Indifferent Species Research Articles

Тaxonomic diversity of phytoplankton of fish ponds of Lviv Region

he article presents the results of research on the taxonomic diversity and ecological characteristics of phytoplankton in fish ponds of Lviv region. It was found that the phytoplankton of the studied water bodies was characterized by high taxonomic diversity and was represented by 170 species and intraspecific taxa belonging to 95 genera, 52 families, 29 orders, 13 classes and 7 systematic divisions. The dominant group of the floristic composition were Chlorophyta (49 – 64% of the total number of revealed species), the subdominants were Bacillariophyta (11 – 15%), Euglenozoa 7 – 20%) and Cyanobacteria 5 – 12%). Coefficients of species similarity according to Serensen (Ks = 0.620.83) and Kendel's rank correlation for leading families (τ = 0.540.73) and genera (τ = 0.410.70) were high that indicates the similarity of the species composition of algal communities of different farms. The analysis of the ecological characteristics of algae showed that planktonic 33 – 38%) forms predominated in phytoplankton in terms of biotope distribution. Plankton-benthic, epiphytic forms were of secondary importance, accounting for 26 – 29%) and 20 – 29%) of the total number of species with a known biotope distribution, respectively. Slow-flowing forms dominated in terms of rheophilicity 79 – 88%), in terms of salinity 82 – 91%) and relation to pH 73 – 86%)  indifferent species. The main share of phytoplankton saprobic indicator species was formed by β-mesosaprobes 51 – 59%) and o-α-mesosaprobes 17 – 19%), which characterize these water bodies as those with a moderate level of organic pollution.

Екологічні характеристики, біомаса, чисельність і домінуючі комплекси фітопланктону різнотипних водойм та водотоків пониззя Дунаю

In the context of modern environmental challenges, being under constant anthropogenic pressure, systematic study of the spatial and temporal dynamics of phytoplankton distribution, its quantitative and qualitative indicators, biomass and abundance, and determination of the dominant complex are indicative factors of biodiversity and water productivity. In the context of constant anthropogenic pressure, such research and monitoring of biodiversity and water quality are essential for the functioning of biocenosis. It was found that the diversity of phytoplankton in different hydroecosystems of the lower Danube River is represented by a wide floristic spectrum and amounts to 156 species (158 species) belonging to 8 divisions: Cyanobacteria, Bacillariophyta, Cryptophyta, Miozoa, Ochrophyta, Charophyta, Chlorophyta, Euglenozoa. The research of phytoplankton ecological characteristics showed that planktonic and planktonic-benthic forms are the most common in terms of biotopic habitat. Analyzing the phytoplankton by habitat, indifferent species dominate in all studied hydroecosystems. In relation to pH, most of the representatives belong to indifers, and fewer to alkalifers. The number of phytoplankton cells ranged from 375 thousand cells/m2 to 1320 thousand cells/m2, with Cyanobacteria being the most numerous. The main role in the formation of the biomass of water bodies in summer in the studied areas belongs to the divisions Chlorophyta, Miozoa, and Bacillariophyta and ranges from 0.3361 mg/dm3 to 0.944205 mg/dm3. The analysis of the dynamics of phytoplankton abundance and biomass showed that these indicators vary depending on the location of the algosampling stations. The structure of phytoplankton biomass in the lower Danube is unevenly represented, according to the hydroecosystem, and is formed mainly by the Bacillariophyta-Chlorophyta complex, but in some samples, representatives of the Mioza order dominate in terms of biomass. At the same time, summarizing the values of phytoplankton abundance, it was found that the leading role belongs to Cyanobacteria, with Chlorophyta and Bacillariophyta also widespread. It was noted that in shallow waters and in areas with high dynamics of hydrological processes, namely river-sea transition zones, there is a predominance of the diatom complex, formed mainly by planktonic-benthic and benthic forms. This spatial distribution is typical for areas with high intensity of water mass mixing.

