NEW RECORDS OF VERTIGO GEYERI LINDHOLM , 1925 , V . MOULINSIANA ( DUPUY , 1849 ) AND V . ANGUSTIOR JEFFREYS

New localities of Vertigo geyeri Lindholm, V. moulinsiana (Dupuy) and V. angustior Jeffreys were found in 2011–2014, in three provinces in Poland: Wielkopolskie, Lubuskie and Podlaskie. The field survey was preceded by pinpointing potentially suitable habitats using maps, orthophotomaps and available botanical data. Each of 60 sites was explored in situ for molluscs for 60 minutes. We discovered 4 sites of V. geyeri (Podlaskie province only), 17 sites of V. moulinsiana (8 in Wielkopolskie, 5 in Lubuskie and 4 in Podlaskie) and 27 sites of V. angustior (5 in Wielkopolskie, 8 in Lubuskie and 14 in Podlaskie). In western Poland the vertiginids were found usually in wet or damp sedge meadows bordering lakes, small rivers or ditches whereas in the eastern part of the country the studied species were found in alkaline fens with thick brown moss layer.


INTRODUCTION
Vertigo geyeri Lindholm, 1925, V. moulinsiana (Dupuy, 1849) and V. angustior Jeffreys, 1830 (Figs 1-3) are listed in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive (eec 1992) as well as in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN 2014).As a member of the EU, Poland is obliged to make every effort to maintain populations of these species in a good shape.An effective programme of their conservation can be developed only based on data on vertiginid occurrence and habitat requirements.However, the knowledge of their distribution in Poland is still incomplete.Thus, we surveyed three provinces of Poland: Wielkopolskie, Lubuskie and Podlaskie, to locate possible sites of V. geyeri, V. moulinsiana and V. angustior.
V. geyeri is a Eurasian species (Kerney 1999, menG 2008, Hoffmann et al. 2010).The snail occurs in open, permanently wet, calcareous areas such as spring, alkaline and rich fens (Horsák & HájeK 2005, Killeen et al. 2011, Zając et al. 2012, willinG 2013).The best indicator of the optimum habitat for this species is the presence of a tufa-forming springs (Killeen et al. 2011, scHenKová et al. 2012), where ground water levels do not decrease below 0.1 m (KUcZyńsKa & moorKens 2010).V. geyeri is considered to be a glacial relict in Poland and was recorded from about 20 sites in lowland and upland region of the country (scHenKová et al. 2012, Zając et al. 2012).According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, V. geyeri is a species of least concern (Lc), with stable population trend (Killeen et al. 2011).It is also included in the Red List of Threatened Animals in Poland with NT (near threatened) category (wiKtor & riedel 2002).
V. moulinsiana is an Atlantic-Mediterranean species (PoKrysZKo 1990) of wet, calcareous habitats.The snail occurs in swamps, fens and marshes, bordering rivers, lakes and ponds, or in river floodplains.V. moulinsiana prefers open situations, however it occurs also in semi open habitats as well as in well-preserved alder carrs densely vegetated by sedges (Killeen 2003).It thrives in habitats where the water levels are very close to the ground surface or above it, for at least some of the year (tattersfield & mcinnes 2003).The species was found in about 30 sites in Poland (e.g. myZyK 2004, liPińsKa et al. 2012, sUliKowsKa-droZd 2014, 2015) and it is regarded as critically endangered in the country (category CR in the Polish Red Data Book, PoKrysZKo 2004).The species is also included in the Red List of Threatened Animals in Poland (CR category) (wiKtor & riedel 2002).The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species classifies V. moulinsiana as threatened with VU (vulnerable) category (Killeen et al.

