ИСТИНА

The researches of ixodid ticks were conducted at the Abrau Peninsula (north-eastern coast of the Black Sea) in 1996-2016. The peninsula is situated at the north-western part of the Caucasus Mountains. The ridges and hills there are low (up to 550 m above sea level). Vegetation on the peninsula is of Mediterranean character. Broad-leaf forests, Juniper-pistachio light forests and shiblyak grow there. Landscapes and biota on the peninsula are relatively little disturbed in the last century, which allowed the establishment of the Utrish reserve in 2010. The aim of our researches was to investigate fauna of the ticks, their distribution and some aspects of ecology. The studies were conducted in spring – autumn periods. Ticks were collected from all vertebrate animals found on the investigated territory, also on the grass and soil.