Ukrainian Carpathians Research Articles

Ecological footprint of wood-based products in the Ukrainian Carpathians region

In Ukraine’s Carpathian region, the absence of research on the ecological footprint (EF) of wood products poses challenges amidst unsustainable forestry practices, climate change, and human impacts that threaten forest ecosystems and local communities. This study addresses this gap by assessing and comparing the EF of furniture boards and solid structural timber produced by two wood-processing enterprises in the Carpathians. Using the ecological footprint of production methodology based on life cycle assessment, it calculates the cumulative environmental impacts of production, use, and disposal of these products, applying global productivity and equivalency coefficients. The analysis distinguishes between direct and indirect EFs: direct EF covers land use for forest resources and other areas, while indirect considers the land required to absorb CO2 emissions from production. Findings reveal that the total EF for producing 1 m³ of furniture boards at enterprise “A” requires 0.475 ha, while structural timber at enterprise “B” needs only 0.111 ha, underscoring the different environmental impacts. A primary contributor to the EF is heat energy for drying lumber, generated by burning wood waste. Offsetting CO2 emissions from this process requires 0.353 ha/m³ of land for furniture boards and 0.088 ha/m³ - for structural timber. Additionally, electricity consumption for machinery adds 0.081 ha/m³ for furniture boards and 0.011 ha/m³ for structural timber. Transport emissions further increase the EF, with 0.026 ha/m³ required for furniture boards and 0.002 ha/m³ for structural timber. These results highlight the need for enhanced resource efficiency to mitigate environmental impacts, particularly in heat generation and transportation.

Онтогенез та індивідуально-групові параметри Cirsium erisithales (Jacq.) Scop. (Asteraceae) в Українських Карпатах

The article deals with ontogeny and individual and group parameters of an infrequent mountain species Cirsium erisithales (Jacq.) Scop. in the Ukrainian Carpathians. Isolated populations of C. erisithales in a wide high altitudinal range of 1040–1730 m a.s.l. were studied. Four periods and 8 age stages are defined in the ontogeny of this species. Characteristics of different age states are established. The total life span of C. erisithales is long. Unfavourable conditions cause shortening of ontogeny due to reduction or skipping of some periods. Population recruitment is performed by seed reproduction. The species has high parameters of seed reproduction, particularly germination rate and potential seed productivity. Thin-tussock or barren loci are most favourable for the establishment and successful development of seedlings. It is one of the few species, which can inhabit the schist screes. Individual and group parameters of C. erisithales do not significantly depend on the altitude above sea level. It was established that C. erisithales mostly has a low density. It is the highest in the high-mountain population on Mt. Hoverla. The height of generative shoot, width and length of leaf are significantly higher in the population in the place of Babyna Yama. Number of leaves and inflorescences are similar in all of the studied populations. The height of generative shoot is most variable. Percentage of generative group varies within 20–45 %. It was determined that considerable anthropogenic impact (particularly mechanical disturbance of herbaceous vegetation) results in the shrinkage of the area of populations and significant decrease in individual and group parameters, namely height of shoot and width of leaf – by 2, length of leaf – almost by 3, number of leaves – by over 3, real to potential seed productivity ratio – almost by 4, real seed productivity – by 5, number of capitula – almost by 6, harvest of seeds – by 26 times. Factors, which adversely effect the replenishment of C. erisithales are: timber skidding, road laying, recreation, excessive sodding, large land- and rockslides, inflorescense consumption by animals etc.

