Regional Red Data Book Research Articles

Red Data Updates for Orenburg Oblast

One of the ways to study and protect flora is keeping and publishing regional Red Data Books. A floristic study resulted in a series of data on the flora of Orenburg Oblast, which made it possible to make a set of criteria for updating the list of regional species for conservation. In early 2018, the authors proposed 6 species of vascular plants to be registered in the Red Data Book of Orenburg Oblast including Stipa zalesskii Wilensky, Iris aphylla L., Botrychium lunaria (L.) Sw., Pedicularis palustris L., Saxifraga sibirica L., Salvia glutinosa L. The registration of some of them in the Red Data Book was recommended in view of an increased anthropogenic adverse impact on their habitats and a growing threat of extinction. On September 2018, the proposed Red Data updates for Orenburg Oblast outlined in this article were adopted and approved by the Government of the Orenburg Oblast.

A new species of Veronica (Plantaginaceae) in the extreme north of Europe: a northward migration due to recent climatic changes?

Twelve species of Veronica (Plantaginaceae) are mentioned for Murmansk Region (Russia). We report the first localities (N 67°35′42″ E 33°24′50″, 67°16′58″ 32°27′56″) of Veronica beccabunga for the region. The species distribution range in Europe extends to nearly 65 °N. The first find of V. beccabunga in Lapponia Imandrae in Russia is briefly described, and ecological data about its habitat are given. A spreading route of this species from its northern range in Europe to the outpost locality is given. It is proposed to include this species in the next regional Red Data Book in the group “In need of monitoring”.

Fauna on the maps of Russia and its Arctic Region

Abstract. Awareness of the importance of ever-growing environmental problems implies the need to study the relationship of biological, social, anthropogenic systems with nature. The environment of life is a complex multicomponent system and each of the components is a factor determining the state of the others, since all of them are interconnected with each other. Indicators of the state of ecological-geographical systems are organisms that create a biological environment, which requires the acquisition of relevant knowledge, including knowledge related to the field of zoology and zoogeography.The authors have developed two new zoogeographic maps with elements of ecology. The first is the “Zoogeographic Map of Russia”(1 : 25 000 000) in the forthcoming edition of the Geographical atlas for secondary school teachers. The second is the “Animal world of the Russian Arctic Region (mammals)”(1 : 12 000 000) – a scientific map for the electronic edition of the National Atlas of the Arctic. Further, the principles of design and methods for creating these maps are revealed.Approaches to the design of the educational “Zoogeographic Map of Russia” are based on the analysis of work programs that follow the Federal State Educational Standard. According to the requirements of these documents, pupils should know the animal population of Russia, the animal world of the native land, the natural zones of the country, altitudinal zoning, they should be able to give examples of the most indicative representatives of the natural zones, explain the species diversity of the animal world, know its taxonomy, and measures for protection. The guidelines for map design are proposed in accordance with these requirements and implemented in the author's original image (fig. 1).The thematic content of the map is based on the scientific systematics of the animal world. It covers the fauna of land, seas and sea coasts, and freshwater reservoirs. The map has a significant novelty and greater informative capacity in comparison with similar publications and a purpose surpassing the educational application. Selection of vertebrate animals includes not only mammals and birds, but also amphibians, cyclostomes, fishes and cetaceans. The image of the continental fauna is linked with the conditions of its habitat—natural zones, their parts, geographic areas with the identification of endemic and animals listed in the Red Book of Russia. The author's original is placed on two pages, of which map legend occupies a separate page in landscape format (fig. 2). It includes almost complete description of animals of all natural zones.The concept of the scientific map “Animal world of the Russian Arctic Region (mammals)” means defining the position of mammals in the organic world system, with animals being hierarchically differentiated from kingdom to species – the basic unit of life forms system and the basic taxonomic element of mapping. Unlike most zoogeographical maps, displaying only land animals, the Arctic marine mammals are also the target of research and mapping. Further, the display of the relation between animals and their habitat landscape types (plain and mountain) is introduced into the map concept. The matrix form of the legend shown in the figure 3 with the map tile is subject to coverage of the variety of land animals. Both land animals and marine animals listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation and regional Red Data Books of Russia highlighted on the map. The total of 85 mammal species of the unique Arctic Regions is listed on the map.The results of performed mapping studies are essential for evolution of knowledge about the nature of Russia and its regions and for biodiversity conservation of vertebrate animals.

