Biosphere Reserve Research Articles

Conservation Status of Reptilia in Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, Western Ghats, India and its Environment

The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is an important biogeographical hot spot and hosts diverse ecosystem in its habitat. The objectives of the present study are to assess conservation status of Reptilia in Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve and to know the role of habitat in harbouring and conserving/protecting wild fauna. Day time opportunistic visual encounter survey method was employed to study and site different species of Reptiles. There are about 78 species of reptiles inhabited in the reserve, out of which 15 species are threatened as per IUCN, 2023 The reserve harbors three species of turtle and tortoises, 31 species of lizards under five families and 44 species of snakes under six families. There are about 37 species of reptiles which are endemic in the region comprises one species of Geoemydidae, six species of Gekkonidae, eight species of Agamidae, two species of Scincidae, seven species of Uropeltidae, eight species of Colubridae, one species of Pareidae, one species of Elapidae and three species of Viperidae.

Hydrological Variability in the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve, Mexico: A Watershed-Scale Analysis Using Tree-Ring Records

The El Cielo Biosphere Reserve (CBR) stands as a vital forested region in eastern Mexico due to its high biodiversity in flora and fauna and provision of environmental services. This study established a network of 10 ring-width chronologies of different species within the CBR and adjacent watersheds. The objective was to analyze their climatic response and reconstruct the seasonal streamflow contribution of each sub-basin to the main stream, utilizing data from a gauge network of eight hydrological stations located at strategic locations of the CBR. With chronologies ranging from 116 to 564 years, most exhibited association with the accumulated streamflow between January and June. Based on the adjusted R2, Akaike Information Criteria, and Variance Inflation Factor, the stepwise regression procedure was selected among different statistical methods for developing the reconstruction model. In spite of differences in the seasonal reconstructed periods, all the species showed potential to develop hydrological reconstructions as indicated by their common response to streamflow variability, as occurred in the wet years of 1976, 1993, 2000, and 2008, and dry years of 1980, 1982, 1996, and 2011. It was found that the response of the chronologies to gauge records increased as a function of the chronologies’ interseries correlation, average mean sensitivity, and distance of the tree-ring series to the gauge station. Streamflow reconstructions at the sub-basin level allowed a better understanding of the hydroclimatic variability characterizing the CBR, but also suggested the need to increase the network of chronologies for some particular sub-basins lacking tree-ring series to improve the reconstructed models.

Integrating socioeconomic and ecological data into restoration practice.

Driven by the United Nations Decade on Restoration and international funding initiatives, such as the Mangrove Breakthrough, investment in mangrove restoration is expected to increase. Yet, mangrove restoration efforts frequently fail, usually because of ad hoc site-selection processes that do not consider mangrove ecology and the socioeconomic context. Using decision analysis, we developed an approach that accounts for socioeconomic and ecological data to identify sites with the highest likelihood of mangrove restoration success. We applied our approach in the Biosphere Reserve Marismas Nacionales Nayarit, Mexico, an area that recently received funding for implementing mangrove restoration actions. We identified 468 potential restoration sites, assessed their restorability potential based on socioeconomic and ecological metrics, and ranked sites for implementation with spatial optimization. The metrics we used included favorable conditions for propagules to establish and survive under sea-level rise, provision of ecosystem services, and community dynamics. Sites that were selected based on socioeconomic or ecological metrics alone had lower likelihood of mangrove restoration success than sites that were selected based on integrated socioeconomic and ecological metrics. For example, selecting sites based on only socioeconomic metrics captured 16% of the maximum attainable value of functioning mangroves able to provide propagules to potential restoration sites, whereas selecting sites based on ecological and socioeconomic metrics captured 46% of functioning mangroves. Our approach was developed as part of a collaboration between nongovernmental organizations, local government, and academics under rapid delivery time lines given preexisting mangrove restoration implementation commitments. The systematic decision process we used integrated socioeconomic and ecological considerations even under short delivery deadlines, and our approach can be adapted to help mangrove restoration site-selection decisions elsewhere.