Огляд поширення інвазійних видів рослин на території Українських Карпат

The uncontrolled spread of invasive plants poses a threat to biodiversity by displacing native flora and disrupting established ecotopes. The primary factors contributing to their spread include human activity, the absence of natural enemies and competitors, and the ability to overcome limiting factors. We have analyzed and summarized information related to the spread of invasive plant species in the territory of the Ukrainian Carpathians, the border of which is formed in the northeast along a line connecting the cities of Sudova Vyshnya, Komarne, Mykolaiv, Zhydachiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kolomyia, and Chernivtsi, and extends to the west along the state border. As a unique ecoregion, the Carpathians perform ecological functions such as regulating water balance, preventing erosion, and preserving soil resources. Additionally, the Carpathian region is an important tourist and cultural center, and the spread of invasive plants negatively affects the attractiveness of these areas for tourists, as well as traditional forms of economic activity such as forestry and agriculture. The analysis highlighted key research directions related to the issue of invasive flora spread in the Carpathian region, namely: creating lists of invasive plants for specific regions, researching the origin and modes of spread of invasive species, developing methods for control or preventive actions to prevent further spread, and forecasting the future expansion of adventive species. The most dominant families in terms of the number of invasive species in the Ukrainian Carpathians are Asteraceae, the number of species of which is from 18 % to 30 %, Brassicaceae – 8–12 %, and Poaceae – 8–10 %. According to the time of introduction, the ratio of archaeophytes and chenophytes is about 1:2.5 in all regions, except for the analyzed regions of the Ivano-Frankivsk region, where the ratio was either reversed or 1:1. The predominant localities of origin are Mediterranean, North American and Irano-Turanian.

TECTONIC-SEDIMENTARY EVOLUTION OF THE DUKLA NAPPE, UKRAINIAN CARPATHIANS

The knowledge of the stratigraphy, tectonics and evolution of the Dukla Flysch Nappe of the Ukrainian Carpathians has been supplemented on the basis of geomapping works, structural, sedimentological and micropaleontological studies. Four foraminiferal assemblages are distinguished in the studied sediments. The assemblages (1) and (2) containing Deep-Water Agglutinated Foraminifera suggested bathyal-abyssal depths. Assemblages (3) and (4) are characterized by planktonic and calcareous benthic foraminifera. The assemblage (3) indicates bathyal depths, and the assemblage (4) – upper bathyal–littoral depths. The following formations as indicators of the accretionary prism evolution were identified. Pre-orogenic formation of the remnant flysch Carpathian Basin contains the sediments that accumulated between the active margins of the microcontinental terrane and the passive margin of Eurasia. It includes the Cretaceous–Eocene flysch containing foraminiferal assemblages (1) and (2). The pre-orogenic formation contains conglomerates with exotic clasts suggesting the uplifts interpreted as fore-bulges migrated towards foreland. Synorogenic formation is represented by latest Eocene–Oligocene deposits belonging to ‘piggy-back’ and trench-like facies. The ‘Globigerina Marl’ (Eocene/Oligocene transition) contain assemblages (3), and the Oligocene sediments (Turytsa and Dusyno subnappes of the Dukla Nappe) contain assemblages (4). The change from bathyal-abyssal depths to upper bathyal–lower littoral depths, which began at the turn of the Eocene and Oligocene, could be caused by syn-sedimentary tectonic movements. The diachronic ‘younging’ of the trench-like coarse-clastic facies suggests the migration of the trench. Post-orogenic formation was accumulated in the wedge-top basins on the Dukla Nappe. The identified formations indicate the accretionary prism growing.

Results of an expedition survey on population of rare, aboriginal, local and endangered Brown Carpathian cows

From the expedition survey of the cow’s population, it appears that 7 breeds and genotypes of cattle are bred in Transcarpathia, part of the Ukrainian Carpathians. The materials presented in the work and their analysis show that during the years 1911-2023 there were changes in the breed composition and numbers. The state of distribution, the number of breeding stock of one of them - a rare, aboriginal, local and disappearing brown Carpathian breed is currently insufficiently studied. From a scientific point of view it represents a valuable object of preserving the biological diversity of cattle and establishing the history of the development of cattle breeding. From a practical point of view - with low-cost production technologies, it provides high-quality milk and meat to the local population, the stability of ecosystems and the biosphere as a whole. It provides also the sustainable development of the regional communities and international cooperation. In the current and future global warming and energy crisis, this breed is suitable for operation under the conditions of application of new "Green Architecture" technologies recommended by the European Commission, which fundamentally change traditional approaches in dairy farming. The results of our research will help clarify the status of the brown Carpathian breed, the number of cows and the breeding area as well as draw attention to the problems of implementation of the provided protection and conservation measures, their financing mechanisms.