Plankton and contour algal communities in the ukrainian section of the Western Bug River and its tributaries

The taxonomic diversity of algae in the Western Bug River and its tributaries during the low-water summer-autumn season comprised 303 species (318 intraspecies taxa, ist) from 131 genera, 74 families, 45 orders, 16 classes and 8 phyla. Bacillariophyta dominated, Chlorophyta were recorded as subdominants. The phytoplankton taxonomic diversity included 140 ist, microphytobenthos – 191, phytoperiphyton – 172. The floristic nucleus of algal communities was formed by 17 families. In phytoplankton the highest rank belonged to Scenedesmaceae, while in contour algal communities – Naviculaceae. The highest floristic similarity was observed for microphytobenthos and phytoperiphyton, and the highest dissimilarity – for phytoplankton and phytoperiphyton. The spatial differentiation between contour and plankton communities during the low-water period, rather high similarity of their floristic structure indicate the unity of structural organization of algae from different ecological groups as an important component of biodiversity in the transboundary rivers. According to geographic distribution cosmopolites dominated; according to flow and oxygen regime – indifferents; according to pH preference – alkaliphilic and indifferent species; according to salinity preference – indifferent species; according to saprobiological characteristics – χ-ο- and β-mesosaprobic species. According to biotopic preference eurytopic and benthic forms prevailed. The dialectic unity between contour algal communities and phytoplankton to a great extent depends on morphometric and hydrological characteristics of the rivers under study. High taxonomic diversity, clearly marked spatial differentiation between planktonic and contour communities, interesting species of Bacillariophyta – all these features are indicative of the uniqueness and importance of algae in forming the biodiversity of the transboundary Western Bug River and its tributaries as the components of the EU hydrological network.

Detection ofthe T1640C RYR1 mutation indicating malignant hyperthermia indogs.

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) isaclinical syndrome exhibiting elevation ofexpired carbon dioxide, hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, rhabdomyolysis, acidosis and hyperkalaemia, aswell ascardiac dysrhythmia and renal failure. The syndrome manifests itself asaresponse toanaesthetic agents, such ase.g., halothane, desflurane, and succinylcholine. Depending onthe animal species, MHischaracterised byautosomal dominant orrecessive inheritance, and sofar two genes have been identified whose mutations can belinked toMH: RYR1 and CACNA1S. Indifferent species, various mutations ofthe RYR1 gene have been described which may underlie MH. One ofthese mutations indogs isT1640C, which results inthe substitution ofalanine for valine ofthe amino acid 547 (V547A)inthe RYR1 protein. Inour work, weaimed toinvestigate MHatthe DNA level byidentifying theT1640C mutation inagroup of50dogs. For this purpose weused the PCR-RFLP technique, and insix dogs also direct sequencing ofPCR products and subsequent comparison oftheir sequences with the RYR1 gene sequence inanonline database. The results ofour study show that none ofthe dogs analysed had any mutant allele oftheRYR1 gene, indicating that none should beaffected byMH.

Drought-adapted leaves are produced even when more water is available in dry tropical forest.

Species in dry environments may adjust their anatomical and physiological behaviors by adopting safer or more efficient strategies. Thus, species distributed across a water availability gradient may possess different phenotypes depending on the specific environmental conditions to which they are subjected. Leaf and vascular tissues are plastic and may vary strongly in response to environmental changes affecting an individual's survival and species distribution. To identify whether and how legumes leaves vary across a water availability gradient in a seasonally dry tropical forest, we quantified leaf construction costs and performed an anatomical study on the leaves of seven legume species. We evaluated seven species, which were divided into three categories of rainfall preference: wet species, which are more abundant in wetter areas; indifferent species, which are more abundant and occur indistinctly under both rainfall conditions; and dry species, which are more abundant in dryer areas. We observed two different patterns based on rainfall preference categories. Contrary to our expectations, wet and indifferent species changed traits in the sense of security when occupying lower rainfall areas, whereas dry species changed some traits when more water was available, such as increasing cuticle and spongy parenchyma thickness, or producing smaller and more numerous stomata. Trischidium molle, the most plastic and wet species, exhibited a similar strategy to the dry species. Our results corroborate the risks to vegetation under future climate change scenarios as stressed species and populations may not endure even more severe conditions.

