In 2004 Iranian endemic species Artemia urmiana, Gunther 1890 (Anostraca, Аrtemiidae) was recorded in large numbers in Lake Koyashskoe (Crimea, Ukraine; 45°2’4” N, 36°11’ 44” E), which is the first finding of the crustacean outside its original range. It was previously thought to be confined exclusively to the water area of Lake Urmia (NW Iran; 37°35’ 28” N, 45°28’ 24” E). Considering the distance (1,111 km) and direction (NW) of spread (Fig. 1) we speculate on the possible role of migratory waterbirds in transporting viable cysts of A. urmiana over the Black Sea based on the analysis of relevant literature and own observations. We came to the conclusion that cysts were spread to the Koyashkoe Lake during spring migration most likely by Shelduck (Tadorna... |