National Natural Park Research Articles

BIOCLIMATIC AND HYDROMINERAL COMPONENTS OF NATURAL RECREATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THE CARPATHIAN REGION OF UKRAINE

Among the components of the natural recreational potential of the Carpathian region of Ukraine, a special place is occupied by bioclimatic and hydromineral resources, therefore the purpose of the work is to assess their features. The bioclimatic component of the natural recreational potential of this region determines the comfort (discomfort) of human sensations and well-being, so it is important to identify possible positive and negative impacts of various climatic factors and their dynamics in mountain and foothill areas during different seasons of the year. The bioclimatic component of the natural recreational potential is assessed from the point of view of the comfort of climatic conditions for the body of a healthy person. The work is based on the results of modeling the average daily values of air temperature (t), wind speed (v) and relative humidity (f) according to the RCP4.5 scenario (trajectory of changes in the average level of greenhouse gases concentration) from 2021 to 2050 and data from the climate cadastre of Ukraine (1961-1990) at three stations (Dolyna, Rava-Ruska, Uzhgorod) in the foothill areas of the region. There was conducted a study of the possible bioclimatic potential of the Carpathian region of Ukraine and trends of its dynamics until 2050. The article analyzes the features of mineral healing waters of four national nature parks of the Ukrainian Carpathians.

Analysis of the assessment of the qualitative ecological state of wetlands of the lower Dniester National Nature Park

Analysis of the assessment of the qualitative ecological state of wetlands of the lower Dniester National Nature Park

«КӨКШЕТАУ» МҰТП «ОРМАНДЫ БҰЛАҚ» ФИЛИАЛЫНЫҢ ФЛОРА КОНСПЕКТІСІ

This article presents a summary of the flora and the results of the floristic analysis of plants growing on the territory of the «Kokshetau» state national natural park of the «Ormandy bulak» branch. During the study, the following signs of vegetation were identified: habitat in the study area; classification of life forms by K. Raunkier and I.G. Serebryakov; ecological group in relation to moisture; economic signifi-cance. A taxonomic analysis was also carried out and the ratio of genera and species was determined. The flora of the «Ormandy bulak» branch of the «Kokshetau» SNNP has 56 species, 54 genera and 27 families. The leading genera include Rosaceae Juss., Asteraceae Dumort, Ranunculaceae Juss., FabaceaeLindl. and Plantaginaceae Juss. Rubus L. and Galium L. they are the dominant genera. In addition, spe-cies listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan have been identified, these are Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill. and Adonis vernalis L. In order to preserve the full biological diversity, and not only endangered species, it is necessary to assess the current state of regional flora and vegetation diversity, assess their structure and prospects for rational use.

Andean bears hunt wild guinea pigs in Colombian paramos

Abstract It is well documented that Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) feed extensively on plants and carrion, but their hunting habits remain understudied. Better understanding and documentation of Andean bear feeding ecology can improve conservation efforts for this vulnerable species. Here, we report an observation of an Andean bear hunting and capturing a wild guinea pig (Cavia aperea) in Chingaza National Natural Park, in Cundinamarca, Colombia. The sighting occurred in January 2023 by a team of conservationists, and we provided photographic evidence and details of the encounter. Our observation suggests that Andean bears are capable hunters of small rodents, indicating that hunting may play a more important role in the ecology of Andean bears than previously appreciated and highlighting the need for a better understanding of this feeding behaviour.

Research on the methodology of digital mapping of national natural parks

This scientific article envisages updating of basic electronic digital maps and their inclusion in the National Geoinformation Base, as well as their effective use for the preservation of national natural parks and maintenance of their cadaster. On the map base created, initial site geodetic work was carried out at the geographical location of the national nature parks. And also, an in-depth analysis of remote sensing materials was carried out. These remote sensing materials were processed in special programs, decoded, and new objects were mapped on the digital map base in ArcGIS program.

