Strict Nature Reserve Research Articles

Determination of Biologically Active Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity In Vitro in Fruit of Small Cranberries (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) Growing in Natural Habitats in Lithuania.

The composition of flavonols, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, triterpene compounds, and chlorogenic acid in small cranberry fruit samples collected in natural habitats in Lithuania and variation in the antioxidant capacity of cranberry fruit extracts was determined. This study showed that in the flavonol group, hyperoside and myricetin-3-O-galactoside predominated in cranberry fruit samples; in the anthocyanin group, the predominant compounds were cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside, peonidin-3-O-galactoside, and peonidin-3-O-arabinoside, and in the group of triterpene compounds, ursolic acid was predominant. The highest total amounts of flavonols and anthocyanins were found in the samples collected in Čepkeliai State Strict Nature Reserve (2079.44 ± 102.99 μg/g and 6993.79 ± 350.22 μg/g, respectively). Cluster analysis of the chemical composition of small cranberry fruit samples revealed trends in the accumulation of bioactive compounds in cranberry fruit. Cranberry fruit samples collected in central Lithuania had higher levels of triterpene compounds. Statistical correlation analysis showed the strongest correlation between the quantitative composition of cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside and peonidin-3-O-arabinoside and the reducing capacity of the ethanolic extracts of the cranberry fruit samples assessed in vitro by the FRAP assay (r = 0.882, p < 0.01 and r = 0.805, p < 0.01, respectively). Summarizing the results, the geographical factor affects the variation of the quantitative composition of biologically active compounds in cranberry fruit samples.

Effect of anthropogenic activities on carbon stocks in protected areas within Ghana's forest-Savannah transition zone

Tropical forests play a significant role in climate change by sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide. However, deforestation and forest degradation adversely affect these forests’ carbon stocks. Reports indicate that anthropogenic activities have led to forest degradation and deforestation in Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (BFMS) and Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve (KSNR). This study assessed the effects of these activities on the carbon stocks of BFMS and KSNR. Using satellite imagery, field measurements and allometric models, carbon stocks of the study area were assessed from 1992 to 2023. The assessment revealed significant losses attributed to anthropogenic activities, such as hunting, farming and charcoal burning. BFMS experienced a total loss of 40,236 Mg C, while KSNR lost 272,109 Mg C. The closed forests had the highest carbon stock amongst the different vegetation types, with soil representing the most significant carbon pool in the protected areas, revealing the influence of vegetation structure on carbon sequestration and the need for soil conservation. The substantial carbon sequestration potential observed in the different vegetation types of the study area indicates that the Forest-Savannah Transition Zone is a prospective area for climate change mitigation aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (Goals 13 and 15) and the National Climate Change Policy of Ghana. These findings provide valuable insights for carbon trading and biodiversity conservation, emphasizing the potential of nature-based solutions in addressing global climate challenges.

Некоторые особенности биологии редкого эндемичного вида Arafoe aromatica Pimenov &amp; Lavrova на территории Рицинского реликтового национального парка (Республика Абхазия)

For the first time, the features of rare endemic species of Caucasus Arafoe aromatica biology in the Ritsa Strict Nature Reserve (Republic of Abkhazia) were studied. The age, vitality structure of coenopopulations (CP) and the variability of morphometric parameters were determined. The study was carried out using standard methods of population biology. The variability of morphometric parameters was studied on 25 middle-aged plants in each CP. The CP density is low (1–2.6 ind./m2). According to the delta-omega classification, one CP is transitional, and one is mature. Most of the morphological features are characterized by a normal degree of variation (14.7–37.0%). Vitality analysis showed that one CP is prosperous, the other is depressed. The state of the studied A. aromatica coenopopulations is satisfactory. Anthropogenic disturbances lead to a decrease in the number and seed productivity, worsening conditions for seed germination and renewal processes. To preserve the rare species, it is necessary to limit the anthropogenic load in the places of growth, prohibit the collection of plants by the population, monitor and control the CP state.

Response of diademed sifaka (Propithecus diadema) to fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox) predation in the Betampona Strict Nature Reserve, Madagascar.

