Recreational Pressure Research Articles

Cenopopulation of Epipactis helleborine (Orchidaceae) in forest ecosystems that have been anthropogenically transformed to various degrees

Because of developed symbiotic connections of the root system of trees, mycorrhiza-forming fungi and the orchid family Orchidaceae in forest ecosystems of the northeast Polissia Region – cultivated Pinus sylvestris, which are now 100–120 years old, recovery of cenopopulations of Epipactis helleborine has been observed in locations of mixed and broad-leaved forests. In natural plant cover of mature pines of the region, indigenous vegetation is gradually recovering – there occur young Quercus robur, Tilia cordata, Acer platanoides of various ages, crown density of understory formed by Coryllus avellana has reached 0.6, above-ground organic leaf foliage that is able to sustain moisture and increase fertility of soil accumulates, creating sufficient conditions of shading for seedlings and juvenile individuals of forest orchids. Special studies revealed a relationship between density of E. helleborine specimens and crown density of the tree stand, shrub strata, structure of soil cover, expressed in cenoses under various degrees of recreational pressure. Density of individuals of forest orchids in the studied populations ranges 10.0 to 0.1 ind./10 m2. Dynamics were seen in groupings of Betuleto-Pineta corylosa, Querceta (roboris) corylosa, Querceto-Pineta corylosa, Acereto (platanoidis) –Tilieto (cordatae) – Quercetum (roboris) aegopodiosum in the territory of the nature-reserve fund and structurally similar anthropogenically pressurized cenoses. We determined that all examined cenopopulations in old indigenous zonal cenoses in the territory of the nature reserve fund are normal, they may be considered relatively stable, ontogenetic spectra are incomplete, mostly with right-sided age spectrum – maximum numbers of virgin and generative individuals of various stages. Low density of individuals and incomplete spectra of cenopopulations in light oak forests are natural, and now the largest share of generative and virgin individuals is concentrated in this area. Impact of recreation, unavoidable due to proximity to a road, is a negative factor directly decreasing their density. Ontogenetic spectra of all cenopopulations are incomplete – no seedlings were found in the natural conditions due to underground type of germination. Much more interesting data may be obtained by monitoring studies of age and morphometric dynamic changes during several years.

Variability of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Content and Their Forms in Waters of a River-Lake System

River-lake systems in Central Europe represent the majority of surface water system forms. In these systems lakes play an important role in river water quality. Published reports on the quality of surface waters in Europe indicate progressive deterioration of their quality, resulting mainly from increasing eutrophication. This study analyzed the content of two biogenic elements—nitrogen and phosphorus—and their mineral forms in the Głuszynka river, representative for the river-lake systems of Central Europe. The research was conducted in the hydrological years 2016–2018. The ecological status of the Głuszynka river, due to the “poor” status of both biological elements and physicochemical elements (content of phosphorus and nitrogen compounds), was classified as “poor.” In the period analyzed an increase in the content of nitrogen compounds was recorded in the hydrological year 2018. However, during the growing period a significant decrease in the content of total and nitrate nitrogen was observed, which was related to the activity of primary producers. For phosphorus compounds a slight increase of their content was observed during this period. This was associated with high tourist and recreational pressure on the analyzed system. Analyzing the spatial variability of biogenic compounds it was observed that along the course of the river the content of nitrite and nitrate nitrogen as well as total nitrogen increased at successive sampling points. An opposite trend of change along the river course was observed for phosphorus compounds (content of P-PO4 and total phosphate decreased by 14 and 15.9%, respectively). Statistical analyses carried out highlighted the relationship between water quality and land use in the direct catchments of lakes included in the river-lake network. Arable land was associated with higher the content of orthophosphorus phosphate, grassland total nitrogen, nitrite and nitrate nitrogen, while urbanization was strongly associated with ammonium nitrogen.