NATURAL REGENERATION OF FRAXINUS SOGDIANA ASH-TREE IN THE RELICT ASH GROVE

The article reviews the literature data and the process of natural regeneration of growing conditions of the Sogdian ash-tree located in the Charyn ash grove, Almaty region. Research purpose: to determine the natural regeneration and adaptation to the environment of Sogdian ash-tree. Objectives: establishment of sample areas along the terraces, determination of tree, shrub species growing on the grove territory, calculating natural regeneration, analyzing adaptability to the environment. In the Charyn State National Nature Park research on natural regeneration of Sogdian ash-tree (Fraxinus Sogdiana Bunge) was conducted on cordons 1,2,6 in the Sarytogay valley. To study the natural regeneration process of the ash grove along the terraces, test plots of different sizes were established: 100 m x 100 m, 50 m x 50 m, and 25 m x 100 m. On these plots, measurements of young ash growth were conducted at 10-meter intervals using 2 m x 2 m sample areas. The data collected provided indicators of the viability of young ash shoots. In the course of the research work the natural process of Sogdian ash-tree regeneration, i.e. the state of growth of viable young shoots was studied. All obtained results are reflected in the form of a table, statistical analysis was carried out. The process of natural regeneration of the Sogdian ash-tree, a valuable species of the state forest fund, is multifaceted, encompassing biological, forestry, ecological, economic, and social aspects. The results obtained can be used in research by students, master's students, doctoral candidates, as well as forestry specialists.

CLIMATOGENIC INFLUENCE AND PREDICTION OF SEASONAL RHYTHM CHANGES IN THE MAIN FOREST-FORMING SPECIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN CARPATHIANS

The article is devoted to the study of the phenological phenomena of the main forest-forming species (European spruce - Picea abies, white fir - Abies alba and forest beech - Fagus sylvatica) within the temperate climate zone (600-800 m a.s.l.) on the territory of the Carpathian National Nature Park for the period 2000-2022. The study employed a comprehensive set of field, instrumental, laboratory, analytical, and mathematical-statistical research methods, along with certain approaches applied in phenology and meteorology. According to the results of the statistical analysis, a significant influence of precipitation in March on the beginning of bud swelling (Picea abies and Fagus sylvatica species), the beginning of flowering trees (Picea abies, Abies alba species) and the onset of fruit ripening (Picea abies, Fagus sylvatica species) was revealed. and the beginning of seed dispersal (Picea abies, Abies alba species). It should be noted that the minimum air temperatures in July significantly affect phenological events that begin and continue at this time and later, in particular, the beginning of fruit ripening (Abies alba, Fagus sylvatica species) and the onset of seeds dispersal (in all species). Strong and moderate correlations between January-February maximum temperatures and various phenological events (e.g., in Picea abies, dates of shoot growth and flowering initiation; in Abies alba, dates of flowering initiation and seed ripening initiation; in Fagus sylvatica, dates of bud swelling and flowering initiation) suggest a notable impact of underground water, originating from meltwater during this period, on plant seasonal rhythms. The most difficult for modeling was the phenomenon of the beginning of flowering of trees, the formation of which is influenced by all involved climate predictors - precipitation, minimum and maximum air temperatures. Based on the results of the research, the initial long-term forecasting of the response of local forest crops to probable climate changes was carried out; so, it was shown that even under the worst-case scenario (RCP 8.5), the dates of occurrence of all phenological phenomena of model tree species will be within the scope of the sample of actual data for the observation period of 2000-2022.

Природоохоронні території як складові природно-рекреаційного потенціалу Харківської області

The article explores the topic of the natural-recreational potential of Kharkiv Oblast. In this region, there are natural complexes and objects with significant potential for tourism and recreation. The nature reserve fund of the region includes 246 protected areas and objects, including national natural parks, regional landscape parks, reserves, and natural landmarks. All of these serve as an excellent foundation for the development of the tourism industry in this region. Unfortunately, due to military actions in the territory of Kharkiv Oblast, tourism cannot be fully developed.