THE ROLE OF URBAN SCULPTURE IN FORMING THE MEANING OF IDENTITY IN MODERN URBAN PLANNING

The settlements of the Ukrainian Carpathians play an important role in preserving the natural and cultural resources of the region, however, due to the growing popularity of the Carpathians as a tourist destination, they are increasingly facing a number of challenges related to environmental degradation, excessive anthropogenic load, ecosystem fragmentation, and lack of effective infrastructure. Environmental factors and urban-ecological interactions significantly affect the spatial development of both individual settlements and territorial communities or entire regions. In modern conditions, the need to integrate environmental aspects into urban planning documentation has matured, in order to ensure sustainable development of territories, improve the ecological situation and ensure optimal viability of settlements. It is precisely the understanding of the mechanism of urban-ecological interactions, the simplest example of which is the interaction of natural and anthropogenic systems, in our opinion, will allow us to solve the problem of spatial planning of urban ecosystems, rational use of nature, ensuring ecological safety and balance. One of the main urban-ecological tasks can be considered the study of the interaction of the urbanized and natural environment, which are of decisive importance and affect the quality of life of the population in specific urban-planning conditions, that is, they form a system – urban-social ecosystem. The correct spatial-functional approach allows for the best preservation of natural resources, prevention of ecosystem fragmentation, and limitation of human impact on environmentally sensitive areas. Spatial planning is an extremely important tool for the preservation and development of mountain regions, taking into account specific physical, geographical and ecological conditions - altitude, relief, climate. The use of spatial plans can lead to a more rational use and organization of land, natural and cultural resources, the implementation of an ecosystem approach to biodiversity conservation, as well as the creation of a more effective planning system for mountain settlements. An ecological approach to the spatial organization of settlements in the Carpathian region is the basis for the development of scientifically based recommendations for their urban development, preservation of ecological and cultural uniqueness and improvement of the quality of life of the local population.

Analysis of natural and technological factors of changes in exogeodynamic conditions of mine No. 2 of the Stebnytsky potassium deposit as a consequence of self-rehabilitation flooding

The Stebnytsy deposit of potash salts is located in the foothills of the Ukrainian Carpathians. The engineering-geological and hydrogeological conditions of the field’s operation due to the development of a thick layers of loose and water-soluble rocks are difficult of loose and water-soluble rocks are complex and therefore sensitive to mining-technological influences, extraction of rocks, deformation of the surface, hydrographic network, activation of the interaction of surface and groundwater. The most threatening situation was at mine No. 2, where in 1978, due to too intensive blasting, violation of waterproof layers, loosening and increase of water permeability, reduction of rock strength, an emergency breakthrough of super-saline waters occurred in the spent chambers of the first horizon. The total inflow of brines during the years of existence of the flow here constantly increased and reached up to 1700 m³/day, in 2002, the outflow of suprasaline waters developed in 22 points and acquired an irreversibly negative character, suffusion-diffusion processes began to develop actively. During the operation of the mine, ore extraction was carried out for a long time without laying out spent cavities, as a result of which more than 15 million m³ of unlined cavities were formed at the mine, the deformations of which disturbed the geodynamic regime of the salt-bearing massif with the subsequent development of sedimentary and karst-failure processes. In 2004, a comprehensive project for the conservation of mine No. 2 and the reclamation of disturbed lands was approved in order to restore the ecological balance in this area. Mine conservation works were carried out behind the design schedule, which led to the failure of the main provisions of the project and increased the danger due to the expansion of existing karst cavities and the formation of new ones. It can be argued that the works on the conservation of mine No. 2, including: preparation of brines, feeding them to underground mine workings, laying of chambers, etc., were carried out in a timely and incomplete manner, which does not ensure the cessation of negative consequences for the natural environment and ecological safety. The results of our research can be used in the future in the development of projects for the conservation or liquidation of salt mines.

