Ukrainian Carpathians Research Articles

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

Near-surface air temperature in the Ukrainian Carpathians up to the middle of the XXI century by the EURO-CORDEX models

Near-surface air temperature in the Ukrainian Carpathians up to the middle of the XXI century by the EURO-CORDEX models

RELIEF AND GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF REGIONAL LANDSCAPE PARKS “PRYTYSIANSKYI” AND “CHERNIVETSKYI”

Eight regional landscape parks (RLP) are located on the territory of the Ukrainian Carpathians, which play an important role in relief and natural complexes protecting within the region. RLP significantly complements the nature protection functions of two nature reserves and 13 national parks in the Ukrainian Carpathians. Six RLPs are located in the mountainous part of the region, and regional landscape parks "Prytisyanskyi" and "Chernivetskyi" are within the premountain uplands, the natural complexes of which are insufficiently protected. Within the boundaries of the Precarpathian Upland there are sections of two national nature parks such as Halytskyi and Hutsulshchyna. There are no nature reserves or national nature parks within the Zakarpattia (Transcarpathian) Plain. Regional landscape parks "Prytisyanskyi" and "Chernivetskyi" due to the cluster structure of the territories significantly improve the state of protection of premountain natural complexes. In the relief of the southern section of RLP "Prytisyanskyi", the dominant position covers by the low and high floodplains, less often by the first floodplain terrace of the Tysa River. The relief of the northern part of the park is represented by low and high floodplains, fragments of the first floodplain terrace. A complex of different types of meanders is observed in the channel of Latoritsa River. RLP "Prytisyanskyi" fairly fully represents the features of the geological structure and fluvial relief of the Uzhgorod-Beregivska and Vylok-Korolevska alluvial plains of the Zakarpattia (Transcarpathian) Plain with island volcanic hills. Most of the territory of RLP "Chernivetskyi" on the west and south from Chernivtsi city covers by Chernivtsi Upland with a layered and hilly sculptural relief and Mount Tsetsyna (537 m). The park includes separate sections of low terraces along the Prut River. The northern part of the RLP is represented by the Khotyn Upland with Mount Berda (516 m) as the highest point of the Ukraine’s plain part within the East European Platform. The Khotyn Upland is an asymmetric hilly plateau. Its the highest peaks are formed by structural surfaces with steep slopes. The lower level of relief in the RLP is represented by watersheds with karst forms (karst funnels, polje). RLP "Chernivetskyi" represents the geological and geomorphological structure of the Chernivtsi-Storozhynetsky strand-hilly upland of the Pokut-Bukovinsk-Peredkarpattian stratum-denudation-accumulative Upland, as well as the Khotyn structural Upland of the Prut-Dnister stratum-wave Plain. Keywords: Regional landscape park; RLP "Prytisyanskyi"; RLP "Chernivetskyi"; Ukrainian Carpathians; relief.

