Abrau Peninsula Research Articles

Дополнение к лихенофлоре России IV. Bactrospora patellarioides и заметки по российским видам рода Bactrospora (Arthoniales, Ascomycota)

During the study of the lichen flora of the Utrish Nature Reserve (Abrau Peninsula, Krasnodar Territory), a Mediterranean-Atlantic lichen species Bactrospora patellarioides was identified for the first time for Russia and the Caucasus based on morphological and anatomical characteristics. This species grows on the trunk of Juniperus excelsa in the sub-Mediterranean xerothermic undisturbed pistacia-juniper community on the Black Sea coast. The species was previously known from the Mediterranean regions of Europe, Western Asia, North Africa, and is also known from Macaronesia and Western North America. Detailed description, habitat characteristics, ecology, and general distribution of species are presented. Notes on the genus Bactrospora are given, and a key to the Russian species (B. brodoi, B. dryina and B. patellarioides) is provided.

Метано- и сульфидогенез в озерах полуострова Абрау (Краснодарский край)

The geographical position, tectonic and geological-hydrogeological structure of the basin of the Malyy Liman and Abrau lakes, their landscape features as natural monuments of regional importance located on the territory of the Abrau peninsula of the Krasnodar Territory are described. Using the example of the aquatic landscapes of the Malyy Liman and Abrau lakes and the river of the same name, water and bottom sediments were studied. Hydrochemical parameters, the content of methane and sulfide sulfur in bottom sediments and methane in water as components of aquatic landscapes were studied. The results of the determination of sulfides, as well as the characteristic odor and color of bottom sediments, indicate the presence of free H2S and hydrotroilite (FeS ∙ nH2O) in them. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of hollow spheres in the bottom sediments, which indicates their possible gas saturation. Microinclusions of biogenic pyrite (FeS2), which was formed on fragments of plant and organism residues, were found under an electron microscope. In aerobic-anaerobic conditions of the upper layer of bottom sediments of lakes, pyrite formation occurs both directly through a one-stage process of pyritization of reactive iron, but also through a multi-stage process of pyrite formation from iron monosulfide. It has been established that lakes are exposed to anthropogenic influences, which can increase many times during the holiday season. This leads to their eutrophication and increased meanogenesis, which in turn contributes to the activation of methane emissions into the atmosphere. Specific methane fluxes from the water surface of the Malyy Liman and Abrau lakes have been determined.

EARTHQUAKE of APRIL 24, 2018 with KR=10.5, Мw3.9 and I0=5 in the ANAPA-NOVOROSSIYSK ZONE

The article presents instrumental and macroseismic data on the earthquake of April 24, 2018 with Мw=3.9, which occurred at the Black Sea coast near the Abrau Peninsula. The earthquake was felt in 15 settlements at distances up to 52 km from the epicenter with an intensity of 3 to 5 points. The earthquake occurred in the Black Sea zone of occurrence of earthquakes. The scalar seismic moment М0 and the spectral moment magnitude Mw=3.9 were calculated based on the spectra of seven regional stations. The focal mechanism was constructed based on the signs of the first movement in the P-wave at 68 stations. It is established that a thrust has occurred in the source along a northwest-trending plane dipping to the northeast, which is consistent with the orientation and dip of the fault planes of tectonic structures in the area of the source. The macroseismic manifestations of the April 24, 2018 earthquake made it possible to choose the most acceptable depth value and calculate the intensity at the epicenter (h=10 km, I0=5)

Diversity and Current State of Fish Communities of the Reserve “Utrish” (Caucasian Coast of the Black Sea, Abrau Peninsula)

Abstract The article is focused on the current state of biodiversity in the aquatic environment of the Utrish Nature Reserve. Implementation of the multi-level monitoring program for fish and crustacean fauna, conducted in the waters of the Utrish Nature Reserve during the period 2016-2018, using classical methods of biological analysis, as well as visual underwater fish counting, allowed us to assess the overall state of biodiversity in this area as sufficiently stable. The population status of the model indicator species, the European black scorpionfish Scorpaena porcus, was also stable during this period, confirming the effectiveness of protective measures in this area. Due to the continued increase in anthropogenic pressure on coastal marine biocenoses, monitoring studies require further continuation.