Soil information system of the Ukrainian Carpathians

The theoretical aspects and practical approaches to the creation of a soil information system on the example of the Ukrainian Carpathians, which is based on the use of vectorised large-scale soil mapping materials and GIS tools, are considered. The study is devoted to the development of a soil information system for the Ukrainian Carpathians, which integrates vectorised large-scale soil maps and GIS technologies to ensure efficient collection, storage and monitoring of soil data. The scientific novelty of the work is the creation of a multi-level information platform that combines data of different granularity and allows monitoring of soil transects, profiles, and genetic horizons, as well as determining spatial relationships between point and polygonal objects. Particular attention was paid to collecting cartographic materials reflecting the soil cover of the Ukrainian Carpathians and formalising the data for further integration into the soil information system. The system supports analytical tools that allow calculating various geometric, physical and chemical parameters of soil objects. The use of modern GIS tools enables accurate monitoring and forecasting of changes in soil cover under the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors, making it an important tool for the rational management of soil resources in the Carpathians. The developed system allows storing and updating information, which ensures its adaptability to changes in data analysis and processing methods. This not only increases the efficiency of monitoring, but also ensures the flexibility of the system for the specific needs of users. The practical significance lies in the possibility of using this system for soil protection, sustainable land management, and environmental safety. Expansion of this system to the entire territory of Ukraine will provide additional opportunities for effective monitoring and forecasting of changes in soil cover on a national scale, contributing to sustainable development and environmental protection. Key words: soil information systems; Ukrainian Carpathians; remote sensing; soil database.

Anthropogenic transformation of socio-ecosystems in the river basin of the Bystrytsia (Ukrainian Carpathians)

Research on the anthropogenic transformation of socio-ecosystems in small river basins allows us to assess the scale of settlement impact and formulate measures for the sustainable development of territories. Settlement impact is reflected in changes in land structure – increase of built-up land and arable land within settlements and a decrease in natural forest and wetland geosystems. Such transformations in the catchment area of small rivers affect water quality reduce river flow, lead to siltation of the riverbed, and often threaten small rivers' existence in general. The Bystrytsia river basin has been inhabited for a long time, but due to the diversity of the relief and different types of nature management in the upper reaches and the mouth, the level of the anthropogenic transformation of socio-ecosystems is different. Anthropogenic transformation within human settlements (socio-ecosystems) was determined by systematic analysis of all factors causing changes. We analysed the historical settlement of the Bystrytsia basin and the current population in 43 settlements. They are home to 27,018 people. We identified the main potential anthropogenic sources of geosystem pollution: farms, landfills waste and untreated discharges from private homes. The anthropogenic load in the Bystrytsia basin began to increase sharply from the beginning of the twentieth century and reached its peak in 1970–1990. Extensive farming since the beginning of the twenty-first century, the expansion of anthropogenic impacts, and new threats caused by global climate change have continued the transformation of socio-ecosystems. Level of transformation of socio-ecosystems increases from the upper reaches to the river's outlet in the middle reaches. The greatest changes occurred in socio-ecosystems with high population density as a result of agricultural load: plowing, drainage melioration, farm work. These are settlements of the lowland part of the basin – Stupnytsia, Horodyshche, Dublyany, Verkhniy Dorozhiv. Indicators correlate with population density and the share of ecologically destabilising lands within settlements: the share of arable land reaches 50%, and together with hayfields and pastures it exceeds 70% of the territory. Forest cover is at the level of 20%. Our analysis helped to formulate measures and recommendations for the balanced use of the basin system of Bystrytsia and minimisation of anthropogenic impact. The studied areas are attractive for the development of tourism and recreation. An important condition is to maintain high quality and sustainability of natural geosystems and compliance with legislation. Key words: anthropogenic impact; basin approach; Bystrytsia River; anthropization; settlement impact.