MORPHOLOGY AND EVOLUTION OF ALVEOLAR WEATHERING CAVITIES ON SANDSTONE TORS OF THE UKRAINIAN BESKIDS

The paper systematizes morphological forms of alveolar weathering cavities and presents patterns of their evolution. We have studied the forms of tafoni (cavities 2–10 cm in size), which are found in the crags in the Ukrainian Beskydy. The factors that caused the formation of tafoni in our latitudes are humidity and the inherent specificity of selective weathering in sandstones due to structural and textural features formed during the formation of sediments. In winter periods, the role of frost weathering increases. The crags are composed of sandstones of the Yamna suite of the Palaeocene of the Lower Paleogene age. The lithological composition of the sandstones is represented by quartz and feldspar, which allows us to classify them as typical feldspar-quartz sandstones. The cement is clay-siliceous, sometimes with chlorite, of the basal or contact cementation type. In research region tafoni are distributed on rock surfaces in two ways: locally in small areas or covering large areas e.g. whole crag surface of particular aspect. In the first case, the forms are located in small groups of 10–30 pieces in separate parts of a tor wall. In the second case, they occupy the entire plane of the tor surface or half of the surface of particular exposure. Local groups of tafoni can be divided into three shape varieties: 1) vertical bands, 2) horizontal bands, and 3) lenticular bands. Tafoni concentrations that occupy the entire one plane of the tor can be located on it: a) chaotically, b) in a chain-like manner. The following shapes of particular cavities can be distinguished in the Ukrainian Beskydy: 1) rounded, 2) ellipsoid, 3) vertically elongated, and 4) subtriangular. In the Beskyds, the largest length of ellipsoidal cavities is 20–30 cm, the diameter of rounded cavities reaches 10 cm, and the greatest depth is 15 cm. Investigating the morphology of tafoni in the Beskydy, we distinguished the following stages of their evolution: emergence – deepening – expansion – merging – degradation – re-emergence. On the walls of the Beskydy tors, one can observe tafonic forms at various stages of evolution. We identified morpho-evolutionary varieties of tafoni: A) with all four clear edges, B) with three clear and one leveled wall, C) with all unclear walls. The confinement of cavities to slope exposures was also investigated. Cavities in the Carpathians develop more actively on walls of warm exposures than on cold ones. Tafoni forms on tors, their morphology, evolution and formation factors can be the subject of expert interpretations during geotourism excursions. Key words: cavities, tafoni; morphology, evolution, alveolar weathering; tors; Beskydy, Ukrainian Carpathians.

SUBMERIDIONAL-ARC STRUCTURES IN THE RELIEF AND DIFFERENT-SCALE RUPTURE DISCONTINITIES IN THE EASTERN BESKYDS ZONE AND TERAIN GEODYNAMICS OF THE UKRAINIAN CARPATHIANS

Within the framework of the study of the reflection of geodynamic processes in the relief and different-scale rupture discontinities of the Ukrainian Carpathians, submeridional-arc structures associated with it were traced in the zone of the Eastern Beskyds – the western part of the northern megaslope of the Ukrainian Carpathians. This, in particular, is a clearly defined submeridional-arc system of ridges and valleys in the western part of the subregion – in the submeridional strip of the so-called (according to O. Gnylko) Latorytsa-Stryy geological-tectonic shear zone (ridges of the Monchel – Pikuy – Velykyy Verkh mountains, extension from the villages Pidpolozzya, Zhdenievo and town Nyzhni Vorota in the south to the villages Syanky, Borynya and Ilnyk in the north). The next (more eastern) expressed strip of such structures are the mountain ridges northward from the town Volovets and the village Pylypets, that extend to the main Carpathian watershed (the suburbs of the villages Smozhe, Khitar, Oporets). To the north – in the area of the villages Smozhe, Tukhol`ka, Tysovets, Bagnuvate – submeridional structures are manifested by a system of morphostructures of the lowest rank – submeridional spurs of ridges of the Carpathian direction and valleys of streams parallel to them (tributaries of the Smozhenka, Dovzhanka, and Zavadka rivers), as well as sections of these riverbeds, confined to different rank rupture discontinuities of the corresponding direction. The submeridional pattern of relief in this zone is emphasized by the expressed submeridional direction of the valley of Stryy river and the riverbed in its upper reaches. Less expressed structural plans of this type were also traced in the northern, northeastern, eastern and southeastern areas of the studied subregion. In the relief of the subregion other structural plans can be traced, different from the Carpathian/orthogonal and submeridional-arc. The connections of the specified peculiarities of the relief and rupture discontinuities with various components of the regional geodynamic process, in particular, with the manifestations of terrane geodynamics, were analyzed with the involvement of geological and geophysical data on the geodynamic evolution of the region in the Alpine and post-Alpine times. Key words: Ukrainian Carpathians; Eastern Beskyds; submeridional-arc relief structures; Latorytsa-Stryy shear zone; rupture discontinuities; geodynamics.

