Ecological Prerequisites Research Articles

Online Communities of Practises as Agricultural Information Platforms: A Case Study of Indonesian Shrimp Farmers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study examines the potential of Online Communities of Practises (OCoPs) for providing agricultural extension services. Using a unique dataset of 1,574 shrimp farmers, including members of one of Indonesia's largest public OCoP Facebook groups, we found that despite the pandemic, Indonesian farmers continue to rely primarily on their neighbours for farming information, utilising OCoPs only as a complementary resource. This reliance may stem from the fragmented and codified nature of information shared by OCoP members, making it challenging to access specific and useful farming information, particularly on shrimp disease, and difficult to revalidate practices in the field. Consequently, farmers prefer to observe their neighbours’ practices and replicate their farming success, given similar ecological prerequisites. To compensate for these shortcomings, it is recommended that context-specific and timely information from conventional extension services be integrated into OCoPs.

Where Will Threatened Aegle marmelos L., a Tree of the Semi-Arid Region, Go under Climate Change? Implications for the Reintroduction of the Species

The conservation of threatened species and the restoration of ecosystems have emerged as crucial ecological prerequisites in the context of a changing global environment. One such species of significant commercial value is the Bael tree, scientifically known as Aegle marmelos, which is native to semi-arid regions in Pakistan. However, the species faces threats in Pakistan due to overexploitation and changing land use. To support sustainable production practices and agricultural planning, it is important to investigate how climate change has affected the geographic distribution of Aegle marmelos. Additionally, the impact of climate change on its frequency and distribution remains uncertain. To address these concerns, we employed species distribution modeling techniques using MaxEnt and GIS to predict the present and future distribution of favorable habitats for Aegle marmelos. Based on our findings, several key bioclimatic variables were identified as significant influencers of Aegle marmelos distribution. These variables include soil bulk density (bdod), isothermality (bio03), precipitation during the warmest quarter (bio18), and mean temperature during the wettest quarter (bio08). Currently, the potential suitable habitat for Aegle marmelos spans an area of approximately 396,869 square kilometers, primarily concentrated in the regions of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan in Pakistan. The habitats deemed highly suitable for Aegle marmelos are predominantly found in upper and central Punjab. However, if climate change persists, the suitable habitats in Pakistan are likely to become more fragmented, resulting in a significant shift in the overall suitable area. Moreover, the distribution center of the species is expected to relocate towards the southeast, leading to increased spatial separation over time. The results of this research significantly contribute to our understanding of the geo-ecological aspects related to Aegle marmelos. Furthermore, they provide valuable recommendations for the protection, management, monitoring, and sustainable production of this species.

Social and ecological prerequisites for the development of innovative nature management in the communities in Lviv region

Purpose. Based on the analysis of socio-ecological conditions for the development of innovative nature management in the communities in Lviv region, to determine the main factors of innovative industrial production. Methods. Analysis, synthesis, comparison. Results. The concept of "industrial nature management in the community" is covered. We described the socio-ecological conditions for the development of innovative nature management and the main factors of innovative industrial nature management in modern decentralization within the newly created territorial communities are as follows: technology, legislation in the field of innovation, demand for innovative products, information and investment resources, highly skilled labor, efficiency of management.. Innovative activity within the enterprises of Lviv region and the state of the technological structure of industrial production in the region are characterized. Attention is paid to the possibility of structural restructuring of industrial nature management.The peculiarities of the development of innovative nature management within the Lviv region, the mechanisms of stimulating investment and innovative development of territorial communities are highlighted. The concept of "industrial park" is considered, as well as the concept of creating industrial parks. The functional purpose of nine industrial parks, which are planned to be created within the territory of Lviv region, is described. The industrial zoning of the region is highlighted and the main industrial centers within them are characterized. Conclusions. Structural restructuring of industrial nature management should be based on optimizing the use of existing in the community natural resource, socio-economic, cultural and historical potentials, optimizing the directions and scale of nature management. At the same time, the least environmentally harmful industries deserve the priority development.