Ecological potential of soils of old-growth natural forests Skole Beskydy (Ukrainian Carpathians)

The ecological potential of the soils of natural old-growth forests is analyzed. It has been found that the upper horizon of brown mountain-forest soils is characterized by excellent indicators of total porosity (63,63 %), soil water permeability (3,08 cm⸱min-¹), soil bulk density (0,88 g⸱cm-³) and catalase enzyme activity (4,9 cm3 O2 per 1 g of soil per 1 min). The results indicate excellent ecological potential of the soils, which allows using their indicators as a reference for restoring soil cover under the forest ecosystems of the Skole Beskydy. The recreational and agrogenic impact on soils in the mountainous region was also analyzed. It was found that the upper humus-accumulative horizon suffers the most from plowing, trampling by livestock, and damage by erosion processes caused by prolonged recreational use. While cattle grazing is seasonal, the impact of recreationists is increasing and corresponds to stages II and IV of recreational degradation, soils under arable land are subject to the greatest anthropogenic impact in terms of time interval due to the transfer of the upper horizons downwards, and vice versa. The processes of soil recovery under pasture, after the removal of agrogenic load, are much faster than under plowed areas. Arable land undergoes several successive stages of recovery (arable land → fallow land → shrub vegetation → woody vegetation I (mainly gray alder and birch-aspen stands) → woody vegetation II (indigenous forest-forming species of the region), where the process itself takes 150-200 years. Третє місце серед досліджуваних ділянок посідають туристичні шляхи. Зазначимо, що само відновлення стежок відбувається здебільшого на початку ІІ стадії дегресії, ІV стадія потребує реконструкції, а період відновлення сягає кілька десятків років. The analysis of water-physical properties under old-growth natural stands as a benchmark shows that the density of soil structure increases by 1,2 times on the category II trail and 1.5 times on the category IV trail Based on the results of the analysis of data made within the soil profile, it was found that under pasture the soil is compacted to a depth of 10 cm, under arable land - to the depth of plowing, and on trails the compaction is 5-10 cm in the initial stages and reaches 30 cm to the depth of the parent rock at the IV stage of recreational degradation. Systematic monitoring of the tourist routes and ecological trails of the Skole Beskydy National Park will help prevent degradation processes in a timely manner. In the areas with low recreational load, it is proposed to mark the tourist trails, and for safety and convenience, to install bridges with handrails over mountain streams. On the trails of the IV category, it is necessary to mark the routes, limit the access of recreationists in bad weather to the outstanding attractions. Key words: еcological potential of soils; old-growth natural forests; trail; land use; brown mountain-forest soils; forest floor; mountainous region.

Long-term monitoring of the transformation of the alpine community Juncetum festucosum airoidi in the Chornohora (Ukrainian Carpathians)

An analysis of the structural and dynamic transformations in the alpine grass community Juncetum festucosum airoid in the town of Pozhizhevska in the Chornohir massif of the Ukrainian Carpathians, which have occurred during the last 40 years under the influence of climatogenic and demutational changes, was carried out. The main factors and consequences of its transformation at the level of the group structure, as well as the age composition, density and projected coverage of the coenopopulations of grass, hemishrub and shrub species have been established. A significant redistribution of coenosis-forming positions of species was noted. During this time, the phytocoenosis was transformed into Juncetum myrtilloso-rhodococcosum. Already in the medium term. in the future, it is possible to predict drastic changes in the experimental community due to the expansion of its area, as well as in other alpine communities at their lower limit, subalpine shrub groups Juniperus communis subsp. alpina. The modern anthropogenic threat of digression of the investigated phytocoenosis, like many other groups of the alpine zone of the Ukrainian Carpathians, is the uncontrolled harvesting of Cetraria islandica, which continues intensively even in protected areas.

