Anthropogenic Transformation Research Articles

Spatio-temporal variation in avian taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity and its relevance for conservation in a wetland ecosystem in Myanmar

Wetland ecosystems host an extensive number of avian species and play therefore a key role in biodiversity conservation. However, avifauna in wetlands is severely impacted by the anthropogenic transformation of natural habitats into other land uses. Understanding how habitat changes influence avian community dynamics is crucial for effective management and conservation of bird habitats. Here, we assessed spatio-temporal variation in taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity, and assembly structures of the bird community in the Indawgyi Wetland Ecosystem in Myanmar. Bird surveys were seasonally conducted at 120 sample plots, which were equally distributed among four habitat types subject to different level of human influences (natural lake habitat, seasonally flooded grasslands, riparian forest, and agricultural land). Across habitat types, functional and phylogenetic diversity were the highest in the lake habitat, especially during the migration season, and the lowest in the cultivated habitat. Our results indicated over-dispersed functional and phylogenetic structures in the lake habitat, with clustered structures in the remaining habitats. Diversity of species important for conservation was also higher in the lake habitat and in areas far away from human disturbances. Spatial variation of bird community diversity suggests that conservation efforts in this ecosystem should concentrate more on the lake habitat and associated grassland habitats. Moreover, our results suggest the need for habitat restoration in riparian forests and increased sustainable agricultural practices in order to improve the contribution of these habitats to the diversity in the avifauna community. Our study highlighted the importance of integrating functional and phylogenetic dimensions into biodiversity analyses providing broader ecological insights for conservation.

Diversity of diversity indices: Which diversity measure is better?

The article evaluates the dependence of the most common indices of species diversity on sample size and determines their ability to differentiate between different types of ecosystems, with a special emphasis on discriminating between natural and anthropogenic ecosystems. An approach to adjusting the indices to reduce their dependence on sample size was also proposed. The study was conducted in seven types of ecosystems: four were natural and three were anthropogenically transformed. Samples of soil animals were selected in 2011–2013 and 2021 using the same methods. A total of 20,518 soil animal specimens belonging to 202 species were collected in all study locations. The null alternative was generated by randomly selecting samples containing 2, 3, ..., 110 soil animals from the combined soil animal sample. For each gradation of sample size, 200 sample variants were formed. The density of soil macrofauna in natural ecosystems ranged from 3.6 ± 1.5 to 15.2 ± 6.9 specimens per sample, and in artificial ecosystems – from 13.2 ± 7.6 to 21.0 ± 11.9 specimens per sample. The number of species ranged from 22–80 species, and in artificial ecosystems it was 38–99 species. Indicators of species diversity correlated with each other. A high level of correlation was observed between indicators within groups of indices: indices of species richness and indices of heterogeneity and evenness. Fisher’s log-series alpha and the fundamental parameter of biodiversity were highly correlated with each other, as well as with the Margalef, species richness, and Chao’s species abundance indices. The log-normal distribution best describes the dominance patterns in terms of abundance in the natural ecosystems, and the Zipf-Mandelbrot distribution best describes the dominance patterns in terms of abundance in the artificial ecosystems. Diversity indices were ordered in the space of two dimensions, one explaining the variation between ecosystems and the other depending on sample size. The ordering of the traditional indices showed that there is a vacancy for the best index in the sense that such an index should best explain differences between ecosystems and differences between natural and artificial ecosystems. It should also be independent of sample size. The Simpson heterogeneity index and the Simpson evenness index were the best of the traditional indices, but they did not explain differences between ecosystems very well, especially when it came to distinguishing between natural and artificial ecosystems. The Margalef index, which is supposed to be independent of sample size, on the other hand, showed a very high level of dependence. Such a dependence was also found for the Menhinick index, though to a lesser extent. Obviously, size dependence negatively affects the differential ability of the indices. The corrected indices of species richness and the Shannon index are practically independent of sample size and have a greater ability to differentiate ecosystems by the level of diversity, with natural ecosystems characterized by consistently higher values of the corrected indices than artificial ecosystems. The dependence on the sample size makes indices from different ecosystems practically incomparable, which makes their use meaningless. Even minor differences in sample size can lead to significant deviations in the values of diversity indices. The application of the Michaelis-Menten model allowed us to suggest a method of correction of species richness indices and the Shannon index. After the correction, the indices are practically independent of the sample size, and their differential ability to characterize individual ecosystems and the level of anthropogenic transformation increases significantly.

