Northeast Poland Research Articles

Replacement Broods in a Cavity Nesting Bird Species under High Predation Pressure in Primeval Forest

Predation is one of the most important factors influencing breeding success. Many bird species suffer from high losses because of predators. I studied breeding success and replacement broods in the Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva. The Red-breasted Flycatcher is a small bird breeding in natural holes in dense deciduous and mixed forests of Europe. Data were collected during twelve breeding seasons in a primeval forest, in the Bialowieża National Park, Northeast Poland, the best preserved and protected area of the Białowieża Forest with a rich community of birds and mammals including predators. Almost half of the broods of the Red-breasted Flycatcher were lost and most of them because of predation. In cases where the brood was lost in the period of egg laying or incubation, females tended to lay a replacement clutch. First and replacement nest-sites differed insignificantly in characteristics, but new clutches were always laid in a new site. Out of 68 broods, in which a loss was found, replacement broods were recorded in 47.1% cases. Replacement clutches were much smaller and pairs raised significantly fewer fledglings. The proportions of successful and lost broods were similar in the first and replacement attempts (56.1%, and 46.7%, respectively). Red-breasted Flycatchers choose shallow nest-sites that allow the females to observe their surroundings. This allows the female to escape from the nest when a predator approaches, increasing the possibility of a repeat clutch and the attainment of breeding success in the same season.

Population Density and Stability of Breeding Birds in English Oak Woodland Over a 32-Year Period in Relation to Habitat Structure and Edges

Long-term breeding bird censuses in Białowieża National Park (BNP), north-east Poland, have revealed rather low densities of birds and high community stability which may be features of near-natural forest conditions. This paper reports on a long-term census of breeding birds in 50 ha of oak woodland in central England which contained both managed and undisturbed areas. New information is provided on breeding bird density and its spatial variation within English mature broadleaved woodland to address two questions: Under what circumstances are English woods likely to support higher densities than those occurring in BNP? Is there evidence that population and community stability is lower in English woodland? The overall bird density was lower than in the BNP oak-hornbeam stands, at the scale of both the whole study area and the undisturbed stands. Densities of three of the five dominant species (Cyanistes caeruleus, Parus major, Troglodytes troglodytes) were lower in BNP, Fringilla coelebs was higher, while Erithacus rubecula was similar. Within the undisturbed stands, densities of seven of 12 species, including T. troglodytes, were similar to those in BNP, two were considerably higher (C. caeruleus, P. major) and one much lower (F. coelebs). Selection of the external woodland edge by several species resulted in relatively high overall densities in the edge zone. The broad composition of the bird community remained fairly stable with the exception of declines in tropical migrants and increases in shrub layer nesters. Temporal abundance patterns of species showed much individuality. Trends of several species appeared to be driven by changes in habitat structure. However, the same species remained numerically dominant or characteristic of the wood throughout the study period. This suggests there was a core of resilient species, much as proposed for BNP. Although caution is needed in drawing conclusions from a single site, with the exception of a small number of species, in recent decades there is unlikely to have been a general pattern of higher densities of birds in English woodland than in BNP. However, some English woods with highly complex vegetation structures, or a high proportion of edge habitat, do have exceptionally high densities (> 100 territories/10 ha).

The Broad-Spectrum Revolution at 50: Increasing dietary diversity reflects the heterogeneity of domesticated landscapes

The area of North-East Poland was in prehistory, and still is today, an area with easy access to amber as a raw material, as is evidenced in part by numerous Late Neolithic (3rd millennium) amber workshops located in the Gulf of Gdańsk and Żuławy Wiślane (Vistula Fens). Given this fact, it is surprising that only a few finished amber products have been recovered from this area. Among them are unique ornaments from the Late Neolithic sites Ząbie 10, Supraśl 3, and Supraśl 6. The preliminary analysis showed that these amber artifacts differ from the products manufactured by local groups located in the territory of modern Poland. The selected artifacts were subjected to in-depth stylistic and technological analysis to identify their provenance, taking also into consideration the type of raw material used in their production by means of FTIR analysis. Stylistic analysis showed that several specimens have analogies amongst the amber beads known from the Bell Beaker phenomenon. However, most of the beads under study are unique, and there are no analogies among any Neolithic ornaments in Europe. In addition, it was found that the specimens from Ząbie 10, Supraśl 3, and Supraśl 6 had perforations drilled with a metal tool, not a flint drill bit, which was previously unheard of in this part of Europe. The FTIR analysis revealed the use of local amber, including its different varieties i.e., succinite, gedano-succinite and gedanite. It also revealed its varying state of preservation. This may be useful for exploring the environmental context in which these artifacts were deposited.