The conservation of aquatic vascular plants in Asian Russia

We present current information on the conservation of aquatic vascular plants in West and East Siberia and the Russian Far East. This includes the region from the Ural Mountains in the west to the eastern seaboard of Russia from Kamchatka and Chukotka in the north to Vladivostok in the south, including Sakhalin, the Kuril and Commander Islands. A list of aquatic vascular plant species protected in the region is presented with an indication of their conservation status derived from regional Red Data Books, combined with population trend data from the literature, as well as field observations made by the authors. The region as a whole supports a total of 246 aquatic plant species, of which 96 are listed as threatened in regional Red Lists. The main threats to these species are habitat degradation, eutrophication and pollution of water bodies as a consequence of human activity and climate change. Many species which are specialized, relict or endemic, and others occurring here on the edge of their range, are vulnerable because of these factors. The main conservation action needed includes protection of natural habitats, establishment of monitoring protocols for the most severely threatened species and research into the autecology of threatened species. There is also a need to resolve taxonomic questions obstructing conservation.

Characteristics of early-spring plant communities with participation of rare species in Zhongar-Alatau national park

The article presents the results of studies of early spring plant communities, conducted in May 2018 in the Zhongar-Alatau National Park. Habitats of plants from the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan were identified: Aquilegia vitalii, Fritillaria pallidiflora, Adonis tianschanica, Malus sieversii, Malus niedzwetzkyana, Paeonia anomala, Crocus alatavicus, Tulipa brachystemon, Tulipa patens. Among them, there are narrow endemics Aquilegia vitalii, Tulipa brachystemon. Plant communities with rare species belong to meadow, shrub, and forest types of vegetation, distributed on meadows of mountain slopes and gorges in combination with small-leaved and coniferous forests, and petrophytic shrubs on stony slopes. For each rare species the altitudinal belt, plant community and phytocenotic role were determined. A rare species, which has a limited distribution on the northern macroslope of the Zhetysu Alatau has been identified as a bell-shaped pasqueflower (Pulsatilla campanella). The species does not have wide area of distribution; it forms sparse populations in the belt of dark coniferous forests and meadows. Vulnerable due to the fact that it is actively used in traditional medicine. It is recommended to include it into the regional Red Data Book. Key words: Zhetysu Alatau, early-flowering species, rare plants, altitudinal zonality, plant communities.

ONCE AGAIN ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPECIES DIVERSITY AND BEDROCK COMPOSITION: A CASE STUDY OF THE UNIQUE MRAMORNY ISLAND, VON’GA BAY, WHITE SEA

Сarbonate rocks of unique Mramorny (Marble) Island (65.420921 N, 34.631167 E) constitute a ca. 5-40 m thick lens-shaped body thrown into isoclinal folds. They are associated, interbedded and deformed jointly with amphibolites and are cut by granite-aplites. Their major minerals are dolomite (ca. 70-90%), calcite, biotite and hornblende. Isotopic data show that Mramorny Island carbonate rocks are endogenously igneous carbonatites. Geochronology data date the magmatic stage of carbonatite formation to 2420±20 Ma and metamorphic alterations of this rock to 1845±15 Ma. During the survey in 2018, 82 species of vascular plants, 25 mosses and 44 lichens were recorded from the island. The vascular plant flora was not very specific, but richer in species compared to other White Sea islands of similar size. High frequencies and abundances were noted also for such calciphilous species as Botrychium lunaria , Draba incana and Saxifraga cespitosa . The moss flora was not rich, but the proportion of calciphilous species was quite high – there occurred Brachythecium glareosum , Brachythecium turgidum , Distichium inclinatum and Ditrichum flexicaule . For Brachythecium glareosum Mramorny Island is the only location among White Sea islands where the species has been found. The calciphilous lichens encountered were Bilimbia sabuletorum , Caloplaca stillicidiorum , Candelariella aurella , Cladonia pocillum , Fuscopannaria praetermissa , and Xanthoria elegans . Five species ( Rhodiola rosea, Brachythecium glareosum, Brachythecium turgidum, Distichium inclinatum and Ramalina subfarinacea ) are listed in the regional Red Data Book. The unique geological structure of the island has had the most pronounced effect on the bryoflora, less so on the lichen flora, and the weakest effect on the flora of vascular plants. The latter can be attributed to the small size of the island and the peculiarities of its relief, which leads to an almost unhindered transport of carbonatite weathering products into the sea by rainfall and seawater.