ЗНАХІДКИ ГРИБІВ ЧЕРВОНОЇ КНИГИ УКРАЇНИ НА ТЕРИТОРІЇ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОГО ПРИРОДНОГО ПАРКУ "ХОЛОДНИЙ ЯР"

Background. In light of the global climate crisis and the military actions undertaken on Ukrainian territory, the conservation of biodiversity has assumed a heightened significance in recent years. A prerequisite for the conservation of fungi listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine within protected areas is the research and inventory of their species composition within these areas. This is also the case for fungi found at Kholodnyi Yar National Nature Park, but detailed information about their habitat is currently absent in the literature. Methods. The material was collected by the route method. All finds were photographed without removal from nature. For some species, small pieces of fruiting bodies were selected for isolation into pure culture. To verify the species identification of Morchella crassipes samples, which were previously identified by using light microscopy based on morphological characteristics, molecular genetic methods were used, including DNA extraction, amplification of the marker sequence, sequencing, and BLAST analysis of the sequences. Results. The study, conducted between 2017 and 2024, revealed the presence of 12 species of rare fungi within the park. These included Amanita solitaria, Boletus aereus, Grifola frondosa, Helvella monachella, Hericium coralloides, H. erinaceus, Morchella crassipes, Mutinus caninus, Myriostoma coliforme, Plectania melastoma, Polyporus umbellatus, and Sparassis crispa. Two species, Boletus aereus and Myriostoma coliforme, are newly documented in the Right Bank Forest-Steppe. Six species were identified for the first time in the Cherkasy region (Boletus aereus, Helvella monachella, Hericium erinaceus, Myriostoma coliforme, Plectania melastoma, and Sparassis crispa). The article provides information about the locations where the fungi were discovered and includes original photographs. Additionally, it offers a summary of the distribution of these species in Ukraine. Сonclusions. The article presents for the first time generalized data on the distribution of fungi listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine within the Kholodnyi Yar National Nature Park. The frequency of findings and the number of fruit bodies indicate irregular fruiting or collection of these fungal species by the population.

ФЛОРА СУДИННИХ РОСЛИН НАЦІОНАЛЬНОГО ПРИРОДНОГО ПАРКУ "ЗАЛІССЯ"(КИЇВСЬКА І ЧЕРНІГІВСЬКА ОБЛАСТІ)

Background. The aim of our study is to establish the current species composition of the flora of vascular plants of the National Nature Park "Zalissia" (Kyiv and Chernihiv regions, Ukraine), its analysis and identification of regional peculiarity. Methods. Research methods are classical comparative floristic, which are used for vegetation research during field trip, and its further cameral processing as well as critical analysis of the literature and herbarium data. Scientific novelty is at first on the territory of the Park, which had been closed for a long time to such research, complexes floristic inventarization studies were conducted. Results. The results of the study was analyzed and for the first time integral data on the structure of the flora were obtained. The taxonomic composition of the flora of the Park has been established (778 species and subspecies of vascular plants), which is more than half (58.5 %) of the diversity of the regional flora of Eastern Polissia. The results of the fractional and structural analysis of the flora of the Park are presented. The flora is consists of 612 native and 166 alien taxa. Systematic, life form and geographical analysis of the flora was carried out, and its peculiarities were identified. The native and alien fractions of the Park's flora were analyzed. The structural features of the native fraction of the flora reflect its rather well-defined forest character. In the family spectrum, the highest positions belong to Asteraceae, Poaceae and Rosaceae. The hemicryptophytes (65.7 %) predominate in life form spectra, and the total share of woody plants is 11.6 %. Widespread taxa are dominated, but a high share of Boreal, European, and European-sub-Mediterranean geoelements. Conclusions. The results of the fractional analysis indicate that the adventitization process dominates the synanthropization of the flora. The taxa of sub-Mediterranean origin are dominated in alien fraction flora, and American and Asian origin species have the largest number.