Water supply in artificial troughs: a strategy to mitigate the impacts of climate change in the Maya forest

Objective: To verify the functionality of drinking troughs based on fauna record. Design/Methodology/Approach: Most of the approximately 70 artificial drinking troughs were installed inside the core zones of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (CBR). The remaining troughs were installed in communities and left under the protection and supervision of beekeepers. A camera-trap station was associated with each of the drinking troughs installed. Results: Ninety-one wildlife species that drink water from the artificial troughs have been identified, including 30 mammals, 53 birds, 5 reptiles, and three amphibians. Jaguars, tapirs, and other endangered species are some of the most frequent visitors to these sites, especially during the dry season. Study Limitations/Implications: The use of artificial water troughs is an adequate alternative to guarantee water availability in the Calakmul region. The high diversity of species that constantly visit the drinking troughs during the dry season makes evident the functionality of the water supply strategy with artificial drinking troughs. Findings/Conclusions: The drinking troughs can be a tool for various objectives in the region. It arose from the need to respond to emergency climatological events (i.e., droughts), but it has been adapted to the regional needs and other activities. It has been considered a successful management strategy in the face of climate change.

Parallels of environmentally friendly pastoralism to land cover changes and high nature value farmland

The study area is part of the Biosphere Reserve (BR), which, along with adjacent caves in the Aggtelek Karst in Hungary, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995. This article focuses on the assessment of temporal changes in land cover and high nature value farmland. Changes over the past three decades were assessed in the operational areas of transtermitant farms on karst plains and in three BR zones. The results help to identify factors responsible for the progressive succession of woody plants on pastures. Karst microreliefs were excluded from pastoral activities because of the inherent nature of transtermitance, conservation measures, natural conditions, and type of farmed animal. The future preservation of valuable habitats, visually attractive karst landscape characteristics, and clean underground water in a cross-border cave system hinges on adequate grazing conditions being agreed upon by farmers and the Slovenský kras BR administration.

A new Actinella species (Eunotiaceae, Bacillariophyta) from the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Background and aims – Actinella species from Central Africa are only rarely reported. The acid waters from many stream and small rivers in the Congo Basin form a potential environment for species of this genus. We studied several samples from the region of Yangambi to confirm whether species belonging to this genus are present. Material and methods – Samples for diatom investigation were collected in several streams and small rivers (Moni, Ngima, and Libongo), in the tropical rainforest in the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve, Tshopo Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The samples were prepared to obtain permanent microscope slides for light microscopy studies using standard methods and cleaned material for scanning electron microscopy. Key results – A novel Actinella was observed in the studied samples. The taxon was compared to other species such as A. disjuncta, A. lange-bertalotii, A. modesta, A. pereunotioides, and A. pseudohantzschia, although the new species morphologically resembles most A. eunotioides, a species discovered in the Amazon basin in Brazil, and A. eunotioides var. minor, described in 1966 from the Central African Republic. The taxon observed in our material differs from A. eunotioides mainly in the valve dimensions, being much smaller, and the higher density of the marginal spines. Stria density also tends to be coarser. The valve length of A. eunotioides var. minor, on the other hand, corresponds with the smallest valves of our taxon but the valves are narrower, with a higher stria density. The ventral margin is slightly convex, while in the new taxon it is slightly concave. Moreover, in the original description of A. eunotioides var. minor, the absence of spines is mentioned, while they are present on the valves in the materials we investigated. Based on the observed morphological differences, we consider the taxon recorded in the streams and small rivers in the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve distinct from A. eunotioides and its var. minor and subsequently, we describe Actinella kufferathiana as a species new to science.

Changes in submerged macrophyte diversity, coverage and biomass in a biosphere reserve site after 20 years: A plea for conservation efforts

The conservation of submerged vegetation is crucial in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. We have assessed, by means of subaquatic quantitative sampling transects, the current status of the hydrophytic flora in 14 lakes in the Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park, a Biosphere Reserve site in central Spain, surrounded by a semi-arid landscape. The conforming lakes have endured several anthropic pressures for decades (e.g., eutrophication, land-use changes, etc.). By comparing the current with the former status (20 years ago) of hydrophytes in the natural park, substantial negative (species richness loss, decrease in submerged meadow coverage, particularly in the upstream lakes) and positive (natural recovery of meadows after the cut-off of sudden disturbances caused by point pollution sources, improving of trophic state in some lakes, no presence of exotic hydrophytes) changes in the lakes were noticed. We have analyzed that the disappearance of all the hydrophyte (mainly charophytes) stands would represent the loss of ecosystem services. For example, up to 70 t CH4 might be released from the charophyte detritus, an internal pool of phosphorus (as high as 1400 mgP/m2) stored in the charophytes stands could be liberated. Some lakes require special measures, but overall, to preserve this lake complex, and other similar ones, we propose to study, in detail, the causes of submerged vegetation deterioration (focusing on the presence of pesticides –in water and sediments-, and other reasons) to assess the ecological risks, to protect the groundwater resources, preventing the lakes from receiving surficial point and non-point sources of pollution.