Distribution of Caulinia minor (All.) Coss. et Germ. (Hydrocharitaceae) in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast

The distribution of Calluna minor in Nizhny Novgorod oblast is described on the basis of published sources, herbaria, and original data. This species prefers water bodies with well-warmed shallow areas and high mineralization. This species should be included in the regional Red Data Book due to its location at the edge of its distribution. It is advisable to increase the rarity level of this species in the region. Recommendations on its conservation are proposed.

STATE AND MANAGEMENT OF CERVID (CERVIDAE FAMILY) POPULATIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF KARELIA

The Cervidae family in the Republic of Karelia is represented by three species: moose ( Alces alces L.), wild forest reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus fennicus Lonnb.) and European roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus L.). The first two species are representatives of the native fauna, the latter is a species new for the republic and does not reside in the territory but numerous encounters of the animals are registered every year. after more than a decade of the positive trend, the process of population growth in the republic’s main harvestable species, the moose, has halted in the past few years. In 2016 the species abundance was estimated at 21,000 individuals. The harvesting of the moose population in Karelia is minor, not exceeding 4 % of the total in the last five years. In addition to legal hunting, poaching, which has intensified in recent years, and predation by large carnivores have had a significant effect on the population size. The existence of the forest reindeer in Karelia is under threat and the species abundance is low. according to the results of the aerial survey of 2014, the population of these animals in the republic was 2300–2400 individuals. The status of the species in the regional Red Data Book (2007) was changed from category 4 to 3, and in the next edition of this book the change to category 2 is planned. The main factors that produce a negative impact on the population are illegal hunting and tourism. Ro e deer encounters have been registered in different seasons of the year in all parts of the republic. We assume that the relatively mild winters in recent years have allowed a small group of animals to gain a foothold in the Lahdenpohsky District, which explains the increasingly frequent encounters of these animals in the area. The frequent observations of the animals in the territory of Karelia are probably due to the growth of the roe deer population in the adjacent parts of Finland and the Leningrad Region.

APHYLLOPHOROID FUNGI OF THE KIY ARCHIPELAGO. SPECIES COMPOSITION AND MYCOBIOTA CHARACTERISTICS

The analysis of the occurrence of aphyllophoroid fungi on islands of the Kiy Archipelago (Onezhskiy District, Arkhangelsk Region) is carried out for the first time. In total, 150 species of aphyllophoroid fungi were revealed. Among them, 10 species ( Amylocorticium suaveolens, Athelia phialophora, Atheloderma orientale, Dichomitus campestris, Odonticium septocystidia, Oxyporus millavensis, Postia floriformis, P. perdelicata, Scytinostroma parvisporum, Xylodon detriticus ) are indicated for the Arkhangelsk Region for the first time. A majority of the species revealed are saprotrophs on dead wood. The highest number of species (65) was recorded from Pinus sylvestris - the main stand-former in the archipelago. In local areas of floodplain ecotopes 36 alder-associated and 32 willow-associated species were recorded. Because of heavy human pressure on the archipelago's ecosystems, only 7 ground-dwelling aphyllophoroid species were revealed ( Coltricia perennis, Hydnellum aurantiacum, H. ferrugineum, H. suaveolens, Phellodon tomentosus, Sarcodon imbricatus, Thelephora terrestris ). Botryohypochnus isabellinus was found on fruit bodies of basidiomycetes, and Typhula setipes was spotted on fallen alder leaves. 18 species are considered as indicators of biologically valuable forests, 7 species are included in regional Red Data Books.

