Discovery of new habitats and ecological characteristics of endemic earthworm species (Clitellata: Lumbricidae) in the southeast of Western Siberia

The Altai Mountains in Western Siberia constitute a center of endemism for earthworms in Russia, comparable to the Ural and Caucasus Mountains. The aim of our study was to determine the ecological characteristics of habitats of endemic earthworms in southeastern Western Siberia. During the research, two species Eisenia salairica and Eisenia altaica were found outside their previously known ranges. Since the description of these species in the 1960s, their ecology and distribution have not been studied. Our field studies on the collection of endemic earthworms have been conducted since 2014. We surveyed various locations within the Altai Krai and Kuzbass regions. In the habitats of the earthworms, soil and vegetation cover were examined. This is the first report providing updated information on current distribution and habitat ecological characteristics of these endemics. The results facilitate the development of targeted conservation measures for these Altai endemics, which are listed in the Red Data Books of the Russian Federation and regional Red Data Books. All of these factors significantly contribute to the preservation of biodiversity in Western Siberia.