Drivers of variation in occurrence, abundance, and behaviour of sharks on coral reefs

Quantifying the drivers of population size in reef sharks is critical for the development of appropriate conservation strategies. In north-west Australia, shark populations inhabit coral reefs that border growing centres of human population, industry, and tourism. However, we lack baseline data on reef sharks at large spatial scales (hundreds of km) that might enable managers to assess the status of shark populations in the face of future development in this region. Here, we examined the occurrence, abundance and behaviour of apex (Galeocerdo cuvier, Carcharhinus plumbeus) and reef (C. amblyrhynchos, C. melanopterus, Triaenodon obesus) sharks using > 1200 deployments of baited remote underwater stereo-video systems (stereo-BRUVs) across > 500 km of coastline. We found evidence for species-specific influences of habitat and fishing activities on the occurrence (probability of observation), abundance (MaxN) and behaviour of sharks (time of arrival to the stereo-BRUVs and likelihood of feeding). Although the presence of management zoning (No-take areas) made little difference to most species, C. amblyrhynchos were more common further from boat ramps (a proxy of recreational fishing pressure). Time of arrival for all species was also influenced by distance to boat ramp, although patterns varied among species. Our results demonstrate the capacity for behavioural metrics to complement existing measures of occurrence and abundance in assessing the potential impact of human activities on shark populations.

Influence estimation of recreation pressure on the forest trail "Buchyna" NNP "Skolivski Beskydy"

Complex studies of the impact of recreational pressure on the forest trail "Buchina" of NNP "Skolivski Beskydy" were carried out. It was found that the air microclimatic parameters across the all transects were shown to fluctuate. The air temperature was stable, as well as the humidity changed very slightly. The wind force gradually decreased from the middle of the forest trail to the margins. The difference in the illumination of the soil surface on the trail and adjacent areas is the most noticeable. The impact of recreational activities on the microclimatic parameters of soils is more significant than this in the air. The temperature and humidity of the soil was decreased and the density of the structure was increased towards the center of the trail. Changes in water-physical parameters of soils let us identify the initial stages of digression in the studied recreational-pressed forest ecosystems. Brioindication studies have shown that the forest area on both sides of the route, which does not experience recreational pressure, is characterized by extremely weak development of moss cover. It was represented by 5 species of mosses such as Atrichum undulatum, Polytrichum formosum, Plagiomnium undulatum, Eurhynchium angustirete and E. striatum. Those species were represented by toll turf, dendroides and rough carpet growth forms. Species diversity at the trail edges were doubled. There were founded 10 spesies of bryobionta: A. undulatum, P. formosum, Plagiomnium cuspidatum, P. ellipticum, P. undulatum, E. angustirete, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Thuidium delicatulum, T. tamariscinum, Calliergonella cuspidatа, were represented by toll turf, dendroides, rough mats and weft growth forms. In the zone of intensive trampling on the forest trail, the moss cover was completely absent. Bryophytes, which were recorded in trail margins, marked the initial stages of recreational digression (I-II) and were belonging to the group of sensitive forest species. The strongest pressure was recorded on the central part of the forest trail. However, the density of the soil structure, even in this area, didn't overtop the indicator rate for the category of "very loose soils". Our study suggests that the organization of recreational activities for the planning of permanent tourist routes (so-called "ecological trails'') in the areas of spruce-beech forests haven't cause extremely pressure on the park ecosystems (equally for soil and vegetation cover) in NNP "Skolivski Beskydy". As a preventive measure, we recommend regulating the number of visitors to reduce the mechanical trampling on the forest trails and the arrangement of different fences, decks, etc.