2012).
Among the studied species, V. angustior seems to be the most common in Poland: it has over 100 records in the country (KsiążKiewicZ et al.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
The research was conducted in western, north-western and north-eastern Poland in 2011-2014 and included wetland areas in three provinces: Wielkopolskie, Lubuskie and Podlaskie .We verified a total of 60 potentially suitable sites for V. geyeri, V. moulinsiana and V. angustior: 26 within the area of Lubuskie, 16 sites in Wielkopolska and 18 sites in Podlaskie.Selection of habitats matching requirements of the studied vertiginids was in most cases based on maps, orthophotomaps and available botanical data and included treeless or semi-open, wetland areas, covered by sedge vegetation, often alkaline fens.
Each chosen site was explored in situ for molluscs by two of the authors for about 30 minutes (total: about 60 minutes) or by one author for 60 minutes.The search involved fragments of sites best suited to the microhabitat preferences of the veriginids, selected based on the literature (e. g.PoKrysZKo 1990, cameron et al. 2003, Killeen 2003, KUcZyńsKa & moorKens 2010).Within each studied site 3-5 such fragments were selected and examined.The number of fragments searched in each site depended on the total habitat area and the area of patches potentially suitable for the studied species.The search time was equally divided between fragments (e. g. 2 fragments per site -30 minutes for each fragment, 3 fragments per site -about 20 minutes for each fragment, etc.) and the search was continued within specified period of time on each fragment, regardless of the results.The new records of the vertiginids given in the Results section are signed with the initials of the author/authors who explored the site.The CORINE habitat type of Vertigo sites was determined using the Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats (eUroPean commission 1996).
We examined leaves and stems of plants as well as searched and sieved the litter using 0.5 mm sieve and checking briefly the separated particles on a white tray for the smallest gastropods.Most individuals were identified in situ using a magnifying glass; only doubtful snails were checked in the laboratory under the stereomicroscope and identified using descriptions provided by wiKtor (2004).During the field work we also noted other terrestrial gastropod species which were found in the leaf litter during the vertiginid survey.

RESULTS
We examined a total of 60 potentially suitable sites of V. geyeri, V. moulinsiana and V. angustior.We discovered 4 sites of V. geyeri, 17 sites of V. moulinsiana and 27 sites of V. angustior in Poland (Figs 4,(7)(8)11,13).Sites where none of these species was detected were included in another publication (KsiążKiewicZ & GoŁdyn, in preparation).

SITES OF V. MOULINSIANA AND V. ANGUSTIOR IN WIELKOPOLSKA PROVINCE
In the Wielkopolska province we examined a total of 16 potentially suitable sites for the studied vertiginids.We discovered 8 new sites of V. moulinsiana and 5 new sites of V. angustior (Figs 4,7).Species of terrestrial gastropods that co-occurred with the vertiginids in each site are listed in Table 1.

SITES OF V. MOULINSIANA AND V. ANGUSTIOR IN LUBUSKIE PROVINCE
In the Lubuskie province we examined a total of 26 potentially suitable sites for the studied vertig-inids (Fig. 8).We recorded 5 new sites of V. moulinsiana and 8 new sites of V. angustior.Species of terrestrial gastropods that co-occurred with the studied vertiginids in each site are listed in Table 2.