GEOTOURIST OBJECTS AND ROUTESOF THE SIAN LOWLAND

The geomorphological, geological, and archaeological objects of the Sian Lowlandhave been studied, and their significance as potentially popular geotourist attractions has been substantiated. The Sian Lowlandis located in the northwestern part of the Ukrainian Carpathian Foreland and is a constituent geomorphological element of the Sian-Dniester interfluve. The lowland’s relief is smooth, characterized by the alternation of ridge-like elevations of the Vyshnia‒Vizhomlia, Vizhomlia‒Shklo, Shklo‒Zavadivkainterstreams and shallow trough-shaped river valleys with gently inclined non-terraced slopes and often waterlogged bottoms. The topography of the Vyshniaand Shklo valleys is varied with dunes concentrated in two strips – one stretches along the right side of the Vyshnia river valley through the villages of Malniv, Martyny, Sokolia, ArlamivskaVolia, Khorosnytsia and Zarichchia, and the other one is developed in the Shklo river valley between Krakivets and Yavoriv. The northeastern part of the Sian Lowland has undergone a significant anthropogenic transformation – the Shklo River channel has been regulated, and a complex of anthropogenic landforms and deposits has been formed within the boundaries of the Yavoriv mining district: karst processes and phenomena have been activated. Less large-scale anthropogenic changes have occurred in the lowland’s southern part, which is proposed to be covered by a geotourist route that will run through Rodatychi ‒ SudovaVyshnia ‒ Zarichchia‒Khorosnytsia ‒ ArlamivskaVolia ‒ Sulkivshchyna. The main geotourist attractions here are the following geological, geomorphological and archaeological objects: the preserved valley of glacial meltwater runoff between Rodatychi and SudovaVyshnaya, which is now drained by the Rakivriver, as well as the dunes spread in the valley and the archeological monument KniazhyiMist; eolian, fluvial landforms and deposits, outcrops of fluvioglacial accumulations and archaeological sites developed in the vicinity of the villages of Zarichchiaand Pisky:a complex of eolian and fluvial landforms and deposits, as well as archaeological sites, developed nearKhorosnytsia village; eolian landforms and deposits, an archaeological site near the village of ArlamivskaVolia; glacial accumulations, which were discovered in a quarry located east of the village of Sulkivshchyna (north of Mostyska). These settlements are connected to each other and to Lviv by the M-11 highway (Lviv‒Mostyska‒Shehyni) and/or the Lviv‒Shehynirailway line, which provides convenient access to the proposed geotourist attractions. The developed geotourist route also makes it possible to unite the so far separate Carpathian, Carpathian Foreland and Roztoczegeotourist routes into a single network. Key words: geotourist attractions; Sian Lowland; eolian deposits; dune; terrace; fluvial landform; archaeological site.

Трансформація оселищ і її вплив на зообіоту

The history of the use of the term “habitat” is considered. It is emphasized that this term refers to the habitat of a particular animal species or population and is determined by their ranges. The factors that lead to the destruction of habitats of many populations on the lowlands and in the highlands of the Ukrainian Carpathians are indicated. Attention is drawn to the degradation of mountain lakes and streams as habitats for aquatic hydrobionts. Among the factors that cause the destruction of habitats, the factors of both natural and anthropogenic origin are identified: climate change, absolute protection of territories, demutational processes, uncontrolled recreation activities, changes in traditional land use, water chemiсal composition and pollution, the appearance of invasive plants, urbanization, etc. The synergistic effect of these factors leads to rapid habitat change, and thus to the loss of adaptive capacity of individuals of different species to the changed conditions of their habi­tats. Among the objects of our study are such taxa as planktonic crustaceans (Cladocera), ants (Formicidae), lampreys (Cyclostomata), ray-finned fish (Actinopterygii), amphibians (Amphibia) and birds (Aves). It was found, in particular, that deciduous forest habitats are the most favorable for the existence of a significant diversity of ants. The mega-habitats for amphibians were identified as a complex of individual habitats that vary during the vegetation season and are connected by migration routes. The key habitat in Western Polissia, as an example, can be the Unychi wetland, which is home to a number of rare bird species. The nest-building behavior of birds under the influence of anthropogenic factors also undergoes changes - its species-specific appearance and composition of nesting materials are transformed in response to habitat pollution. In addition, the study showed that the use of invasive trees and shrubs for urban greenery has a negative impact on the diversity of urban bird fauna, as it paradoxically reduces the number of nesting and foraging habitats for birds. It is proposed to identify key habitats for the populations of rare and endangered animal species within the protected areas and on the non-protected ones, to indicate their locations and the type of management approach (protection, restoration, reconstruction, etc.).

