State Nature Biosphere Reserve Research Articles

Genetic Identification of Putative Hybrids Between Grey Wolf and Golden Jackal

We describe the results of genetic analysis of 11 phenotypically deviant individuals of grey wolf (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) sensu lato collected in Voronezh State Nature Biosphere Reserve (Chernozem zone of European Russia) and Dagestan (Northern Caucasus, Russia) putatively identified morphologically as hybrids between grey wolf and golden jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758). By means of maternally inherited mtDNA (sequences of cytochrome b gene fragment) and paternal lineage markers ZfY no F1 wolf-jackal hybrids were identified. As well, possibility of classification of the studied individuals to next generation hybrids from crosses between different wolf-jackal F1s. However, attribution of these animals to complex hybrids such as various backcrosses cannot be rejected. From the results of analysis by a set of autosomal microsatellite loci we putatively diagnosed a single F2 hybrid. As well, we obtained data that can be considered as traces of hybridization between wolf and jackal in southern regions of European Russa, albeit direct indications of introgression between these species not found. At the same time, the results of both genetic and craniological studies could be interpreted as indication to hybridization between wolves and domestic dogs on the same territories.

Склоновая и высотная приуроченность молниевых разрядов и пожаров от гроз в горной местности (на примере территории Республики Алтай)

The aim of the proposed study is to analyze the relationship of lightning discharges and fires from thunderstorms to altitude above sea level and slope angle of the terrain. It has been found that the highest proportion and density of fires are characteristic of the altitude range from 1000 to 1500 meters above sea level. The highest density of lightning activity is observed in the altitude range of 500-750 meters. With further increase in altitude, the density of lightning and fires decreases. A direct correlation has been noted between the increase in fire density and the increase in slope steepness up to 35 degrees. The study is based on data from the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) and fire data provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Tourism of the Altai Republic and the Altai State Natural Biosphere Reserve. The assessment of morphometric dependence of thunderstorm forest fires on the studied territory is conducted for the first time.

Restoration of stand on the site of burnt spruce forest in the Central Forest reserve

With the warming of the climate, the intensification of droughts and the drying up of coniferous forests, the number of forest fires is also increasing. Therefore, the study of the post-fire dynamics of stands and prospects for reforestation on burnt areas is especially relevant. The research was carried out in the Central Forest State Natural Biosphere Reserve (southern taiga) on the burnt area formed in 1999 as a result of a thunderstorm. The purpose of the work was: to describe the state of vegetation 22 years after burnout; to find out the characteristics of the stand formed on the burnt area and the possibility of their use for reconstructing the history of disturbancies in old spruce forests. The objectives of the study included: monitoring vegetation changes in the 1999 burnt area; studying the growth of spruce undergrowth in the burnt area; finding out the number and ratio of preliminary and subsequent renewal of tree species; analyzing the distribution and amount of coals in the sample plots (depending on the intensity of burnout and the state of the pre-fire stand). To study the state of vegetation after the burnout of the blueberry-wood sorrel and wood sorrel – nemoral-herb spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) forests, 14 sample plots (100 m2 each) were laid in the northwestern part of the burnt area. The sample plots covered 1.5 hectares. 22 years after the fire, a mixed small-leaved forest with a predominance of birch and a significant participation of spruce has been forming on the site of burnt spruce forests. Spruce is represented mainly by post-fire renewal. In the undergrowth, the ratio of pre- and post-renewal spruce is about 1 : 3. In the ground cover, a small number of nemoral herb species is recorded, and in the stand and undergrowth – almost complete absence of broad-leaved species. A lot of coals were found in soil digs in 4 sample plots (30%); there were no coals in 3 (20%) sample plots, and small coals in small amount were found in 7 (50%) sample plots. Assessing the possibilities of identifying the first post-fire generation of spruce in old stands, it must be said that none of the characteristics of a post-fire spruce stand is universal for its recognition. Only a set of features allows to identify the history of the stand. Distinctive features of the first post-old generation: the presence of coals in 30% of samples or more; a large admixture of birch and aspen; a large diversity of the aspen part of the stand; if there are broad-leaved species, they will be much younger than the spruce; the presence of a sharp decline, and then a rise in growths in a significant part of the oldest spruce trees; the main generation of spruce has initial radial growths on an average of 2.1 mm/year, and the absence of synchronous sharp rises of the growths at the beginning of life. The age of aspen most accurately corresponds to the year of the fire.