Water quality assessment using biological indicators in Cane River - Colombia

This study shows the results of a water quality assessment for the Basin of the Cane River, which belongs to Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary National Natural Park, a naturally protected area formed by the Andean Forest and paramo ecosystems in Colombia. The water quality of this river is impacted by agricultural runoff and domestic wastewater from human activities in the buffer area. This was assessed by using chemical, physical, and biological indexes. The IDEAM, NSF and water quality indexes were based on the European standards of measurement. Further to this, BMPW/Col and ETP biological indexes were analyzed and, amongst these, IDEAM WQI (Water quality index) and ETP showed a good correlation. A similar trend was found between the IDEAM water quality index and BMWP/Col index, showing their potential as a good tool for water catchment, diagnosis, assessment, and management in Andean paramo basins. In total, 537 specimens of macroinvertebrates were collected, identifying 8 taxonomic orders, 16 families and 18 genera. Predominant orders were Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera, and Diptera. Baetidae and Planariidae taxas were found in the three water quality levels, showing a decrease in number with a decrease in water quality. Thus, both species have shown sensibility to water quality parameters and also to riverine habitat quality, being then interesting species to determine water quality, deserving more detailed studies for similar cases in high Andean forests and paramo basins.

Distribution of Algae According to Habitat Preferences in Saline Coastal Reservoirs of Pryazov National Natural Park (Ukraine)

This study focused on the distribution of algae in the saline coastal water bodies of Pryazov National Nature Park according to their habitat preferences. This research revealed that aquatic species form the basis of the algal flora. Among these, diatoms were predominant in terms of species richness and frequency of occurrence. In the lake-type estuaries and ephemeral water bodies, an increased number of amphibious species were found, which can be attributed to the fluctuating water level. Among the amphibious species, <i>Cyanoprokaryota</i> representatives dominate. Hierarchical clustering of the water bodies demonstrated a connection between the species composition of algae and the type of water body, which is consistent with their genesis and transformation.

Ictiofauna asociada a ambientes coralinos mesofóticos, usando video remoto de bajo costo en el Parque Nacional Natural Corales de Profundidad, Caribe colombiano

The fish community inhabiting mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCE) at Corales de Profundidad National Natural Park (CPNNP), Colombian Caribbean Sea was described. Most of the species (89%) are common in shallow reef environments of an adjacent Marine Protected Area. Halichoeres maculipinna, Prognathodes aculeatus, Serranus luciopercanus and Lactophrys trigonus were recorded for the first time at CPNNP. The healthy and highly resilient characteristics of MCE is confirmed with the taxonomic composition of the found fishes. The information presented in this study provides data and techniques that help to complement the baseline of fish’s assemblages associated with mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Colombian Caribbean Sea.

Biodiversity of the spruce forest of the Tsuman Forestry (Kivertsi National Nature Park "Tsumanska Pushcha", Ukraine)

According to the results of field research during the vegetation period of 2022, 60 species of vascular plants and representatives of 35 taxa of invertebrates during the vegetation period of 2022 were found in the spruce forest of the Tsuman Forestry in the Kivertsi National Nature Park «Tsumanska Pushcha», Volyn Region. Three sites survey in sq. 4, ed. 18 of Tsuman forestry were carried out on 14.05.2022, 28.05.2022, 11.06.2022 and 25.09.2022. The tree layer was represented by Picea abies (L.) Karst. plantation in adding of Quercus robur L., Carpinus betulus L. The shrub layer was poorly developed, represented by singles Corylus avellana L. and Rubus idaeus L. In the grass layer of the test-аrea 16 Dentaria bulbifera L. was common, while in micro-lowering Geum rivale L., Myosoton aquaticum (L.) Moench, Maianthemum bifolium (L.) F.W. Schmidt as well as Galeobdolon luteum Huds. were spread. In test-areas 17–18 Oxalis acetosella L. with constant for this area species Urtica dioica L., Glechoma hederacea L. and Chelidonium majus L. were spread. The research area remoteness both from the town of Tsuman and highways contributed to the plant covering preservation. All types of forest plants were represented by aboriginal flora with typical nemoral (31 species; 51.8% of all plants under research) and boreal (15 species; 25.0%), boreal-nemoral species (5 species; 8.3%). The synanthropic fraction was represented by only 9 species (15.0%), among which 8.3% belonged to apophytes, 3.3% belonged both to archaeophytes and chenophytes. To sum up, this indicates significant preservation of the spontaneous flora. The eudodominant group of invertebrates were representatives of various orders of the class Insecta (41.65 %) from the total number of collected specimens. Dominant (DI ≥ 10.00 %) were Collembola (19.46 %) of the orders Poduromorpha and Symphypleona, sarcoptiform mites Sarcoptiformes (19.06 %), in particular shell mites Oribatida, Araneae. The subdominants (DI 1 – 9.99 %) include Myriapoda such as millipedes and centipedes, Arachnida are represented by harvest spiders Opiliones. Insects of this group include Aphidoidea, Heteroptera, Carabidae, Staphylinidae, Silphidae, Curculionidae, Hymenoptera and Diptera. Recedents (DI ≤ 1,00 %) are earthworms Lumbricidae, crustaceans Malacostraca, in particular woodlices Oniscidea, false scorpions Pseudoscorpiones. Among the insects, that occasionally fell into soil traps were Lepismatidae, Blattellidae, Neuroptera, Cicadellidae, Forficulidae, трипси Thysanoptera, Psocidae, Cerambycidae, Geortupidae, Elateridae, Chrysomelidae, Buprestidae, Raphidioptera, Hystrichopsyllidae from the genus Palaeopsylla and Lepidoptera. The greatest faunal diversity according to the Margalef index (3,74 та 3,72) is characteristic of the illuminated areas of the spruce forest within the dry area and the "window". The highest index of fauna similarity is found in areas of spruce forest with oak admixture and in the spruce forest "window".