Survey of driver's functional state change, considering movement through mountain passes

According to traffic accident statistics, the main causes are violations of traffic rules. Based on scientific research, it is clear that the main reason for these events is the drivers' incorrect assessment of the road situation and their inadequate response. Assessing road conditions depends on drivers' qualifications, skills, work experience, reaction time, and other physiological factors. The functional state of drivers is important to consider. It reflects their ability to work reliably and affects both fatigue levels and how fatigue builds up. Factors that impact decision-making speed and quality are crucial when evaluating the risks of the transportation process, particularly those associated with human behavior. This study investigates the safety of freight transportation for drivers, road users, third parties, and the environment. The study focuses on road traffic characteristics in mountainous conditions at high altitudes. The study aims to analyze how drivers' performance is affected while navigating challenging sections of mountain roads in the Ukrainian Carpathians. Four different routes will be examined. The research will provide graphic analysis of the results. It will show the main patterns of changes in drivers' functional state based on the route's complexity. The research aims to analyze indicators of drivers' functional state and their impact on their performance reliability. It allows for a more detailed evaluation of transport routes and planning of truck drivers' work and rest schedules on suburban routes.

Catalogue of Bombus wurflenii Radoszkowski, 1860 (Hymenoptera, Apidae) specimens deposited in the State Museum of Natural History NASU, Lviv, Ukraine

Bombus wurflenii Radoszkowski, 1860 belongs to the subgenus Alpigenobombus and is one of the 40 bumblebee species that occur in Ukraine. This Boreal-Alpine species has a disjunctive range and is confined to the mountains and hills of Europe. It occurs in Scandinavia, in central and southern Europe (the Cantabrian Mountains, the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Apennines, the Balkans, the Carpathians). It is also known from the far east of Europe (the Ural Mountains), and from the north-eastern Turkey and the Caucasus (Rasmont, Iserbyt, 2010-2012; Rasmont et al., 2015). All scenarios of future distribution of Bombus wurflenii project a moderate reduction of suitable areas by 2050. By 2100 the climatic niche space of the species would be even more restricted. With low dispersal capability and since Bombus wurflenii is a specialized species linked to cold boreal and alpine-subalpine conditions, it would suffer substantially from global warming (Rasmont et al., 2015). Bombus wurflenii is a medium sized bumblebee. It is highly adapted for “nectar robbing”, i. e. perforating holes at the base of long flower corollas to reach the nectar. To do this, it uses its modified mandibles, each with six denticles on outer margin . In Ukraine the species is represented by the subspecies B. wurflenii mastrucatus Gerst. and occurs in the Ukrainian Carpathians only. It inhabits mountain forests from a height of 500 m a. s. l. to the subalpine zone inclusive. The highest number of population of the species is observed within the altitude range of 800-1100 m above sea level (Konovalova, 2010). B. wurflenii is nesting underground, using the abandoned nests of rodents in beech, beech-spruce and spruce forests, in polonynas, meadows and also on rocky slopes in the subalpine. The emergence of queens from hibernation happens in late spring and early summer. The development of small colonies lasts until July-August, culminating in the emergence of new reproductive generation. In the Carpathian highlands B. wurflenii is considered a common one. However, during last decades, the destruction of both nesting sites and forage flora of this species due to excessive recreational pressure, is a serious factor threatening the persistence of its population. For this reason, B. wurflenii has been included into the Red Book of the Ukrainian Carpathians as vulnerable one, also taking into account a relatively limited area inhabited by populations of the species. The species plays a significant role in the pollination of high mountain flora. A feeding diet of this bumblebee in the Ukrainian Carpathians includes at least 23 plant species belonging to 16 families (unpublished data of the author). Among its favourite forage plants are: Centaurea phrygia subsp. carpatica (Porcius) Dostál, Cirsium waldsteinii Rouy, Gentiana asclepiadea L., Rhododendron kotschyi Simonk., Vaccinium spp., Aconitum spp. In the entomological collection of the State Museum of Natural History, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 42 specimens of B. wurflenii have been deposited. Only one specimen belongs to an old historical collection. It was collected from the Tatry Mts. in Poland on 30.07.1905 and identified by J. Snieżek. From the present territory of Ukraine B. wurflenii was recorded for the first time in 1939 in Chornohora mountain range, at an altitude of 1500 m a.s.l. (Fudakowski et al., 1939). The recent part of the collection includes specimens, found from 2000 to 2006 in mountain regions of Ivano-Frankivska and Zakarpatska provinces of Ukraine (fig. 1). The recent collection of B. wurflenii represents all three castes of the species: 1 queen, 32 workers and 8 males. Bumblebees were collected during June, July and August within altitudes of 800-1700 m a.s.l. in the following physiographic regions: UC: PlChr: Chornohora massif; UC: PlChr: Svydovets massif; UC: OCVV: Gg: Outer Gorgany range. The vast majority of specimens have been collected in protected territories: Carpathian Biosphere Reserve (Chornohora protected massif, Svydovets protected massif) and Carpathian National Nature Park.