Интродукция кедрового стланика в Лапландском заповеднике (Мурманская область)

The paper reflects the results of the condition of Pinus pumila (Pall.) Regel, which was sown in 1971 with seeds from Magadan City on the territory of the Lapland State Nature Biosphere Reserve. Siberian dwarf pine has been acclimatized, showed winter-hardy, has no damage, resistant to the conditions of the Murmansk Region.

The content of chemical elements in <i>Trаpa nаtans</i> and <i>Nymphoides peltata</i> of the Volga Delta

Aim. To identify the specific features of the accumulation of heavy metals in Trаpa nаtans and Nymphoides peltata in the Volga delta. Materials and Methods. Plant sampling was carried out in the Astrakhan State Nature Biosphere Reserve. Determination of the concentration of chemical elements was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results. As a result of the research it was noted that the plant species studied had some similarities in the accumulation of chemical elements. In both types of plants iron was predominantly accumulated, manganese content being in second place in terms of metal concentration. Chromium and cadmium were found to be in the lowest concentrations. Nymphoides peltata is an iron accumulator compared to Trapa natans. The leaves of Trapa natans are manganese concentrators, while the stems are copper concentrators. Conclusions. Based on the specific features identified in the accumulation of chemical elements in plants, a proposal is put forward regarding the possibility of using the leaves and stems of Nymphoides peltata as a test object for monitoring iron and chromium concentrations in water and the leaves of Trapa natans for monitoring copper concentrations in water.

The confinedness of undergrowth Picea obovata and Abies sibirica (Pinaceae) to tree-related microhabitats and their development features at various phases of post-fire succession in green-moss dark coniferous forests in the Northern Pre-Urals

Forest ecology frequently explores the role of microsite mosaics in forest communities for the regeneration of forest-forming tree species. The present study aims to find out whether the ontogenetic structure and differentiation of Siberian spruce (Picea obovata) and Siberian fir (Abies sibirica) undergrowth plants by the plant vitality are associated with their occurrence on various microsites. The study has been carried out in the Pechora-Ilych State Nature Biosphere Reserve, Russia. In green-moss fir-spruce forests, 23 temporary sample plots were established, including 1) forest communities of the intermediate phase of post-fire succession (in areas where fires happened in 1850–1900) and 2) forest communities of the late phase (in areas where there were no fires, at least since the mid-XIX century). On the study plots, P. obovata and A. sibirica undergrowth individuals were recorded indicating ontogenetic state, vitality and microsite substrate for each plant. Using the Z-criterion, a comparison of the occurrence frequencies (%) of various undergrowth groups of P. obovata and A. sibirica on various microsites has been carried out, i.e. within each species and between the studied species, as well as at each phase of post-fire succession and between the phases. The analysis showed that, in communities of both succession phases in both species, undergrowth plants of ontogenetic state im2 occurred on deadwood logs less frequently than the undergrowth plants of the earlier ontogenetic state im1. At the same time, in both species on the flat ground surface an opposite occurrence trend for these ontogenetic states was revealed. In communities of the late succession phase, A. sibirica undergrowth plants of the ontogenetic state im2 and normal vitality occurred on a flat ground surface within inter-crown sites more frequently than plants of reduced and low vitality. A comparison between the species showed that in forest communities of both succession phases, A. sibirica undergrowth plants of im1 and im2 ontogenetic states more frequently occupy flat ground surface than deadwood logs, whereas P. obovata undergrowth plants more frequently grow on deadwood logs than on the flat ground surface. In addition, in communities of the intermediate succession phase, A. sibirica undergrowth is more likely than P. obovata to be found in the under-crown sites (especially on a flat ground surface). In communities of the late succession phase, A. sibirica undergrowth more often grows in under-crown sites on the near-trunk elevations of living trees. In both species, 40–50% of im2 plants of low vitality grow in inter-crown sites. To clarify the influence of the microsite mosaics on the regeneration processes in the studied forests, more detailed and large-scale studies are further needed, which will allow us obtaining more representative samples of undergrowth plants at various ontogenetic states.