Large-bodied mammals living in fragmented habitats are at higher risk of extinction, and such risk can be influenced by ecological factors such as predator-prey system dynamics. These dynamics can be particularly complex for conservation management when one endangered species preys on another endangered species in an isolated or poor-quality habitat. Here we describe predation events observed over 19 months that involved two threatened species: the largest carnivore in Madagascar, the fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox), and three groups of diademed sifaka (Propithecus diadema) in the Betampona Strict Nature Reserve. This site is a 22 km2 low-altitude rainforest that is surrounded by agricultural land and isolated from larger forest corridors. We aim to (1) assess the behavioral changes of P. diadema in response to fosa attacks and identify any antipredator strategies that they adopted, and (2) quantify the frequency of fosa attacks and the predation impact on the sifaka population. We report five direct observations of fosa predation attempts (one successful), the discovery of a dead sifaka with evidence of fosa predation, and the disappearance of three individuals. We describe the observed attacks and compare the sifaka activity budgets and movement patterns before and after the events. To escape the predator, sifakas fled short distances, hid, and remained vigilant. The impact of predation, combined with low reproductive rates and potentially high inbreeding of this isolated diademed sifaka population, could affect the survival of this species in Betampona.Given the compounding effects of habitat isolation and high hunting pressure, community-specific conservation strategies should incorporate predator-prey dynamics via longitudinal monitoring of predator and prey population densities and quantifying the predation pressure between them.

Addition to the vascular plant flora of the Utrish Strict Nature Reserve, Northwest Caucasus. Report 3

Addition to the vascular plant flora of the Utrish Strict Nature Reserve, Northwest Caucasus. Report 3

Система мониторинга природной динамики лесного массива заповедника «Костомукшский»

The concept and current results of setting up the forest monitoring network at the Kostomukshska Strict Nature Reserve (Zapovednik) are presented. It has been demonstrated that pine forests predominate in the reserve’s forest cover (80.4 % of the forested area), followed by spruce (19.1 %) and birch (0.5 %). The ecological spectrum of the reserve’s forests comprises 7 groups of forest types, with the bilberry group prevailing (67 %) both among pine and among spruce stands. In terms of age structure, coniferous stands in the reserve are even-aged, multi-aged and all-aged, representing stages of the post-catastrophic regeneration succession and phases of subclimax and climax community cycles. Analysis of spatial patterns in the distribution of pristine and secondary forests has shown that anthropogenically altered forests are mainly situated in the western part of the reserve, at the border with Finland. The eastern part is a concentration of pristine north-taiga forests with a distinct mosaic of natural age dynamics phases. It was suggested that the forest monitoring network should be based on the landscape typological and spatial-temporal approaches taking into account the sublandscape-level structure of the reserve’s natural territorial complex and the distribution of forests in the study area by the rate of anthropogenic influence, prevalent species, forest types, and age structure types. Permanent sample plots will be established within 3 model areas (sites). For each of the 5 forest types of pine and 2 types of spruce stands, such plots should represent all age groups of even-aged stands (4 sample plots at maximum), and at least one sample plot should be allocated for each type (subtype) of the uneven-aged structure. The preliminary estimate is that, in total, there should be at least 98 permanent sample plots in the forest monitoring network of the Kostomukshskiy Zapovednik. So many units are needed to work out the algorithm for correcting the existing forest compartment characteristics given by the forest inventory in what concerns the age structure and the succession phase of stands. It is foreseen that all the factual material thus amassed will serve as the basis for modeling the scenarios of the natural dynamics of this forest massif and, perhaps, of other objects with similar structure. For citation: Raevsky B.V., Ilinov A.A., Medvedeva M.V., Rudkovskaya O.V. The Natural Dynamics Monitoring System of the Forests in the Kostomukshsky Reserve. Lesnoy Zhurnal = Russian Forestry Journal, 2023, no. 6, pp. 81–101. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2023-6-81-101

The moral landscape of biological conservation: Understanding conceptual and normative foundations

Biological conservation practices and approaches take many forms. Conservation projects do not only differ in their aims and methods, but also concerning their conceptual and normative background assumptions and their underlying motivations and objectives. We draw on philosophical distinctions from the ethics of conservation to explain variances of different positions on conservation projects along six dimensions: (1) conservation ideals, (2) intervention intuitions, (3) the moral considerability of nonhuman beings, (4) environmental values, (5) views on nature and (6) human roles in nature. The result is a map of the moral landscape of biological conservation, on which these six dimensions are layered. This map functions as a heuristic tool to understand conceptual and normative foundations of specific conservation projects, which we will illustrate with four paradigmatic examples: the Pisavaara Strict Nature Reserve, Predator Free New Zealand, the Oostvaardersplassen Nature Reserve and the Great Green Wall Project. With this map as a heuristic tool, we aim to conceptually illuminate disagreement and clarify misunderstandings between representatives of different environmental protection strategies and to show that the same project can be supported (or criticised) on different grounds.