Present-day characteristics of phytoplankton, microphytobenthos and phytoepiphyton of the Kaniv reservoir

The paper considers the present-day taxonomic and ecological diversity, spatial patterns of phytoplankton and algae on the interface of two phases: water – substratum (microphytobenthos and phytoepiphyton) in the most typical biotopes of Kaniv Reservoir in summer seasons of 2017–2022. 301 species (311 intraspecific taxa) of algae have been identified from 142 genera, 75 families, 44 orders, 15 classes and 8 phyla. At the phyla level Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta and Cyanobacteria dominated. The highest number of species and infraspecific taxa – 143 (146) have been found in microphytobenthos. The highest diversity at the level of genera (98), families (57), orders (37), classes (11) and phyla (7) was observed for the phytoplankton. The phytoplankton was dominated by Chlorophyta and Bacillariophyta, the microphytobenthos and phytoepiphyton – by Bacillariophyta. The highest level of species similarity has been recorded between the algal communities at the interface of two phases: water – substratum, the highest dissimilarity – between phytoplankton and phytoepiphyton. According to geographic distribution cosmopolite species prevail, according to saprobity – χ-ο- and β-mesosaprobic organisms, according to salinity preferences – indifferent species, according to pH preferences – alcalifilic species. According to biotopic preference typically planktonic and eurytopic forms dominate the phytoplankton, and benthic and eurytopic forms dominate the microphytobenthos and phytoepiphyton. Comparing the present-day findings with the retrospective data has not shown any significant changes in the phytoplankton and the microphytobenthos structures. As before, Chlorophyta, Bacillariophyta and, to a lesser extent, Cyanobacteria continue to dominate in phytoplankton, and Bacillariophyta and Chlorophyta – in microphytobenthos. It is explained by natural internal processes prevailing in Kaniv Reservoir, relatively stable level of human impact, and constant algal flow from Kyiv Reservoirs and tributaries. Nowadays phytoplankton, microphytobenthos and phytoepiphyton are distinguished by high taxonomic diversity and play an important role in Kaniv Reservoir biodiversity.

Сезонна динаміка альгофлори озера Засвітське (Рівненська обл., Україна)

The study deals with the algal flora of Lake Zasvitske (Rivne region, Ukraine). They belong to 8 divisions, 13 classes, 24 orders, 34 families and 51 genera. Totally 61 species of algae (62 intraspecies taxa) were identifiedhe. It was shown that Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, Cyanobacteria and Streptophyta play the significant role in lake phytoplankton development. According to the population Shannon diversity index varies from 2.13 bit/spec. (October) to 3.89 bit/spec. (July), and according to biomass this index varies from 1.63 bit/spec. (June) tо 4.10 bit/spec. (July). In the lake phytoplankton poly-dominant structure prevails. In Lake Zasvitske the phytoplankton core is developed with planktonic-benthic and planktonic species, slow-flowing species according to water saturation with oxygen and rheophilicity, indifferent species in relation to the density, pH level of the environment and water temperature, mesoeutrophic ones and species with wide amplitude according to the trophic level. Eurysaprobes (according to the Watanabe system) and beta-mesosaprobionts (according to the Pantle-Buk system as modified by Sladechek are predominant among indicator species of organic water pollution.