Regulation of water flow on the foothills on the Ukrainian Carpathians rivers with the use of flooded groynes

Regulation of water flow on the foothills on the Ukrainian Carpathians rivers with the use of flooded groynes

Impact of forest exploitation on soil stability in the Ukrainian Carpathians and ways to improve it

Evaluation of erosion processes occurring during logging is of great importance for a balanced approach to the use of natural resources and forest ecosystems preservation. The article evaluates erosion processes during logging in the Ukrainian Carpathians. The influence of mountain topography on the risks of erosion and pollution of water streams due to the high steepness of the slopes and the need for specialized equipment for logging operations was analyzed. The need for measures to minimize the impact of logging on the natural environment of mountain regions has been substantiated. The study examines the influence of the hilly and mountainous terrain on the logging activities of the «Putyl Forestry», «Verkhovyna Forestry», «Osmolod Forestry» and «Chernivtsi Forestry» branches. It has been found that more than half of timber harvesting is carried out by tractor skidding. Average skidding distances significantly exceed the optimal values for transport, which complicates the process of exploitation of forest resources and increases their cost. The study shows that the company mainly uses tracked equipment for timber skidding (53.8%), wheeled equipment (11.8%) and horse-drawn transport (34.4%) to a lesser extent. The distribution of developed forest areas indicates the dominance of tracked tractors (88.7%) in final felling, and horsedrawn transport (50.7%) in forest formation and improvement fellings. The data on average distances indicate the high efficiency of tracked tractors and the use of horse-drawn transport at distances exceeding the optimal values in mountainous terrain. The data show that in most areas the distance between horses skidding and a tractor does not exceed 60 meters. The length of skidding trails in the logging areas varies depending on their area, where the main skidding roads are used to transport timber to loading points. The practical significance of the research includes requirements implementation of the «Framework Convention on Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians» and the «Strategic Action Plan for the Implementation of the Protocol on Sustainable Forest Management». The introduction of modern ecological methods of preventing erosion processes on mountain slopes will contribute to greening of logging in the region and will have a significant positive effect in terms of nature conservation. Key words: wood logging, timber transportation, tractor skidding, felling volume, mountain logging technology, slope steepness, average skidding distance, terrain, loading facilities.

Information and software for modeling hydrological basins of rivers in the Ukrainian Carpathians

This study addresses the information and software tools used for modeling hydrological basins in the Ukrainian Carpathians, a region distinguished by its complex terrain and diverse ecosystems. The research focuses on a variety of hydrological modeling software, including HEC-HMS, SWAT, and GIS applications, which facilitate the analysis of hydrological processes and the assessment of river runoff dynamics. Furthermore, the integration of meteorological data and land use information is discussed to enhance the accuracy of hydrological models. The results highlight the significance of using advanced software for understanding the impacts of climate change, land use changes, and human activities on water resources in the region. This research aims to provide a framework for sustainable water resource management and contribute to the conservation of aquatic ecosystems in the Ukrainian Carpathians.

Rare in Ukraine and new for the Ukrainian Carpathians species of macrofungi recorded in the Kamenystyi protected area (Hutsulshchyna National Nature Park)

A list of 20 rare in Ukraine species of macrofungi (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota) recorded in 2012–2023 in the Kamenisty protected area (Hutsulshchyna National Nature Park, Ivano-Frankivsk Region) is provided. Of them, 12 records are new for the Ukrainian Carpathians. Information about habitats, substrate preferences, ecological features and general distribution of the fungi is provided. Eight species (Clitocybe angustissima, Cortinarius praestans, C. prasinus, Discina fastigiata, Hygrophorus poetarum, Lactarius acerrimus, Leucopaxillus gentianeus and Tricholoma pardinum), which are red-listed in a number of European countries, are recommended to be included in the Red List of fungi of Ivano-Frankivsk Region.