Activity in post-pyrogenic soils in the Utrish State Nature Reserve (Russia) in the early succession stages

Due to the increasing frequency of fires, the study of the influence of the pyrogenic factor on the state of forest ecosystems is becoming an increasingly relevant research topic for scientists around the world. Of particular interest in the study is not only the direct wildfire impact, but also its indirect influence, which manifests itself in the early stages of succession. The study has been conducted in the Utrish State Nature Reserve, located on the Abrau Peninsula, northwestern part of the Black Sea coast of the Western Caucasus. The area of the State Nature Reserve «Utrish» is similar to the territory of the entire zone of the Mediterranean climate. The wildfire of 2020 has destroyed 4800 trees, and considerably changed biological properties of brown soils that led to a violation of their ecological functions. Changes in soil properties in the first few years after the wildfire impact are studied insufficiently compared to long-term changes. This study was aimed to investigate the activity of soil enzymes from the oxidase and hydrolase classes in the Utrish State Nature Reserve, immediately after the fire impact (2020), one year later (2021), and two years later (2022). During the field surveys, nine monitoring plots were established, i.e. three plots on each site under weak, medium, and strong degrees of the fire-induced damage. During the study, 81 soil samples were collected, i.e. three soil samples from each monitoring plot. Such enzymes as catalase, peroxidase, invertase, urease, and phosphatase were investigated. To assess the ecological condition of soils, we calculated the Integral Indicator of Biological State (IIBS), and determined the content of organic carbon. The results obtained were compared with the control values, typical for the background area of the forest. A correlation and factor analysis have been carried out. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to assess the reliability of the data obtained. The enzyme response depends on the type of enzyme and the degree of fire-induced damage. Immediately after the fire impact (2020), a significant decrease (by 53% in average) in catalase, urease, and invertase activity was found on the sites under weak, medium, and strong degrees of damage. Phosphatase activity did not change significantly, while peroxidase activity increased on average by 47%. In 2020, the ecological condition of soils was determined as unfavourable, with the IIBS equal to 82–90%. The activity of catalase, invertase, urease, and phosphatase increased by an average of 31% for soils with a weak degree of fire-induced damage. In 2021, a decrease in activity of the studied enzymes was noted in post-pyrogenic soils under medium and strong damage degree, but to a lesser extent than in 2020. The activity of catalase and urease decreased for all investigated impacts by 47%. The activity of peroxidase and phosphatase was higher in relation to the control values by 55%. For the weak degree of fire-induced damage, a decrease in phosphatase activity by 16% was found. In 2022 (two years after the fire impact), the ecological condition of soils was still recognised as unfavourable, with the IIBS decreased to 89%. However, it was demonstrated that the activity of enzymes from the class of hydrolases two years after the fire impact was closer to the control values than the activity of oxidases. Understanding the relationships between the nature of damage and the response of ecosystem components, such as soil, can allow us to predict the response of ecosystems after forest fires.

Catalase and urease activity as an indicator of pyrogenic disturbance in soil (Utrish nature reserve, Abrau peninsula)

Catalase and urease activity as an indicator of pyrogenic disturbance in soil (Utrish nature reserve, Abrau peninsula)

THE CYPRESS JEWEL BEETLE <i>LAMPRODILA FESTIVA</i> (LINNAEUS, 1767) (COLEOPTERA: BUPRESTIDAE) - A REAL THREAT TO THE RELICT JUNIPER FORESTS OF THE BLACK SEA COAST OF THE CAUCASUS

Here are presented new materials on the distribution of the Cypress Jewel Beetle Lamprodila ( Palmar ) festiva , first discovered in natural stands оf relict juniper forests in the vicinity of the villages Sukko and Bolshoi Utrish in the Abrau Peninsula of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus.