Abundance and Condition of Populations of Small Mammals as Carriers of Natural Focal Human Diseases in the Karelia North-East Ladoga

Summing up the results of the long-term studies of population ecology and dynamics of small mammals for more than half a century (1966–2018). Small mammals are involved in the formation and functioning of natural-focil of human vector-borne diseases common in the North-Eastern Ladoga region. Encephalitis and tularemia circulate intensively in the Ladoga region under conditions of intensive anthropogenic transformation of taiga ecosystems. Local landscapes belong to the subzone of the middle taiga forests. Most of the studied species of small mammals are located in the northern periphery of this area. Here representatives of the native taiga fauna of Micromammalia constantly experience powerful anthropogenic pressure, which leads to a decrease in their abundance and correlation of the species. Of the total amount of 22 species of small mammals collected here, Sorex araneus and Myodes glareolus dominate. Next, the species prevalent (according to the degree of predominant species) in the counts are Microtus agrestis, Sorex minutus and Sorex caecutiens. Other species are relatively rare and appear in smaller numbers. Myodes glareolus has main role in the feeding of ticks and, accordingly, in the circulation of infections in nature, the differentiated contribution of individual intrapopulation groups in maintaining the number of vectors and the activity of pathogens. Shrews are important for the development of the larval stages of the tick. In the research area, were recorded total index of trap catch of abundance of small animals with trap lines from 0.34 to 18.5 individuals per 100 snap traps-nights (average of 7.8 ind.) and with pitfall traps recorded from 2.7 to 25.4 individuals per 10 ditch-nights (average of 14 ind.). This indicates that the studied area has smaller amount of mammals compared to other regions in Southern Europe. Nevertheless, the studies determine a rather tense epidemic situation in the studied area. Population of small mammals of boreal ecosystem steadily affect the mass feeding of carriers of natural focal infections.

Survival, Growth Performance, and Hepatic Antioxidant and Lipid Profiles in Infected Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fed a Diet Supplemented with Dihydroquercetin and Arabinogalactan.

Natural feed supplements have been shown to improve fish viability, health, and growth, and the ability to withstand multiple stressors related to intensive cultivation. We assumed that a dietary mix of plant-origin substances, such as dihydroquercetin, a flavonoid with antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, and arabinogalactan, a polysaccharide with immunomodulating activity, would promote fish stress resistance and expected it to have a protective effect against infectious diseases. Farmed rainbow trout fish, Oncorhynchus mykiss, received either a standard diet or a diet supplemented with 25 mg/kg of dihydroquercetin and 50 mg/kg of arabinogalactan during a feeding season, from June to November. The fish in the control and experimental groups were sampled twice a month (eight samplings in total) for growth variable estimations and tissue sampling. The hepatic antioxidant status was assessed via the quantification of molecular antioxidants, such as reduced glutathione and alpha-tocopherol rates, as well as the enzyme activity rates of peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase. The lipid and fatty acid compositions of the feed and fish liver were analyzed using thin-layer and high-performance liquid chromatography. The viability, size, and biochemical indices of the fish responded to the growth physiology, environmental variables such as the dissolved oxygen content and water temperature, and sporadic factors. Due to an outbreak of a natural bacterial infection in the fish stock followed by antibiotic treatment, a higher mortality rate was observed in the fish that received a standard diet compared to those fed supplemented feed. In the postinfection period, reduced dietary 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3 fatty acid assimilation contents were detected in the fish that received the standard diet in contrast to the supplemented diet. By the end of the feeding season, an impaired antioxidant response, including reduced glutathione S-transferase activity and glutathione content, and a shift in the composition of membrane lipids, such as sterols, 18:1n-7 fatty acid, and phospholipids, were also revealed in fish fed the standard diet. Dietary supplementation with plant-origin substances, such as dihydroquercetin and arabinogalactan, decreases lethality in fish stocks, presumably though the stimulation of natural resistance in farmed fish, thereby increasing the economic efficacy during fish production. From the sustainable aquaculture perspective, natural additives also diminish the anthropogenic transformation of aquaculture-bearing water bodies and their ecosystems.