Бобер європейський (Castor fiber) на лівобережжі Середнього Дністра: сучасне поширення та особливості екології

The literature is summarised, as well as the author’s previously unpublished data on the latest development of populations and features of the ecology of the European beaver in the region of the Dnister Canyon National Nature Park—the left bank of the Middle Dnister from the confluence of the Tumyr River to the mouth of the Zbruch River (south of Ternopil Oblast) are presented. It is shown that the beaver’s expansion in the region took place in two stages: first stage (2012–2022)—spread of the species in the Dnister valley; second stage (2017–2023)—spread of the beaver upstream along the first and second order Podolian tributaries of the Dnister. The specifics of the hydrological regime of the Dnister River as a pseudomountain river determine the features of beaver ecology. The increase in the number of beavers in the tributaries of the Dnister, the valleys of which are densely populated, leads to the appearance of conflicts in the ‘beaver–man’ system.

Знахідки немишових гризунів у регіоні Національного природного парку «Бузький Гард»: Sciurus, Spalax, Myocastor

Data on observations of three mam¬mal species in the region of the Bug Gard National Nature Park obtained during background monitoring are presented: red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), Podolian mole rat (Spalax zemni), and nutria (Myocastor coypus). Distribution, habitats, and behavioural features are characterised. The data on the distribution of Spalax zemni not only in the park but also in the adjacent districts of Mykolaiv Oblast during 2016–2023 have been updated. The nutria was recorded in the national park for the first time.

Матеріали до фауни Бузького Гарду: огляд знахідок дрібних ссавців (Soricidae, Muridae, Cricetidae)

New data on micromammals of the Bug Gard National Nature Park obtained in 2022–2023 are presented. Eight species of this survey group were recorded. They include three species of shrews of the family Soricidae (Crocidura suaveolens, Sorex araneus, and Neomys fodiens); four species of rodents of the family Muridae (Sylvaemus uralensis, S. sylvaticus, Apodemus agrarius, and Mus spicilegus); and one species of rodents of the family Cricetidae (Microtus levis). Two species were found for the first time in the fauna of the Bug Gard NNP: Sylvaemus uralensis and Neomys fodiens. Information on the morphometry and habitats of the collected animals is presented.

Сучасні знахідки хом’яка звичайного (Cricetus cricetus) у Полтавській області

Until recently, the distribution of the hamster in Poltava Oblast was known only by its finding in the summer of 1990, when two dead bodies were found in the meadows near the village of Leliaky in Pyriatyn Raion. Four new locations of this species have been described. In two cases, these were corpses found near the village of Deimanivka in November 2014 and in June 2021. The third and fourth findings also relate to Pyriatyn ATC (Lubny Raion): near the village of Mechenky, a hamster was found during hay harvesting, and near the village of Velyka Krucha, a hamster was found in a freshly ploughed field. The habitats of the species in the region are protected by the Pyriatynskyi National Nature Park.