Bayesian belief networks: a potential tool for conservation planning of endangered plant species populations

Abstract Bayesian belief networks (BBNs) have been increasingly used as a potential decision supporting tool useful in conservation management. We assessed the application of the BBN model to support management in conservation planning of Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill., the endangered plant species on a European scale, as an example. The Bayesian network approach was used to develop a model of the impact of biotic and abiotic variables on the morphological–developmental features and demographic features of the population in northeast Poland. Field data collected from the total number of 47 sites in the 4 largest forest complexes were used to develop a model using GeNIe 2.0. The diagnostic testing and sensitivity analysis indicated that the greatest impact on the population features was the number of competing species in the forest undergrowth. Validation has shown that the developed model is effective for evaluation of the impact of habitat conditions on the population features deciding about the reproduction of this taxon. The BBN model was also used to define optimal habitat conditions ensuring regular growth and development of P. patens. Finally, we demonstrated the protective treatment to help preserving the species considered. Therefore, the developed model is recommended as a potential tool to support decision-making aimed at the conservation planning of endangered plant species.

Provenance studies on Late Neolithic amber ornaments from North-East Poland

The area of North-East Poland was in prehistory, and still is today, an area with easy access to amber as a raw material, as is evidenced in part by numerous Late Neolithic (3rd millennium) amber workshops located in the Gulf of Gdańsk and Żuławy Wiślane (Vistula Fens). Given this fact, it is surprising that only a few finished amber products have been recovered from this area. Among them are unique ornaments from the Late Neolithic sites Ząbie 10, Supraśl 3, and Supraśl 6. The preliminary analysis showed that these amber artifacts differ from the products manufactured by local groups located in the territory of modern Poland. The selected artifacts were subjected to in-depth stylistic and technological analysis to identify their provenance, taking also into consideration the type of raw material used in their production by means of FTIR analysis. Stylistic analysis showed that several specimens have analogies amongst the amber beads known from the Bell Beaker phenomenon. However, most of the beads under study are unique, and there are no analogies among any Neolithic ornaments in Europe. In addition, it was found that the specimens from Ząbie 10, Supraśl 3, and Supraśl 6 had perforations drilled with a metal tool, not a flint drill bit, which was previously unheard of in this part of Europe. The FTIR analysis revealed the use of local amber, including its different varieties i.e., succinite, gedano-succinite and gedanite. It also revealed its varying state of preservation. This may be useful for exploring the environmental context in which these artifacts were deposited.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Relation to Cardiovascular Biomarkers and Dietary Factors among Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

The occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) significantly affects the course of diabetes mellitus (DM), resulting in deterioration of insulin sensitivity and metabolic control, as well as many cardiometabolic complications. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between cardiovascular biomarkers, nutritional status, dietary factors and the occurrence of MetS among 120 participants from northeast Poland (adolescents with type 1 DM and healthy peers). MetS was assessed using several criteria: nutritional status by anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis by bioelectrical impedance, and diet using a food diary and questionnaire. MetS was diagnosed in every third diabetic. Compared to healthy peers, MetS patients had higher total body fat (26% vs. 14%, p < 0.001) and visceral fat (77 cm2 vs. 35 cm2, p < 0.001), and lower total antioxidant status (1.249 mmol/L vs. 1.579 mmol/L, p < 0.001). Additionally, their diet was rich in saturated fatty acids, but low in dietary fiber as well as mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The group of diabetics reported many inappropriate eating behaviors. The combination of those with the presence of an excessive content of visceral fat tissue and abnormal values of MetS components may negatively affect metabolic control, thus accelerating the development of cardiometabolic complications.

Females treated for syphilis in Bialystok, Poland 2016-2020.

