Assessment of the biota condition of the Specially Protected Natural Territory “Sosnovaya Rosha” in the vicinity of a multi-lane road under construction

Abstract

The article presents the results of a reconnaissance assessment of the state of biota in the area of the highway of Specially Protected Natural Territory “Sosnovaya Rosha” under construction in the city of Yoshkar-Ola (Republic of Mari El, Russia). The studied plant communities, especially mixed forests, in the forest park are characterized by a rather considerable diversity. A decrease in vitality was recorded in coniferous trees caused by low-quality drainage works. Assessment of environmental quality by IFA of the lamina of B. pendula trees has shown reasonably favorable conditions. All reservoirs are characterized by a high abundance of invertebrates. Currently, no sharp decline in the abundance of pedobionts have been noted. The diversity of dendrobiont insects with low abundance and the optimal ratio of phytophagous to predatory insects may indicate stable relationships between consorts and the determinant, a tree species. The distribution of amphibians and reptiles in the SPNT has mosaic character. We have also noted trends toward a decrease in species diversity and populations density of ornithofauna. At the moment, the road is not open for transport yet, and no sharp decline in species diversity or abundance of individuals in populations is observed.