Botanical collections as an opportunity to explore nature through the time: An untargeted metabolomic study in historical and modern Nicotiana leaves

Living and dried specimens in botanical collections play an important role in society for scientific purposes, offering the opportunity to obtain both macroscopic and molecular information for individual plants, ecosystems, and environmental studies. Untargeted metabolomics is an analytical approach that permits the simultaneous study of multiple small molecules present in an organism, which allows us to statistically compare different conditions of interest. Metabolomic approaches have been used on living specimens in botanical collections, but until now, not on historical dried material. Using the Nicotiana genus herbaceous plant (tobacco) as a case study, we propose an untargeted metabolomic study to evaluate the potential of dried historical specimens as a source of metabolomic information for the past. The metabolomic profile from polar and less-polar/apolar aqueous extracts of four modern handmade tobacco cigars (split into wrapper, binder, and filler leaves), and a set of eight late-19th to early-20th century tobacco specimens (seven tobacco leaves and one snuff powder) from the collection of the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew (London, UK) were analysed by liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. Results showed that a wide range of polar and less-polar/apolar molecules are preserved in dried botanical material providing information optimal for metabolomic studies. The metabolomic profiles of historical dried samples were distinct enough to classify as Nicotiana tabacum or Nicotiana rustica, and showed differences based on geographic provenance or transformation/processing. Statistical models based on the molecular data from the historical material permitted us to validate the labelling of the historical collection, which identified one possible mislabelled specimen and offered some clues as to the species of one unknown Nicotiana sample. Finally, metabolomic differences in profiles between Nicotiana tabacum and modern cigars showed that both share a large proportion of their metabolomic profile, where molecular differences could be possibly associated with both location of growth and/or anthropogenic transformation of the plant in the last two centuries. This study demonstrates that dry botanical collections are a feasible source of information, and, if applied to a large set of individuals, conclusions may be drawn about the possible evolution and anthropogenic modification over time in plant material. The results are significant for disciplines interested in the history of plants, such as botany, history and archaeology.

Spatial and Temporal Diversity Variation in the Anopheles Communities in Malaria-Endemic Regions of Colombia.

This study aimed to evaluate at a temporospatial scale, the influence of anthropogenic land cover changes in the Anopheles species community composition and diversity in two Colombian malaria-endemic regions, Bajo Cauca and Pacific. To determine variations over time, mosquitoes were collected in two time periods; land cover types were characterized on orthorectified aerial photographs, and landscape metrics were estimated for each locality and period. A temporal dissimilarity analysis to evaluated species replacement and the nestedness species loss/gain showed the influence of the species loss or gain component on Anopheles species assemblage (23%). The relationship between land cover variation and Anopheles beta diversity, evaluated by regression analysis, showed the effect of forest variation in the Anopheles community (βsim and forest r2 = 0.9323; βsne and forest r2 = 0.9425). Furthermore, a canonical correspondence analysis showed that the land cover types associated with Anopheles species presence were bare soil, shrub, wet areas, and forest. Results demonstrated the impact of land cover changes attributed to human activities on Anopheles population dynamics, over time; this was evidenced as species loss or gain, which was specific to each locality. Notably, the main malaria vectors were dominant in most localities over time, suggesting their tolerance to anthropogenic transformations; alternatively, the environmental changes are providing adequate ecological conditions for their persistence. Finally, the data generated are relevant for understanding the impact that environmental change may have on the dynamics of the neotropical malaria vectors. Thus, this research has potential implications for vector control interventions.

