Field Expeditions Research Articles

Alpine hillslope failure in the western US: insights from the Chaos Canyon landslide, Rocky Mountain National Park, USA

Abstract. The Chaos Canyon landslide, which collapsed on the afternoon of 28 June 2022 in Rocky Mountain National Park, presents an opportunity to evaluate instabilities within alpine regions faced with a warming and dynamic climate. Video documentation of the landslide was captured by several eyewitnesses and motivated a rapid field campaign. Initial estimates put the failure area at 66 630 m2, with an average elevation of 3555 m above sea level. We undertook an investigation of previous movement of this landslide, measured the volume of material involved, evaluated the potential presence of interstitial ice and snow within the failed deposit, and examined potential climatological impacts on the collapse of the slope. Satellite radar and optical measurements were used to calculate deformation of the landslide in the 5 years leading up to collapse. From 2017 to 2019, the landslide moved ∼5 m yr−1, accelerating to 17 m yr−1 in 2019. Movement took place through both internal deformation and basal sliding. Climate analysis reveals that the collapse took place during peak snowmelt, and 2022 followed 10 years of higher than average positive degree day sums. We also made use of slope stability modeling to test what factors controlled the stability of the area. Models indicate that even a small increase in the water table reduces the factor of safety to <1, leading to failure. We posit that a combination of permafrost thaw from increasing average temperatures, progressive weakening of the basal shear zone from several years of movement, and an increase in pore-fluid pressure from snowmelt led to the 28 June collapse. Material volumes were estimated using structure from motion (SfM) models incorporating photographs from two field expeditions on 8 July 2022 – 10 d after the slide. Detailed mapping and SfM models indicate that ∼1 258 000 ± 150 000 m3 of material was deposited at the slide toe and ∼1 340 000 ± 133 000 m3 of material was evacuated from the source area. The Chaos Canyon landslide may be representative of future dynamic alpine topography, wherein slope failures become more common in a warming climate.

Diversity of Myxomycetes from Peru Part III: The high Andes and the altiplano

The results obtained from a survey for Myxomycetes in the Peruvian Andes (between 3,000 and 5,000 m a.s.l.) are reported. This survey is based on 3,352 identifiable collections of myxomycetes, resulting from sampling carried out during six field expeditions of the Myxotropic Project, from moist chamber culture and the revision of deposited specimens in the HSP herbarium. In total, 178 taxa representing 31 genera were recorded. Ten species are considered new records for South America or the Neotropics, and 53 additional new records for Peru are reported. Notes and SEM micrographs of relevant species are included. The best-represented order was Physarales with 55% (99 species), followed by Trichiales (43 species), Stemonitidales (21 species), Cribrariales (14 species), and the least represented was Echinosteliales (1 species). The most diverse genera were Physarum and Didymium, with 43 and 24 spp., respectively. The most abundant species were Didymium nigrisporum, with 336 collections and Didymium difforme, with 156 collections. These data, together with those obtained at other elevations in the country and in the Southern Andes, confirm the high diversity of myxomycetes of Peru, show the biological value of the Andes Cordillera and highlight the vital role that it plays in the distribution of these microorganisms. The study confirms the striking differences between the species assemblages in different vegetation belts of the tropical Andes, with only 18% of the species recovered in all three studied areas in Peru.

Eoscyphella luciurceolata gen. and sp. nov. (Agaricomycetes) Shed Light on Cyphellopsidaceae with a New Lineage of Bioluminescent Fungi.