Diversity and distribution of Orchidaceae in one of the world's most threatened plant hotspots (Madagascar).

In recent decades, Madagascar has become one of the most important plant hotspots in the world. The country's remaining forests and vegetation are disappearing at an alarming rate, while dozens of new species are discovered each year. Amongst the plant families that have long been studied, Orchidaceae appear as one of the most charismatic, diverse and of high conservation concern. Based on a reviewed, comprehensive herbarium dataset, we have compiled a curated checklist of all orchid species occurring in Madagascar. Based on this complete dataset, we then compiled sampling effort, species diversity distribution and some general statistics on their ecology and IUCN conservation status. We compiled and standardised a global dataset using five public databases as the main data sources, supplemented by the most recent publications. The database contains ~ 10,000 geolocated records collected between 1816 and 2021. We used GIS software and rarefaction methods to examine sampling and diversity patterns. According to our dataset, there are currently 913 orchid species collected in Madagascar, of which 759 orchid species (83.1%) are endemic. Doubling the sampling effort could lead to the discovery of around 100 more species, bringing the total estimated number of orchid species in Madagascar to between 986 and 1048. About one-third (297 species) of all orchid species are known only by type specimens (189 species) or have not been collected in Madagascar for more than 50 years (214 species). Although the raw data show that the Andasibe-Moramanga area would have the highest orchid species concentration, our analysis of the data, adjusted for bias, shows that the centres of orchid diversity in Madagascar are in the Tsaratanàna Strict Nature Reserve and the Ranomafana National Park. Life-form statistics show that 55.0% of orchid species are strict epiphytes. The main flowering period of orchids in Madagascar is between November and March. To date, 84% of the 226 Malagasy orchid species listed in the IUCN Red List are threatened with extinction (CR, EN or VU). Despite geographically uneven coverage, the biodiversity of Malagasy orchids appears to be already well documented. We provide maps corrected for sampling bias that indicate priority areas for future surveys. Upcoming efforts should also focus on rediscovery and conservation of rare and/or threatened species and ensure that the protected area network is well aligned with the distribution of priority species for conservation. Finally, the conservation status of 75% of the orchid species found in Madagascar is not yet known and the inclusion of these species must be a top priority in the coming years.

Structural and cultural constraints on adopting tsabo-based agroforestry as an alternative to tavy around Betampona Reserve, Madagascar

Madagascar is known worldwide for its exceptional biodiversity. However, slash-and-burn cultivation (tavy) accounts for 80 to 95% of deforestation in this country. Despite decades of efforts to promote tsabo-based agroforestry as a sustainable alternative, the tavy agricultural technique has converted 50% of the original surface area of the Betampona Strict Nature Reserve (about 1,200 ha) in eastern Madagascar into cropland or secondary forests. Applying an interdisciplinary approach with an integrated theoretical framework, this study attempts to capture the constraints on the adoption and extension of tsabo-based agroforestry as an alternative to tavy on smallholder farms in the buffer zone around this protected area. Although tsabo-based agroforestry provides up to 67.6% of their cash income from farming, 20% to 43% of the households sampled no longer wish to establish new tsabo-based agroforestry plots or to extend their existing ones; 40.6% and 62.7% of households have continued the practices of monoculture and tavy, respectively. This article concludes that the factors impeding the establishment or extension of tsabo-based cultivation in the study area include structural as well as cultural dimensions. On the one hand, worsening geographic isolation, rural insecurity and poverty, together with the complete breakdown of marketing channels for their agricultural products, are discouraging farmers from extending their tsabo plots. On the other hand, even though rice is part of the Malagasy identity and governs all aspects of village culture, projects for tsabo extension have failed to integrate rice within the agroforestry systems they propose to farmers. It is recommended that policymakers and development programs take these structural and cultural factors into account in order to design agroforestry systems that correspond to the producers’ needs.

Peculiarities of the Variation of Biologically Active Compounds in Fruit of Vaccinium oxycoccos L. Growing in the Čepkeliai State Strict Nature Reserve.