Nutrient and organic substances emissions from diffuse sources to the rivers of Ukrainian Carpathians

Formulation of the problem. The transition from territorial-administrative to basin-based water resources management in Ukraine requires an assessment of the load of water bodies with pollutants from diffuse and point sources. Among the various components of the chemical composition of water entering water bodies, organic matter and nutrients are the most important. The Danube is the second largest river in Europe, with a basin covering the territories of 19 countries and is an important transportation waterway. Within Ukraine, the Danube is divided into the Lower Danube sub-catchment and the Tisza, Prut, and Siret River basins within the Carpathian region. The scientific results presented in this paper were obtained during research within the framework of state budgetary research works of the UHMI, the implementation of which will contribute to the further development of knowledge in the field of hydrometeorology. The results presented in the publication are important for supplementing information when writing the Danube River Basin Management Plan, which is being developed in accordance with Ukraine's obligations under the Association Agreement with the European Union. Aim of the study. To calculate the supply of nutrients and organic matter from diffuse sources to the rivers of the Danube basin within the Ukrainian Carpathians. Methods. Monitoring data of organic substances and nutrients provided by the Danube Hydrometeorological Observatory (the state surface water monitoring network of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine) for 2018 were used for calculations. To assess the load of water bodies by diffuse sources, a conceptual scheme was developed that allowed to take into account the main pathways of substances supply, i.e precipitation; water runoff from arable land, forests, meadows and pastures, built-up areas, rock outcrops, as well as from the population of rural regions without sewage systems. Scientific novelty. For the first time: the load of nutrients and organic matter in the Danube rivers within the Ukrainian Carpathians by the sources of their income was evaluated; it was found that agricultural land is the main source of emissions of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. Practical value. The analysis of the diffuse load by nutrients and organic matter in the Danube rivers can be used as an important part of the River Basin Management Plan. The results of the calculations can also be used to develop measures to achieve certain environmental objectives. Results. The main source of organic matter in the water of rivers of the Carpathian region ere agricultural enterprises locating within rural settlements that are not equipped with sewage systems. Surface water of Prut and Tisza River basins is the most polluted by organic matter. By source, the nutrient emissions are distributed as follows. For the Tisza and Prut rivers, more than 50% of the total nitrogen compounds emissions come from agricultural land, while for the Siret River the source of nitrogen compounds are forests (46% of the total nitrogen emissions). Accordingly, the total phosphorus runoff for the Tisza and Prut rivers was distributed as follows: the dominant share (up to 45%) comes from agricultural land, the load caused by population not connected to the sewerage systems is 36%. For the Siret River, agricultural land and forested areas are of equal shares (33%) among the sources of phosphorus compounds.