Syphilis is the third most frequent bacterial sexually transmitted disease globally. Untreated syphilis in a pregnant woman may results in a transmission of the infection to the foetus resulting in congenital syphilis. To characterise females treated for syphilis in Bialystok, north-east Poland, in years 2016-2020. Retrospective analysis of age, residency, marital status of patients, stage of syphilis, treatment and adherence to follow-up visits was conducted as well as a detailed analysis of clinical characteristics of pregnant women treated for syphilis. Sixteen women were treated for syphilis in 2016-2020, 11 (68.8%) of them were pregnant. The proportion of pregnant women among all syphilis female patients increased substantially as compared to years 2000-2015 (68.8% vs. 36.2%, respectively, P<0.05). Mean age of patients was 37.12±11.25 years, 10 (62.5%) were residents of urban areas and 10 were married. Late latent syphilis or latent of unknown duration was the most frequent stage of syphilis. Chlamydia trachomatis infection was detected in four (25%) patients with syphilis. Benzathine penicillin was mainly used in the treatment. More than half of patients did not complete follow-up. Only one pregnant woman was treated within the first trimester and five of them (45.45%) were lost to follow-up and the outcome of pregnancy was unknown. Syphilis in females, especially in pregnant ones, is an important problem in the Podlaskie voivodeship. The proportion of pregnant females among all female patients with syphilis is increasing. The detection and the treatment of infection is frequently delayed in pregnant females. The after treatment followup and the knowledge of outcome of pregnancy remains unsatisfactory. The collaboration between dermatovenereologists, gynaecologists and obstetricians should be improved.

Transformation of Green Areas in Central Squares after Revitalization: Evidence from Cittaslow Towns in Northeast Poland

In recent years, unfavorable changes in the development of city squares can be observed in Poland due to poorly conducted revitalization. These changes include, among others, the elimination of greenery or its significant reduction and the introduction of impervious surfaces to the places formerly designated by forms of greenery. This article highlights the need to redesign the central squares in small towns as part of their revitalization, including three levels of approach: functional, ecological, and aesthetic. The research aimed to analyze the degree of changes in the development of green areas in central squares due to the implementation of revitalization projects. Central squares in four selected towns of Cittaslow from the Warmia and Mazury region (northeastern Poland) were selected as the research area. The methods of comparative analysis were used, considering the comparison of functions, space, and composition, as well as the “research by design” method, which was adopted. A comparative analysis of changes in the arrangement of squares and analysis of changes in greenery structure was performed. The results showed that, in two examples, the changes related to removing greenery from the squares were not on a large scale due to the compensation with new forms. However, the vegetation was removed in two squares without introducing new forms or compensating for the greenery to a minimum extent. This allowed us to answer whether the structure and various forms submitted in the greenery projects in the squares, so-called landscape architecture objects, correspond to the current ecological design requirements. From the perspective of landscape architecture and ecological design, it was positive to introduce a diversified vegetation structure and supplement it with medium and tall forms, as evidenced by the development of the square in Biskupiec. However, the results also showed a negative aspect of the revitalization conducted by removing the greenery and replacing it with an impermeable surface, for example, in the square in Bartoszyce. The final stage was to propose general guidelines for revitalizing squares and design proposals considering introducing plant forms in the squares in the four analyzed towns.

Do Muslims Living in Poland Approve of Organ Transplantation?

BackgroundAlthough the International Society for Islamic Legal Studies and the Islamic Organization for Medical Sciences have officially approved of transplantations, Muslims’ opinions on this issue are not uniform. The aim of this study was to assess the general knowledge, attitudes, and opinions concerning organ transplantation among Muslim Tatars living in North-East Poland.Material/MethodsThe study included 78 Muslim Tatars and was carried out at the Center of Muslim Culture using the diagnostic poll method.ResultsTransplantation from living donors was accepted by 96.1% of respondents, and from dead donors by 88.8% of respondents. Consent to the removal of organs after the death of a close relative was approved of by 57.7%, and 1/5 of respondents objected to it. Removal of their organs after death was approved of by 70.5% of respondents, more often by persons with higher education and vocational education than among those with only elementary education. Only 2.2% of respondents had reported their objection to the Central Objection Register. Almost 40% of men and women informed their family members about their willingness to be an organ donor. Most (71.8%) respondents had a positive attitude to transplantation, 25.6% had a negative attitude, and 2.6% were neutral. Approximately 72% of respondents believed that the final decision concerning the removal of organs from dead donors should be made by the family, and according to 8.9%, it should be prescribed by the law.ConclusionsMuslim Tatars living in Poland mostly accept the removal of organs both from live donors and from dead bodies. Gender and education level had a considerable impact on the decision concerning organ donation.