Изменчивость биоразнообразия ассамблей жужелиц (Coleoptera, Carabidae) верхового болота при антропогенной трансформации их местообитаний

The presented research demonstrated the features of the variability of the biodiversity of the carabid assemblages in the peat bog with the different degrees of transformation in the Belarusian Lake District. The material was collected using pitfall traps in a peat bog, part of which was drained by a network of reclamation canals. The studies were carried out on an intact site (control) with specialized peat bog vegetation and on three sites of different degrees of transformation: a site with a partially disturbed sphagnum cover, peat fields with a removed sphagnum cover (open peat), and drained sites with a removed sphagnum mat covered with trees and shrubs. Differentiation of a- and в-diversity in areas of different degrees of anthropogenic transformation was revealed. The average number of species (x2 = 10.72, p = 0.01) and individuals (F = 57.54, p = 0.001) in the samples differed significantly. If the sphagnum cover was disturbed or completely removed, the number of species decreases as compared to the control biotopes. Whereas during the formation of tree and bush cover, on the contrary, species richness increases. The average number of individuals decreases, except for sites with partially disturbed sphagnum cover. With an increase in anthropogenic transformation, species diversity and evenness was higher compared to the control (H’ = 1.54 ± 0.05, J’ = 0.42 ± 0.03) and reach a maximum in sites with woody vegetation (H’ = 2.48 ± 0.38, J’ = 0.97 ± 0.11). The values of the Shannon diversity index (x2 = 14.57, p = 0.002) and the Pielou evenness index (F = 18.44, p = 0.001) differed significantly in all studied habitats. The analysis of в-diversity demonstrated significant differences in the species composition of ground beetle assemblages in sites with different degrees of transformation (ANOSIM; R = 0.90, p = 0.0001). The species composition and dominance structure of ground beetle assemblages undergo the greatest changes when the sphagnum cover is completely removed. At the same time, the composition of the group of dominants is significantly expanding. Specialized raised bog species Agonum ericeti (Panzer, 1809), Pterostichus diligens (Sturm, 1824) and P. rhaeticus Heer, 1838 were replaced by open space dwellers and eurytopic species such as Cicindela sylvatica Linnaeus, 1758, Poecilus cupreus (Linnaeus, 1758), P. versicolor (Sturm, 1824), Agonum sexpunctatum (Linnaeus, 1758), Harpalus latus (Linnaeus, 1758).

Еколого-фауністична характеристика лучно-степових таксоценів колембол Східного Поділля

A comparative analysis of the taxonomic and ecological structure of meadow-steppe collembolan taxocenes of Eastern Podillya was carried out. 77 species of Сollembola belonging to 41 genera and 14 families were found on the studied territory. From 6 to 18 species of collembola were found at the level of point alpha diversity, and 40–42 species of coenotic alpha diversity, which indicates a large capacity of the soil environment for Сollembola in this type of biocenoses of Podillya. The investigated meadow-steppe Collembola taxocenes are characterized by average population density indicators, from 5.8 to 9.1 thousand spec./m2. It was found that the structure of dominance, spectra of life forms and biotope groups of the studied taxocenes have their own specificity, due to local edaphic conditions, as well as the degree of anthropogenic transformation. The analysis of the ecological structure showed that, in terms of species richness, complexes of xeroresistant (47.6–60 % of the total species richness) and mesophilic forms (17.5–35.7 %) prevail in meadow-steppe taxocenes of collembola. The studied taxocenes include six biotope groups of species. The biotope group of open landscape species (meadow-steppe, meadow and steppe) prevails, the share of which in the composition of the studied taxocenes is 52.4–62.5 % of the species diversity. According to the indicator of relative abundance, 44.4–64.8% belong to meadow-steppe species. A feature of the investigated taxocenes is the presence in their composition of 7.1 to 15 % of atmobiotic collembolan species that inhabit macrophytes and the surface of loose leaf litter and carry out regular daily migrations in the grass, trees and shrubs, as well as about 5 % of corticolous collembolan species, which are ecologically related to lichens, mosses, tree bark and stone substrates. It was established that in all three meadow-steppe phytocenoses of Eastern Podillya, a specialized type of collembolan taxocene is formed, where more than 40 % of the population has meadow-steppe species that are ecologically related to xerophytic grass groups.

Evaluation of forest ecosystems’ anthropogenic transformation by indicators of xylomycocomplex

ABSTRACT The aim of our work was to establish the dependence of species composition, features of ecosystem distribution in the space and wood-destroying activity of xylotrophs on the functional type of forest, and the cause and degree of its violation. Changes in species composition, spatial distribution and wood-destroying activity of xylotrophic fungi, and disruption of “woody plant xylomycobiont”, “substrate category – xylomycobiont,” were revealed. Changes in xylotrophic diversity in stands were evaluated by diversity indices. Forest and taxonomic characteristics of stands, the reasons and the degree of degradation of forest ecosystems were taken into account. The ability of 37 species of xylotrophs to be indicators of deciduous and coniferous forests in green areas of cities due to recreation, construction and quarrying of granite has been substantiated. The principles of application of the mycoindicators system for improvement, a technique of estimation of character and degree of forest ecosystem anthropogenic transformation, are defined.