Studies of cellular and molecular mechanisms coupled with physico-chemical and ecological prerequisites of harmful algal blooms secure advanced research prospects in planktonology

Studies of cellular and molecular mechanisms coupled with physico-chemical and ecological prerequisites of harmful algal blooms secure advanced research prospects in planktonology

Prospects of organic agriculture development on the territory of Vinnitsia region in the conditions of climate change

The article considers the concept of organic farming, the state and prospects of its development in the trends of climate change. The main problems of organic production on the territory of Ukraine are investigated. It was revealed that for the introduction of organic farming it is necessary to improve the regulatory framework, improve the level of public awareness, take into account the difficulties in growing organic products. The stages of transition of the agrarian enterprise from traditional to organic system of managing are considered. The ecological and toxicological condition of arable lands of Vinnytsia region was also analyzed. The main requirements for the quality of land intended for organic farming, the main among which is the absence of pollution by pesticides, heavy metals, radionuclides and others. It is established that the lands of Vinnytsia region can be divided into two groups of suitability for organic production: suitable and unsuitable. The negative tendency to reduce the application of organic and mineral fertilizers, as well as the active growth of sunflower sown areas due to changes in climatic and agrometeorological conditions of the region, more and more farms use heat-loving crops, displacing traditional grain and technical, which increases the load on agricultural land. There are several features of the implementation of agronomic techniques in the transition period to organic farming in the context of climate change for the territory of Vinnytsia region. It was found that the territory of Vinnytsia region has all the ecological prerequisites for the introduction and conduct of organic farming. However, due to the irrational use of land resources of the region, there is a phenomenon of their degradation: reduced fertility, deteriorating quality, complete withdrawal from economic use. The introduction of organic farming in Vinnytsia will preserve and significantly improve the quality of land resources.

Ecological aspects of zoning the territory of the Saratov region by the risk level of formation of West Nile fever foci

The modern period is characterized by the expansion of the areas of a number of dangerous infectious diseases, previously endemic only for the countries with tropical climate. As a result of Palearctic climate warming and humidification and under the influence of anthropogenic factors, foci of a new transmissible arboviral zoonosis – West Nile fever (WNF) – have been formed in the Saratov region. On the territory of Russia, the circulation of the West Nile virus (WNV) has been recorded since 1963, and cases of human infection have been detected since 1967. In the studied region, the circulation of the virus has been known since the mid-90s of the last century, and epidemic complications – since 2012. 142 cases of the disease were reported in 2012–2020. The ecological prerequisites for a wide circulation of WNV are associated with the increase in the number of birds – carriers, and arthropods – blood-sucking vectors, the longer activity period of mosquitoes and ticks owing to the reduced frosty season of the year. As a result of landscape mapping with the use of modern methods for decoding images of satellite maps and remote sensing of the Earth (ERS), data have been obtained that served as the basis for epidemiological WNF zoning. There are three types of potential WNF foci on the territory of the region, namely: natural, natural-anthropourgic, and anthropourgic ones. The total area of biocenoses has been established, where natural, natural-anthropourgic and anthropourgic WNF foci could be formed: 6619.94 km2, 1484.62 km2, and 70.4 km2, respectively. Cluster analysis of the environmental conditions in 38 administrative districts of the region has distinguished four groups differing in the risk level of infection of the population with West Nile fever. The data obtained are used for planning, substantiating and conducting surveys and preventive measures, and form the basis for predicting the epidemiological situation in the region.

ВОПРОСЫ ПРЕЕМСТВЕННОСТИ ПОДХОДОВ К БЛАГОУСТРОЙСТВУ И ОЗЕЛЕНЕНИЮ ГОРОДОВ

The article has been prepared on the basis of many years of research at the Central Scientific Research Institute of Urban Development in the 1970s and 1990s and later works, including those carried out at the Central Scientific Research Institute of Construction of the Ministry of Construction of Russia. The ecological prerequisites of urban planning and the principle of the formation of the natural-ecological frame of the territories of cities as a planning basis for their improvement and landscaping are considered. Taken into account studies of 2019-2020. Since the beginning of the new century, the professional environment has been discussing the negative trends of modern urban planning and urban improvement, accompanied by the loss of their individual appearance. This takes place in the conditions of a market economy and world processes of globalization, which in our subject area are usually called "urbanism". This situation is typical for most cities, and not only for megalopolises, but also for small historical cities. It is shown that excessive unification and depersonalization of the urban environment can be overcome by relying on the fundamental achievements of domestic science and practice. It is also necessary to use systemic, socially oriented and environmentally oriented approaches to the planning and improvement of cities with the formation of interconnected systems of natural and green areas. They should include historical buildings, architectural ensembles and architectural monuments, valuable natural landscapes, historical gardens and parks.