Tracking fire activity and post-fire limnological responses using the varved sedimentary sequence of Lake Jaczno, Poland

Long-term paleofire perspectives provide key information on natural and human-derived land cover changes. The last few millennia are crucial to understanding the future of wildfire threats, since the increasing global temperatures are expected to have an impact on regions previously assumed to not be endangered. In this study we investigate the interplay between changing climatic conditions, land cover transformation, fires, and human activity based on the first 1750-year-long macrocharcoal record derived from varved sediments of Lake Jaczno, located in northeast Poland. The study is supported by macrocharcoal morphotype analysis, pollen and historical data, and statistical analysis, which revealed that in the vicinity of the lake both low- and high-intensity fires may have occurred. Most of them were set by humans, but in some periods biomass burning was favored by droughts or even derived by natural causes (i.e. lightning). Human-induced fires are especially evident between AD 1081 and 1283. This period corresponds to the peak activity of the Jatvings tribe in the region and the related deforestation for agrarian purposes. Fire combined with human activity and deforestation in the area impacted the limnological processes increasing primary productivity and shifts in water mixing regime.

The Lutheran parish church in Żuławki: the forgotten heritage of Żuławy Wiślane, Northeast Poland

The survey and archaeological fieldwork conducted in Żuławki, a small village near Gdańsk, outlined in this short article, represent the first academic investigation into the remains of a Protestant church and cemetery in Northern Poland. Before the University of Gdańsk and Gdańsk University of Technology conducted their formal research of this site, the specific history of the church and its sacral complex was not widely known or understood. Archive research provided new information, contextualizing the site within the complicated history of Lutherans and Mennonites in this region, and the survey of the brick-and-mortar structures confirmed the remains are of a 19th century church. The field work was completed between 2016 and 2021 and resulted in the church complex being taken into care by the local municipality. However, the majority of similar church complexes from this period, in this region, are still neglected and unprotected heritage.

On the Role of Polarimetric Decomposition and Speckle Filtering Methods for C-Band SAR Wetland Classification Purposes

Previous wetlands studies have thoroughly verified the usefulness of data from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors in various acquisition modes. However, the effect of the processing parameters in wetland classification remains poorly explored. In this study, we investigated the influence of speckle filters and decomposition methods with different combinations of filter and decomposition windows sizes on classification accuracy. We used a C-band Radarsat 2 image acquired over a wetland located in northeast Poland. We processed the SAR data using various speckle filters: boxcar, intensity-driven adaptive-neighborhood (IDAN), improved Lee sigma, refined Lee (in 5×5 to 11×11 pixel window sizes), and a nonlocal NL-SAR. Next, we processed the nonfiltered and filtered data using nine polarimetric decompositions, also in 5×5 to 11×11 pixel window sizes. The extracted polarimetric features were applied as an input dataset in the random forest classification model in single- and multidecomposition scenarios. In the single-decomposition scenario, the Cloude–Pottier decomposition produced the highest (72%) and the Touzi decomposition achieved the lowest (38%) accuracy. The IDAN filter with an 11×11 filter window and a 9×9 decomposition window had the highest, and the nonfiltered data with a 5×5 decomposition window had the lowest accuracy in the multidecomposition scenario. The most important features were the alpha parameter from the Cloude–Pottier decomposition, the polarimetric contribution of the Shannon entropy, and the volume backscattering components. The results stress the importance of appropriate processing parameters in the SAR data classification workflow, and the study guides in selecting the most suitable combination of radar image processing parameters for wetland classification.

Horizontal Integration of Farmers on the Example of Agricultural Producer Groups in North-East Poland

Increasing horizontal integration in agriculture, by creating groups of agricultural producers, may accelerate the modernization of Polish agriculture and increase its competitiveness. The aim of the research was to find out about the state and conditions affecting the functioning of agricultural producer groups in North-East Poland in the years 2000-2021. As part of the research, data on the characteristics of the groups were analyzed, i.e. their specializations, scope of activities, personal composition, and legal forms. Moreover, the amount of financial aid obtained from RDP was defined. The article uses information contained in legal acts, literature on the subject, as well as secondary data from the ARMA. Based on the research, a short duration of the created groups has been noticed. Out of 170 entities created, 24 of them were active at the time of the study, with a total of 3,142 members. Most of them collaborated in dairy groups in the Podlaskie Voivodeship (1940).