Long-Term Dynamics of the Avifauna in the North of Western Siberia

Changes in the avifauna of the three large regions of the north of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (Russia), the Lower Ob River region, the floodplain of the Lower Ob, and the Yamal Peninsula, have been analyzed for a period of more than 60 years. The analysis is based on relative estimates of the number of species on a 4-point scale; cases of significant shifts in the species ranges also have been considered. It is shown that avifaunae in the long term are highly dynamic formations, the process of their changes is of a permanent nature. Its scale is about half of the species composition for 60 years and its directions vary greatly in different regions, depending on the degree of anthropogenic transformation of the territory. Areas with a relatively low anthropogenic impact (the Lower Ob and the Ob floodplain) are characterized by the predominance of the positive trends, mainly expressed in the appearance of new species. Many of them (more than 25% of the modern species composition) have been detected in the Ob floodplain, which indicates the canalization of the penetration process for new species to the north. The Yamal Peninsula region, where the anthropogenic impact associated with domestic reindeer overgrazing is high, is characterized by the predominance of the negative trends in the form of a decrease in the number of typical tundra species.

The anthropogenic threat for insular microcrustacean fauna (Copepoda and Cladocera) – the case of Madeira Island

Substantial loss of biodiversity and the proliferation of invasive alien species can occur due to land cover anthropogenic transformations on islands. However, the effect of anthropogenic habitat modifications on the distribution of insular freshwater microcrustaceans is unknown. In the present paper, we examine the consequences of human activity on the insular diversity of microcrustaceans in the context of the theories of island biogeography and intermediate disturbances. The samples were collected in Madeira Island at 38 freshwater sampling sites with different anthropopressure. Morphology-based species identification of the copepods and cladocerans was supplemented with genetic analysis (COI) in some species. To estimate the species richness of the island, rarefaction, and extrapolation methods were used. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was applied to assess the influence of geospatial and environmental variables on the species distribution. A total of 20 species belonging to six families were identified, of which 16 species are new to Madeira. There was low similarity between the fauna recorded and known previously on the island. The observed species richness was higher than the predictions by the island biogeography models for Madeira. CCA revealed a strong influence of anthropogenic land use on crustaceans. Anthropogenic transformations locally led to the depletion of fauna, but on the island scale they contributed to the increase of species richness including seven putative alien species. An increase in the artificial land cover and a decrease in the forest areas could lead to a further shift in the domination of non-indigenous microcrustaceans.

The emergence of scale-free fires in Australia

Between 2019 and 2020, during the country's hottest and driest year on record, Australia experienced a dramatic bushfire season, with catastrophic ecological and environmental consequences. Several studies highlighted how such abrupt changes in fire regimes may have been in large part a consequence of climate change and other anthropogenic transformations. Here, we analyze the monthly evolution of the burned area in Australia from 2000 to 2020, obtained via satellite imaging through the MODIS platform. We find that the 2019-2020 peak is associated with signatures typically found near critical points. We introduce a modeling framework based on forest-fire models to study the properties of these emergent fire outbreaks, showing that the behavior observed during the 2019-2020 fire season matches the one of a percolation transition, where system-size outbreaks appear. Our model also highlights the existence of an absorbing phase transition that might be eventually crossed, after which the vegetation cannot recover.