Panthera tigris altaica (Carnivora, Felidae) in the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve and in the adjacent non-protected area (Far East of Russia)

To assess the state of the Panthera tigris altaica (hereinafter – tiger) population, its annual monitoring is being carried out on 16 sites within its range, as this subspecies is still considered threatened. These sites include state nature reserves and adjacent territories, which differ in their protection status. In this paper, a number of tiger individuals in groups and reproduction have been compared on these sites to identify factors that determine these parameters. The tiger population in the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve (area of 1210 km2) was compared with the tiger population in an unprotected area (area of 988 km2), which, similarly to the Protected Area, is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan. A description and comparison of these two sites is given. The study has been carried out in 1997–2021 in the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve, and in 1997–2012 in the unprotected site «Lazovsky District». During the winter, information was collected about tiger tracks in the study area, and data on predator tracks were collected out on stationary routes during two field counts. In the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve, the density of routes in various years was 1.0–1.5 km per 10 km2, 1.2 km per 10 km2 in the site «Lazovsky District». Tiger individuals were identified by the width of paw prints. Tracks differed by more than 2 cm were considered belonging to different individuals. Indicators of the tiger population was about twice higher in the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve than in the unprotected site «Lazovsky District». In 1997–2012, in both Lazovsky State Nature Reserve and unprotected site «Lazovsky District», the population density of both adult and subadult tigers was respectively 8.6 ± 0.7 individuals per 1000 km2 and 5.3 ± 0.5 individuals per 1000 km2, while this parameter was respectively 3.1 ± 1.0 individuals per 1000 km2 and 1.7 ± 0.04 individuals per 1000 km2 for tiger cubs younger than a year. The tiger track density in the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve was 3.03 ± 0.51 tracks per 100 km, taking into account the time passed after the snowfalls covering all tracks; on the site «Lazovsky District», this indicator was 1.33 ± 0.27 tracks per 100 km. In 1997–2012, the population density of adults and subadults was significantly (F = 59.40, p < 0.001) higher in the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve than on the site «Lazovsky District». The population density of tiger cubs (F = 6.30, p < 0.018) and the track density (F = 4.86, p < 0.036) were also significantly higher in the Protected Area than in the unprotected one. The survival rate of tiger cubs was also higher in the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve. Here, the proportion of tiger litters with one cub was 16% (n = 4), with two cubs 48% (n = 12), with three 32% (n = 8), and with four 4% (n = 1) of the total number. On the unprotected site «Lazovsky District», the proportion of litters with one cub was 53% (n = 8), with two 27% (n = 4), and with three 20% (n = 3) of the total number. A downward trend in the population density of tiger cubs was found on the site «Lazovsky District». In 2012–2021 in the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve, the average population density was 8.9 ± 1.8 individuals per 1000 km2 for adult and subadult tigers, and 4.3 ± 1.1 individuals per 1000 km2 for tiger cubs, while the average tiger track density was 2.39 ± 0.68 tracks per 100 km. During this period, the population density of tiger cubs decreased in the Protected Area, and there was also a tendency towards a decrease in the relative number of adults and subadults. The regular three-year cycle in the dynamics of the tiger track density in the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve indicates that environmental factors predominantly influence tiger groups here. No regular cycle was observed on the unprotected site «Lazovsky District». This finding and the lower number of tiger individuals in this area are associated with the negative impact of related anthropogenic factors, namely poaching, hunting, and logging. Recreational pressure also affects the tiger groups. In the last decade, the tiger group in the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve has been exposed to anthropogenic factors from the adjacent area. It is concluded that the further protection of the tiger and the increase in its number is possible if Protected Areas of various statuses are established, if extensive buffer zones are created around new and existing Protected Areas, if hunting is prohibited and logging is limited. The use of agricultural lands for other purposes around Protected Areas should be forbidden.