During nocturnal field expeditions in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, an unexpected bioluminescent fungus with reduced form was found. Based on morphological data, the taxon was first identified as belonging to the cyphelloid genus Maireina, but in our phylogenetic analyses, Maireina was recovered and confirmed as a paraphyletic group related to genera Merismodes and Cyphellopsis. Maireina filipendula, Ma. monacha, and Ma. subsphaerospora are herein transferred to Merismodes. Based upon morphological and molecular characters, the bioluminescent cyphelloid taxon is described as the new genus Eoscyphella, characterized by a vasiform to urceolate basidiomata, subglobose to broadly ellipsoid basidiospores, being pigmented, weakly to densely encrusted external hyphae, regularly bi-spored basidia, unclamped hyphae, and an absence of both conspicuous long external hairs and hymenial cystidia. Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS rDNA and LSU rDNA support the proposal of the new genus and confirm its position in Cyphellopsidaceae. Eoscyphella luciurceolata represents a new lineage of bioluminescent basidiomycetes with reduced forms.

Laevilacunaria (Mollusca, Gastropoda) in the Southern Ocean: A comprehensive occurrence dataset.

The present dataset is a compilation of georeferenced occurrences of the littorinid genus Laevilacunaria Powell, 1951 (Mollusca, Gastropoda) in the Southern Ocean. Occurrence data were obtained from field expeditions (Antarctic and sub-Antarctic sampling) between 2015 and 2022, together with a review of published literature including records from 1887 to 2022. Three Laevilacunaria species have been recorded from the Southern Ocean: Laevilacunariabennetti, L.antarctica and L.pumilio. The present dataset includes 75 occurrences, representing the most exhaustive database of this Antarctic and sub-Antarctic littorinid genus. The publication of this data paper was funded by the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO, contract n°FR/36/AN1/AntaBIS) in the Framework of EU-Lifewatch as a contribution to the SCAR Antarctic biodiversity portal (biodiversity.aq).

MATERIALS OF FIELD RESEARCH ON FAMILY AND MARRIAGE RELATIONS OF THE MEADOW AND MOUNTAIN MARI

Comprehensive studying the topic of family and marriage is one of the relevant and important trends in ethnology. Some aspects of the family and marriage problems of the Mari people have not yet been fully investigated and require further scientific development.
 
 The purpose of the study is to analyze family and marriage relations among the meadow and the mountain Mari in the 1950s and 1970s on the basis of field materials collected by the authors during ethnographic expeditions in Gornomariysky, Zvenigovsky and Morkinsky districts of the Republic of Mari El in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022.
 
 Materials and methods. The research is based on diary and audio recordings, field materials and material sources collected as a result of expedition surveys of Mari villages, as well as archival materials stored in the fund of the National Museum of the Republic of Mari El named after T. Evseev. During the study of the stated topic, the authors used the methods of survey, observation, questioning, interviews, as well as methods of analyzing the obtained field information, the historical-comparative, historical-typological and quantitative methods.
 
 Study results. The article presents the results of the analyzing the development of family and marriage relations among the mountain Mari and the Volga group (Sharpan-Nashmakan) meadow Mari in the 1950s–1970s on the basis of field expedition materials. Collecting, processing of ethnographic information and their systematization made it possible for the authors to identify some local features of mountain-Mari weddings, to determine the seasonality of meadow-Mari weddings, the specific ratio of primary marriages and re-marriages, to study the marriage district, to characterize mixed interethnic families and to determine the average marriage age at the time under consideration.
 
 Conclusions. The obtained data on the marriage age, the seasonality of marriages, the marriage district, the proportion of mono-ethnic and interethnic families have a valuable scientific significance for determining the features of the development and evolution of family-marriage relations among different ethno-territorial groups of the Mari people. The study showed that the most archaic ceremonial elements associated with the organization of matchmaking, conditional preparation of dowry and its redemption, holding a wedding in two days in compliance with certain folk customs, maintained their stable existence among the meadow and mountain Mari in the 1950s and 1970s.