The distribution of reptile species richness in protected areas of Chiapas, Mexico

Around 19–22% of reptiles worldwide are in danger of disappearing. This problem also occurs in Mexico, particularly in Chiapas, which boasts the second-highest number of recorded reptile species in the country. To address this issue, we conducted a study to determine how natural areas can help to protect these reptiles in the state. We compiled a database of 217 reptile species in Chiapas to create Species Distribution Models (SDMs). We analyzed representativeness, beta diversity, and species richness. Our findings showed a high level of representativeness for the records and species distribution models. By stacking the maps with the total number of endemic and threatened species, we identified two hot spots for the study area, i.e., the Northern Highlands, the Central Depression, and the Sierra Madre de Chiapas. Based on the SDMs, we found more endemic and threatened species within protected natural areas than outside of these. Our study can help prioritize conservation efforts in little-studied protected areas and reaffirm the importance of conservation in areas such as the Biosphere Reserve Selva El Ocote, home to a diverse range of endemic and threatened species.

Climatic effects on primary and secondary growth of Pinus oocarpa trees in southern Mexico

We analyzed the influence of the local climate and three large-scale climatic phenomena on primary (crown) and secondary (radial) growth of 35 Pinus oocarpa trees in the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve in southeastern Mexico. Whereas local satellite data of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was employed to analyze primary growth, annual tree-ring widths were measured and averaged across trees to quantify secondary growth for the site. For primary growth, a monthly time series of 26 years (1982-2008) resulted for the site. For secondary growth, the annual time series of tree-ring widths was for 45 years (1965-2008). The NDVI positively correlated with precipitation for March to May (r = 0.56), and tree-ring widths for January to June (r = 0.63). Maximum temperature correlated negatively with the NDVI for June to July (r =−0.55) and tree ring widths for June (r = -0.55). The results from correlation analysis and spatial correlation maps highlight the negative influence of the Pacific Ocean and the positive influence of the Atlantic Ocean on both types of growth, by causing large-scale climatic phenomena that affect the regional climate. The NDVI and radial growth positively correlated from April to July (r = 0.44), when both growth types resume concurrently, suggesting that carbohydrates produced in the crown lead to increased radial growth at the beginning of the growing season. Our study highlights the differential effects of large-scale climate phenomena on primary and secondary tree growth in a widespread tropical pine species in Mexico.

Ecological amplitude and indication potential of mining bees (Andrena spp.): a case study from the post-agricultural area of the Kampinos National Park (Poland)

The mining bee (Andrena spp.) play a key role in ensuring plant and animal diversity. The present study examines their diversity in a post-agricultural landscape exemplified by the Kampinos National Park (KNP), a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Poland. The following hypotheses were addressed: (H1) the mining bees demonstrate a narrow ecological amplitude, (H2) there are no indicator species for particular habitats, and (H3) the studied mining bees have the same ecological preferences to those presented in the literature. A total of 40 catch per unit effort samples (CPUE) were collected across various habitats with different soil humidity. Forty-six species were recorded, representing 46% of mining bees and approximately 10% of the known Polish bee fauna. Nineteen of the recorded species (41%) were assigned to CR-NT threat categories, indicating that the national park plays a significant role in preserving mining bee species diversity and their conservation. None of the hypotheses (H1, H2, H3) were confirmed. The mining bees were found to demonstrate a wide ecological amplitude. Surprisingly, habitats located in dry and wet soils were both characterised by high abundance and species richness. Seventeen indicators were distinguished among the dominant and rarer species. Our findings suggest that Andrena nigroaenea and A. ventralis (lower humidity), as well as A. alfkenella and A. minutuloides (higher humidity), have different significant relationships with habitat soil humidity to those reported in the literature.