Fritillaria meleagris L. (Liliaceae) in the Kharkiv Region: ecological preferences, conservation problems

Fritillaria meleagris L. is a рalearctic species with a disjunct distribution. It is protected at the national level in Ukraine, listed as "vulnerable" in the Red Data Book. Most of the data on the species distribution, as well as on the status and stability of its populations, have been obtained for the Carpathian region. Much less information is available for F. meleagris in the Forest Steppe, especially for its left-bank part. The article presents the results of the study of the peculiarities of F. meleagris distribution in the Kharkiv Region and provides information on the structure of coenopopulations and their ecological and coenotic preferences. Problems and prospects for this species conservation are also considered. The studies cover the biotopes of the Merla River valley and its tributary, the Merchyk River (the Dnipro River basin) in an area of more than 35 square km. In the Kharkiv Region, the F. meleagris coenopopulations were found mainly in grass-type biotopes. These are usually secondary post-forest meadows of the Molinio-Arrhenatheretea Tx. 1937 class. Only one coenopopulation is located in a tree-type biotope (mixed floodplain forest with Quercus robur L., Ulmus laevis Pall., Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn., Salix alba L., Padus avium Mill., Populus аlba L., P. deltoides Marshall, P. tremula L., Acer negundo L., А. tataricum L., A. campestris L., without a pronounced dominant). The specificity of the ecological regimes of the studied localities of F. meleagris has been clarified by the phytoindication method. As a rule, they are damp (less often, fresh) forest-meadow habitats with full, but uneven (temporarily excessive) wetting of the root layer of the soil. The soils are moderately aerated, weakly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5), enriched with salts, but with insignificant carbonate content, and often relatively poor in terms of mineral nitrogen. The climate is characterized by submicrothermal conditions with signs of subaridity and subcontinentality. We have not detected any significant variability of conditions (both edaphic and climatic) in the studied localities. They are more or less optimal for the existence of F. meleagris. In all the F. meleagris localities studied, the change in the hydrological regime due to the reclamation of floodplain remains a risk factor but does not pose an immediate threat. The existence of forest coenopopulations in glades is threatened by overgrowth of trees and shrubs (the invasion of Populus tremula and Acer negundo is particularly dangerous). The decrease in the number of meadow coenopopulations is a result of plowing and burning. Currently, in the Kharkiv Region, F. meleagris is protected in Slobozhanskyі National Nature Park (1 locality) and in Kapranskyі Botanical Reserve of local importance (11 localities). Monitoring of the existing localities outside the protected areas and their inclusion into the expansion zone of the Slobozhanskyі National Nature Park is an important condition for their preservation.

ON THE POSSIBILITY OF IDENTIFYING PEATLAND FEATURES USING REMOTE SENSING DATA

Considering the useful properties of peat as an alternative fuel source, a study of the properties of the vegetation and water indices of the red edge, as well as water indices calculated on the basis of spectrometry of ground vegetation cover over peatlands, was conducted. The study was carried out in the Shatsk National Natural Park and at the Bortnychi Aeration Station near the Dnieper River. Experiments in Shatsk National Park were conducted in 2010 using the ASD Field Spec 3FR spectroradiometer with the application of Sentinel-2 satellite images acquired in 2019 and 2021. The vegetation consisted mainly of sedge (Cares riparia), with confirmation of the presence of peat in this area. The experiments were also conducted at the Bortnychi Aeration Station on the left bank of the Dnieper. The vegetation indices such as REP, TCI, and NDVI705 were studied to classify the land cover using the satellite images data. In addition, other vegetation indices were used, such as NDVI, EVI, SIPI, as well as indices indicating moisture and plant photosynthesis. The NDVI and EVI indices provided valuable results for the identification of peatlands. Modified chlorophyll index CLm is calculated for the red edge of the spectrum, similarly to NDVI and EVI. The average value of the REP for the test points in both areas was similar and indicates the possible presence of peatland. The data analysis also confirmed the identity of peatland features in both areas. The high correlation of indices between these territories confirms this identity. Thus, vegetation indices can be used to determine the boundaries of peatlands and identify Carex riparia, which is one of the indicators of peatlands.