Vivipary, a rare phenomenon in Afrotropical Melastomataceae: first report in Amphiblemma ciliatum (Sonerileae)

Background and aims – Within angiosperms, vivipary has been reported in less than 0.1% of all species. We herein report the first occurrence of vivipary in an Afrotropical Melastomataceae and discuss its phylogenetic position, habit, habitat, and fruit attributes. Material and methods – Observational data were gathered from a field expedition to Gabon, and from herbarium specimens from BR, BRLU, P, and WAG. A phylogeny was generated to map all the eight species exhibiting vivipary in Melastomataceae. Key results – Amphiblemma ciliatum is currently the only known melastome species in the Afrotropics exhibiting vivipary. It is likely that its angular capsules depend on rainwater for seed dispersal. Conclusion – The combination of a herbaceous habit and angular fruits with the occurrence on shaded humid tropical rainforest floor during periods of incessant rainfall and high humidity might be responsible for vivipary in most Melastomataceae.

Lessons Learned on a High-Altitude Expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro.

High-altitude expeditions expose teams to particular medical, environmental, and social challenges that can have unintended and severe consequences for crew members. In June 2017, the 9-d Equal Playing Field (EPF) expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro to set a world record for the highest-altitude soccer match ever played demonstrated the variety of challenges that may arise during these types of trips. This trip included a full-length soccer match at 5714 m (18,746 ft), leading to additional challenges for expedition members participating in the athletic event. The EPF medical team identified the challenges that occurred during the expedition and documented the methods used to resolve these challenges in real time. From the challenges faced during the expedition, we describe the lessons learned for future expeditions to Mount Kilimanjaro and other high-altitude environments. Challenges arose with medical tent visibility, medical disqualification, underreporting of medical events, and acute pain management, while anticipated challenges with interpersonal conflict did not occur. The rigorous preparation and anticipation by the EPF medical team prior to expedition departure may have helped mitigate this conflict as well as prevented unintended severe medical events from occurring.

Eltroplectris paranaënsis: a new species of Spiranthinae (Orchidaceae) from the nebular Atlantic Rain Forest

During a field expedition to the Serra do Mar in the state of Paraná, a new species of Spiranthinae was found, which occurs as a humicolous in the understory of the Upper Montane Dense Ombrophilous Forest, also called Cloud Forest. Phylogenetic analysis of the Stenorrhynchos clade, in which the genus is inserted, using nuclear internal transcriber spacer data, confirms that the new species belongs to the genus Eltroplectris with high support, and it is a sister to the species E. triloba and E. schlechteriana. Eltroplectris paranaënsis can be recognized and differentiated from congeners by its small habit, leaves with a narrow-elliptical-lanceolate blade, parviflorous inflorescence, light-green and white flowers, and the trilobed lip with an entire margin.

Vascular plant taxa occurrences in exotic woodland and in natural and production forests on the Islands of São Miguel, Terceira and Pico (Azores).

The data presented here originated from field expeditions carried out between 2017 and 2018, within the framework of Forest-Eco2 project: "Towards an Ecological and Economic valorisation of the Azorean Forest". The project aimed to quantify the ecological value of the Azorean forests, including carbon accumulation and to design and propose measures that could further enhance forest sustainability. For that, 90 forest plots were sampled on three Azores islands - São Miguel, Terceira and Pico - equally distributed into natural forest, exotic woodland and production forest. The aim of this report is to further expand knowledge on biodiversity trends enclosed in the different forest types present in the Azores, by providing a list of the occurrences of the 105 different vascular plant taxa together with a brief characterisation of their origin and life-form. We provide an inventory of indigenous and non-indigenous vascular plant taxa from 90 forest stands. A total of 105 taxa were identified and registered, belonging to 60 families, 91 genera, 101 species and four subspecies. A total of 35% of the taxa were endemic, 27% native and 38% non-indigenous, including 19% of invasive taxa. Endangered and vulnerable taxa were registered, including Elaphoglossumhirtum (Sw.) C.Chr., Lactucawatsoniana Trel. and others which were considered by the authors a priority for conservation (e.g. Arceuthobiumazoricum Wiens & Hawksw., Bellisazorica Hochst. ex Seub., Saniculaazorica Guthnick ex Seub., Platantheramicrantha (Hochst. ex Seub.) Schltr.). Our records provide detailed and updated knowledge of Azorean Forest flora and highlight the role of natural forests as indigenous plant diversity hotspots and exotic woodland as a source of invasive taxa within the Archipelago.