Геоинформационный анализ изменения показателей фрагментированности городских лесов Алматы

Large forests areas of the Ile-Alatau State National Natural Park were annexed to the Almaty city due to expansion of its borders in 2012. The floral composition of these forests is represented by many species, among which are rare and endemic ones. The recreational pressure on forest lands after joining to the territory of the city has increased significantly and the most common consequence of this became the fragmentation of forests, i.e. their dismemberment into sections by various boundaries (construction, road transport infrastructure, etc.). Forests fragmentation leads to degradation and even death of forest communities, as well as to a decrease in their ecosystems functions. These changes of the suburban forests lead to a deterioration in the comfort parameters of the urban environment and a decrease in the quality of life of the population. The quantitative assessment of changes in the degree of fragmentation of Almaty city’s forests was carried out in the work, based on the geoinformation analysis and mapping methods. The calculation of a number of indices describing such features of the territorial organization of forests that can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of their environment protection functions was laid as the basis: forest cover index (FC), Mean Patch Size (MPS), Mean Shape Index (MSI), Edge density (ED) and Mean Nearest Neighbor (MNN). The indices were calculated for 9 river basins from 2014 to 2020 and the results were used to create a series of corresponding maps and a comparative table of changes in fragmentation indicators over the study period. The analysis of the calculated indices revealed patterns of dynamics of the fragmentation’s degree of Almaty city’s forests depending on the level of economic development, intensity of recreational pressure and proximity to major highways. Thus, the highest rates of fragmentation are characteristic of the catchments of the Shirokaya Shchel, Solonovka and Malaya Almatinka rivers. Comparison of fragmentation indices for 2014 and 2020 showed that, in general, the entire territory of the Ile-Alatau National Park is characterized by a slight, but deterioration in the indicators of forests fragmentation. The most significant deterioration was noted for the basin of the Bolshaya Almatinka River and its tributary the Kumbel River, where an extensive recreation area was formed, as well as in the basin of the Malaya Almatinka River and its tributary the Butakovka River. The indices of fragmentation of woodlands in the basin of the Kazashka River deteriorated to the least extent.

Effects of recreational use on restored urban floodplain vegetation in urban areas

Urban river restorations focus on restoring aquatic and riparian habitats, increasing flood protection, and enhancing recreational potential. The increased recreational value such newly created urban green spaces is a key benefit of these measures as urban riparian areas are highly valued for recreation. However, high recreational pressure may contribute to the loss of natural vegetation and of biodiversity in restored riparian sites. This study investigates the impact of different recreational intensities and use types on the vegetation structure and vegetation quality by documenting direct (foot-traffic, breaking of branches, stems and roots) and indirect damages (litter and excrements). The major results are fourfold. First, while the proportion of some vegetation types can be correlated to the recreational intensity, neither recreation intensity nor recreation types enhanced the colonization success of invasive species. However, monitoring data showed that human-induced disturbances such as hydro-morphological changes favor alien plant establishment. Second, the study suggests a tipping point for pioneer vegetation at around a density of one user per 10 m river stretch. Already at lower user densities, pressure from trampling can slow down vegetation development. Third, the results indicate that users prefer urban greening and gravel bar elements rather than natural vegetation. Finally, while intensity of direct damages on the vegetation are weakly correlated with the user density, indirect damages increase with the user density. This study concluded that the identification of user hotspots would be helpful in developing a resilient restoration design, which in addition to information about the sensitive vegetation types in relation to recreational users and nature friendly recreational behavior could decrease vegetation damages. In particular, younger recreational users should be targeted by environmental protection campaigns.

Problems of biotic and landscape diversity conservation in the Ukrainian Carpathians highlands