FLOWER MORPHOLOGY AND REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY IN DIFFERENT SPECIES OF GRAIN AMARANTHUS

FLOWER MORPHOLOGY AND REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY IN DIFFERENT SPECIES OF GRAIN AMARANTHUS

Seasonal Dynamics of Algal Flora of Lake Zasvitske (Rivne Region, Ukraine)

This study considers the algal flora of Lake Zasvitske (Rivne region, Ukraine). The author identifies 61 species of algae presented with 62 intraspecific taxa subdivided into nomenclatural types that belong to 8 divisions, 13 classes, 24 orders, 34 families and 51 genera. The paper demonstrates that <i>Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, Cyanobacteria</i> and <i>Streptophyta </i>play a significant role in lake phytoplankton development. According to the population, the Shannon diversity index varies from 2.13 bit/spec. (October) to 3.89 bit/spec. (July), and according to biomass this index varies from 1.63 bit/spec. (June) to 4.10 bit/spec. (July). In the lake phytoplankton, polydominant structure prevails. In Lake Zasvitske the phytoplankton core is developed with planktonic-benthic and planktonic species, slow-flowing species according to water saturation with oxygen and rheophilicity, indifferent species in relation to the density, pH level of the environment and water temperature, mesoeutrophic ones and species with wide amplitude according to the trophic level. Eurysaprobes (according to the Watanabe system) and beta-mesosaprobionts (according to the Pantle-Buk system as modified by Sladecek) are predominant among indicator species of organic water pollution.

Diversity and Ecological Characteristics of Algae in the Water Column in the Subbasin of the Large Danube Lakes During the Autumn-Winter Period (Ukraine)

The paper deals with structural and functional components of algal diversity and ecological characteristics in the water column of the large Danubian lakes, Kahul, Kartal, Yalpuh, Kuhurluy, Katlabukh, and Kytay, in the late autumn-winter of 2019-2020. The water column algal taxonomic diversity comprised of 188 species, represented by 191 infraspecies taxa from 7 divisions, 14 classes, 30 orders, 61 families, and 108 genera. According to the algal species diversity, the lakes can be put in the following order: the Yalpuh (78) > Kytay (76) > Kahul (75) > Kuhurluy (55) > Katlabukh (23) > Kartal (16 ist) Bacillariophyta, <i>Chlorophyta</i> and <i>Cyanobacteria</i> prevailed. According to habitat preference, planktonic forms made up 45%, benthic forms 24%, epiphytic forms 5%, littoral forms 15%, and eurytopic forms 11%. According to salinity preference indifferent species dominated, and according to pH preference alkaliphilic species prevailed. The Sorensen similarity index and Kendall rank correlation indices for leading families were rather low -0.18-0.43 and 0.45-0.57, respectively, which is indicative of significant differences among the algal communities in the lakes under study. The algal cell count amounted to 2,853-360,325 thousand cells · dm<sup>-3</sup>, the biomass - 0.876-64.113 g · dm<sup>-3</sup>. According to the quantitative characteristics of planktonic algal communities and <i>Cyanobacteria</i> biomass, the Danubian lakes are eutrophic.

Influence of Abamectin Treatment Against Parlatoria Blanchardii, on Entomological Diversity in the Palm Groves of Ouargla (Algerian Sahara)

Landscaping and agricultural practices are very essential to limit the damage of depredators, but unfortunately the latter affects the entomological diversity, especially when using chemicals products. The objective of our study is to determine the effect of abamectin on the balance of the entomological fauna, in three palm groves cultivated with two cultivars (Deghlet Nour and Ghars), during a control against Parlatoria blanchardi, using the date palm leaves threshing method. Indeed, the application of abamectin leads to significant difference in mortality rates (p-value 2.753*10-10), between the study stations, and between the two varieties. The inventory of enthomofauna before product use results in a total of 124 species in both varieties. However, we recorded the lowest number of species at the second station (Deghlet Nour: S=14 sp) and (Ghars: S= 16 sp). The use of the abamectin affects at first beneficial species (S= 10 sp), followed by indifferent species (S= 12 sp) during treatment time. The highest total richness is recorded in the pest group (S= 14 sp), followed by the groups of indifferent species (S=4 sp), then the useful species have disappeared after 72 hours of treatment. The results obtained clearly show that the insecticides used in palm groves constitute a real threat to fauna in general, and for useful species and auxiliaries of Parlatoria blanchardi in particular.

