of threatened species of regional fauna. Volume 2 (Plants) would be a second step (in 1998).

The BSRDB should be published in two versions: as a conventional book and as software (CD multimedia). Both versions will include:

• Introduction (everything about the BSRDB, how to use it etc.);
• Main text;
• Annexes (references, lists of animal and plant names, indexes, etc.).

English is the preferred language, but the scientific names of animal and plant species should also be added in Latin and in the official languages of all six Black Sea countries (Bulgarian, Georgian, Romanian, Russian, Turkish and Ukrainian) with sound transcription.

The main part of the BSRDB (Vol.1: Animals) may be divided into chapters similar to most of the prototypes; for example, the National Red Data Book of Ukraine (edited by N. N. Szczerbak, 1994):

1. Hydroid Polypes;
2. Roundworms and Anellids;
3. Crustaceans;
4. Arachnids and Myriopods;
5. Insects;
6. Molluscs;
7. Cyclostomes and Fishes;
8. Amphibians;
9. Reptiles;
10. Birds;
11. Mammals.

Each chapter (5.a - 5.k) should consist of several files (essays) concerning all the species that will be included in the Regional Red List of Animals - the taxonomic matrix of the BSRDB.

The Regional Red List of Animals has to be prepared on the basis of:

• official lists of species protected by international conventions (Bern, Bonn, Washington, etc.) and agreements;
• the IUCN Red Data Book;
• the national red data books and lists of threatened species of all the Black Sea countries;
• other sources of reliable information.

The preparation of the Regional List is one of the most important stages in the design of the BSRDB. It requires multiple cross-related consultations between various specialists both from within and outside the Black Sea region. The Regional List should not be a simple amalgamation of national lists.

Each file (essay) on every species should consist of the following data and illustrations (minimum):

• the scientific name of the species (in Latin, English and the six local languages) and its taxonomic position (genus, family, etc.);
• the IUCN status category (extinct, endangered, vulnerable, rare, indeterminate, insufficiently known, out of danger);
• picture(s) for successful and easy identification (drawings are preferable) with an accompanying, clearly written, text;
• [animation] map(s) of distribution and specific habitats (both current and past) with appropriate references;
• data on animal numbers (abundance in retrospect; [animation] diagrams);
• data on stock identity;
• seasonal and other movements ([animation] map of migrations);
• data on population biology and ecology;
• threats (natural and anthropogenic, including direct and indirect takes and other types of utilization);
• integrative stock assessment and conservation measures (including captive breeding, rescue and reintroduction experience);
• recommendations for further management and conservation.

Wild [captive] life video and sound tracks (predominantly already recorded) may be enclosed in several species files and may also be presented as multimedia annexes.

The indices and software menus should be easily cross-referenced with the main text (species description) of the BSRDB.

DRAFT LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES OF BLACK SEA PLANTS AND ANIMALS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE BLACK SEA RED DATA BOOK*

by Yuvenaly Zaitsev

THE CONTENTS OF SPECIES DESCRIPTION (SPECIES SHEET)

• Scientific name:
• Synonym:
• Common names: English, Bulgarian, Georgian, Romanian, Russian, Turkish, Ukrainian
• Order (Scientific):
• Family (Scientific):
• Taxonomic descriptions:
• IUCN Status, World level:
• IUCN Status, Black Sea Regional level:
• IUCN Status, Subregion level:
• Habitats type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors:
• Biology:
• Population trends:
• Threats:
• Conservation measures taken:
• Conservation measures proposed:
• References:
• Compiled by:

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Contributors

• Stanislav Volovik - Deputy Director. Research Institute of the Azov Sea Fishery Problems. Rostov-on-Don, 21/2 Beregovaya str., 344007, Russian Federation. Tel: (7-8632)-624850, Fax: (7-8632)-624742
• Akaki Komakhidze - Director. The Black Sea Ecology and Fisheries Institute. 51, Rustaveli str., P.B.58, Batumi, Republic of Georgia. Tel: (7-88200)-35519, 36315, Tel: (Satellite): 873-140-6444. Fax: (Satellite): 873-140-6443
• Boris Alexandrov - Director. Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas. 37, Pushkinskaya str., Odessa, Ukraine. Tel: (7-0482)-250918, Fax: (7-0482)-250918. e-mail: [email protected].
• Adriana Petranu. Romanian Marine Research Institute. B-dul Mamaia N.300, 8700 Constantza 3, Romania. Tel: (40-41)-650870, Fax: (40-41)-831274
• Tsonka Konsulova. Institute of Oceanology. PO Box 152, 9000, Varna, Bulgaria. Tel: (359-52)-776698, Fax: (359-52)-774256
• Yuvenaly Zaitsev - (Chairman and Main Editor). Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas (Odessa Branch). 37, Pushkinskaya str., Odessa, Ukraine. Tel: (7-0482)-250917, Fax: (7-0482)-250918. e-mail: [email protected].
• Alexei Birkun, Jr. BREMA Laboratory. R. Luxemburg Str. 27-2a, 333720 Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine. Tel: (380-0652)-253503, Fax: (380-0652)-253503. e-mail: [email protected].
• Cem Kirac. Underwater Research Society. P.K. 420 Yenisehir, Ankara, 06444, Turkey. Tel: (90-312)-2151883, Fax: (90-312)-2151883
• Bayram Ozturk. Istanbul University, (Marine Technology School). Ordu Caddesi No. 200, Laleli, Istanbul, Turkey. Tel: (90-216)-3239050, (90-212)-5913875, 3876. Fax: (90-216)-323-9050. e-mail: [email protected].
• Vladimir Vladimirov (Software development and Design). Marine Hydrophysical Institute. 2, Kapitanskaya str., Sevastopol, 335000, Crimea, Ukraine. Tel: (380-692)-525276, Fax: (380-692)-444253. e-mail: [email protected].
• Vladimir O. Mamaev (Overall Coordination and Design). Communications and Public Information Officer, Black Sea PCU. Dolmabahce Sarayi, II Harekat Kosku, 80680 Istanbul, Turkey. Tel: (90-212)-2279927/8/9, Fax: (90-212)-2279933. e-mail: [email protected].

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