Introduction. The highlands of the Ukrainian Carpathians belong to the territories with the highest concentration of rare species and coenotic diversity in Ukraine. Due to highland ecosystem transformation, a large number of populations and communities of rare species are under the threat of degradation and elimination. Climate change. At present, effective growth and development of plants begins 2–3 weeks earlier compared to the 1980–90s. Sharp seasonal distribution of precipitation causes negative changes in the highland water-body hydrology regime affecting freshwater populations of plankton crustaceans and amphibians. Demutative successions. During the first 10–20 years of the succession its influence on the structure and vitality of the majority of rare species populations is mostly positive, but 30–40 year-long demutations usually cause negative dynamics. Overgro­wing results in the simplification of spatial structure and fragmentation, as well as decreasing of population density, disappearing of rare species from the community structure. Active protection measures should be locally implemented in protected territories: traditional type of grazing, mowing, and shrub or tree cutting in the cases of protection of extremely rare phytocoenoses and populations. Anthropogenic impact. Intensive recreation pressure causes digressive changes in numerous communities, which are located along the popular tourist paths to the glacial lakes, mountain summits etc. Unfortunately, the systematic violation of the protection regime in the highland zone of the Ukrainian Carpathians is obvious nowadays. Gathering medicinal and ornamental species poses a serious threat. Uncontrolled increase in the number of recreants in the highland areas for the last 5 years has destroyed its aquatic ecosystems more than in the previous 30–40 years. Usage of vehicles for recreation purposes (4×4, quads and motorcycles) refers to significant destructive factors for highland ecosystems. Protection measures. Population conservation and revival of communities is usually possible under the condition of moderate and short-term anthropogenic pressure. The visiting regime of the most popular highland sites must be put under control immediately, while mass ascensions must be completely forbidden.

Current state, population structure and population dynamics of rare plants under economic and recreational use of natural-territorial complexes in the Middle Volga basin (Russia)

The article summarizes the results of studies on the population structure and population dynamics of rare plants of the steppe and forest-steppe zones of the European part of Russia. Conservation of representatives is mainly ensured by the creation of protected areas and the inclusion in the Red Books. Four groups of species by peculiarities of ontogenetic structure and type of cenopopopulations according to the “delta-omega” criterion were determined. Most species are characterized by a mature type of cenopopopulations with a predominance of generative individuals. Long-term studies allowed us to establish that most of the rare species of the region have maintained their numbers. However, 30 representatives, the number of which has noticeably decreased, need to strengthen the conservation measures. The studies are of interest in the development of conservation measures, identifying the current ecological state of natural-territorial complexes under economic and recreational pressure, determining the categories of rarity of species, justifying the inclusion or exclusion of them from the Red Books.

Evaluation of the state of the “Yauza River Valley” landscape reserve

Specially protected natural areas within large cities provide not only their main nature protection function, but also have an important recreational and educational value for people. At the same time, these ecosystems are affected by different kinds of man-made impacts of the urban environment, the excessive pressure of which may disturb the balance in the ecosystems. In order to minimize such impacts and maintain sustainable existence of specially protected natural areas, it is necessary to perform regular monitoring that can help analyze the state of these ecosystems and predict future changes in them. There are four main types of anthropogenic impacts that are mostly associated with high visitor attendance of protected areas: trampling and littering, contamination of water bodies and animal disturbance. Usually, the natural environment has a response to the negative impact on it. Methods of environmental control are based on this principle and can help to identify such impacts more accurately. In this work, the state of the “Yauza River Valley” landscape reserve was analyzed using various environmental control methods. A particular attention was paid to methods related to bioindication of natural ecosystems and based on the study of recreational pressures in the area.

Predicting distribution, production, recreational fishing demand, and conservation concern of Indigenous rainbow trout populations based on landscape characteristics

Landscape ecology has mainly been integrated in aquatic science to describe patterns and processes in stream networks, but many lakes are connected through their tributaries and are also impacted by their position and connectivity within the watershed. This information on lake characteristics can be used by inland fisheries managers that oversee large landscapes comprising many waterbodies to predict (i) species composition; (ii) population dynamics and productivity; (iii) recreational fishing pressure; and (iv) overall conservation concern. We developed a methodology to assess these four items for the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fishery of British Columbia by presenting a case study focused on the Clearwater and North Thompson watersheds using the following: the connectivity of lakes within the stream network to predict rainbow trout presence, stream order and lake area to estimate habitat availability and predict population dynamics and productivity (supply), and travel time from population centres to predict recreational fishing pressure (demand). By incorporating connectivity and environmental proxies of habitat, we explore patterns in population dynamics that can be used by fisheries managers to identify populations sensitive to overfishing or disturbance.