Changes in the air temperature regime across the Dniester River basin at the beginning of the 21st century

The relevance of the chosen topic is based on the goals and objectives of the Water Strategy of Ukraine until 2050 that provides for promotion of studies on the impact of climate change on the water content of Ukrainian rivers. The Dniester River is a transboundary river. It supplies water to Moldova and several regions of Ukraine. Predicting possible changes in the Dniester River's runoff due to global warming will help our society adapt to new climate conditions and take preventive measures. The research of the mountainous part of the watershed is of particular importance, as it is the area of runoff formation. Warming can change contribution of the snow component to the river's feed pattern and affect the total river flow. The object of the study: changes in air temperature due to global warming. The subject of the study: assessment of changes in the temperature regime within the Dniester watershed and impact of such changes on formation of its mountainous part's runoff. The study is aimed at assessing the changes in the air temperature regime within the Dniester River watershed at the beginning of the 21st century and assessing the impact of warming during winter season on formation of mountain rivers' spring floods. The main research methods include the method of difference integral curves and the method of regression analysis. The research materials include average monthly and annual air temperatures at 13 meteorological stations located within the Dniester watershed for the period of 1947-2021. The research indicated that the Dniester watershed is subject to warming. Statistically significant changes in air temperature began in 1988. Fluctuations in average annual air temperatures occur synchronously. Positive statistically significant trends over the entire observation period (1947-2021) were found for average annual air temperatures, average monthly temperatures of both warm and cold periods, and for the winter season. When considering two measurement periods (before 1989 and after), it was found that no statistically significant trends were observed before 1989. They were formed after 1989. It was also discovered that mountainous watersheds of the Ukrainian Carpathians respond to warming by forming negative trends in the fluctuations of average monthly runoff of spring floods.

Sexual differetiation of Rhodiola rosea L. populations in the high-mountain zone of the Ukrainian Carpathians

Background. Individual (morphological) and group parameters (the number of male and female individuals, their sex ratio, and the range of sex ratio displacement) are an important indicator of sexual differentiation of Rhodiola rosea L. populations. To date, indicators of these parameters in natural plant populations have not been studied sufficiently. Therefore, for the analysis of the state of the populations of the species, it is important to study the parameters of their sexual differentiation and the main trends of changes that affect the ability to recover in high-mountain conditions. Methods. In order to obtain data, conventional stationary and route-based research methods were used. To record individuals of different sexes, long-term monitoring plots were used, which were laid in the characteristic habitats of the species’ populations in 2000–2022. The ratio of male and female individuals is determined based on their quantitative distribution per unit area. The sexual potential index that determines the proportion of females and their participation in generative reproduction was used. Results. The main differences in the morphological and quantitative parameters of male and female individuals in high-mountain conditions were determined. It was found that a characteristic feature during long-term research is a decrease in the number of generative individuals of both male and female sexes. In the studied populations, there is a shift in the sex ratio towards males (73 %) and this trend has been maintained over the last dozen of years. Therefore, the number of females compared to males is very small, which affects the sexual potential of populations. Conclusions. The ratio of male and female individuals, the range of its displacement and potential participation in the realization of sexual potential in R. rosea was determined. The present study showed that the general trend in the populations of the species is a decrease in the number of female individuals. Male biased sex ratio has an impact on sexual potential and ability to generative reproduction.

Conflicts between large carnivores and farmers/beekeepers in the Ukrainian Carpathians: Structure, dynamics, spatial distribution and effective coexistence measures