This study was carried out to analyze the accumulation patterns of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, chlorogenic acid, and triterpene compounds in fruit samples of Vaccinium oxycoccos L. berries growing in the Čepkeliai State Strict Nature Reserve in Lithuania. Studies were carried out on the phytochemical composition of cranberry fruit samples during the period of 2020-2022. Anthocyanins, flavonols, chlorogenic acid and triterpene compounds were identified and quantified using UPLC-DAD methods, and proanthocyanins were determined using spectrophotometric methods. The content of identified compounds varied, as reflected in the total amounts of anthocyanins (710.3 ± 40 µg/g to 6993.8 ± 119 µg/g), proanthocyanidins (378.4 ± 10 µg EE/g to 3557. 3 ± 75 µg EE/g), flavonols (479.6 ± 9 µg/g to 7291.2 ± 226 µg/g), chlorogenic acid (68.0 ± 1 µg/g to 3858.2 ± 119 µg/g), and triterpenoids (3780.8 ± 98 µg/g to 7226.9 ± 224 µg/g). Cranberry fruit samples harvested from open oligotrophic wetland habitats contained higher levels of anthocyanins, anthocyanidins, flavonol glycosides, and proanthocyanidins. The highest levels of triterpene compounds were found in the cranberry fruits harvested in the spring of the following year after the snowmelt. The use of principal component analysis showed that cranberry plant material harvested in October and November had higher levels of bioactive compounds.

Tree Species and Size Diversity of Akure Strict Nature Reserve, Nigeria

Tree Species and Size Diversity of Akure Strict Nature Reserve, Nigeria

Floristic research at the Forest Research Institute of the Karelian Research Centre RAS: traditions of studying the species diversity of plants and fungi

Employees of the Forest Research Institute (FRI) KarRC RAS have contributed greatly to the study of the biodiversity of vascular plants, aphyllophoroid, sac and basidial fungi and lichens of the Republic of Karelia. Studies of vascular plants and various groups of fungi have been carried out since the FRI foundation in 1957 and are continuing successfully at present, with new tasks being set and the geographic range of interests expanding to cover the entire Northwest Russia. The lichenofloristic research component appeared at FRI later (in 1985) and is also developing. Prominent scientists such as V. I. Krutov, M. L. Ramenskaya, and V. I. Shubin, Doctors of Biological Sciences who worked at the FRI, made a huge contribution to the study of the biodiversity of Karelia, Eastern Fennoscandia, and the forest zone of European Russia as a whole. The role of these scientists and their students or successors is great not only in advancing the knowledge of the species diversity of Karelia and adjacent regions, but also in treating various issues of nature protection and sustainable use of natural resources, especially forest resources. The Institute’s employees have played a leading role in building the system of protected areas (PAs) in Karelia, especially considering that the republic’s first PA, Kivach Strict Nature Reserve, used to be a FRI unit for quite long. Botanists and mycologists from FRI participated in compiling the inventory of the flora and mycobiota and in preparing scientific substantiation papers for many planned PAs. Research continues in the PAs after their designation. Employees of the FRI prepared the first (unofficial) edition of the regional Red Data Book and then participated as leading authors in the preparation of three official editions of the Red Data Book. At present, many direct students (postgraduates) or successors of the pioneers in the study of the species diversity of vascular plants and fungi V. I. Krutov, M. L. Ramenskaya, and V. I. Shubin continue to work productively at the Institute.

The status of superb poppy, meconopsis superba in Jigme khesar strict nature reserve, its natural habitat

The status of superb poppy, meconopsis superba in Jigme khesar strict nature reserve, its natural habitat

Pseudophilautus pardus, a junior synonym of P. viridis (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae).

Pseudophilautus pardus, was first described in 2007, based on a single specimen collected in Sri Lanka during the 19th century. Its absence in recent surveys suggested that the species was extinct. The distinctive spotted dorsal coloration, together with other morphological features, was used to distinguish it from congeners. In 2013, we discovered a specimen resembling the holotype of P. pardus in Samanala Strict Nature Reserve. A DNA analysis based on the 16S rRNA mt-DNA locus recovered a low uncorrected pairwise genetic distance of 0.77-0.96% between the recent example of 'P. pardus' and a congener, P. viridis. Molecular species delimitation methods suggest P. pardus and P. virids to be a single operational taxonomic unit. Morphological analyses using the freshly collected specimen, together with numerous photographic records show P. viridis to be a highly polychromatic species within which the coloration observed in P. pardus too occurs, though rarely. We conclude that P. pardus is a junior synonym of P. viridis.