Repeatable differences in exploratory behaviour predict tick infestation probability in wild great tits

Ecological factors and individual-specific traits affect parasite infestation in wild animals. Ixodid ticks are important ectoparasites of various vertebrate hosts, which include passerine bird species such as the great tit (Parus major). We studied various key ecological variables (breeding density, human disturbance) and phenotypic traits (exploratory behaviour, body condition) proposed to predict tick infestation probability and burden in great tits. Our study spanned 3 years and 12 nest box plots located in southern Germany. Breeding, adult great tits were assessed for exploration behaviour, body condition, and tick burden. Plots were open to human recreation; human disturbance was quantified in each plot as a recreation pressure index from biweekly nest box inspections. Infested individuals were repeatable in tick burden across years. These repeatable among-individual differences in tick burden were not attributable to exploration behaviour. However, faster explorers did have a higher infestation probability. Furthermore, body condition was negatively correlated to tick burden. Recreation pressure was correlated to increased infestation probability, although this relationship was just above the threshold of statistical significance. Our study implies that avian infestation probability and tick burden are each determined by distinct phenotypic traits and ecological factors. Our findings highlight the importance of animal behaviour and human disturbance in understanding variation in tick burden among avian hosts.Significance statementVarious abiotic and biotic factors, including personality type, influence tick parasitism in birds, but exactly how all these factors interplay remains unclear. We studied a wild population of great tits over a 3-year period and assessed birds for their exploration behaviour and tick infestation. We found that more explorative great tits were more likely to be infested with ticks. By contrast, faster explorers did not have higher tick burdens. Tick burden was nevertheless moderately repeatable among individuals. Our results imply that animal personality influences the probability of parasite infestation, and that infestation likelihood versus intensity are determined by distinct mechanisms. Our work highlights the importance of animal behaviour to understand parasite infestation in wild populations.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN THE VISIM NATURE RESERVE: FROM THE VISIM RESERVE TO THE BIOSPHERE RESERVE

This article presents a historical analysis of human impact and further step-by-step nature reserve creation within the territory of the current Visimsky State Biosphere Reserve. From the end of XVII to the middle of XX centuries the ecosystem of low-mountain southern taiga forests in the Middle Ural region was strongly exploited by a local mining and metallurgical industry. The establishment of the Visim State Reserve in 1946 did not provide sustainable results but initiated research studies that laid a foundation for a subsequent preservation and the studies of the endemic taiga forests of the Middle Ural in the framework of the modern Visimsky State Biosphere Reserve. Since 1975 the science department of the reserve has conducted regular observations of the nature processes. The reserve has established long-term and efficient collaboration with the Institute of Ecology of Animals and Plants, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The joint research findings are used in practical solutions of the nature preservation in the region. This collaboration is also focused on the monitoring of the recreational pressure caused by the educational tourism.

Recreational Pressure on Changes of Soil Density of the Protected Area

Recreational use of the resource potential of protected areas is associated with anthropogenic impact on the components of the ecosystem, which at its high level can lead to negative consequences. The purpose of the article is to assess the transformation of soil properties depending on the recreational load and their genesis. The relevance of this work is due to the high anthropogenic load on suburban forest ecosystems. The object of research is the protected area “Rock Zerkalo”.

ФУНКЦІОНАЛЬНЕ ЗОНУВАННЯ ТЕРИТОРІЙ НАЦІОНАЛЬНИХ ПАРКІВ – ОСНОВА ЇХНЬОЇ ПЛАНУВАЛЬНОЇ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ

The issues of functional zoning of the territories of national natural parks of Ukraine and national parks of the world as the key problem of their territorial organization or planning are considered. In a comparative analysis, both positive phenomena and shortcomings of local and world environmental planning, primarily in recreational areas, are shown. The issue of recreational pressure within local and foreign national (natural) parks and their standards is also raised. It should be noted that the literature does not yet contain sufficiently scientifically substantiated methodological recommendations for the allocation of functional zones, their optimal areas, configurations, permissible anthropogenic (recreational) loads on parts of nature protected areas and sites. The practical experience of the creation and functioning of the Ukrainian NPP assures that the problem of planning their territory is of fundamental importance. Its practical solution is a basic prerequisite for ensuring the balanced and conflict-free functioning of these multifunctional nature protected areas. Functional zoning of the NPP territory can also be considered as a target spatial-functional model of the protected area. Accordingly, the practical activities for its protection are territorially differentiated by the allocated functional zones. It is the way to implement this model. The planning organization is based on the features of the functional zoning of national parks, as well as on the basis of the territorial configuration of the landscape sites (forest areas, systems of lakes, groups of islands, river deltas, and banks of large reservoirs). The planning organization of national parks is the functional zoning of their territory, which is conditioned by natural factors, on the basis of which different types of spatial planning structures are formed, a kind of “frames” along with the directions of natural axes taking into account the existing systems of settlement, production, transport, and engineering structures.

Trophic Links of the Blackbird (Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758) in Transformed Forest Ecosystems of North-Eastern Ukraine

Abstract The blackbird (Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758; Passeriformes, Turdidae) diet was studied to contribute to the conservation of the species population in transformed forests of the north-eastern part of Ukraine. Four forest ecosystems were studied: 3 model sites in the oak forests, transformed under intensive recreation pressure, and 1 model site in a pine-oak forest. A total of 44 invertebrate taxa, dominated by Insecta (78.1%, n = 1075), were found. The order Lepidoptera (63.5%) prevailed. In the diet of blackbird nestlings, the highest number of taxa (37.1–52.2%) was represented by phytophages. The phytophagous species also constituted the majority of the consumed prey items (58.8–72.0%). Environmental conditions provided an important effect on the diet structure. The most favourable foraging conditions for the species were found in protected natural areas. According to the analysis, the blackbird foraging efficiency was similar in all the studied sites. The highest biodiversity indices were found in a protected area of Homilshanski Forests National Nature Park. Results of the research have indicated a crucial role of T. merula in the population management of potentially dangerous agricultural pests.

Recreational space as a factor of sustainable development of coastal geosystems of the Krasnodar region

In this article, we will discuss the problems of high recreational pressure on beach areas, due to their deficit. Natural erosion of the coastal strip and other destructive processes, both natural and anthropogenic, lead to the need for an early and comprehensive analysis of the reviewed geosystems from different points of view. Comparison between the Azov and Black sea coasts of the Krasnodar territory reveals differences in the potential and dynamics of development of the tourist and recreational complex of these territories. Detailed segmentation and analysis of the status of beach areas was carried out according to the administrative division of the region. The paper analyzes questions related to the procedure for making certain managerial and organizational decisions that should have an effective impact on the work of the tourist and recreational complex. Coastal geosystems of the Krasnodar region have undeniable features and significance in contrast to other regions of Russia. In this regard, there is a need to divide the region into clusters.

How are the Mediterranean islands polluted by artificial light at night?

The Mediterranean is considered as a World Biodiversity Hotspot because of the significant reservoir of endemics, which are threatened with destruction. Island ecosystems have special importance for biodiversity conservation in this region. However, most of them are under strong anthropogenic influences: recreational pressures, infrastructure development, fires etc. At the same time, new types of anthropogenic pressures have developed, one of which is the preponderance of artificial light at night (ALAN) and sky glow. This factor has not been perceived as dangerous for people and biodiversity until recently. However, the latest researches show the opposite conclusion: ALAN has a significant influence on reproduction, navigation, behavior, foraging, habitat selection, communication, and social interactions of all living organisms. Therefore, we have estimated the level of light pollution on the fifteen biggest islands of the Mediterranean using tools available from Google Earth Pro, and the New World Atlas of Artificial Sky Brightness in the form of a kmz layer created by Falchi et al. (2016). In addition, islands or their parts without ecological light pollution have been selected. The obtained results argue that light pollution is extremely high on these larger islands; there are no areas with zero-level of ecological light pollution. As well it has been found that the level of light pollution of these islands correlates with their human population density. Nevertheless, there are 49 small islands or their parts with “pristine” skies, and their total area is 118.67 km2. Also, four dark sky refugia (Western (313,593 km2), Adriatic (331 km2), Aegean (12,448 km2), and Eastern (841,195 km2)) were highlighted within the territory of the Mediterranean Sea. That is 46,61% of its total area. Special attention has been paid to protected areas of the region in the context of combating light pollution, as well as the potential for astro-tourism development. Recommendations for changing of the current ALAN-related situation are given.