Різноманіття та екологічні характеристики водоростей водної товщі суббасейну крупних придунайських озер в осінньо-зимовий період (Україна)

The paper deals with structural and functional components of diversity and ecological characteristics of algae in the water column of the large Danubian lakes Kahul, Kartal, Yalpuh, Kuhurluy, Katlabukh, and Kytay in the late autumn-winter of 2019–2020. The water column algae’s taxonomic diversity comprised 188 species, represented by 191 infraspecies taxa from 7 divisions, 14 classes, 30 orders, 61 families, and 108 genera. According to species diversity, the lakes can be put in the following order: the Yalpuh (78) > Kytay (76) > Kahul (75) > Kuhurluy (55) > Katlabukh (23) > Kartal (16 ist). Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta and Cyanobacteria lead in species richness. According to habitat preference, planktonic forms made up 45%, benthic forms 24%, epiphytic forms 5%, littoral forms 15%, and eurytopic forms 11%. According to salinity preference indifferent species dominated, and according to pH preference alkaliphilic species prevailed. The Sorensen similarity index and Kendall rank correlation indices for leading families were rather low – 0.18–0.43 and 0.45–0.57 respectively, which is indicative of significant differences among the algal communities in the lakes under study. The algal cell count amounted to 2853–360325 thousand cells · dm–3, the biomass – 0.876–64.113 g · dm–3. According to the quantitative characteristics of planktonic algal communities and Cyanobacteria biomass, the Danubian lakes are eutrophic ecosystems.

Assessing the benthic quality status of three fine sand tropical beaches from the Andaman Islands through the application of marine biotic indices.

The rapid coastal development in the Andaman Islands has resulted in littoral habitat degradation. Understanding the performances of marine biotic indices and the interpretation and translation of those results into coastal health assessment could become an integral tool in future monitoring and management policies. In this line of efforts, the ecological quality status of three sandy beaches, two urban and one nonurban, was evaluated by using three marine biotic indices. The faunal community belonged to moderately well-sorted fine sand biocenosis. The relatively high species richness (15.9 ± 0.80 taxa sample-1) and moderate abundance (563 ± 38.8 ind.m-2) were features of the benthic fauna. The urban beaches (Aberdeen Bay and Carbyn's Cove) corresponded to tolerant benthic communities. Malacoceros indicus, Grandidierella megnae and Scolelepis squamata (tolerant species), and Ampelisca diadema (indifferent species) were the major constituents of urban beaches, while Scoloplos capensis, Urothoe grimaldii, and Urothoe platydactyla (sensitive species) were important at the nonurban beach (Wandoor). The high-good quality status prevailed across the spatial and temporal scales except for Carbyn's cove beach, where good-poor status was noticed. The M-AMBI appeared to be the most robust measure in distinguishing the impact between the urban and nonurban beaches. The constrained ordinations revealed a gradient of disturbance across the beaches. The distinct patterns of sample segregation were the result of the ecological response. This attempt should be considered a comprehensive measure of quality assessment of beaches under human pressure and draw a parallel line of evidence to global studies on sandy beaches.

Polydrusus aeratus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae): a potential pest of young coniferous stands

Abstract Polydrusus aeratus Gravenhorst, 1807 is a pest of both coniferous and deciduous trees in forests. It is widespread throughout the Czech Republic from the lowlands to the mountains. Adult beetles occur from April to September. In the western Czech Republic, a number of 1- to 2-m tall Abies alba were recently damaged by P. aeratus adults at an altitude of 750 m. P. aeratus can damage older saplings that were damaged as young saplings by the pine weevil. The damage caused by P. aeratus is so for rather small but should not be neglected by foresters. As the ongoing climate change modifies the relationship between trees and pests, also currently indifferent species may become dangerous for forests in near feature. Therefore, scientists would focus also on relatively less dangerous species of pests, especially insects. Possible methods for controlling of P. aeratus are suggested as main output of the study.