Plankton community’s production in the water area of the Volga-Kama Biosphere Reserve (Russia)

The quantitative and production characteristics of planktonic community were assessed in the water area of the Volga Carbon Polygon (Saraly, Volzhsko-Kamsky State Nature Biosphere Reserve during the growing season of 2023. The Saralinsky section of Volga-Kama Reserve was characterized by high values of algae biomass, chlorophyll-a concentration and, accordingly, primary production of 110.6 ± 36.7 mgC/m3 and characterized this area as hypereutrophic. Zooplankton production was 120.2±48.0 kcal/m3/day or 12.0±4.8 mgC/m3. The values of the P/B coefficient of the zooplankton community varied from 17 to 69, and are determined mainly by the production of small rotifers and cladocerans. These values indicate the eutrophic state of studied area.

Natural cycles in the Northern Baikal region

The authors of the article present the results of an analysis of the cyclicity of long-term numerical series of meteorological parameters (average annual air temperature, total annual precipitation) and six longterm numerical series of short-lived animal species from different taxonomic groups: ground beetles, small rodents and passerine birds living in similar biotopes of the low-mountain part of Barguzinsky ridge (territory of the Barguzin State Natural Biosphere Reserve). The cyclic components of long-term observation series lasting 33-67 years were studied by Fourier spectral analysis. Periodograms and cyclic sequences of model species coincide in most cases. In all species, high-frequency 2-3 year cycles predominate, while mid-frequency 4-8 year and low-frequency 9-19 year cycles are of secondary importance. Statistically significant correlations between cyclicity in the long-term abundance series of model animal species and the cyclicity of annual precipitation and average annual temperature have been identified. Reliable correlations between the cyclicity of Wolf numbers and the cyclicality of meteorological parameters are shown. Solar activity has an indirect effect on the cyclicity of natural processes in the Northern Baikal region.

Оценка окислительно–восстановительных реакций донных отложений пруда Угольчик методом автографии на фотобумаге

The article considers the analysis of bottom sediments selected on the territory of the Central Forest State Natural Biosphere Reserve of the Tver region, in the Ugolchik Pond for the assessment of redox reactions by autography on photo paper, which is an indicator of the state and number of anaerobic microorganisms at the bottom of the reservoir according to autography. Keywords: BOTTOM SEDIMENTS, AUTOGRAPH ON PHOTO PAPER, AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS, ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF WATER BODIES

Nature reserves (zapovedniks) in the Volga catchment: protection, research and management

AbstractIn the Russian Federation, the protection category “Zapovednik” represents a strictly protected area, where the access is restricted and the aim is to keep the area “forever wild”. We provide an overview about the organization of these nature reserves and highlight their contribution to fundamental research. Aquatic ecosystems in zapovedniks provide pristine sites of great importance for long-term monitoring and research, which fosters process understanding regarding interannual variability and development of aquatic coenosis. We present a long term monitoring and research project about abiotic and biotic parameters in the Central Forest State Nature Biosphere Reserve. Examples from the Privolzhskaya Lesostep Nature Reserve include monitoring of invasive fish as well as analyses about the influence of beavers on fish. The Astrakhan Biosphere Nature Reserve in the Volga delta is a hotspot for fish biodiversity; thus, there the state nature reserve security service plays an important role to avoid poaching. Our case studies from the Volga Basin exemplify the structure and function of nature reserves and highlight their contribution to research, protection and management of aquatic ecosystems. Long-term datasets from the zapovedniks can (i) improve process understanding, (ii) ensure protection of aquatic systems and sustainable water management and (iii) support knowledge-based decisions.