The relationship between chrysophyte cyst assemblages and meteorological conditions: Evidence from a sediment-trap study in northeast Poland

Climate change causes alterations in lake systems, thus influencing lake biota. Studies of phytoplankton with short generation times and seasonal replacement provide an opportunity for assessing how aquatic organisms respond to changes in environmental conditions. This study explores the potential of chrysophyte cysts as indicators of seasonal and interannual changes in meteorological conditions in Lakes Łazduny and Rzęśniki, located in northern Poland. Monthly chrysophyte cyst data from sediment traps, biweekly limnological and hydrochemical data, and daily meteorological data were used to find and explain the relationships between chrysophyte cysts and changes in meteorological conditions. We showed that cyst seasonality indirectly corresponds to meteorological conditions acting through changes in the mixing regimes, which in turn influences nutrient and light availability. Statistical analyses revealed that the taxonomic structure and interannual variability of chrysophyte cysts are dependent on multiple variables. Nevertheless, air temperature was the most important meteorological variable influencing cyst assemblages. Cysts were indicative of different periods of lake physical structure, suggesting the potential of chrysophyte cysts in paleoclimatic studies.

Overcoming Socio-Economic Problems in Crisis Areas through Revitalization of Cittaslow Towns. Evidence from North-East Poland

The revitalization of small towns is connected with an attempt to find multidirectional solutions to numerous social, economic and spatial problems. It is possible to remove degraded areas and areas with a high risk of social exclusion through coordinated and skillfully planned activities consisting of corrective interventions within these areas and, indirectly, in the whole structure of a small town. There are many studies on improving the quality of life of inhabitants at risk of exclusion in large cities. At the same time, there is a gap in the analyses of this phenomenon in small towns. In this article, we present the results of our observations on changes in the quality and living conditions of residents as a result of social projects implemented as part of the revitalization of marginalized areas in cities associated with the Cittaslow movement. The starting point is to identify the main socioeconomic problems and relate them to the effects of the revitalization activities carried out under the Supralocal Revitalization Program (SLRP). The study analyzed all projects that were a response to social problems in fourteen cities in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship (Poland). It was based on a quantitative assessment of the selected socioeconomic indicators and a qualitative assessment based on interviews with local experts. The results of the research indicate a reduction in unemployment in all the cities covered by the study. On the other hand, the results of the expert interview show that it is not directly influenced by the implemented revitalization projects. According to experts, after revitalization, the crime rate decreased insignificantly and the educational and professional involvement of residents from marginalized areas is still low. The results may give rise to the creation of scenarios to deal with the socioeconomic problems of the analyzed examples and recommendations for the revitalization of other Cittaslow towns in the region as well as small towns in Europe and the world.

Simultaneous determination of low molecule benzotriazoles and benzotriazole UV stabilizers in wastewater by ultrasound-assisted emulsification microextraction followed by GC\u2013MS detection

A rapid, sensitive, economically and ecologically friendly method based on one-step ultrasound-assisted emulsification microextraction and in situ derivatization followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for simultaneous determination of low molecular benzotriazoles and benzotriazole-based ultraviolet filters was developed. The optimized method allows quantification of benzotriazole, 4-methylbenzotriazole, 5-methylbenzotriazole; 5-chlorobenzotriazole, 2-(2′-hydroxy-3′-tert-butyl-5′-methylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzortriazole and 2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl)benzotriazole in municipal and industrial (dairy) wastewater. The method was validated using real influent and effluent wastewater and samples at various stages of the purification process. Relative recoveries obtained using wastewater as sample matrix were between 77 and 137%, method limits of detection from 0.001 to 0.035 µg/L, method limits of quantification from 0.003 to 0.116 µg/L, the repeatability expressed by the coefficient of variation did not exceed 12%. The use of the method for the determination of tested compounds in municipal and industrial wastewater showed their presence in most of the tested samples, in concentrations from LoD to 6.110 µg/L. The conducted studies of samples from municipal wastewater treatment plant located in north-east Poland showed that the effectiveness of benzotriazole removal by this plant wasfrom 29 to 84%. The load of tested compounds released into the environment by this facility ranges from 2 to 269 mg/day/1000 inhabitants.

Photovoltaic Farms—Economic Efficiency of Investments in North-East Poland

The abandonment of conventional sources in favor of energy from renewable energy sources (RES) has a global dimension, and the dynamic increase in the share of energy from photovoltaic systems in the energy mix of many countries results from the possibility of obtaining it both on a small scale (micro-installations) and as part of economic investments (photovoltaic power plants). The study aimed to assess the economic efficiency of 22 photovoltaic farms located in northeastern Poland. The research covered 5 solar power plants with a capacity of up to 799 kWp (I), 13 between 800 and 1100 kWp (II), and 4 installations of 1.98 MWp (III). The evaluation was based on net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), payback period (PP), profitability index (PI), accounting rate of return (ARR). Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was carried out regarding the value of economic indicators. The analysis shows that all studied PV farms are economically justified investments (NPV &gt; 0) regardless of the adopted scenario. Solar power plants of the largest analyzed capacity (group III) resulted in being the most profitable ones, but no linear relationship between the level of productivity and profitability was established. Due to the large variation in terrain shape in northeastern Poland, landscape value and social benefits, which are difficult to assess, the support system for investments regarding the construction of photovoltaic power plants proved to be the most effective in group I.

Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Selected Lifestyle Elements among Young Women with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus from Northeast Poland: A Case-Control COVID-19 Survey.

An appropriate balanced diet and dietary patterns are important at every stage of life, but in the case of young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), it is especially crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to assess health and nutritional behaviors, mainly adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland among women with T1DM, and to compare them with a healthy population. This survey (based on a questionnaire) was conducted in December 2020 and included 219 young women, healthy (n = 106) and with T1DM (n = 113), from northeast Poland. Over 30% of the study group admitted that they did not engage in any physical activity. A large proportion declared that their screen time was 5–7 h a day (48% in control and 40% in T1DM group). High intakes of sweet-beverages, sweets and red meat, but also low intakes of olive oil, fish and nuts were observed. The vast majority of participants (60% vs. 71%) were moderately adherent to the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS). The study demonstrated that despite the similarity between the behaviors of healthy people and those with T1DM, negative health and nutritional practices, such as low physical activity, long screen time, medium and high levels of stress and inappropriate eating habits were observed.

Socio-Spatial Aspects of Shrinking Municipalities: A Case Study of the Post-Communist Region of North-East Poland

Urban shrinkage has become a common feature for a growing number of European cities and urban regions. Cities in Europe have lost populations during the previous few decades, many of them in the post-communist countries. A similar phenomenon has been observed in smaller units: municipalities and villages. Shrinking towns/municipalities/villages grapple with insufficiently used housing infrastructure, a decrease in labor force, investment and in the number of jobs. This analysis examines the socio-spatial factors present in municipalities in the north-east of Poland, which are expected to experience the greatest population decrease by 2030. The study focused mainly on determinants with the greatest impact on the good life standards. It also sought to answer why the population growth forecasts for these units are so unpromising. The findings have shown that the majority of determinants adopted in the conceptual model describing the good life standards are below the reference values. The applied taxonomic measure of good life standards (TMGL) method allowed for identifying five municipality clusters representing “different speeds” at which these forecasts are fulfilled. Two clusters have dominant determinants in five criteria and three clusters, in two criteria adopted in the conceptual model. The findings indicate that approx. 35% of the municipalities under analysis have a chance for stabilization of the population size, provided local stakeholders take some targeted actions.

Geographical distribution, habitats and modern state of Carlina cirsioides (Asteraceae) populations

The study of the current state and habitats of rare and threatened species of plants is a relevant task of ecological research. The paper presents the results of the study of systematic position, habitats and modern state of populations of a rare species included in the Red DataBook of Ukraine Carlina cirsioides Klokov (=C. acaulis L.). Carlina cirsioides is well-known to European phytosozologists as an endemic and relic species of the Flora of Ukraine. At the same time, the species independence of this taxon is not recognized by the authors of monographs on the Carlina genus and by the authors of “Flora Europaea”. Comparative morphological, chorological and ecological-coenotic analyses do not give sufficient reasons to consider C. cirsioides described by Klokov as a separate species, endemic and relic species of the Flora of Ukraine. According to the morphological traits, the specimens from the lowland part of Ukraine belong to the C. acaulis caulescens subspecies, which is distributed mostly in the lowlaand regions of Europe. Ecological-coenotic conditions of habitats of C. acaulis in the plains of Ukraine are different from those in the mountain regions and are close to the plains habitats of this species in Central Europe. Steppe communities of class Festuco-Brometea, of which C. acaulis is component in the plains part of Ukraine, are close to xerothermic herbaceous communities of Central Europe; forest communities of Erico-Pinetea with C. cirsioides in Ukrainian Polissia and the North-East Poland are very сlose by floristic composition. The removal of separate species status of the plains populations of C. acaulis near the eastern border of the range does not at all downplay its sozological significance. Taking into account the low number of C. acaulis in the Volhynian-Podolian Upland and in the Polesian Lowland, all localities of this species in the lowland part of the range in Ukraine must be taken under protection in situ.