Human–Wild Boar Coexistence: A Role-Playing Game for Collective Learning and Conflict Mitigation

Wild boars have become a common yet controversial species in France, where the main response to the species’ development and the problems it may cause is an increased hunting effort. However, wild boars are an extremely adaptive species, and their response to human activities (including hunting) is not fully understood. Moreover, hunting may be a source of conflict with other stakeholders and a topic for public debate, which questions its sustainability. To discuss wild boar behaviour, as well as (other) means to coexist with these animals, we developed a role-playing board game framed around wild boars and hunting. In this paper, we outline the design of the WILD BOAR(D) GAME and reflect on the first three game sessions, which we conducted in our research areas (Gorges du Gardon and Camargue Biosphere Reserves, France). We show that a continuous back and forth between the game and reality allows the participants to elicit their knowledge as well as learn from the other participants, which contributes to filling in the knowledge gaps identified previously in the game design as well as mitigating conflicts regarding wild boars. Finally, we discuss the interest of including wild boars as a role in itself to reflect on their agency.

Terrirubrum flagellatum gen. nov., sp. nov. of Terrirubraceae fam. nov. and Lichenibacterium dinghuense sp. nov. from forest soil and proposal of Rhodoblastaceae fam. nov.

Two Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterial strains, 7MK25T and 6Y81T, were isolated from forest soil of Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve, Guangdong Province, PR China. Based on the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain 7MK25T showed the highest similarity (93.6 %) to Methyloferula stellata AR4T, followed by Bosea thiooxidans DSM 9653T (93.3 %). Strain 6Y81T had the highest similarity of 97.9 % to Lichenibacterium minor RmlP026T, followed by Lichenibacterium ramalinae RmlP001T (97.2 %). Phylogenomic analysis using the UBCG and PhyloPhlAn methods consistently showed that strain 7MK25T formed a sister clade to Boseaceae, while strain 6Y81T formed an independent clade within the genus Lichenibacterium, both in the order Hyphomicrobiales. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between strains 7MK25T, 6Y81T and their close relatives were in the ranges of 19.1-29.9 % and 72.5-85.5 %, respectively. The major fatty acids of 7MK25T were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c/C18 : 1 ω6c), C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c, C16 : 0 and C17 : 0 cyclo, while those of 6Y81T were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c/C18 : 1 ω6c), C16 : 0 and C16 : 0 3-OH. Strains 7MK25T and 6Y81T took diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine as their dominant polar lipids, and Q-10 as their major respiratory quinone. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic data, strain 7MK25T is proposed to represent a novel species of a novel genus with name Terrirubrum flagellatum gen. nov., sp. nov., within a novel family Terrirubraceae fam. nov., with 7MK25T (=KCTC 62738T=GDMCC 1.1452T) as its type strain. Strain 6Y81T represents a novel species in the genus Lichenibacterium, for which the name Lichenibacterium dinghuense sp. nov. (type strain 6Y81T=KACC 21 727T=GDMCC 1.2176T) is proposed. Rhodoblastaceae fam. nov. with Rhodoblastus as the type genus is also proposed to solve the non-monophylectic problem of the family Roseiarcaceae.

Morphological description of the White-throated treerunner (Pygarrhichas albogularis, King 1831) in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, Chile

The sub-Antarctic Magellanic ecoregion is one of the most pristine wilderness areas remaining on the planet, and is home to the southernmost forest ecosystems in the world, which are protected by the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve (CHBR). In these forests, birds are the group of vertebrates with the largest number of species. However, essential aspects of the ecology and morphology of several species in this region are still understudied. These species include the White-throated treerunner (Pygarrhichas albogularis, King 1831), considered a “living fossil” as it is the only living species of the genus Pygarrhichas. In addition, this Furnariid is endemic to the temperate forests of South America. Using the 23-year database of the Long-Term Ornithological Research Program of Omora Park (54º56’S, 67º38’W), based on monthly captures and banding of forest birds, we describe the morphology, longevity, and presence of the White- throated treerunner in the CHBR. Between 2000 and 2022, 91 individuals were captured, including 29 recaptures. Based on these recaptures we determined that this species can live for at least five years. Morphometric measures showed a positive correlation between bill measures and tarsus length with both tail and wing lengths. The average weight varied for each season but not significantly. The greater presence on old-growth forests sites suggests a dependence of treerunners on large trees. This study expands the knowledge about the natural history of the White-throated treerunner, particularly about its populations inhabiting the world’s southernmost forests