On assessment of the conservation effectiveness of Red Data insect species in the territories of a nature reserve and a nature sanctuary within the same reservation area (by the example of Voronezh Biosphere Nature Reservation)

A category scale of the status of Red Data insect species occurring in the territories of Voronezh Biosphere Nature Reservation and appropriate numerical values (from 0 to 4) of the state index (SI) of insect species are developed. This scale is compatible with the rarity categories used in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation (2001) and in the regional Red Data Book of Voronezh Province (2011) and Red Data Book of Lipetsk Province (2014). Based on long-term field data and collection material, the status and SI are characterized for 14 insect species listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation and the regional Red Data books and occurring in the territories of the Nature Reserve (shared between Voronezh and Lipetsk provinces) and Nature Sanctuary within Voronezh Biosphere Reservation. The Red Data species showing a positive difference between the SI value in the territory of the Reserve or Sanctuary and the SI listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation (or a regional Red Data book) are considered to be efficiently protected in the Reserve or Sanctuary, respectively. Six Red Data insect species were found to be efficiently protected in the Nature Reserve, and only four species in the Sanctuary.

Растительность акватории и побережий озера Таловское и его окрестностей (Корякский округ, Камчатский край)

Растительность акватории и побережий озера Таловское и его окрестностей (Корякский округ, Камчатский край)

Опыт инвентаризации фауны чешуекрылых Нижегородской области и его применение к составлению Красной книги региона (Insecta: Lepidoptera)

Опыт инвентаризации фауны чешуекрылых Нижегородской области и его применение к составлению Красной книги региона (Insecta: Lepidoptera)

Flora of the settlement Lukh of Ivanovo Region

In the article the floristic data of Lukh, one of the ancient Ivanovo region settlements, are given. The present Lukh settlement flora consists of 402 vascular plant species from 4 classes, 76 families and 255 genera. Compositae 53 species (13,2%), Rosaceae 39 species (9,7%), Poaceae 27 species (6,9%), Fabaceae 23 species (5,7%), Cruciferae 18 species (4,2%) are leading families of the flora. The basis of biomorphological structure of the Luch flora is made up by the perennial grass plants (233 species; 57,9%), arboreous plants include 60 species (14,9%), among which 23 species are trees, 33 species are shrubs. Geographical analysis ascertained prevalence of native species. The native component of Lukh flora comprises 247 species (61,6%), the аlien component 153 species (38,4%). The adventivity index is 0,38 which is typical for the small towns and large settlements of the Upper Volga region. 2 rare species (Gerntiana pneumonanthe, Populus nigra) included in the regional red data book, some native (Thelypteris palustris, Juniperus communis, Dactulorhiza fuchii, Platanthera bifolia, Convallaria majalis, Carex pilosa, Trollius earopaeus, Daphne mezerum) and alien (Atriрlex patens, Symphytum x uplandicum, Hesperis matronalis, Veronica persica, Zizania latifolia) rare plant species are briefly characterized.

Rare Macroscopic Algae Species In The Pechora And Vychegda River Basins (North-Eastern Part Of European Russia)

Abstract Ten rare species of macroscopic algae were found in freshwater ecosystems of the Pechora and Vychegda River basins, belonging to four divisions: Cyanoprokaryota - 1 species, Rhodophyta - 3, Chrysophyta - 1, Charophy-ta - 5. Some of these were included in the regional Red Data Books of Nenets Autonomous District and Komi Republic, others were recommended to be included. Areas of distribution were marked; algae development conditions and limiting factors were described.

