Karazin University Researchers Are Working on the EURIZON Project “Between Two Poles: Phylogeny and Phylogeography of Selected Marine and Freshwater Leech Species (Hirudinea)”

Researchers from V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University are engaged in the EURIZON program project titled “Between Two Poles: Phylogeny and Phylogeography of Selected Marine and Freshwater Leech Species (Hirudinea).”

The project, based at the School of Biology, focuses on studying the evolutionary history and geographic distribution of rare and invasive leech species using morphological, molecular-genetic, and bioinformatic methods. The research spans various regions of Eurasia and North Africa, including Ukraine, France, Morocco, Uzbekistan, Central Asia, and the Arctic and Antarctic seas.

The team has already achieved significant results. In particular, new populations of the rare terrestrial species Haemopis elegans were discovered in Ukraine and France. Molecular phylogenetic analysis and habitat modeling were conducted, revealing new haplotypes that indicate a complex intraspecific structure. The findings have been prepared for publication in the Belgian Journal of Zoology.

Within the project, the first records of the invasive species Barbronia weberi were established in both North Africa (Morocco) and Ukraine. In both cases, identification was confirmed morphologically and via DNA barcoding. A paper has been prepared for publication in Ecologica Montenegrina.

Research on Central Asian fauna revealed new ranges for Palearctic and Oriental leech species in the Fergana Valley. For the first time, the species Alboglossiphonia weberi was recorded in Central Asia. A paper based on these results has been submitted to the journal Zoosystema.

In addition, four species of branchiobdellidans were discovered in the Zakarpattia region, including Branchiobdella hexadonta, which is new to Ukraine's fauna. Detailed morphological descriptions and new anatomical data enhanced understanding of this group of symbiotic organisms. The results were published in the Journal of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. Series: Biology.

The project is being carried out in collaboration with researchers from France, Italy, Germany, Romania, Uzbekistan, and Morocco, contributing to the expansion of international scientific cooperation and strengthening ties between scholars.

Project leader: Professor Serhii Utevskyi

Team members:

• Associate Professor Andrii Utevskyi

• Research Fellow Andrii Khomenko

• Research Fellow Mykhailo Horpynchenko

• Engineer Heorhii Utevskyi

• Engineer Serhii Sydorovskyi

This project demonstrates the progress of Ukrainian science and its openness to international collaboration and innovation, even in challenging times.