Anthropogenic impact on erosion, pedogenesis and fluvial processes in the central European landscapes of the eastern Harz mountains forelands (Germany)

The Holocene development of soils and sediments at three sites in the eastern Harz foreland was investigated using field and laboratory methods and integrated into the regional Holocene record of this central European landscape.Apart from early Holocene processes, the history of mid-to late Holocene slope erosion was found to be closely linked to the local land-use history. By c. 1000 BP, soil erosion is a process that is detectable throughout the study area.The studied Chernozemic soils that now cover large areas of the studied landscape are of varying Holocene age. Linear radiocarbon age-depth relations of soil organic matter and indicative changes in soil mineral composition suggest that the Chernozem was formed by long-lasting anecic earthworm cast accumulation at the soil surface. Persistent periods of landscape openness maintained by local preindustrial agriculture explain the promotion of anecic earthworms in naturally forested landscapes of central Europe and act as temporally transgressive drivers of landscape change.An early to mid-Holocene phase of reduced fluvial activity was followed by the onset of Holocene flooding, which correlates with the onset of mining in the Harz Mountains around ca. 3000 BP (e.g. Helme). The onset of flooding of the small streams Zapfenbach and Liethe coincided with the documented medieval and modern mining phases in the eastern Harz. At all sites, present-day flooding frequencies are higher than during the early to mid-Holocene. Shifts in river system behaviour attributable to anthropogenic activities in the Harz Mountains are therefore considered another Anthropocene marker.Based on our observations, we propose that land-use-induced alteration of central European low Mountain rivers and the formation of Holocene Chernozems in subhumid central Europe, in addition to anthropogenic-induced Holocene soil erosion, are included in the cadastre of early Anthropocene processes. These processes have left distinct traces in the continental geologic record. Thus, they would support arguments for long-term time transgressive anthropogenic transformation of Earth surface systems. However, the tipping points for these processes are dated differently (soil erosion - ca. 1000 BP, river activity - ca. 3000 BP, Chernozem formation - diachronous since the Neolithic) and are closely linked to local and regional land use history. Thus, our results are another example that the definition of “golden spikes” remains a critical undertaking, especially for the beginning of the Anthropocene.

Calculation of Sustainability Indicators for Water Objects based on the Example of Water Use in the Arctic Basin of the Yenisei River

In the article, the fractal approach to the description of nonequilibrium water ecosystems in their exploitation conditions is considered. The article demonstrates clearly that, in these conditions, the management of the development of water objects should be a precautionary provision, which should furthermore be reduced to the management of potential anthropogenic risks arising from a violation of the coevolution of anthropogenic and natural processes equivalent to the disruption in sustainability of the ecosystem in its exploitation conditions. The fractal approach opens up new opportunities for the assessment of water management based on the calculation of the fractal sustainability indicator (anthropogenic transformation) for water ecosystems that is directly related to the maximum permissible environmental load (MPEL).

VULNERABLE SPECIES OF BIVALVE MOLLUSCS PSEUDANODONTA COMPLANATA IN THE FAUNA OF UKRAINE: DISTRIBUTION, STATE OF SETTLEMENTS

Bivalve molluscs of the family Unionidae are important components of freshwater ecosystems, as they are active filterers and shape the quality of water in their habitats. Due to anthropogenic transformation of water bodies, this group of animals is recognized as one of the most vulnerable. The paper analyzes the dynamics of the frequency of occurrence and the state of Pseudanodonta complanata Rossmassler, 1835 populations over the last 100 years in Ukraine. This species of Unionidae is protected in many European countries, it was included in the Red Data Book of Ukraine in 2021 with the status "vulnerable". Three different time periods were chosen to analyze the distribution of P. complanata, the state of its populations in Ukraine and possible dynamics of changes. To establish the population characteristics of the species in water bodies about 100-50 years ago, an analysis was carried out based on the study of collections of shells of the species stored in museums of the country and literature sources. To analyze the state of P. complanata populations in the second time interval, the results of our own collections carried out during 2007- 2012 within all river basins of Ukraine were chosen. In total, 300 sites were surveyed during this period. The third period of analysis covered the results of our own collections within the Central (Zhytomyr) Polissia in 2019-2022, 57 potential habitats of Unionidae were surveyed in the reservoirs and watercourses of the Teteriv, Sluch, Uzh and Ubort basins. In Ukraine, until the 70-80s of the twentieth century. P.complanata, despite its sporadic distribution, was quite widespread species. During the study period of 2007-2012, P. complanata was not recorded in the basin of the Western Bug, upper and lower Southern Bug, lower Dnipro, reservoirs of the Dnipro cascade, upper Siverskyi Donets and rivers of Azov and Crimea. In the collections of 2019-2022, the species was not found in any point. The results confirm the need to protect the vulnerable species and further develop conservation measures.