Conflicts between large сarnivores and humans have been common in mountainous regions, with the Carpathians being particularly affected. Recently, interest among researchers and wildlife managers in studying and managing these conflicts has grown significantly. Unfortunately, the coexistence between humans and wildlife and its implications for nature and society have been largely overlooked in Ukraine. This study analyzed conflicts between large carnivores (Canis lupus, Ursus arctos and Lynx lynx) and farmers/beekeepers within designated model territories in the Ukrainian Carpathians, focusing on the effectiveness of conflict prevention strategies implemented between 2018 and 2023. Among the stakeholders analyzed, 79.0% were farmers (livestock owners) and 21.0% were beekeepers. It was observed that 73.0% of farms and apiaries experienced conflicts with large carnivores during the study period; incidents included 64.8% with wolf attacks, 31.3% with bear attacks, and 24.2% with lynx attacks. Notably, conflicts involving livestock owners and large carnivores decreased nearly fivefold, from 54.9% in 2018 to 11.0% in 2023. Similarly, bear-related conflicts among beekeepers nearly halved, from 29.2% to 16.8%. The adoption of electric fences significantly increased among farms and apiaries from none to 33.9%, and the proportion of farmers using dogs for livestock protection without experiencing large carnivore conflicts rose from 3.3% to 20.9%. These pilot findings highlight the effectiveness of such measures in reducing conflicts and improving coexistence quality. The results provide valuable insights into the structure, dynamics, and spatial distribution of conflicts in the Ukrainian Carpathians, underscoring their importance for the conservation of rare species and the implementation of effective management strategies for wild animal populations, sustainable farming, and habitat conservation in regions inhabited by large carnivores. An integrated approach that considers the needs of both human communities and wildlife, involving collaboration among scientific bodies, public organizations, and government entities at various levels, is crucial for devising and executing effective conflict management strategies in diverse landscapes.

The state and structure of beech primaeval forests in the “Zacharovanyi Krai” National Nature Park

The relevance of the study is determined by the need to preserve natural values, which are considered the heritage of all mankind, namely the primaeval forests and old-growth beech forests of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage. The aim of the research was to study the state and structure of the beech primaeval forest in the national nature park “Zacharovanyi Krai”. For the study, a permanent sample plot of 1 ha (100×100 m) was laid down in the prevailing forest type – moist pure beech forest. This plot is located in the optimal forest-growing conditions for European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) within the Vyhorlat-Hutyn volcanic ridge of the Ukrainian Carpathians. It was found that the beech forest stand on the plot is pure in composition and complex in form, characterised by different development phases (age groups by diameter): the first layer stand belongs to the mature age group (senile), the second layer – to the middle-aged group, and the third – to the pole (virginal). It was determined that 95% of the primaeval forest stock is the stock of the first layer, while the share of commercial trees of the first layer is 89% (66% of the total volume of stem wood of trees on the permanent sample plot). The main types of damage in the site are caused by abiotic factors. As a result of such damage, 43 m3‧ha-1 of deadwood was recorded, characterised by all 5 stages of decomposition. Under the canopy of the stand, 10,375 pcs‧ha-1 of undergrowth was recorded, of which the share of beech is 88%. Beech undergrowth is weakly differentiated by age groups: it was recorded only in the group of 7-year-olds and older and well-differentiated by height groups. By age group, undergrowth belongs to the juvenile-immature age state. The herbaceous cover is typical for nemoral forests. The presence of stationary research plots in the National Nature Park “Zakharovanyy Kray” makes it possible to constantly monitor the trends of natural development of the ecosystem – the beech primaeval forest

Paraska Plytka-Horytsvit: Ukrainian Photographer’s Recovered Archive

Paraska Plytka-Horytsvit (1927–1998) was a Ukrainian artist, photographer, grassroots philosopher, and ethnographer. ‘Horytsvit’ is her creative alias, which means ‘the blossom of the mountain.’ Her life was marked by tragedy. In 1945, at the age of eighteen, she joined the national liberation movement as a courier for the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. However, in the spring of the same year, Paraska was arrested and sentenced to ten years in Kazakhstan labor camps. On her way to the camps, she suffered a frostbite and nearly had her leg amputated. Following her release and return home to the village of Kryvorivnya in the Ukrainian Carpathians, she dedicated herself to art. Plytka-Horytsvit used art to navigate her traumatic experiences, seek inspiration, and connect with others socially. A pivotal moment in the study of Plytka-Horytsvit’s legacy occurred in 2014, when a box containing her negatives was discovered. This unexpected find catalyzed the process of reinterpreting her art, analyzing the archive, and introducing her to the world as a Ukrainian photographer. Plytka-Horytsvit’s photographic legacy spans the history of the village of Kryvorivnia in western Ukraine in the 1950s–1990s, capturing everyday life of villagers and their visitors, local landscapes, ceremonies and festivities.