First catalogue of benthic marine macroalgae from glacier-influenced environments of the Beagle Channel, deposited in the new Sub-Antarctic Cryptogamic Herbarium (SCH) of the University of Magallanes

The environmental characteristics and geomorphological landscape in the sub-Antarctic Magellanic ecoregion underpin a biological diversity that evolved adapting to the microhabitats produced by these heterogeneous ecological conditions. The high level of endemism found in these biological communities is nowadays protected thanks to the creation of the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve (CHBR), a natural laboratory at the southern end of the sub-Antarctic Magellanic ecoregion. Studies produced in this region offer a valuable knowledge of its biological, ecological and cultural facets in a state still scarcely impacted by anthropogenic activities. The retreat of glaciers present along the channels and fjords of the CHBR due to global climate change impacts the marine benthic and macroalgae communities hosted in these water bodies. European expeditions in the 18th and 19th centuries pioneered the works which provided our current knowledge about this subantarctic marine flora. Nevertheless, there is still a gap of taxonomic information of macroalgae diversity in the CHBR. To solve this gap, with support of the Cape Horn Internationional Center (CHIC), we created the Sub-Antarctic Cryptogamic Herbarium (SCH) hosted at the Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Marine Ecosystems Laboratory (LEMAS), University of Magallanes. In 2020, the New York Botanical Garden indexed the SCH in its Index Herbariorum. This indexation granted by this world-renowned institution places the SCH's biological collection as the world's southernmost cryptogamic repository. As such, the SCH's botanical collection is currently the only gateway to the subantarctic ecosystem's biological legacy. The catalogue below provides information about the ecological and morphological characteristics of macroalgae deposited in the SCH, with particular focus on those species present in the CHBR. We identified 54 species. Among them 23 belong to the Rhodophyta division (43%), 19 species to the Chlorophyta division (35%), and 12 species to the Ochrophyta division (22%). In the context of rapid global change, involving increasingly threatened taxa due to human impact, baseline studies and records deposited at the SCH will provide an essential tool for assessing patterns of change and defining conservation practices to protect the rich biodiversity of these sub-Antarctic ecosystems.

Climate change through the eyes of recreational hunters: impacts on wildlife and adaptive responses

ABSTRACT Climate change is increasingly recognized as a serious threat to wildlife globally. Environmentally unsustainable human activities do not only damage wildlife resources but also contribute to exacerbating the impacts of climate change. The objective of this research is to assess how local hunters in the Dana Biosphere Reserve perceive climate change and its impacts on wildlife resources, and to understand their adaptive responses to these impacts. Through semi-structured interviews with local hunters, it was revealed that the area faces multiple climate threats, including reduced rainfall, shifting rainy seasons, and more frequent and intense droughts. Climate change has resulted in several problems, including a decline in the rate of reproduction of many wild species, changes in geographical distribution, and substantial declines in wildlife abundance. Consequently, most hunters have changed their hunting practices, avoided overhunting, and engaged in alternative outdoor activities.

Evaluation of the diversity and genetic structure of Ceratozamia kuesteriana Regel. (Zamiaceae) in Tamaulipas, Mexico

AbstractGenetic diversity is the most widely used indicator to evaluate the evolutionary potential of a species. In theory, species with limited distribution are more susceptible to diversity loss. However, some species with restricted distribution occasionally present more diversity than expected, as is the case for some cycads. Ceratozamia kuesteriana is a microendemic species in El Cielo Biosphere Reserve in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Several previously reported populations have been eradicated in the last 10 years. The objective of this work was to estimate the levels of diversity and genetic structure in five populations within the reserve. The results show a high structure and differentiation, even when the populations are geographically proximal. However, overall diversity is high, with recent bottlenecks and alleles departing from neutrality, suggesting a broad, well‐adapted genetic base. Unfortunately, this genetic pool has recently become fragmented, posing a high extinction risk if allelic representativeness is absent in collections or botanical gardens.