THE FIRST FINDING OF MACROSACCUS ROBINIELLA (CLEMENS, 1859) AND OBOLODIPLOSIS ROBINIAE HALDEMAN, 1847 NEAR VORONEZH

The data about finding of Macrosaccus robiniella (Clemens, 1859) (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) and Obolodiplosis robiniae Haldeman, 1847 (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) in Voronezhsky State Nature Biosphere reserve are given for the first time. Some features of the biology of the local population of M . robiniella are shown.

Интродукция кедра и лиственницы в условиях Кольского Заполярья

The purpose of this study was to investigate the history of growth of the introduced species Pinus sibirica Du Tour and Larix sibirica Ledeb. in the Murmansk region and their state in natural areas of preferential protection. The first finds of Siberian cedar in the Arctic region were recorded in 1911, and Siberian larch in 1925. In the 1930s and 1950s–1960s, these kinds of trees were extensively cultivated in the region. Many cedar and larch growth areas are protected as natural monuments of regional significance. Currently, there are eight natural monuments with Siberian cedar growing on the territory of the Murmansk region and seven natural monuments with Siberian larch. The condition of the trees in the territories under preferential protection and the Lapland State Natural Biosphere Reserve was studied in detail. The invasive species occupy a territory of about 70 ha. It was a complete or random enumeration of the trees and undergrowth with measurements of height and diameter. Siberian cedar ranged in height from 0.02 to 18.00 m, whereas Siberian larch was between 0.01 and 18.00 m. Cedar diameters varied from 0.3 to 31.7 cm, whereas larch diameters ranged from 0.4 to 38.3 cm. It is shown that coniferous introduced species are well acclimatized to the natural conditions of the Arctic, which increases the biodiversity of ecosystems and aesthetic perception. Pinus sibirica Du Tour and Larix sibirica Ledeb. fructify in the conditions of the Kola Arctic region that is a sign of a natural regeneration. It is recommended to monitor the conditions of the plantations on a regular basis in order to provide appropriate care. With the inclusion of plots with the growth of the studied species in natural areas of preferential protection, it is necessary to study their condition, location, accessibility, and targeted application. Evaluation of the effectiveness of existing forest management system will allow a more rational approach to the conservation of valuable cedar and larch tree species in the Arctic region. For citation: Isaeva L.G., Ershov V.V., Urbanavichus G.P., Borovichev E.A. Introduced Species of Cedar and Larch in the Climate Conditions of the Kola Arctic Region. Lesnoy Zhurnal = Russian Forestry Journal, 2023, no. 4, pp. . 41–57. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2023-4-41-57

Features of biology and population dynamics of Cephalanthera rubra (Orchidaceae Juss.) in the Sochi Black Sea region

Cephalanthera rubra (L.) Rich. is sporadically distributed in the Sochi Black Sea region. It occurs in the forests of the low-mountain and mid-mountain belts of the southern macroslope of the Main Caucasian Range. The number of individual populations is from two-three to a dozen individuals, usually populations are distant from each other over long distances. C. rubra can be attributed to hemiephemeroids, having spring-early summer green shoots with a period of summer-autumn-winter dormancy. The growing season lasts 3 months. Morphometric indicators of individuals of different ontogenetic states are given. The dynamics of the ontogenetic structure of the population from the area of the hornbeam forest in the vicinity of the village Illarionovka for 8 years is shown. In the ontogenetic spectra of the studied large population, the predominance of generative individuals is constant. The population is full-membered, normal type, stable. The species is self-compatible, autogamy was not revealed. The model species for pollinators seems to be Lathyrus laxiflorus (Desf.) Kuntze, which is absent from the studied population. Fruit formation in different locations does not always occur; it is absent in the studied population. Seeds of Limodorum-type, linear or fusiform, about 1.3 mm long. The species is protected in the Sochi National Park and in the Khosta Department of the Caucasian State Natural Biosphere Reserve.