Staurolemma omphalarioides (Pannariaceae, Ascomycota), a new species and genus for the lichen flora of Russia from Abrau Peninsula (North-Western Caucasus)

The genus Staurolemma Körb., represented by the species S. omphalarioides (Anzi) P. M. Jørg. et Henssen, identified both by morphology and using DNA barcoding (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 gene), is reported for the first time for Russia, based on materials collected in the North-Western Caucasus in the Utrish Reserve on the Abrau Peninsula. The genus Staurolemma is widely distributed in the tropics and subtropics, and only one species S. omphalarioides, has a Mediterranean-Atlantic area. As in the Mediterranean basin, in the Abrau Peninsula, the species is confined to warm and humid habitats on the Black Sea coast, where it grows in sub-Mediterranean plant communities, in oak-juniper and juniper-pistachio forests, on the trunks and branches of deciduous trees, mainly on Pistacia mutica Fisch. et C. A. Mey. and Quercus pubescens Willd. Description and photo of species are given with a discussion on their taxonomy and distribution. For some studied specimens, new rITS sequences were generated and their GenBank accession numbers are provided.

Diatom diversity, distribution and ecology in Mediterranean ecosystems of Abrau Peninsula, north-western Caucasus.

The North Caucasus is an extensive region with a multitude of landscapes and high biological diversity. Amongst various ecosystems, the xerophytic sub-Mediterranean forests of the Abrau Peninsula (Utrish State Nature Reserve) and its vicinity are unique but have been poorly studied. The diversity of diatoms in North Caucasian ecosystems have been studied partially and only little information is available about their presence and distribution on the Abrau Peninsula. Here, we present a comprehensive check-list of diatoms sampled during a July 2021 field campaign. Samples were collected in 67 sites, including 39 permanent streams, 21 temporal (puddles) and seven permanent waterbodies. Results of the current study contribute to improving the knowledge about diatoms in the north-western Caucasus and its sub-Mediterranean ecosystems in particular. Here, we provide a detailed dataset that contains 215 freshwater and brackish diatom occurrences collected during a field campaign in July 2021. A total of 88 diatom (Bacillariophyta) taxa which belong to 12 orders, 25 families and 39 genera were collected. The genera with the highest number of occurrences per site were Gomphonema (26), Nitzschia (22), Navicula (20), Cocconeis (14), Amphora (14), Achnanthidium (14) and Planothidium (11). The genera with the highest number of infrageneric taxa were Nitzschia (8), Navicula (7), Gomphonema (6) and Mastogloia (5). Naviculablazencicae, known as the endemic of the Lake Prespa (Levkov 2007) is found from two sites in our study. Three specimens of the genus Mastogloia could not be assigned to a known species and may represent new diatom species. Distribution and ecology data are provided for each taxa. Occurrence data are given. Statistical analysis of diatom communities showed a significant dependence on habitat type and their ecological conditions.

Преднамеренно деформированные черепа из могильника Фронтовое-3

The paleoanthropological materials from fully studied 228 burials of Frontovoye-3 burial ground it is possible to characterize the deformed skulls frequency and their shape in burials dating back to late 1st — early 5th centuries AD. We esteem the tradition of baby’s head artificial deformation as related to gender culture, which is passed on from one generation of women to the next. There were found only seven cases of deformities, which is less than 3 % of the total number of individuals studied. With the contours of the skull sagittal sutures compared, traces of slight annular deformation were found on six male skulls of mature and older age. The skull of one young woman shows traces of annular deformation with the effect of slight skull elongation. We discuss the hypothesis that the tradition of insignificant deformation of baby’s head was observed by a very limited part of society. Nevertheless, this tradition has been preserved throughout the entire existence of the necropolis. The same picture can be observed in a series of paleoanthropological materials from the Roman period from the necropolises of Chersonesos, Phanagoria, and burial grounds of the Abrau Peninsula. This situation contrasts with the high frequency and significant severity of deformed skulls among the population of the Lower Don and Volga regions, Northern Ciscaucasia.