SITES OF V. GEYERI, V. MOULINSIANA AND V. ANGUSTIOR IN PODLASKIE PROVINCE
In the Podlaskie province we examined a total of 18 potentially suitable sites for the studied vertiginids (Figs 11,13).We recorded 4 sites of V. geyeri, 4 sites of V. moulinsiana and 14 sites of V. angustior.Species of terrestrial gastropods that co-occurred with these vertiginids in each site are listed in Table 3.An open alkaline fen of ca.4,900 ha; 50% of the fen is mown every two years using modified snowcats equipped with blades.Tens of individuals of V. angustior and V. moulinsiana were found in the site; their presence was restricted to the edges which were excluded from mowing.The site is adjacent to the Biebrza river and remains wet during the whole season.The fen is protected as part of the Biebrzański National Park and within Natura 2000 (Ostoja Biebrzańska, PLB200006 and Dolina Biebrzy, PLH200008).The site includes a moist, fibrous tussock sedge community (Caricetum appropinquatae) at the edge and an alkaline mire in the centre.The area, of ca. 5 ha, is located between two rivers: Sidra (ca.3.8 km west of the site) and Biebrza (ca.1.3 km east of the site).The site is surrounded by mown meadows/ farmlands.A few individuals of V. angustior were found there.We also found Pupilla pratensis in the site; it is the fifth record of this species from Poland An open reed bed habitat by the Kopytkówka river, surrounded by farmland.The area, of ca.18 ha, is infrequently flooded and remains wet during the year.Tens of individuals of V. moulinsiana were found in the site.The area is protected as part of the buffer zone of the Biebrzański National Park, the Nature A drained fen with characteristic plant species still remaining, e.g.Liparis loeselii.Habitat dominated by Carex rostrata and C. appropinquata, bordered with young alder forest and willow shrubs, ca.50 ha in area.The fen is not mown and is undergoing secondary succession of vegetation.Its western part is crossed by numerous ditches, the eastern part holds old dikes, not maintained.Over a dozen individuals of V. angustior were found in the site.The area is located in the buffer zone of the Biebrzański National Park and protected within Natura 2000 (Ostoja Biebrzańska, PLB200006 and Dolina Biebrzy, PLH200008).Site 3.14.53°37'57"N, 23°28'40"E (leg.ŁK), habitat code: 54.12An alkaline fen with calcareous tufa, ca.0.5 ha in area (Fig. 14), partly dried out and overgrown with a reed bed (Phragmites australis) and alder trees.The moss layer consists of calcicole species: Limprichtia cossonii, Philonotis calcarea and Fissidens adianthoides; also calcicole orchids occur in the fen: Epipactis palustris, Liparis loeselii and Dactylorhiza baltica.Tens of individuals of V. geyeri and V. angustior were found there.The site is protected within Natura 2000 (Źródliska Wzgórz Sokólskich PLH200026).Site 3.15.54°22'44.5"N,22°53'08"E (leg.ŁK), habitat code: 54.2A fairly open mire of ca. 4 ha, mainly composed of patches of well-preserved transitional bog with characteristic plants, such as Empetrum nigrum, Oxycoccus microcarpus, Salix lapponum and Sphagnum fuscum.In some patches the vegetation indicates alkaline soil (e.g.Menyanthes trifoliata, Baeothryon alpinum, Dactylorhiza incarnata).In such patches, in the S.W. part of the site, a few individuals of V. angustior were found.The site is protected within Natura 2000 (Torfowiska Gór Sudawskich PLH200017).Site 3.17.54°20'20.5"N,23°01'06"E (leg.ŁK), habitat code: 54.2A partially drained calcareous spring fen of ca.1.4 ha, located on a river's valley margin.In its upper spring part, the area is overgrown with Petasites hybridus passing into a rich fen and a Carex rostrata sedge-moss meadow in seepage, drained areas.The site is partially shaded, overgrown with trees and becomes dry in summer.A few individuals of V. geyeri and tens of V. angustior were found in the fen.The site is protected within Natura 2000 (Dolina Szeszupy PLH200016).

CONCLUSIONS
V. moulinsiana and V. angustior were found in all of the studied provinces, namely: Wielkopolskie, Lubuskie and Podlaskie whereas V. geyeri was found only in Podlaskie province.The presence of V. geyeri may be limited to the eastern part of Poland because of the suitable climatic conditions and availability of favourable habitats: well preserved fens, which remain very damp during the whole year, where the ground water level is stable.Under somewhat similar conditions, V. geyeri is also known from spring fens in the mountains of southern Poland (e.g.HorsáK & HájeK 2005, Zając et al. 2012).In Podlaskie province, V. angustior was recorded in alkaline patches of partially acidified habitats.At first glance such habitats seemed to be inadequate for the species.However, the sites were previously alkaline, the acidification process was caused by the disturbed water level resulting in expansion of peat mosses.Thus, the first impression of vertiginid sites may be misleading and the suitability should be considered individually for each such site, taking into account also its history.
The knowledge of the distribution of V. moulinsiana, V. angustior and V. geyeri has increased significantly in recent years, and it may be necessary to re-evaluate their status in the Polish Red Data Book (PoKrysZKo 2004).However, it should be remembered that the presence of these species usually indicates valuable wetland ecosystems and thus they can be regarded as umbrella species.
2012).It is a mainly European species, distributed from southern Scandinavia to the Mediterranean and from Ireland to the Caspian Sea, with scattered localities in many countries (cameron et al. 2003).Its preferred habitats are moderately moist (the species does not tolerate inundation), calcareous and open (e.g.PoKrysZKo 1990, cameron et al. 2003, KsiążKiewicZ 2010, myZyK 2011).In the lowlands of Poland, V. angustior occurs in damp sedge meadows whereas in the mountains it inhabits spring fens (KsiążKiewicZ et al. 2012).The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species classified V. angustior as NT -near threatened whose population has a decreasing trend (moorKens et al. 2012).The species is strictly protected in Poland and is listed in the Polish Red Data Book (PoKrysZKo 2004) as well as in the Red list of threatened animals in Poland with EN category (endangered) (wiKtor & riedel 2002).