MATERIALS ON THE FAUNA OF EPHEMEROPTERA, PLECOPTERA AND TRICHOPTERA OF THE KRONOTSKY NATURE RESERVE AND OTHER REGIONS OF KAMCHATKA

As a result of collection in 2014–2021, additional information was obtained on the fauna and distribution of three orders of amphibiotic insects Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera of the Kronotsky State Natural Biosphere Reserve and other regions of the Kamchatka Peninsula. The general list of the three orders the studied territory includes 56 species: 8 species of mayfl ies, 17 – stonefl ies, and 31 – caddisfl ies. For the territory of Kronotsky Nature Reserve are noted 50 species: 8 – mayfl ies, 11 – stonefl ies, and 31 – caddisfl ies; the presence of 48 previously known species is confi rmed. Stonefl y Capnia nigra (Pictet, 1833) and caddisfl y Hydropsyche kozhantschikovi are fi rst fi nds for the reserve. Plecopterans Plumiperla diversa (Frison, 1935) is discovered for Geyser Valley streams for the fi rst time, and Isocapnia orientalis Zhiltzova, 1975 is a new fi nding for the Kamchatka Peninsula.

The Influence of Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber L.) Activity on the Transformation and Functioning of Riparian Phytocoenoses in the Southern Boreal Zone (European Russia)

The reintroduction of Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber L.) results in significant changes in ecosystems. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of the environment-forming activity of C. fiber on the riparian phytocoenoses of the Raifa forest sector of the Volga-Kama State Nature Biosphere Reserve (Middle Volga region, European Russia) after the reintroduction. Phytoindication methods of ecological–coenotic groups and indicator values were used to assess changes in environmental conditions under the influence of beaver activity. The influence of the beaver reintroduction factor on the increase in the moisture regime (by three points according to the Tsyganov indicator values) and the illumination of habitats, the richness of soils in nitrogen, and the acidity and salt regime of soils (by one point) was revealed. Under the conditions of fodder and construction activities of the beaver, an increase in the proportion of aquatic and wetland groups from 10.2% to 28.2% and boreal plant species from 15.0% to 27.6% was detected. An expansive nature of the change in the degree of landscape occupancy with wetland plants was noted. A decrease in the degree of landscape occupancy (3 to 2 points) of the distribution of ruderal species in the riparian zones of the waterbodies of the reserve due to the activity of the beaver was revealed. Based on phytoindication and ecological–coenotic analyses, it was shown that the reintroduction of C. fiber into the waterbodies of the Raifa forest sector of the reserve is responsible for maintaining the necessary microclimatic conditions for the preservation of natural southern boreal communities. The results obtained can be used for predictive assessment of the influence of the beaver on riparian (small rivers and lakes) plant communities of forest ecosystems in the Middle Volga region of European Russia and other regions of the planet with similar environmental conditions.

Landscape Invariants–Order Parmeters of a Dynamic System

The article considers theoretical and methodological substantiation of identifying invariants problem in nonlinear dynamic systems. Invariance in context of stable spatio-temporal structures in a landscape was proposed by V.B. Sochava in 1961. The accumulation of long-term series of landscape observations by means of multispectral imaging made it possible to identify invariants in practice. An analysis of Landsat multispectral measurements from 1987 to 2022 for the southern taiga landscape (Central Forest State Nature Biosphere Reserve) shows that invariants identified as order parameters primarily determine total aboveground vegetation biomass, the water content in vegetation and soils, and the intensity of photosynthesis, i.e. bioproduction process. The proposed scheme for analyzing time series of remote sensing data makes it possible to assess landscape cover at the time of survey with respect to invariants and to identify the main control parameters that determine changes in environmental conditions and self-development of geosystems. The assessment of vegetation and relief contribution to formation of invariants structure was made to reveal invariants physical meaning. The results showed that relief has little effect on order parameters, and vegetation cover make the greatest contribution to invariant structure formation. Since invariants make it possible to identify the most stationary states, they can be used to solve applied problems in agriculture and forestry, as well as in the assessment of various ecosystem services.