Овсянка-ремез Ocyrisrusticus на территории Вишерского и Норского заповедников

The Information about the state and the dynamics of the number of the local nesting population of the Rustic bunting in the Visherky strict nature reserve of the Perm Region is given. The average population density of Ocyris rusticuson the territory of the strict nature reserve in the nesting period, according to data until 2014, is: 1.5±1.2 pairs/km2in mountain taiga forests, and 1.4±1.1 pairs/km2in valley forests. A comparison is made with the Norsky strict nature reserve of the Amur Region, where the species occurs on migration, and the dynamics of the number of migratory birds is analyzed. The validity of including the species in the Red Books of the Russian Federation and regions is discussed.

The Status of Snow Leopards (Panthera uncia) Conservation in Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve at Haa, Bhutan

Study of Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia, Schreber, 1775) using infrared camera traps along actively used tracks, scent-sprayed rocks, scats and scrape sites was conducted in the mountains of Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve, Haa, Bhutan between October and December 2015 and it is still being continued. A total of 17 grids, each measuring 16km2 were sampled covering a total area of 272 km2 . Thirty-four camera traps were stationed in 17 grids and in a total of 60 trap nights, 215 images of Snow Leopard were captured out of which 163 images were considered for analysis. Using the pelage patterns on the body parts such as forelimbs, face, flanks and dorsum of the tail of the captured individuals, a total of ten different individuals were identified including the one that was recorded during the extended period trapping for a month. Capture history of camera trap station G9 (Kampula) indicated that it had the highest concentration of the species as individuals JKSNR 3, 4, 8 and 9 were all captured at the same station. The capture timing of the species confirms its crepuscular nature as most of them were recorded between dawn and the dusk. Our results suggest that the species can be well monitored and conserved using camera traps. The Reserve can focus on patrolling and monitoring of the species in the identified high-density areas for maintaining the moving population to perpetuity.

Systematische Erfassung der Moosflora als Grundlage für ein Monitoring in der Naturwaldzelle Zweibach und in bewirtschafteten Referenzflächen im Erzgebirge (Sachsen)

Baumann, M. 2022. Systematic investigation of the bryophyte flora as a basis for monitoring in the strict nature reserve Naturwaldzelle Zweibach and in managed reference sites in the Ore Mountains (Saxony). – Herzogia 35: 395 – 419. The results of the first systematic bryophyte species survey in the strict forest reserve Naturwaldzelle Zweibach (Ore Mountains, Saxony federal state, Germany) are presented. Species inventories were done in the unmanaged strict forest reserve (30.5 ha) and managed reference sites in the immediate vicinity (70.8 ha). The study included a survey of ground-dwelling bryophytes (humus/mineral soil) in systematically distributed permanent sample plots as well as an overall mapping of the area, including all substrates. With a total of 180 species, a very rich bryophyte flora was encountered, including numerous endangered species. This is due to the heterogeneity of the area with occurrences of different types of forest communities (near-natural beech forest, spruce plantation), rock outcrops, large boulders, springs and forest brooks. While the bryophyte layer on the forest floor was only sparsely developed in the beech stands, it had a higher cover and number of species below spruce. In the substrates deadwood and especially tree bark, however, the ratios were reversed, where species diversity was significantly higher in beech stands. Both in the strict forest reserve and in the managed reference area, mainly typical forest bryophytes were found, the proportion of species preferring open land conditions was low. With regard to the two management categories, there was a tendency to different indicator values, particularly for lower light conditions in the strict forest reserve.