Ethnobotanical survey of cooling herbal drinks from southern China

BackgroundLiáng chá (“cooling tea”, “herbal tea” or “cool tisane” in Chinese) are herbal drinks widely produced in southern China and consumed by billions of people worldwide to prevent and treat internal heat as well as a range of associated health conditions. Globalization and renewed interest in botanical remedies has attracted growing attention in cooling herbal drinks by industry, scientists and consumers. However, there is a knowledge gap on the plant species used and commercialized for cooling herbal drinks in southern China and their associated ethnobotanical use, habitat and conservation status. This is the first study to document plant species used and commercialized as liáng chá in southern China’s Lingnan region and associated ethnomedical function, preparation methods, habitat and conservation status.MethodsThree hundred market surveys were conducted between 2010-2012 in the largest herbal drink producing region of China to record plants used for liáng chá and to document knowledge on their medicinal function, habitat and conservation status. Product samples and voucher specimens were collected for taxonomic identification.ResultsAll informants harvest and cultivate plants for preparing herbal drinks for their medicinal, cultural and economic values. A total of 222 ethnotaxa corresponded to 238 botanical taxa (species, varieties or subspecies) belonging to 86 families and 209 genera were recorded as liáng chá to treat health conditions in the study area. Recorded remedies consisted of one or several plant species to treat conditions classified into 27 major health conditions with clearing internal heat being the most common medicinal function. The habitat types of plants documented for use as liáng chá include 112 wild harvested species, 51 species that are either wild harvested or cultivated, 57 cultivated species, and 2 naturalized species. According to China’s Red List and CITES on conservation status, one of these species is endangered, one species is critically endangered, eight species are vulnerable, one is listed in CITES II, three are listed in Regional Red Data Book and the remaining 224 species are in the least concerned conservation category.ConclusionsThe liáng chá industry of southern China reflects the plant species richness and cultural diversity of the region. Future research on safety and efficacy of herbal drinks as well as ecological and cultural conservation efforts are needed for the sustainable growth of China’s botanical industry.

Industrial wetlands as refuges for bird biodiversity conservation in the forest-steppe zone

The rare bird fauna of industrial wetlands has been studied in the forest-steppe zone of European Russia during the nesting period. A total of 146 species have been recorded, including 40 rare species listed in the regional Red Data Books. Facts of their nesting (in many cases, exceptional in the region) have been revealed. Evidence is presented for the significance of industrial wetlands for the conservation and propagation of rare bird species.

Новые находки редких и интересных видов мхов в Ленинградской области

New records of 29 rare moss species of Saint-Petersburg and Leningrad Region are given. One new species for Saint-Petersburg and Leningrad Region (Schistidium papillosum Culm.) and two very rare species (Myurella julacea (Schwagr.) Bruch et al. and Hennediella heimii (Hedw.) R. H. Zander) are found. New data on 6 moss species included in the regional Red Data Book are obtained.

Mitochondrial DNA suggests independent evolutionary history and population decline of the Menzbir’s pipit (Anthus [gustavi] menzbieri)

In this study we use mtDNA ND2 gene (1041 bp) to evaluate the relationship between Menzbir’s (Anthus [gustavi] menzbieri) and Pechora (A. [g.] gustavi) pipits. Menzbir’s pipit is listed in the regional Red Data Book as a distinct, rare species with a small range. We obtained 18 Pechora pipit samples from two localities and 8 Menzbir’s pipit samples from a single locality. Sequences of the two taxa appear reciprocally monophyletic and are separated by 6 substitutions (0.6% divergence). Differences between the taxa explained 62.4% of the variation in our dataset. Differences among individuals within localities explained 34.8%, whereas differences between the two Pechora pipit localities explained only 2.8%. Mismatch distributions suggest that unlike the Pechora pipit localities, which either have experienced recent population growth or sustain a stable population size, the Menzbir’s pipit population may be declining. Our results suggest distinct taxonomic and conservation status for the Menzbir’s pipit.

Protection of bryophytes in the Murmansk Region (Russia)

This paper reports on some basic trends in the conservation of bryophytes in the Murmansk Region (Russia). They are: (1) the recognition of rare bryophytes and the publication of the Regional Red Data Book (the first edition, including nine liverworts and 21 mosses was published in 1979, the second edition in 1990, including 108 species of bryophytes); (2) the investigation of the bryoflora in existing nature reserves, the majority of these territories being unexplored; (3) the description and organization of new nature reserves, where many rare and interesting species of bryophytes are concentrated. The difficulties and peculiarities in the protection of bryophytes in the Murmansk Region are also discussed.