A NEWDISCOVERYOF SPARASSIS CRISPA (WULFEN) FR 1821 ON THE TERRITORY OF THE SLOVIANSKO-OVRUCH RIDGE

The article is devoted to the study of a new locality (Sparassis crispa) in the territory of the Slovak-Ovrutsky Range. The mushroom is listed in the Red Book of Ukraine and is under threat of extinction due to the growing interest in it as an object of cooking and medicine. To achieve the goal of the research, the following tasks were set: to describe the phytocenosis within which S. crispa is located and its floral environment, as well as to propose measures for its protection. The location of S. crispa is reforestation at the site of felling. The tree layer is dominated by young individuals of Pinus sylvestris L. (75-90%) with the participation of Betula pendula Roth. (20-50%). Frangula alnus Mill sometimes occurs in the undergrowth. Grass cover is sparse – up to 15%. Here, the mosses Dicranum polysetum, Dicranum scoparium, Polytrichum juniperinum and Pleurozium schreberi prevail. Festuca ovina, Lycopodium clavatum and Melampyrum pratense are occasionally found. According to the results of the synphytoindicative analysis, it was established that the environmental conditions correspond to moderately rich forests of Polissia, which belong to the Dicrano-Pinion union. The perennial wetting regime is slightly higher than the average values for the Dicrano-Pinetum association and approaches the Molinio-Pinetum association. Indicators of natural dynamics (ST=12.72 points) correspond to the transition from derived to young native forests. The level of anthropogenic transformation (HE=5.29 points) corresponds to natural oligohemerobic forests. So, despite the felling that was carried out here several years ago, the mushroom is still placed in conditions that are not subject to constant anthropogenic pressure. The phytocenosis in which Sparassis crispa is placed is the Dicrano-Pinetum association, Vaccinio-Piceetea class, Pinetalia sylvestris order, Dicrano-Pinion union. Since the "Prybytocky" hydrological reserve of local importance is being planned next to the location of the Sparassis crispa mushroom, it is expedient to include this territory in the projected PZF object.

INFLUENCE OF ZHEZHELEVSKY GRANITE QUARRY WASTEWATER ON THE FORMATION OF PLANT COMMUNITIES

The work is devoted to studying the impact of reclaimed water discharge on the dynamics and state of plant communities in the Zhezheliv granite quarry. The purpose of the study is to study the effect of return water on plant communities in the territory of the planned activity of the Private Joint-Stock Company "Zhezhelivsky Quarry". To achieve the goal, the following tasks were set: to investigate and classify plant groups in the territory of the planned activity of the Zhezheliv granite quarry; to establish the leading factors that change during the release of return waters; to predict the probable environmental impact of reclaimed waters on rare components of the biota. The territory of the Zhezheliv granite deposit is a typical anthropogenic landscape with a high level of anthropogenic transformation with a large share of fallows and shrubs. The biota of the studied territory consists of trivial, often synanthropic flora and fauna. They are represented by zonal
 species common to this area. The vegetation of the studied area belongs to 11 classes, 12 orders, 14 unions, and 18 associations according to the Brown-Blanquet classification. No settlements, species of flora, and fauna, which are included in the Red Book of Ukraine, the Green Book of Ukraine, and annexes to the resolutions of the Berne Convention, were found on the territory of the deposit. Coastal ecosystems with autotrophic blocks in the form of vegetation classes Phragmiti- Magnocaricetea and Salicetea purpurea are affected by return water discharges. The discharge of reclaimed water from the Zhezheliv quarry stabilizes the existence of eutrophic coastal habitats with Phragmitetum australis and Typhetum angustifoliae vegetation associations. Also, by increasing the long-term wetting regime in the coastal areas, the condition of the Salici-Populetum association improves, which on the banks of rivers outside the zone of planned activity can acquire the status of a rare habitat (G1.11. Riverine Salix woodland). According to indicators of the dynamics of natural dynamics and the level of anthropogenic transformation, coastal habitats are euhemerobic ecosystems at the stage of transition from the herbaceous to the tree-shrub stage of the autogenic succession. Raising the water level due to the discharge of Reclaimed waters will contribute to their restoration and return to a less transformed state.