Second addition to the vascular plant flora of the Utrish strict nature reserve, Northwest Caucasus

In 2021, fieldwork was started to create a new inventory of the flora of the Utrish Strict Nature Reserve. The territory of the reserve was covered by a network of floristic transects in which the locations of vascular plants were recorded. In total, 2465 records of 615 species from 330 geographical points were made. Information on species findings is presented in the published dataset "Occurrences of vascular plants in Utrish Reserve, Russia" on the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) portal. Among the encountered species, 35 are new findings for the territory of the Utrish Reserve. Apera interrupta turned out to be new for the Caucasian coast of the Black Sea. Among the species listed in the third edition of the Red Data Book of the Krasnodarsky Krai, Astragalus circassicus, Euphorbia subtilis, Neottia ovata and Cladium martii were found in the reserve for the first time. Novel species in the territories adjoined to the reserve in 2021, were mainly weeds, as well as plants originating from food waste. Their presence is a natural trace of past intensive recreational use in the flora of the territory. According to our preliminary assessment of literary sources and floristic data from 2021, the flora of the reserve in its new boundaries has 958 species of vascular plants. The nationally red-listed Cladium martii deserves special attention, since the discovered population is the largest among the currently known populations on the Caucasian Black Sea coast.

Assessing Protected Area Zoning Effectiveness With Remote Sensing Data: The Case of Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina

Protected areas (PAs) remain the most important tool to prevent biodiversity loss and habitat degradation worldwide, but the formal creation of a PA constitutes only the first step. In recent decades, concerns about PA effectiveness have arisen, and several PAs have been evaluated using different methods. Results show that while some PAs are achieving their conservation goals, others have been less effective. Particularly, assessing broadscale outcomes is a method that allows us to monitor change over time at a large scale, using remote sensing data. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of Nahuel Huapi National Park, with particular attention to its three protection categories: Strict Natural Reserve (SNR), National Park (NP), and National Reserve (NR) (IUCN categories Ia, II, and VI respectively). We compared changes in Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) among sites in these categories and between them and neighboring unprotected areas, over the period 2000–2020. Overall, habitat degradation was low, and we found no difference among the four categories evaluated. Nevertheless, a greening process has been conspicuous in the entire area, with higher values both in the SNR and in the unprotected area. We propose possible explanations as we consider variables such as dominant tree species, precipitation, temperature, elevation, and wildfires. This study supports the importance of NHNP at the regional and national levels, particularly its SNR areas.

Measurement report: Long-term measurements of aerosol precursor concentrations in the Finnish subarctic boreal forest

Abstract. Aerosol particles form in the atmosphere via the clustering of certain atmospheric vapors. After growing into larger particles by the condensation of low-volatility gases, they can affect the Earth's climate by scattering light and acting as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). Observations of low-volatility aerosol precursor gases have been reported around the world, but longer-term measurement series and any Arctic data sets showing seasonal variation are close to nonexistent. Here, we present ∼7 months of aerosol precursor gas measurements performed with a nitrate-based chemical ionization atmospheric pressure interface time-of-flight (CI-APi-TOF) mass spectrometer. We deployed our measurements ∼150 km north of the Arctic Circle at the SMEAR I (Station for Measuring Ecosystem–Atmosphere Relations) continental Finnish subarctic field station, located in the Värriö strict nature reserve. We report concentration measurements of the most common compounds related to new particle formation (NPF): sulfuric acid (SA), methane sulfonic acid (MSA), iodic acid (IA) and the total concentration of highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOMs). At this remote measurement site, SA originates from both anthropogenic and biological sources and has a clear diurnal cycle but no significant seasonal variation. MSA shows a more distinct seasonal cycle, with concentrations peaking in the summer. Of the measured compounds, IA concentrations are the most stable throughout the measurement period, except in April during which time the concentration of IA is significantly higher than during the rest of the year. Otherwise, IA has almost identical daily maximum concentrations in spring, summer and autumn, and on NPF event or non-event days. HOMs are abundant during the summer months and low in the autumn months. Due to their low autumn concentrations and high correlation with ambient air temperature, we suggest that most HOMs are products of biogenic emissions, most probably monoterpene oxidation products. NPF events at SMEAR I happen under relatively low-temperature (1–8 ∘C) conditions, with a fast temperature rise in the early morning hours as well as lower and decreasing relative humidity (RH, 55 % vs. 80 %) during NPF days compared with non-event days. NPF days have clearly higher global irradiance values (∼450 m−2 vs. ∼200 m−2) and about 10 ppbv higher ozone concentrations than non-event days. During NPF days, we have, on average, higher SA concentrations, peaking at noon; higher MSA concentrations in the afternoon; and slightly higher IA concentration than during non-event days. In summary, these are the first long-term measurements of aerosol-forming vapors from SMEAR I in the subarctic region, and the results of this work will help develop an understanding of atmospheric chemical processes and aerosol formation in the rapidly changing Arctic.