Calotes megapogon (Squamata, Agamidae, Draconinae): nomenclatural and taxonomic ramifications of the naming of an undescribed species

During a field expedition to New Guinea in 1828, Salomon Müller discovered a new agamid lizard that was described in his notebook and accompanied by an illustration. He named the species Calotes megapogon, but a formal description was never published. Duméril & Bibron (1837) listed the name as a synonym of Lophyrus dilophus (comb. nov. pro Tiaris dilophus Duméril & Bibron, 1836), and later Gray (1845) treated Tiaris megapogon as a valid species. Through Gray’s action, the name became nomenclaturally available according to Article 11.6.1 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. We rediscovered the type specimens of Calotes megapogon in the collection of the Naturalis Biodiversity Center and studied the unpublished notes from Müller as well as the illustration. By comparison with morphologically similar species, we conclude that Calotes megapogon Duméril & Bibron, 1837 constitutes a senior subjective synonym of both Hypsilurus auritus (Meyer, 1874) and Hypsilurus spinosus (Duméril & Bibron, 1851), and that the name Hypsilurus megapogon (Duméril & Bibron, 1837) needs to be applied to this biological species.

FIRST RECORD OF THE INVASIVE NILE TILAPIA Oreochromis niloticus (PERCIFORMES: CICHLIDAE) IN BANGKA ISLAND, INDONESIA

This study aims to report the presence of Tilapia Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus on Bangka Island (Indonesia) for the first time and update the invasion range of this species. Previously, this species had invaded various areas in Indonesia such as Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi. The presence of Invasive Nila Tilapia can have a negative impact on aquatic biota through food competition, predation, and disease transmission. A total of 30 tilapia specimens were caught using Anco's fishing gear which was installed for 2 minutes consisting of mature and seeds, ranging in size from 20mm to 90mm in the Mang Kalok River, Rebo Village, Bangka Induk Regency, Bangka Island, Indonesia through a field expedition on June 11, 2023. A description of the morphological characters of the captured specimens is provided in the discussion.

Trechus (s. str.) "subnotatus" species group (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Bulgaria.

The presented study is the first attempt to clarify the taxonomic composition of the Trechus "subnotatus" species group sensu Jeannel (1927) in Bulgaria. The study is based on the material collected during field expeditions in Bulgaria from 2009 to 2021 and collections of some European museums and institutions. As a result, based on the morphology of the male aedeagi, five taxa (species and subspecies) of the T. "subnotatus" group were confirmed in the territory of Bulgaria, one of which is a new species to science and is described here: T. asiaticus Jeannel, 1927; T. cardioderus irenis Csiki, 1912 (stat. nov.); T. cardioderus athonis Schatzmayr, 1909; T. cardioderus balcanicus Jeannel, 1927 (stat. res.), recognized as a valid subspecies in the present study and T. strandzhensis, sp. n. T. cardioderus irenis remained as a valid name since we found consistent differences between its syntype, the Bulgarian material of the species and T. cardioderus cardioderus. Previously reported T. subnotatus subnotatus Dejean, 1831 and T. cardioderus golesnicensis Apfelbeck, 1918 were not proved to be present in Bulgaria. A stepwise discriminant analysis was conducted to reveal the most significant morphometric characters for species identification. It showed grouping to some extent, although the groups overlapped and formed a gradient.