Fig. 4 .
Fig. 4. Distribution of sites in Wielkopolska province (sites with vertiginid species numbered 1.1-1.7):red circles -sites of V. angustior, yellow circles -sites of V. moulinsiana, open circles -sites where conditions were suitable but no vertiginids were found, green line -borders of the Wielkopolski National Park 16°53'56"E (leg.BG & ZK), habitat code: 53.2A sedge meadow with C. acutiformis overgrowing the bottom of a former oxbow of the Warta river, ca.6.6 ha in area.The meadow is periodically flooded; it remains wet during the whole season.It is fairly open, shaded only in its edges.In this site only one, empty shell of a young V. moulinsiana was found.It is possible that the population of the species in this site is sparse or the individual was accidentally transferred from a nearby population.The site is protected as part of the Wielkopolski National Park and within Natura 2000 (Ostoja Wielkopolska, PLH300010).Site 1.3.52°17'47"N, 16°40'06"E (leg.BG & ZK), habitat code: 53.2A wetland on the north-eastern and north-western shores of lake Wielkowiejskie, densely overgrown with C. acutiformis and P. australis, ca.8.5 ha in area.It consists of a mosaic of permanently inundated, temporarily inundated and permanently damp plots.The edges of the site are partially shaded by alders.Tens of individuals of V. moulinsiana were found in the wetland.The site is protected as part of the Wielkopolski National Park and within Natura 2000 (Ostoja Wielkopolska, PLH300010 and Ostoja Rogalińska PLB300017).Site 1.4.52°18'34"N, 16°39'35"E (leg.BG & ZK), habitat code: 53.2A sedge meadow with C. acutiformis, partially shaded by willow shrubs and extensively used, locally overgrown with P. australis, ca.6.5 ha in area.The site is located within the backwaters of the Samica Stęszewska river and is periodically flooded.Tens of individuals of V. moulinsiana were found there.The area is protected as part of the Wielkopolski National Park and within Natura 2000 (Ostoja Wielkopolska, PLH300010 and Ostoja Rogalińska PLB300017).Site 1.5.52°18'43"N, 16°39'32"E (leg.BG & ZK), habitat code: 53.2A sedge meadow with C. acutiformis, surrounding lake Trzcielińskie and locally overgrown with P. australis.The area, of ca. 12 ha, consists of very damp and inundated plots and in its eastern part borders on the Samica Stęszewska river.Tens of individuals of V. moulinsiana were found in the site.The area is protected as part of the Wielkopolski National Park and within Natura 2000 (Ostoja Wielkopolska, PLH300010 and Ostoja Rogalińska PLB300017).

Fig
Fig. 6.A part of site 1.6 near the Samica Stęszewska river (Wielkopolska province), habitat of V. angustior and V. moulinsiana

Fig. 11 .
Fig. 11.Distribution of sites in Podlaskie province (sites with vertiginid species numbered 3.1-3.14):red circles -sites of V. angustior, yellow circles -sites of V. moulinsiana, green circles -V.geyeri, open circles -sites where conditions were suitable but no vertiginids were found, green line -borders of the Biebrzański National Park

Table 1 .
List of species recorded in the studied sites during surveys of V. moulinsiana and V. angustior in Wielkopolska province A sedge swamp in the vicinity of lake Żurawno, dominated by creeping sedges, ca.24 ha in area.Its central part is crossed by the Rzeczyca river, and thus is subject to periodical inundation.Tens of individuals of V. moulinsiana were found there.The site is pro- moulinsiana, open -sites where conditions were suitable but no vertiginids were found its edges by alders and locally by scrubs.Over a dozen individuals of V. angustior and V.

Table 2 .
List of species recorded in the studied sites during surveys of V. moulinsiana and V. angustior in Lubuskie province