BASIC PRECONDITIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES FOR POWER SUPPLY OF AUTONOMUS OBJECTS IN THE CONDITIONS KYRGYZSTAN

The aim of this study was to observed to increasein the global aspect concentration of СО2. Heat balance contributing factors to change of the planet were separated. The results of the analysis, to show of reasonable statistical data on environmental damage from the use of organic fuels for energy production are also presented on the example of Kyrgyzstan. The ecological and climatic prerequisites contribute to the intensive introduction of alternative energy sources. The most important directions of development of renewable energy sources highlighted in the conditions of our mountain republic. The article shows that the development of the biogas industry - as one of the priority areas of alternative energy, for a constant increase in prices for fossil energy resources, would allow solving a number of important economic problems. Approach of the article is obvious, as it provides an alternative environmentally friendly method of energy generation.

Urban and ecological prerequisites for the development of the Black Sea cities in the Krasnodar region with consideration of thermal and wind processes

Introduction. Ecology of the atmospheric environment of coastal cities directly depends on the thermal and wind processes, which are formed by irradiation of the active city surface and slope mountain areas adjacent to the city, as well as the sea area. Materials and methods. The study is based on a comprehensive methodology for studying urban and ecological processes of the atmospheric environment at the macro- and mesoecological level of urban planning. Modern computer models ICON, GFS and GEM utilized in applied meteorology were used, as well as the semi-graphical method of modeling daily pollution dome transformation based on thermophysical and aerodynamic laws of atmospheric environment and irradiation of the building’s active surface and of the surrounding landscape. Results. The transformation and movement chart of the air pollution dome formed over the city during the day in the “mountains – city – sea” system is presented. It is proved that in the warm season in the first half of the day, the maximum accumulation zone of negative atmospheric pollutants is located in the mountain foothills facing east, by mid-day it will be shifted to the center of the city, and in the evening the maximum pollution will be observed in the coastal zone. The presented ecological efficiency in urban planning on the example of the Black Sea cities of Novorossiysk and Tuapse allows for the assessment of the thermal and wind process impact on the transformation and movement of atmospheric pollution dome in complex terrain and sea area conditions using the assessment classification of “satisfactory” in the first half of the day, “good” in the day and evening. Conclusions. The research is particularly relevant in southern cities located on the coast and bordering the mountainous territory. The main urban and ecological principle of planning organization in the reconstruction, planning and development of coastal cities and towns is the mechanism of thermodynamic and aerodynamic processes of the atmospheric environment, expressed in the form of sea breeze and mountain-valley circulation, as well as convective flows, the study of which allowed to formulate practical recommendations.

Phenotypic Variability of Body Coloration in the Populations of Scutellerid Bugs (Eurygaster Laporte; Heteroptera, Scutelleridae) in Cereal Crops and the Ecological Factors Responsible for It