Assessing benthic habitat ecological quality using four benthic indices in the coastal waters of Sanshandao, Laizhou Bay, China

Evaluation of the ecological quality status (EcoQs) of marine ecosystems is significant for environmental protection and management. In this study, the sensitivity/tolerance-based indices AMBI, M−AMBI and BENTIX and feeding evenness index jFD (feeding-based) were first used to assess the benthic ecological status in the coastal waters of Sanshandao, Laizhou Bay, China, which are affected by multiple anthropogenic pressures, such as shipping, fishing and aquaculture. The results showed that the macrobenthic communities were characterized by sensitive or indifferent species of AMBI ecological groups. Trophic analysis indicated that most of the sampled macrobenthos in this study are surface deposit feeders or carnivores. In general, the benthic ecological quality was “good” or “acceptable”, although the four indices showed some differences in the EcoQs classifications for a given site. The AMBI, M−AMBI and BENTIX have a significant correlation (Pearson test, p < 0.05) and relatively high agreement with each other (Kappa analysis); however, they all showed weak correlations and very low agreements with the jFD. To assess the EcoQs more accurately within similar marine ecosystems in China's coastal waters, the complementary use of different indices, especially sensitivity/tolerance-based indices, is recommended.

Foliage-browsing Lepidoptera (Insecta) in deciduous forests of Ukraine for the last 70 years

As insect development depends on temperature, so the change in biology, behavior habits, frequency, and severity of outbreaks of foliage-browsing insects considered pests can follow the climate change. The reactions of species to the same climate changes can be specific, therefore, an unpredictable change in their ratio in the community will affect the consequences of climate change.&#x0D; The details of such changes must be studied to quantitatively assess future trends and the threats to deciduous forests. The aim of this research was to evaluate the representation in deciduous forests the foliage-browsing lepidopterous insects if different groups of size, lifestyle, voltinism, trophic relations, and ability to mass propagation in different periods of assessment for recent 70 years.&#x0D; In the analysis, we used a list of 118 lepidopterous species of foliage-browsing insects of deciduous forests, compiled on the basis of archival data from 1940–1975, and in the course of our own field research from 1975 to the present in the forests of Ukraine. Following trends were expected to be confirmed for these time intervals: to increase the number of species of small size, the number of species with hidden lifestyle, multivoltine species, polyphagous species, and so-called indifferent species. For each species, all these parameters were identified and proportions of species of each category for certain time intervals (1940–1950, 1960–1970, 1980–1990, and 2010–2020). Their distribution for size, voltinism, lifestyle, trophic features, and outbreak potential at these time intervals was compared using χ2-test.&#x0D; Among lepidopterous foliage-browsing insects of deciduous forests of Ukraine, the increase for recent 70 years was proved for the proportion of indifferent species (do not able to mass propagation), small species (with wingspan below 20 mm), as well as species with hidden (leaf-miners) and semi-hidden lifestyle (leaf-rollers). All trends are expressed the most obviously in 1940–1950 and further periods. The hypothesis about decrease the proportion of the univoltine and monophagous species for this period is not supported statistically.

Curcumin A Better Medicine to Treat Coronavirus- A Review

Curcumin, a yellow pigment, which is a bioactive compound in Turmeric, is a polyphenol derivative used asan herbal medicine to treat remedies. Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is caused due to coronaviruswhich is an infectious and dangerous virus. Coronavirus causes severe infections in humans and also indifferent species of animals. Curcumin has multi properties in which one of them is anti-viral, which mayhelp in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Curcumin can be taken by the means of food andstudies show that there are no side effects, caused due to its consumption. Turmeric is the main source ofCurcumin; RDA of Curcumin is 3mg/kg/day. Some of its properties include: anti-viral, anti-inflammatory,anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-tumor, anti-microbial activities. It also has the ability to gene transcriptionthe viral strains like coronavirus, and maybe a possible treatment in treating COVID-19. Curcumin asexhibits anti-viral properties and acts on viral strains for gene transcription, can be a possible treatment inprevention and treating COVID-19.