Nunataryuk field campaigns: understanding the origin and fate of terrestrial organic matter in the coastal waters of the Mackenzie Delta region

Abstract. Climate warming and related drivers of soil thermal change in the Arctic are expected to modify the distribution and dynamics of carbon contained in perennially frozen grounds. Thawing of permafrost in the Mackenzie River watershed of northwestern Canada, coupled with increases in river discharge and coastal erosion, triggers the release of terrestrial organic matter (OMt) from the largest Arctic drainage basin in North America into the Arctic Ocean. While this process is ongoing and its rate is accelerating, the fate of the newly mobilized organic matter as it transits from the watershed through the delta and into the marine system remains poorly understood. In the framework of the European Horizon 2020 Nunataryuk programme, and as part of the Work Package 4 (WP4) Coastal Waters theme, four field expeditions were conducted in the Mackenzie Delta region and southern Beaufort Sea from April to September 2019. The temporal sampling design allowed the survey of ambient conditions in the coastal waters under full ice cover prior to the spring freshet, during ice breakup in summer, and anterior to the freeze-up period in fall. To capture the fluvial–marine transition zone, and with distinct challenges related to shallow waters and changing seasonal and meteorological conditions, the field sampling was conducted in close partnership with members of the communities of Aklavik, Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk, using several platforms, namely helicopters, snowmobiles, and small boats. Water column profiles of physical and optical variables were measured in situ, while surface water, groundwater, and sediment samples were collected and preserved for the determination of the composition and sources of OMt, including particulate and dissolved organic carbon (POC and DOC), and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM), as well as a suite of physical, chemical, and biological variables. Here we present an overview of the standardized datasets, including hydrographic profiles, remote sensing reflectance, temperature and salinity, particle absorption, nutrients, dissolved organic carbon, particulate organic carbon, particulate organic nitrogen, CDOM absorption, fluorescent dissolved organic matter intensity, suspended particulate matter, total particulate carbon, total particulate nitrogen, stable water isotopes, radon in water, bacterial abundance, and a string of phytoplankton pigments including total chlorophyll. Datasets and related metadata can be found in Juhls et al. (2021) (https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.937587).

Textural-structural characteristics and mineral types of ores of the Aghlig-Filfilli mineralization area of the Duruja zone


 
 
 The black shale complex, which is organic carbon-bearing and characterized by syngenetic, epigenetic sulphidation and intense metamorphism in the Duruja structural-forma- tion zone of the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus, is the focus of geologists’ attention due to the mineralization areas, which are rich in significant non-ferrous, noble, radioactive metals, rare and rare earth elements. In order to determine the prospects of noble, non-ferrous, radioactive metals, rare and rare earth elements of the black shale of the Aghlig-Filfilli mineralization area of the Duruja zone, it is necessary to determine the mineralogical composition of the ores of the area, to study the textural-structural characteristics and to clarify whether the rocks of the zone are a source of complex ore raw materials. The object of the work is the mineragraphic and petrographic study of the numerous samples col- lected from the Aghlig-Filfilli mineralization area during the field expedition before the PhD admission period, during my post-graduate studies and currently in order to solve various important mineralogical and petrographic problems. In order to investigate the textural-structural characteristics and mineral types of the ores of the Aghlig-Filfilli mineralization area, thin sections and polished sections made from the samples were studied with the help of «Carl Zeiss» and «Polam-312» microscopes in transmitted and reflected rays. The composition, surface area and morphological characteristics of the monomineral samples were studied by the electron microscope «SEM». Accurate diagnosis of some minerals was carried out based on the results of their X-ray diffractometric analysis. According to the results of the research, the ores of the Aghlig-Filfilli mineralization area were formed in 3 stages: syngenetic, epigenetic and rem- ineralization as a result of strong metamorphism of syngenetic formations. At the same time, the origin of the ores of the Aghlıg-Filfilli mineralization area was studied. According to the results of the research, it was determined that epigenetic mineralization in contact with Aralig and Zangi deep faults in the north and south of the Aghlig-Filfilli area is of magmatogene origin (δ34S=1.6-4.6), and synge- netic mineralization in the black shales towards the center is of biogenic origin (δ34S= -18 – -22.6).
 
 

A taxonomic dataset of preserved specimen occurrences of Theobroma and Herrania (Malvaceae, Byttnerioideae) stored in 2020.