Populations of shield bugs of the genus Eurygaster, which are pests of cereal crops in Europe and Asia, are characterized by pronounced modification (phenotypic) individual variability of the scutellum coloration. The scutellerid body coloration has a protective function, acting in a concealing or a disruptive way. The main ecological prerequisites for its formation include the existence of bugs under non-uniform conditions on the aboveground parts of their host plants, on the soil surface, in the upper litter and soil layers, inside secondary shelters in winter and during summer drought, and also their relations with host plants, predators, and parasites. All these factors contribute to the formation of a number of body color phenotypes with transitional forms between them and determine their spatiotemporal dynamics due to changes in the living conditions. The leading factors affecting the body color of scutellerids are the climate, especially humidity and thermal conditions during development; the soil, in particular its type and color; the vegetation features; the composition and biological characteristics of the main host plants, the prevalent entomophages, and relations between them. Within the temperate belt, the percentage of Eu. integriceps bugs with a uniformly colored dark, gray or gray-brown scutellum increases with increasing latitude and longitude, increasing precipitation in May-August, and decreasing air temperature, and also in transition from the steppe to the forest-steppe zone and from lighter chestnut soils to chernozems. Correspondingly, the percentage of bugs with a light-colored scutellum increases in the mountains and foothills of West and Central Asia. In the forest-steppe zone of Samara Province, 5 and 3 phenotypes of the scutellum color were recorded in wheat and barley agrocenoses, respectively. Bugs of the 1st phenotype were dominant in Eu. integriceps and Eu. maura populations inhabiting wheat and barley crops, while those of the 2nd and 3rd phenotypes were also quite common. The highest similarity between Eu. integriceps and Eu. maura populations in the body coloration was observed in winter and spring wheat crops.

Importance of stand structure and neighborhood in European beech regeneration

The European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is a competitive and shade-tolerant species, with its natural regeneration in closed-canopy stands affected by a number of variables. The study aimed to identify factors related to beech regeneration by focusing on two main questions: (1) can we identify environmental and stand structural characteristics that promote beech regeneration or indicate suitable conditions for regeneration under closed canopy conditions, and (2) do environmental and stand structural characteristics favorable for beech regeneration differ among the ontogeny of seedlings and saplings? To answer these questions, we sampled four beech-dominated forest complexes in northern and southern Poland. Study plots were established in sites with varying overstory composition, including beech-dominated, mixed, and conifer-dominated stands. In the analyzed forest complexes, regeneration consisted mostly of beech seedlings and saplings with admixture of shade tolerant or intermediate light-tolerant species—Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), silver fir (Abies alba Mill.), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.), and sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.). The average density of beech regeneration was 9047, 10,305, 5198 and 8972 trees ha−1 in forest complexes 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively; however, the inter-plot variation of the regeneration density was high. Beech regeneration occurrence were determined by stand structural characteristics. Beech regeneration decreases as stand density increases and increases with stand basal area and the percentage of beech in the dominant canopy layer. The ecological prerequisites favorable for beech regeneration abundance differ with the ontogeny of seedlings and saplings—the smallest seedlings regeneration was determined by stand structural variables to a greater extent, while more advanced regeneration abundance was also associated with light-demanding species regeneration abundance. Under closed canopy conditions, beech regeneration abundance was weakly influenced by intra/interspecific competition from surrounding vegetation; however, canopy openings may increase it, therefore, competition aspects should be taken into account in the selection of forest management practices.

Extraction without tooling around — The first comprehensive description of the foraging- and socio-ecology of wild Goffin’s cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana)

Abstract When tested under laboratory conditions, Goffin’s cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana) demonstrate numerous sophisticated cognitive skills. Most importantly, this species has shown the ability to manufacture and use tools. However, little is known about the ecology of these cockatoos, endemic to the Tanimbar Islands in Indonesia. Here we provide first insights into the feeding- and socio-ecology of the wild Goffin’s cockatoos and propose potential links between their behaviour in natural settings and their advanced problem-solving capacities shown in captivity. Observational data suggests that Goffin’s cockatoos rely on a large variety of partially seasonal resources. Furthermore, several food types require different extraction techniques. These ecological and behavioural characteristics fall in line with current hypotheses regarding the evolution of complex cognition and innovativeness. We discuss how the efficiency of (extractive) foraging may preclude tool use in wild Goffin’s cockatoos, even though the corresponding cognitive and ecological prerequisites seem to be present.