Tubakia spp., Didymella macrostoma and Apiognomonia errabunda causing leaf spot and anthracnose of Quercus robur in the Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve

Tubakia spp., Didymella macrostoma and Apiognomonia errabunda causing leaf spot and anthracnose of Quercus robur in the Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve

Spatial and temporal dynamics of the primate community in a regenerating forest of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, Peru

Introduction: Amazonian forests with varying degrees of anthropogenic disturbance in the process of natural regeneration harbour many sympatric primate species. However, studies on their usage by primates are still lacking. Objective: To comprehensively study the spatial and temporal dynamics within the primate community in a regenerating forest within the Manu Biosphere Reserve. Methods: Two sets of historical data from Crees Foundation for Manu were analyzed, comprising records from January 2011 to February 2023 and corresponding to data obtained through incidental data and Terrestrial In-line Transects in three types of forest with different degrees of historical disturbance. Results: Lagothrix lagothricha and Ateles chamek showed a preference for less disturbed forests; Plecturocebus toppini, for more disturbed forests; and the other species did not show a clear preference. Regarding vertical stratification, A. chamek, L. lagothricha and Alouatta sara showed a preference for the upper stratum, P. toppini, Saimiri boliviensis and Sapajus macrocephalus showed a preference for the middle and upper strata and Leontocebus weddelli and Aotus nigriceps, for the middle stratum. According to the temporal activity of each species, seven species (A. chamek, S. macrocephalus, S. boliviensis, P. toppini, L. lagothricha, L. weddelli, and A. sara) were observed during the day, four were similar. Conclusions: The primate community varies according to disturbance gradient due to the preferences of some species. The recorded primates make a differentiated use of the vertical strata and most of them show diurnal activity.

Brilliant green decolorization by dye decolorizing peroxidase producing bacterium, Achromobacter insolitus isolated from Forest soils of Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha

Dye-decolorizing peroxidases (DyPs) are recently identified superfamily of heme-containing peroxidases which has received much attention for its potential application in dye decolourization. In the current research, six bacterial colonies (SDB1-6) showing lignolytic activity were isolated from forest soils of SBR using a minimal salt medium supplemented with alkali lignin and screened for DyP activity using brilliant green dye supplemented luria bertani agar medium. The highest DyP activity showing bacterium was identified using biochemical and 16SrRNA sequencing and was identified as Achromobacter insolitus. A. insolitus was found to be an efficient strain showing the highest DyP activity of 2.7 U/mL/ml at un-optimized condition. The RSM optimization was conducted to increase the DyP enzyme activity. A. insolitus demonstrated DyP activity of 6.20 U/mL/min with an increase of 2.29 times of enzyme activity in optimal condition of pH 7.0, temperature 25 °C, H2O2 concentration 0.1 mM, and time 24 h. The bacterium was further screened for dye decolorization taking crystal violet, methyl orange, methylene blue, brilliant green and methyl red dyes supplemented in LB medium. The bacterium showed maximum brilliant green degradation ability was analyzed using UV-Vis and FTIR analyses to characterize the degraded product. The highest brilliant green degradation activity of the A. insolitus in the present study could be exploited for bioremediation of brilliant green contaminated industrial effluents in a ecofriendly and cost effective way.

Identification of the botanical origin and determination of physicochemical parameters of honey samples collected from the «Sary-Chelek» biosphere reserve of Kyrgyzstan

«Sary-Chelek» biosphere reserve is one of the richest rare flora and animal reserves in Kyrgyzstan. The natural environment of the «Sary-Chelek» biosphere reserve is exceptionally conducive to high-quality honey production. Producing monofloral honey in a nature landscape is challenging because, throughout the beekeeping season, multiple melliferous plants bloom at the same time. The botanical authenticity is the main factor influencing honey prices, as it has a direct impact on the quality of honey. The article describes for the first time the botanical origin and physicochemical characteristics of honey collected in this biosphere reserve and also determines the influence of the dominant honey plant on organoleptic, physicochemical, and food safety indicators. A total of 17 honey samples were collected from beekeepers in the territory of the «Sary-Chelek» biosphere reserve. In the samples, there were unique plant pollens: Salvia sp., Thymus sp., Eremurus sp., and Myosotis sp. Nine of the samples were monofloral honey—three of sage (Salvia sp.), four of thyme (Thymus sp.), and two of eremurus (Eremurus sp.), and eight samples were polyfloral honey. The organoleptic, physicochemical, and food safety parameters of the selected honey samples comply with the established norms and international standards.