Do saki monkeys possess a grooming claw?

The presence of a grooming claw on the second toe is a characteristic of Strepsirrhini and tarsiers. There is also some evidence for the presence of a grooming claw in Platyrrhini. Here we report qualitative findings from different species of saki monkeys, genus Pithecia, on the presence of modified nails on the second toe. These observations suggest that a grooming claw or a grooming claw-like nail occurs in different Pithecia species, but that it does not consistently occur in all individuals.

Patterns of Changes in the Composition of Petrophytic Vegetation in Southern Ural and Adjacent Territories on a Moistening Gradient

Southern Ural is a unique region in Eurasia with a high variety of flora and vegetation. Mountain relief predominates in the steppe and forest-steppe landscapes. Stony habitats and petrophytic vegetation are widespread here. It is characterized by a high diversity of flora and numerous endemic, rare, and endangered plants. The dataset of 3614 releves of forb and shrub communities from the territory of Southern Ural and adjacent regions is analyzed. Formalized methods of cluster analysis, an assessment of moistening using the ecological indices of plants, and the definition of indicator species are used. Patterns of changes in the species composition of petrophytic communities along the moistening gradient are determined. It is found that, with an increase in moisture, the number and cover of petrophytic species in communities on rocky habitats decreases. On the contrary, the role of indifferent species is growing. Five groups of species indicating different gradient segments are determined. Based on the results of cluster analysis, four large units of petrophytic vegetation are identified. Desert-steppe communities have the greatest floristic originality among vegetation on rocky habitats. Obligate petrophytes predominate in their diagnostic combination, many of which grow on limestone outcrops. These communities are found in the south of Orenburg oblast, mainly in the dry steppe landscapes of Southern Ural. Dwarf subshrub–bunchgrass steppes are widespread within the steppe landscapes and are common in the forest steppe of Ural. Forb–bunchgrass petrophytic steppes are widely represented in the northern part of the steppe zone and in the southern forest-steppe regions, as well as in the forest-steppe landscapes of Middle Ural. Meadow petrophytic steppes are found in forest-steppe and forest landscapes.

Differences in encounters, likeability and desirability of wildlife species among residents of a Greek city

Urbanization is ever-increasing worldwide and urban green spaces and their associated wildlife are becoming critically important for human well-being. Understanding public preferences for urban wildlife would allow urban planners and managers for designing successful management plans. 600 Greek urban residents were asked to rate their frequency of encounters, likeability and desirability to encounter more often 30 urban wildlife taxa. Factor analysis identified three groups varying in degree of encounters, likeability and desirability. The most likeable species were also the most desirable (butterfly, songbird, duck, tortoise, squirrel, feral pigeon, hedgehog, heron, little owl). Structural models revealed that likeability was the most significant and positive predictor of desirability, in all identified species desirability groups: desirable, undesirable and indifferent. Participation in environmental lifestyle and conservation actions and support of animal welfare were generally positive predictors of encounters, likeability and desirability in all identified groups. Age was a significant negative predictor of encounters in the desirable and undesirable groups, of likeability in the desirable group and of desirability in the indifferent group. Females liked more than males the desirable species, and less than males the undesirable and indifferent species, encountered more often than males the undesirable and indifferent species, and wished to encounter less often the undesirable species. More educated participants liked the indifferent species more than those less educated, while the former also wished to encounter the undesirable species more often than the latter. Pet owners encountered all species more often than non-pet owners, liked more the indifferent species and wished to encounter more often the desirable species than non-pet owners. Our findings revealed public preferences for wildlife species in urban green spaces. This information would be valuable for managing urban wildlife for the benefit of both people and wildlife, in the study area and elsewhere, especially in areas where similar species occur.