Створення еколого-пізнавального туристичного маршруту "шляхами графа Володимира Дідушицького" у Бродівському районі Львівської області

З'ясовано еколого-географічні та історичні передумови створення природного заповідника на території північного Поділля. Проаналізовано сучасний стан НПП "Північне Поділля", зокрема територій комплексної пам'ятки природи місцевого значення "Пам'ятка Пеняцька" і Державного ботанічного заказника місцевого значення "Макітра"; ідентифіковано та проаналізовано біорізноманіття, ландшафтні та історико-культурні особливості цих територій, а також існуючі тут еколого-пізнавальні туристичні маршрути. Охарактеризовано природоохоронну діяльність графа В. Дідушицького, зокрема створення ним природного резервату "Пам'ятка Пеняцька" з метою збереження букового пралісу та охорони місця гніздування рідкісного виду птаха – орлана білохвостого, а також заснування ним Природознавчого музею у Львові. Обґрунтовано доцільність розроблення нового еколого-пізнавального туристичного маршруту на території північного Поділля для продовження природоохоронної діяльності в регіоні, яку започаткував В. Дідушицький. Запропоновано створення дводенного еколого-пізнавального туристичного маршруту "Шляхами графа Володимира Дідушицького" (Львів – Броди – Підкамінь – Пеняки – Пліснеське городище – Підгірці – Львів) та докладно охарактеризовано екскурсійні об'єкти, включені до цього маршруту. Проаналізовано значення новоствореного маршруту для збереження цінних природних та історико-культурних комплексів і об'єктів Бродівщини.

Ecological prerequisites for successful reforestation of degraded tropical peatlands

Ecological prerequisites for successful reforestation of degraded tropical peatlands

Ecological and Economic Prerequisites for the Extraction of Solid Minerals from the Bottom of the Arctic Seas

The world ocean has huge reserves of minerals that are contained directly in the water, as well as on the surface of its bottom and in its subsoils. The deposits of solid minerals on the surface of the bottom of the World Ocean are considered the most promising for industrial extraction. The deposits of ferromanganese nodules, cobalt-manganese crusts and polymetallic sulphides are considered as an object of extracting more often than others. There are the largest deposits of ferromanganese nodules in the central and southern parts of the Pacific Ocean, in the central part of the Indian Ocean, and in the seas of the Arctic Ocean near Russia. The deposits of ferromanganese nodules are a serious alternative to deposits of manganese ore on land. However, there are many factors influencing the efficiency of the development of ferromanganese deposits, the most significant are: the content of the useful component in the ore, the depth of the bottom and the distance from the seaports. It is also necessary to take into account the possible environmental consequences of underwater mining.

Drones for butterfly conservation: larval habitat assessment with an unmanned aerial vehicle

Evidence-based nature conservation focuses on ecological facts and the incorporation of knowledge on the ecology of species, including its entire life cycle. In butterflies, imagos and its larvae often demand specific and diverging micro-habitat structures and resources. In consequence, ecological requirements of the imaginal and pre-imaginal stage have to be taken into consideration to conduct effective conservation management. Here we analyse ecological pre-requisites of imagos and larvae for two lycaenid butterfly species, the common blue Polyommatus icarus and the adonis blue Polyommatus bellargus. Both butterfly species occur in calcareous grasslands and mainly depend on two plant species at our study site, the horseshoe vetch Hippocrepis comosa and bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus. These plant species serve as nectar sources and larval host plants for the two butterfly species. First, we assessed the occurrence of imagines and larvae of the two butterfly species and recorded various micro-habitat characteristics, like the number of flower buds of the two main host plants, the surrounding vegetation height, percentage of bare soil, availability of shadow, and the distance to and geographic direction of thickets at respective sites. In a second step we took high resolution aerial pictures from our study area using an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone). Based on these aerial pictures and the information on the larvae´s habitat preference from our field observations, we trained a habitat suitability model to identify micro-habitat structures suitable for larvae of the two butterfly species. We found that abundance of imagos is positively correlated with flower bud density of the two host plants. Low vegetation height and high proportion of bare soil (but not flower bud density) positively influence egg oviposition. The calculated habitat suitability models predict the occurrence of high quality larval habitats with high prediction power (AUC = 0.72). This combined data set consisting of field observations, high resolution aerial pictures taken from an unmanned aerial vehicle, and models underline that (1) species with complex life cycles may request more than one habitat niche, depending its stage of development, and (2) high resolution aerial pictures taken from drones provide valuable background data to generate habitat suitability models—even on a micro scale but covering larger parts of a landscape.