Travelling across subspecies borders: songs and calls of the Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs in the contact zones and adjoining areas of southern Russia

ABSTRACT Capsule Although many acoustic signals of Common Chaffinches Fringilla coelebs, including both songs and rain calls, are widespread across its distribution range, the boundaries between subspecies place formidable obstacles to the spread of vocal patterns. Aims To investigate the diversity of song types and song structure of rain calls in the contact zone between the Caucasian and Crimean subspecies of Chaffinches in the north-western Caucasus, as well as between the nominate and Caucasian subspecies in the northern Ciscaucasia (south of European Russia). Methods In total, the songs and rain calls of more than 300 males were recorded in 10 different locations in the Crimea, Caucasus, and Ciscaucasia. For comparison with more remote areas, we used our recording of Chaffinches from the Voronezh region and the city of Moscow. Results The song repertoires of Chaffinches in the Crimea and on the Abrau Peninsula (Black Sea basin) were very different despite being less than 100 km apart. In contrast, the repertoire of the Abrau population had much in common with the more distant (270–300 km) populations of the Caucasus and Ciscaucasia. The rain calls of Chaffinches on the Abrau had a unique two-syllable structure. On a sonogram, both of these types of sounds look very similar to the single-element calls of Caucasian and Crimean Chaffinches, but are significantly different in their frequency and temporal characteristics. Conclusion Zones of contact between Chaffinch subspecies appear to be a kind of filter that make it difficult to spread vocal patterns from the range of one subspecies to the range of another.

Пространственная структура растительного покрова полуострова Абрау (на примере Водопадной щели)

The uniqueness of the Abrau Peninsula (Fig. 1) is determined by a high level of floristic and phytocoenotic diversity and the relict nature of the vegetation cover. Сomplex spatial organization of the vegetation cover is reviled for this mountain territory (Sus­lova, Petrushina, 2007; Ogureeva et al., 2020). It is associated with heterogeneity of ecotopes. In this paper, a cartographic method has been tested to assess the vegetation cover of a mountainous territory through the identification of its spatial structure. Based on the coupled analysis of field data (geobotanical descriptions) and Earth remote sensing materials (multispectral satellite images, digital terrain model) using the classification of spectral features of communities by the maximum likelihood method using etalons and discriminant analysis, a cartographic model of a key area of the Vodopadnaya Shchel valley was obtained (Fig. 3). It reflects the diversity of basic vegetation formations and types of vegetation and the heterogeneous structures formed by their plant communities. The key factors of vegetation cover formation and its connection with the landscape structure of the territory were determined based on the spectral brightness variables of the images and relief features (Kozlov et al., 2008; Rocchini et al., 2013). The calculated relative diversity indices (Shannon and Simpson indices) made it possible to quantify the main factors determining the spatial structure of the vegetation cover of the Abrau Peninsula. The created large-scale (S. 1 : 50 000) inventory vegetation map of the Vodopadnaya Shchel reflects the actual vegetation cover, represented by a diversity of vegetation communities, belonging to hemixerophytic sub-Mediterranean and mesophytic nemoral formations (Fig. 6). The change of background communities along the high-altitude spectrum determines the allocation of two belts. The lower belt of hemixerophytic forests and woodlands is located at altitudes of 0–150 (200) m a. s. l. It is characterized by the development of pistachio-juniper (Juniperus excelsa, Pistacia mutica) forests and woodlands, oak (Quercus pubescens) forests, as well as serial vegetation with shrub and dwarf semi-shrub-herb communities. This belt is characterized by a high level of floristic and phytocoenotic diversity and a complex spatial structure associated with the contrast of ecotopes. The belt of mesophytic broad-leaved forests is located at altitudes of 150 (200)–450 m a. s. l. It is formed by pine-oak (Quercus petraea, Pinus kochiana) and polydominant broad-leaved (Carpinus betulus, Tilia begoniifolia, Acer campestre) forests. The spatial structure of the vegetation cover is formed under the influence of the altitudinal gradient and, within the belts – a variety of ecotopic factors under the conditions of seismic-gravity processes (Petrushina, Merekalova, 2017). There is a gradual transition from one belt to another, as a result of which the position of the boundaries of the altitudinal belts varies depending on the type of morphostructures, the steepness and exposure of the slopes. Spatial patterns in the distribution of phytocoenotic diversity within and between altitudinal belts are associated with a complex of conditions, the gradients of which are expressed between different landforms and in connection with changes in morphometric characteristics, as well as the dynamic status of communities. The closest connections were found with the indicators of absolute height, the exposure of slopes, as well as in accordance with the catenary structure of the territory. The closest connections were found with absolute altitude, slope exposure, as well as with different geochemical positions of catena. Cartographic analysis revealed the main gradients of the spatial structure of the vegetation cover of the Abrau Peninsula. They are associated with an integral altitudinal gradient, under the influence of which an increased variety of sub-Mediterranean formations of the lower belt is formed. The increase in moisture supply determines the tendency to increase the diversity from eluvial to accumulative positions of catena in both altitudinal belts (Table 4). The revealed spatial patterns are important in understanding the formation of orobiomes presented on the map “Biomes of Russia” (Biomy …, 2018) and the mountain ecosystems formed by them within the altitudinal belts of vegetation.