Species from the "cacao group" are traditionally allocated into two genera, Theobroma and Herrania (Malvaceae, Byttnerioideae), both groups of Neotropical species economically relevant, such as the cacao tree (Theobromacacao), which forms the source of chocolate. This study aimed at compiling and describing a dataset of preserved specimen collections available in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility repository (GBIF) for Tropical Americas. Data were exhaustively revisited and analysed in terms of taxonomic identity, conditions of collection and georeferencing, all of which should enable downstream taxonomic, geographic and evolutionary analyses. Our dataset compiles 7975 records of preserved specimen collections found at herbaria. Records are from 18 species of Theobroma and 14 of Herrania, occurring in 60 countries or major territories, with two species endemic to a single country (H.kofanorum from Ecuador and H.laciniifolium from Colombia). Occurrence records are mostly restricted to the Amazon rainforest and species with more occurrence records are cupuí, T.subincanum (1535 records), followed by the cacao tree, T.cacao (1500 records), the latter having cultivated specimens in Africa, Asia and Oceania. In the case of the genus Herrania, H.nitida and H.purpurea are the species with the majority of occurrences (respectively, 431 and 273 records). Most of the botanical samples from these genera are found in American, Brazilian and Colombian collections, with a particular strength for American herbaria. We describe how occurrence records are spread spatially and temporally and highlight key field expeditions responsible for enhancing most of the knowledge of cacao and its wild relatives, especially in countries where they prevail, such as Colombia (with 29 species), Ecuador (23 species), Brazil (18 species) and Peru (15 species). Specifically, expeditions in these countries were led by American and European initiatives in conjunction with local funding in the mid-20th century. We emphasise how initiatives of such kind seems to have weakened in the 21st century and most of the collections of Theobroma and Herrania made afterwards are from various collectors that seek to resample specimens in already explored sites.

Distribution of orchids in the upper basin of the Ural River and questions of nature conservation

Aim. Conduct a botanical and geographical analysis of the species of the fam. Orchidaceae in the upper part of the Ural River basin and provide recommendations on the organization of specially protected natural areas.Material and Methods. The study of the distribution of orchids was carried out both on the basis of the results of our own field expeditions and on literature and herbarium collections stored in local and central herbaria (UFA, SWER, LE, MW). The coenopopulation studies were carried out in accordance with generally accepted methods.Results. The species composition of orchids was revealed and their arealogical, ecological-coenotic, coenopopulation analysis was undertaken in the upper part of the Ural River basin. Despite the wide range, most species of the fam. Orchidaceae are characterised by a narrow ecological-coenotic confinement. The low occurrence of orchids in the conditions of the steppe and forest-steppe zones of the territories under consideration is associated with both weather-climatic and anthropogenic impacts. The coenopopulations of most species are small and the ontogenetic spectra are incomplete.Conclusions. Species of the family Orchidaceae do not grow in economically developed territories. The remaining locations of orchids are mainly associated with landscapes that are difficult to access for anthropogenic impact. In order to preserve the steppe and forest-steppe landscapes of the Urals it is necessary to further develop the system of specially protected natural areas. The most promising for this purpose are the Krykty and Irendyk ranges, which are distinguished by their unique landscape and biological diversity.

Quantitative analysis of multiple forest disturbances and their compound influences on tree growth in the western U.S.

As the frequencies of extreme weather increase, forest ecosystems experience stronger influences from various disturbances. Previous research focuses on single disturbances or qualitative analysis of overlaid effects from two disturbances. Studies rarely explored the interactions between three or more disturbances, especially mechanisms behind the multiple disturbances. Our study covered four states (Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah) in the U.S. which shared similar climate patterns and vegetation distributions. We collected 241 chronologies from the International Tree-Ring Data Bank (ITRDB) and our own field expeditions. We assigned each tree ring to eight possible disturbance combinations. From the correlations between tree indices and climate (monthly temperature and total precipitation), the radial growth of tree rings showed a significant positive correlation with summer precipitation and a negative correlation with summer temperature. With three-factor ANOVA and one-way ANOVA, we ranked the impacts of each disturbance and combination of disturbances on tree growth based on tree-ring index; control (1.038) > insect (1.029) > fire (1.008) > fire & insect (0.963) > drought & insect (0.918) > drought (0.890) > drought, fire & insect (0.803) > drought & fire (0.784). We found that in most cases, the combined impact from two disturbances was larger than the impacts from single disturbances with the inclusion-exclusion principle. This research quantitatively revealed the interactions between disturbances and evaluated the effects from a combination of multiple disturbances.