Visual and Ecological Prerequisites of Development of Modern Architecture

Visual and ecological prerequisites for the development and formation of modern architecture, taking into account the impact of global crises have been stated in the present research.Objectives: to identify the prerequisites and principles of visual-ecological formation of modern architecture taking into account the influencing factors.

Prospects for nature in proposals for urban growth

Purpose – Proposals for changing city-nature relationships are currently dominated by geographical approaches about urban form. They arguably lack a sufficient appreciation of design issues and opportunities. The knowledge and skill sets of urban designers and architects could improve the level of debate. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This discussion evaluates two opposing radical proposals for urban growth. These and most other proposals for future human settlements can be located on a densification-dispersal axis. They are reviewed in terms of their ability to address the fundamental social and ecological prerequisites of sustainability. Findings – Neither model of urban form is sustainable without a new kind of built environment design that can address rapidly depleting ecological carrying capacity and social equity. Current models of urban growth in green urbanism and design fields would not adequately protect or increase the remaining natural life support system, which should be the foundation for any sustainability plan. These problems need to be resolved by design which can entertain a much broader range of sustainability criteria than formulas. Research limitations/implications – Given the broad subject area, there is a diversity of opinion and issues that cannot be adequately represented in a short paper. Therefore, the spotlight is placed on the far ends of this (dispersal-densification) dualism. Originality/value – This densification-dispersal axis can be transcended by moving from current approaches that close off future options to ones that can expand future options by increasing the public estate and ecological base: the basic prerequisites of sustainability. This is arguably possible, but only with a new design paradigm.

Making big communities small: using network science to understand the ecological and behavioral requirements for community social capital.

The concept of social capital is becoming increasingly common in community psychology and elsewhere. However, the multiple conceptual and operational definitions of social capital challenge its utility as a theoretical tool. The goals of this paper are to clarify two forms of social capital (bridging and bonding), explicitly link them to the structural characteristics of small world networks, and explore the behavioral and ecological prerequisites of its formation. First, I use the tools of network science and specifically the concept of small-world networks to clarify what patterns of social relationships are likely to facilitate social capital formation. Second, I use an agent-based model to explore how different ecological characteristics (diversity and segregation) and behavioral tendencies (homophily and proximity) impact communities' potential for developing social capital. The results suggest diverse communities have the greatest potential to develop community social capital, and that segregation moderates the effects that the behavioral tendencies of homophily and proximity have on community social capital. The discussion highlights how these findings provide community-based researchers with both a deeper understanding of the contextual constraints with which they must contend, and a useful tool for targeting their efforts in communities with the greatest need or greatest potential.

The biological potential of the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides, Gray 1834) as an invasive species in Europe-new risks for disease spread?

Invasive wildlife species have the potential to act as additional host and vector species for infectious diseases. The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonides), a carnivore species that has its origin in Asia, was taken as an example to demonstrate biological and ecological prerequisites which enables an invasive species to occupy a new habitat permanently. Studies conducted during the last 20 years identified a total of 35 species of endoparasites, five ectoparasites, six bacterial or protozoan species, and five viruses found in the subspecies Nyctereutes procyonoides ussuriensis in its original and newly occupied habitat or in Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis in its original habitat, respectively. With reference to raccoon dogs impact as vector species and the relevance for human and animal health, we selected Trichinella spp., Echinococcus multilocularis, Francisella tularensis, rabies virus, and canine distemper virus for detailed description. Results of studies from Finland and Germany furthermore showed that biological characteristics of the raccoon dog make this carnivore an ideal host and vector for a variety of pathogens. This may result in a growing importance of this invasive species concerning the epidemiology of some transmissible diseases in Europe, including the hazard that the existence of autochthonous wildlife, particularly small populations, is endangered. Potential adverse effects on human and animal health in the livestock sector must also be taken into account. Especially with regard to its potential as a reservoir for zoonotic diseases, the raccoon dog should receive more attention in disease prevention and eradication strategies.