О погребальных сооружениях населения полуострова Абрау в эпоху раннего железа

Cultural and ethnic belonging and ethnogenesis of inhabitants of the Black Sea foothills of Northern-Western Caucasus is an object of long-time discussions. Patterns of funeral constructions of Anapa-Novorossiisk neighbourhood in the Iron Age could provide diametric different conclusions. Study of data of the Early Iron Age funeral constructions helps to discover traditions of the population of the Abrau peninsula of the Bronze Age, who used stone for burial places. Remarkable change of ancient tradition connected with replacement and assimilation of aborigines appeared after the middle of the 4th century BC with the distribution of the Bospor Kingdom influence in the region. Archaeological material demonstrates appearance of the local “ellinistic” elite and the cultivation of the steppe space of the Anapa valley by the settlers from theKuban region. They brought burial rite in ground pits and in tombs. At the beginning of new millennium burial culture became standard for all Abrau peninsula. Only in the necropolises of the south-west of the region it intricately intertwined with the traditions of the aboriginal population of the foothills.

The Role of Abiotic Environmental Factors in the Vertical Distribution of Macrozoobenthos at the Northeastern Black Sea Coast

In this study, an attempt is made to evaluate the impact of environmental factors on the vertical distribution of the macrozoobenthos at the northeastern shelf of the Black Sea. The samples of macrozoobenthos were taken by an Ocean grab at the depths of 10–70 m in 2014–2017 along four transects between the Abrau Peninsula and the settlement of Shepsi. The particle size distributions of the bottom sediments and the near–bottom water temperature were also measured. Two major groups of stations were distinguished according to the quantitative structure and composition of the macrozoobenthos—shallow (10–40 m), corresponding to variable temperature conditions, and deep (50–70 m), corresponding to constant temperature conditions. Two subgroups were distinguished in the shallow zone coinciding with the upper mixed layer (10–15 m) and thermocline (20–40 m). The first subgroup was characterized by sandy sediments inhabited by the community of the suspension feeder bivalve, Chamelea gallina; silty sands at the stations of the second subgroup contained a community dominated by several Veneridae species. Silty sediments were spread all over the deep-water zone; the pelophylic bivalves Parvicardium simile and Modiolula phaseolina were dominant. The ratio of silt to sand fractions in the bottom sediments and the near-bottom water temperature were critical factors in distinguishing between the groups of stations. The subgroups were distinguished according to the percentage of aleurite and pebble. The coefficient of sediment sortedness, which reflects the stability of the hydrodynamics and the rates of sedimentation, also influences the differences (mostly due to Bivalvia). The total variation explained by depth almost overlapped with the variation accounted for by other factors. The major role in distinguishing between the groups belonged to the two taxa constituting most of the biomass (Bivalvia) and the density and species diversity (Polychaeta).

Interdisciplinary Dating of Utrish Seismic Dislocations: Localization of the Source of a Strong Historical Earthquake in the Western Caucasus

The results of paleoseismological, archeological, and dendrochronological studies and published materials have yielded the date of neotectonic Utrish seismic dislocations, one of the key components in seismic hazard studies of the Western Caucasus. According to previously obtained and newly acquired data, a destructive earthquake occurred here in the 12th–13th centuries. Based on seismotectonic fault data, the lower limit of its magnitude MW ≈ 6.9. The source is located in the Utrish Fault zone, along the coast of the Abrau Peninsula. The seismogenic role of this fault is established over the aggregate data.

