Vol. 78 2026

ARTICLES

Alien Terrestrial Invertebrates in North Macedonia: Overview, New Contributions and Insights into the Country’s Efforts

Aleksandra Cvetkovska-Gjorgjievska1,*, Ivailo Dedov2, Dragan Chobanov2, Slavcho Hristovski1

More info

*,1Institute of Biology, Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, 3 Arhimedova Str., 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia; aleksandra@pmf.ukim.mk, slavco_h@pmf.ukim.mk
2Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin Str., 1113 Sofia & 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria; idedov@gmail.com, dchobanov@gmail.com

https://doi.org/10.71424/azb78.3.003129

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Abstract

Many introduced terrestrial invertebrate species pose significant ecological, economic and health challenges worldwide. North Macedonia, due to its geographic position and diverse ecosystems, is vulnerable to their introduction and establishment. This study aims to expand previous research regarding introduced terrestrial invertebrate species in North Macedonia by reviewing literature data, identifying new introduced species and addressing efforts to overcome this problem. Original data collected between 2022 and 2024, combined with a comprehensive review of existing literature, expanded the national list of alien invertebrates to at least 133 species. The paper also highlights policy frameworks, scientific research initiatives taken so far and regional cooperation efforts aimed at preventing introductions of alien species.

Key words

introduced species, new records, North Macedonia, terrestrial arthropods

How to Cite
Cvetkovska-Gjorgjievska A., Dedov I., Chobanov D., Hristovski S. 2026. Alien Terrestrial Invertebrates in North Macedonia: Overview, New Contributions and Insights into the Country’s Efforts. Acta zoologica bulgarica 78.

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