Karyological and cytogenetic features of conifers in arboretums and parklands

Aim. The study of karyological and cytogenetic features of conifers growing under conditions of introduction and increased recreational pressure, to identify biodiversity and solve the problems of population and environmental genetics of representatives of this group of plants. Methods. Classical chromosome research methods with staining with acetohematoxylin were used. Results. In species, forms, and cultivars of conifers from the Pinaceae and Cupressaceae families growing in arboretums and parklands, as well as being components of green spaces in settlements of different geographical regions, variability of chromosome numbers (mixoploidy), the appearance of B chromosomes, high occurrence, and a wide range of chromosomal and meiotic anomalies are discovered. Conclusions. Karyological and cytogenetic studies have shown the presence of karyotypic polymorphism and an increase in the number of various disorders of mitosis and meiosis in conifers when introduced under growing conditions in recreational areas. Keywords: conifers, introduction, chromosome number, chromosomal rearrangements, meiosis disorders.

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The article shows the possibility of assessing the level of recreational transformation of public green spaces in terms of the soil penetration resistance and proved that the profile distribution of soil penetration resistance values is an information valuable indicator for establishing the level of recreational load. The measurement of soil penetration resistance within the park Novooleksandrivsky (Melitopol, Ukraine) was performed at 179 points on a quasi-regular grid with a distance between the points of accounting 30–40 m. The soil penetration resistance was revealed to be naturally increases with the growth of the depth of the soil layer from 2.42±0.023 MPa in the soil layer 0‒5 cm to 9.86±0.078 MPa in the soil layer 95‒100 cm. The process of increasing soil penetration resistance with depth is not monotonous, resulting in the presence of local penetration resistance at a depth of 50‒55 or 55‒60 cm. The variability of soil penetration resistance within one layer, which is described by the variation coefficient, is in the range of 6.98‒20.54%. This indicator naturally changes by profile. The high level of variation is peculiar to the top layer of soil 0‒5 cm, where the coefficient of variation of soil penetration resistance is 12.94 %. It is proved that under the influence of recreation there is a formation of functional layering of soil, expressed in the existence of structures in which layers of soil with greater soil penetration resistance are degraded by layers of less penetration resistance. The presence of such features can cause a complex of negative phenomena, which are associated with restriction of moisture penetration into the soil, reducing the migration capacity of air in the soil, limiting the growth of root systems of plants and the movement of animals. Functional layering can form local waterproof horizons that will limit the soil’s ability to absorb moisture. Correlational analysis of the connection of soil penetration resistance and the indicator of recreational load allowed to establish that with the increase of recreational pressure soil penetration resistance increases. The established correlational dependence of soil penetration resistance indicators and the assessment of the level of recreational load allows us to consider the possibility on the basis of penetration resistance data to quantify the level of recreational load. We completed this task with the help of multiple linear regression with the procedure of step-by-step inclusion of predictors in the model. The regression model is statistically significant and has made it easy to explain 46% of the varying indicators of recreational load. The step-by-step inclusion procedure provided an opportunity to choose the 10 most informative predictors for use in the model. The following levels of recreational load were established: low level, below moderate, moderate level, above moderate to high levels, as well as the procedure for indication of these levels based on soil penetration resistance data at different depths. The levels of recreational load were indicated on the basis of the procedure of classification trees on the soil penetration resistance data