Seismic impacts influence on the slope stability on the example of Abrau Peninsula (Russian sector of black sea coast)

Some aspects of seismic impact on the stability of massive seismogravitational solid masses are examined. An example of the slope stability calculation using separate accounting for seismic accelerations in blocks is shown. The influence of the relief on the change in seismic effects is considered. Some aspects of seismic impact on the stability of massive seismogravitational solid masses are examined. An example of the slope stability calculation using separate accounting for seismic accelerations in blocks is shown. The influence of the relief on the change in seismic effects is considered. The comparative impact of longitudinal and transverse seismic waves from the earthquake focuses located in front of the slope foot and behind the slope ridge is evaluated.

Spatial Organization of the Vegetation and Landscapes of the Sub-Mediterranean Forest and Woodland Belt on the Abrau Peninsula (Northwestern Caucasus)

The article describes patterns in the spatial organization of landscapes and vegetation on the Abrau Peninsula within the Utrish State Nature Reserve and the adjacent territory. The use of ecological and topological profiling and large-scale mapping of the vegetation and landscapes made it possible to evaluate the spatial diversity of unique sub-Mediterranean ecosystems with respect to geological and geomorphological conditions, including the elevation, exposure and steepness of the slopes, as well as climate and sea effects. The specificity of the environmental conditions at different altitudes is reflected in the structure of phytocenotic diversity, which leads to the formation of two altitudinal sub-belts of the coastal belt and a change in typological composition of forest, woodlands, and shrub communities at different levels of phytocatenas.

Reproductive characteristics of the Caucasian smooth newt, Lissotriton lantzi (Wolterstorff, 1914) from Abrau Peninsula (Northwest Caucasus, Russia)

The publication presents results of the reproductive biology study of the Lissotriton lantzi (Wolterstorff, 1914) from the Abrau Peninsula (Krasnodar Territory, Russia). Ten females and ten males of this species were caught before breeding began. Animals were kept in plastic containers with water at a temperature of 11.5–23.0°C, one pair of newts in each container. Every day the reproductive behavior was recorded and laid eggs were selected. Males showed reproductive behavior (mating dance and position of spermatophore) within 1–36 days after the start of the research. Position of first eggs was observed in different females from 6 to 16 of April at a water temperature of 13.0–16.5°C. All ten females bred in April and May, only five females laid eggs in June and three females in July. The total duration of the oviposition period in different females was 41–99 days. Last eggs were found from May 26 to July 18 at a temperature of 17.5 to 23.0°C. Fertility of females in the breeding period was 67–832 eggs. The eggs of newts had a length of 3.1–4.0 mm and width of 1.9–2.8 mm. The duration of egg incubation at a temperature 14.5–20.5°C was from 13 to 24 days. Pre-larvae length after the hatching was equal to 6.5–9.8 mm. The larvae started to eat during 0–5 days after hatching. The length of larvae at the beginning of exogenous feeding was 8.2–11.3 mm. It is noted that most of the studied females (9 out of 10) had higher fertility than previously noted for this species (283–832 against 70–220 eggs).

Species Composition, Distribution, and Environmental Ecology of Voles (Mammalia, Cricetidae, Microtus) Found in the Northwest Caucasus

Molecular genetic typing of voles from the vicinity of the Pslukh cordon (south of the Caucasian state reserve), Krasnaya Polyana, and from the Utrish reserve (the Abrau peninsula) has been carried out. Based on the nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, voles from Krasnaya Polyana and the Psulkh cordon should be attributed to Asia Minor voles (Chionomys roberti), and the animals from Utrish, to the Eastern European voles (Microtus rossiaemeridionalis). The Asia Minor voles belong to the North Caucasian phylogenetic branch of the species. The analysis of body measurements of voles from Krasnaya Polyana and Lazarevskii region (without molecular examination) showed that these animals also most likely belong to the Asia Minor voles (not to Gudaurskii, as was mistakenly considered earlier). Some information on the ecology of the Asia Minor voles in the region is given.

Дольмены в антропогенном ландшафте полуострова Абрау

Дольмены в антропогенном ландшафте полуострова Абрау