The Contact Zone of Phylogenetic Lineages of Freshwater Fish in Arctic Eurasia: Genetic Polymorphism of Coregonid Populations

The reconstruction of regional fauna history is very important in the context of recent climate change and anthropogenic transformation. We analyzed the mitochondrial nd1 gene polymorphism in populations of whitefish Coregonus lavaretus and certain widespread Eurasian ciscoes species: vendace Coregonus albula and least cisco Coregonus sardinella, inhabiting waterbodies from the Anadyr River in the east (the Pacific Ocean basin) to Loch Lomond in the west (the Atlantic Ocean basin). Distinct phylogenetic lineages and secondary contact zones have been found in these species. Most of these are species-specific with the exception of the zone from the Pechora River basin to at least the western part of the Taymyr Peninsula, in which whitefish, vendace, and least cisco share with each other and with various cold-water hydrobionts. We associate differences in the geographical position and propagation of the secondary contact regions with the species-specific morpho-ecological features, in particular, with the ability for long-term migrations. Based on the data obtained, we also discuss certain limitations of the phylogeography and phylogeny of the considered coregonid species and the correctness of the taxonomic status of certain populations or their groups.

Anthropogenic transformation of landscapes in arid climate conditions and their risks


 
 
 The article represents the outcomes of our study materials on the branch of technogenic transformation of landscapes based on scientific methods. We have analyzed landscape ele- ments, such as relief, climate, vegetation, dynamics of forests, precipitations and etc. We classify the anthropogenic activities in the study area. Consequently, we have determined risks and problems in the landscapes of the coastal zone of the Caspian Sea due to human impact. Transformation characterizes of Salyan and Lankaran, South-eastern Shirvan plains due to anthropogenic effects have been researched in the article. Dynamic analyzes of old and modern topo maps, satellite images, surveys of older people let to determine transformation degrees and development levels of natural and natural-an- thropogenic landscapes. Ecosystems of the protected areas are compared with landscapes undergoing anthropogenic impacts based on the analogy method. NDVI, dynamic of technogenic landscapes, forest ecosystem maps allow the creation of an anthropogenic transformation map of the study area. We divided the investigation into 5 parts due to the transformation degrees: unchanged landscapes that retain their natural structure, poorly transformed landscapes, medium transformed landscapes, strongly transformed landscapes, natural-technogenic landscapes. Risks and hazards are then assessed. We have prepared a system of measures to overcome environmental risks and hazards.
 
 

ANTHROPOGENIC TRANSFORMATION OF FOREST ECOSYSTEMS IN THE MOUNTAINOUS AREA OF AGSUCHAY

Aim: The purpose of the research is to determine the transformation characteristics of the forest ecosystems of the Agsuchay basin of the Greater Caucasus and to analyze the results of anthropogenic effects. The methodological basis For the study of anthropogenic effects in forests there were used satellite images, scientific literature and the results of observations in experimental areas. Results: The article analyzes the initial state of forest ecosystems in the upper reaches of the Agsuchay and the subsequent anthropogenic transformation. The causes, directions and consequences of anthropogenic transformation of forest ecosystems in the research areas are shown. Due to the mountainous nature of the study area (750-2200 m a.s.l.), the trees formed here have very important tree species in terms of composition. As a result of anthropogenic transformation, the formation, development and gradual expansion of landslides on bare slopes as a result of deforestation and destruction. Scientific novelty: The obtained scientific results can be used to prevent the transformation of forests and restore the forest cover in the study area. As a result of anthropogenic transformation, deforestation and deforestation, landslides were formed, developed and gradually spread on bare slopes. At the same time, the directions and dynamics of anthropogenic transformation are reflected in the altitudinal belts. On the plains of the Agsuchay basin, forests are cut down mainly for the construction of farms and public catering establishments, and in mountainous areas, forests are cut down for firewood. Grazing in forests also leads to the drying up and destruction of forests. At the same time, this area has been inhabited since ancient times due to its geographical location, climate, water and land resources. Over time, large cities were formed here. As the population grew, the economy expanded, the number of livestock increased, and the anthropogenic impact also increased. People who thought about increasing their income by increasing the amount of arable land and pastures and increasing the number of livestock did not take into account the natural landscape of the area. They began to use it blindly, unplanned and intensively.