Pseudoboletus silvaticus (Boletaceae, Basidiomycota), a new species from Mexico

The genus Pseudoboletus includes parasitic fungi and is well known in temperate zones. In this paper, we present the first Mexican collections of this genus. Two specimens were collected in a field expedition in a tropical montane cloud forest on the San Martín Tuxtla volcano, Veracruz, Mexico, resulting in a new species of Pseudoboletus, which grows on fruiting bodies of Scleroderma nitidum. Descriptions, illustrations, and photographs of P. silvaticus sp. nov. are provided. Also, its phylogenetic position in the Boletineae tree was inferred using nuclear 28S rDNA (28S) and translation elongation factor-1α (tef–1α) with Maximum Likelihood method and Bayesian Inference. Comparison between nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) sequences of P. parasiticus from North America and Europe and the new taxon were made. The original diagnosis of the genus Pseudoboletus is emended to include this new species.

New analysis of the endemic vascular plants of Algeria, their diversity, distribution pattern and conservation status

In this study, we provide a new analysis on strict-endemic vascular plant taxa of Algeria and discuss their taxonomic diversity, geographical distribution and conservation status, based on a large literature review and our own field observations. Overall, 248 taxa (species, subspecies and varieties) are currently considered as Algerian endemics, from 41 families and 128 genera. They constitute about 6.3% of the total known flora of Algeria. The northern floristic regions are richer in endemic species: K1, K2, AS3, C1+C2 and O1 are by far the richest floristic regions for strict-endemic taxa, highlighting the importance of their mountain ranges. Most (59%) of the endemic plants have a narrow geographical distribution range (range-restricted). An overview of the IUCN conservation status of the Algerian endemics indicates that only 16 taxa (6.4%) are evaluated, out of which 5.6% of the taxa are threatened. Overall, 44% of the Algerian endemics are legally protected and 43% are included in the protected areas network. Finally, we focus on the shortfalls of knowledge that could orient further research on endemism data in Algeria. They concern taxonomic, chorological or conservation figures and above all the actual presence of the endemic species. It is, therefore, urgent to carry out targeted field expeditions in order to find and re-collect these species, most of which are strictly localized and have probably never been searched or found for 60 years to over a century. Citation: Meddour R Sahar O & Jur S 2023: New anal sis of the endemic vascular lants of Al eria their diversit distribution pattern and conservation status. – Willdenowia 53: 25–43. Version of record first published online on 21 March 2023 ahead of inclusion in April 2023 issue.

Atomic Atlantis: Ethnography of Settled Villages

Abstract In 1957 there occurred a technological disaster in the Southern Urals in the form of a nuclear accident at the Mayak chemical plant in Ozersk, Soviet Union. The accident led to the resettlement of two historical centres of the first wave of the Russian colonization of the region, as the villages along the Techa river were declared restricted areas during the cleaning of the radiation trail, and their residents were resettled. As a result, the original culture of the villages was lost. The inspiration for our research is Alexey Mityunin, a local historian, enthusiast, and public activist, who collected a martyrology of the disappeared Ural villages. This paper presents the results of field expeditions to Brodokalmak carried out in 2014–2017 by students of the Miass Branch of Chelyabinsk State University, Russia. Brodokalmak is the village where the people resettled from contaminated lands Zamanikha, Boevka, and Muslyumovo live or lived.