Высокогорный природный парк «Ак Чолушпа» как территория экотуристского интереса

Высокогорный природный парк «Ак Чолушпа» как территория экотуристского интереса

CAREX BOHEMICA (CYPERACEAE) В ВОЛОГОДСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

Data on the distribution, biomorphology, ecological and phytocenotic features, and protection of Carex bohemica Schreb. in the Vologda Region are presented. The choice of the object of study is associated with the rarity of the species in the region and its poor knowledge base. Bohemian sedge was registered in the region for the first time only 45 years ago and is currently known from 11 localities situated in two administrative districts (Vytegorsky and Cherepovetsky). All records are concentrated only in the western part of the region, where the species is found in the coastal areas of two reservoirs of the Volga-Baltic waterway and two disappearing lakes. Findings of the species fall within the boundaries of 6 squares of grid mapping adopted in Atlas Florae Europaeae. The life form of the species is defined as a loose turf-forming perennial polycarpic herbaceous plant with self-orthotropic non-succulent assimilate shoots. C. bohemica is found along the banks and shallows of karst lakes, flood zones of reservoirs, and floating peatlands. The species prefers sandy, sandy-stony or silty soils, and a changeable-level hydrological regime. In localities known in the region (as well as in other parts of the range), the species may not occur for some time but later appear copiously, showing a short burst of abundance. The species is included in the Red Data Book of the Vologda Region with the 2/VU/II conservation status. C. bohemica was recorded within the boundaries of three protected areas (Darvinskiy State Natural Biosphere Reserve, hydrological natural reserves (zakaznik’s) “Kushtozersky” and “Shimozersky”). The necessary protection measures for the species include control and monitoring of the state of the populations identified in the region and targeted surveys for new places of its growth, as well as further studies of its ecology and, if necessary, introduction measures.

Ancient Deep Sea Bottom in Modern Mountains: New Aspects of Geoheritage from Guzeripl in Southwestern Russia

Geoheritage studies have different perspectives, among which treatment of geological features in relation to particular areas and settlements seems to be promising for better local planning and tourism organization. The small town of Guzeripl in the Western Caucasus (southwestern Russia) experiences tourism-triggered development. Five localities, which are parts of two earlier established geosites, are found directly in this settlement and in its vicinity. They show representative siliciclastic deposits dominated by shales, which accumulated on the deep bottom of the Caucasian Sea in the Early Middle Jurassic. New field investigations allowed for the collection of information regarding the improvement of the geological knowledge of this study area and the reconsideration of its geoheritage in relation to the settlement’s needs. Particularly, the tentative approach for the functional assessment of the localities was proposed and applied. It is established that the localities represent not only deep-marine siliciclastic deposits, trace fossils, and specific palaeoenvironment, but also the structural elements (anticline, syncline, and fault) of the complex deformed domain. They differ by functional value, with two of the most valuable localities directly in Guzeripl, and all of them can be employed for the settlements’ needs. Geoscientists, guided student groups, and geotourists can choose Guzeripl to collect new data, train, and for new impressions. Importantly, geotourism based on the considered localities can diversify the experience of visitors, and it can be combined with and facilitated by ecotourist activities already offered by the Caucasus State Nature Biosphere Reserve, which is famous for its natural heritage. The study area focuses on the spatial distribution of geoheritage relatively to the touristic patterns.

Биологическая активность буроземов в молодых «окнах» полога леса Кавказского биосферного заповедника

The ecological features and biological activity of Cambisols of acidic low mountains in the upper reaches of the Belaya River in the Western Caucasus have been carried out. The studies were carried out on the territory of the Caucasian State Natural Biosphere Reserve in the primary beech -fir forests and “windows” of fallouts formed at the site of the death of old trees. The investigated “windows” aged 2-6 years are characterized by increased insolation and a special microclimate, they quickly overgrow with undergrowth and grassy vegetation. This leads to a change in the physical, chemical and biological properties of Cambisols. The moisture content of soils, the degree of saturation of soils with bases increase significantly, the content of humus and active carbon increases. A change in edaphic properties leads to an increase in the number of microorganisms and microbial biomass. The enzyme activity of Cambisols from different area s varies considerably and does not have an unambiguous behavior. Despite the differences in the values of individual indicators of biological activity, the integral assessment showed practically equal values for the Cambisols of primary forests and young “windows” of fallouts.