Седиментаційні індикатори сучасних морфодинамічних процесів на скелях масиву «Камінь» (с. Урич, Східні Бескиди, Українські Карпати)

The paper studies the types of modern morphodynamic processes on the sandstone tor “Kamin`” (“Stone”) in the village Urych (Eastern Beskydy, Ukrainian Carpathians) as a nature monument and historical and cultural reserve. It reveals interrelationships between the modern manifestations of the processes and the sedimentological facies of the Paleogene rocks of the Yamna Formation. During the formation of the Carpathian trust fault structure, they were created in the geodynamic conditions of the Outer Carpathian deep-water oceanic paleobasin and deformed during the stages of accretion and orogeny. The main research methods were morphological, morphodynamic, sedimentological, and lithological. Modern morphodynamic processes on the tor walls are classified by their origin, localization within the studied object, and the amount of tor wall coverage. Morphodynamic processes can be classified into different types such as soaking and very small pits; destruction; flaking; spalling; dimples weathering; alveolar weathering; corrasion and washing away the grains; linear underground erosion; biogenic superficial weathering; biogenic linear weathering; block collapses; joint-guided weathering: along tectonic, tensile, weathering, lithological cracks; gravity cascade folds. According to the amount of coverage of the tor walls, the following are distinguished: microprocesses (local manifestations), medium-scale and large-scale processes, with a destruction depth of 1-10 сm. Medium-scale processes that occur on tor superficials are related to primary sedimentary structural-textural features of rocks and their lithological composition. Fractured paragenesis of the Sub-Carpathian and Anti-Carpathian directions dominate large-scale processes. Studies of the tor destruction processes are important to determine the preservation methods of the sandstone tor “Kamin`” as a valuable object of historical, cultural, and geotourism heritage. The obtained results indicate that individual tor blocks are strongly affected by superficial processes, on which deep polygenetic cracks are superimposed. This provides a basis to implement measures for strengthening the stability of the tor.

Catalogue of Endomychidae (Insecta, Coleoptera) family specimens deposited in the State Museum of Natural History NASU, Lviv, Ukraine

The family Endomychidae is a moderately large group of small to medium-sized beetles with worldwide distribution and maximum diversity in tropical and subtropical regions, which includes about 1,600 species in 90 genera, 9 subfamilies (Shockley et al., 2009; Robertson et al., 2015). Of these, 7 species are known from the territory of Ukraine, of which 5 species occur in the Ukrainian Carpathian region (Nowicki, 1865; Roubal, 1936, Mateleshko, 2002, 2005, 2009; Mateleshko & Chumak, 2006; Mateleshko & Roshko, 2006; Mateleshko & Lovas, 2010; Chumak et al., 2015; Koval, et al., 2018; Diedus et al., 2021) and three species are known from the Sumy, Kharkiv, Kherson provinces and the Crimean Autonomous Republic (Drogvalenko, 1999). Representatives of the family are mainly mycophagous. The most common habitats are fungi, rotten wood and fungus-infested bark. Many species live in leaf litter and decaying plant debris, where they feed on mold and fungi. The collection of the State Museum of Natural History, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (SMNH) presents 58 specimens of the family Endomychidae, belonging to 4 species and 4 genera, as follows: Dapsa denticollis (Germar, 1817) – 3 spec., Endomychus coccineus (Linnaeus, 1758) – 29 spec., Lycoperdina succincta (Linnaeus, 1767) – 21 spec., Mycetina cruciata (Schaller, 1783) – 5 spec. The illustrated catalogue of these species is given below, the species being listed in an alphabet order. The collection material has originated from the western part of Ukraine and southern part of Poland and was collected during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Most of the material was collected from the western part of Ukraine, and is presented in the collection by three species: D. denticollis, E. coccineus and L. succincta from Roztochchia georegion (Lviv (Holosko, Kryvchytsi, Znesinnia, Snopkiv), Yamelnia, Ivano-Frankove); E. coccineus from Male Polissia (Radvantsi); two species from Opillia – L. succincta (Bartativ, Zubra) and E. coccineus (Prybyn). Only one species, E. coccineus, is known from the Cisparpathian Upland (Kolomyia, Sadzhawka) where it was collected in early 20th century (15.06.1902; 23.05.1901). Regarding the material collected from the territory of Poland, 4 specimens of two species are available in the SMNH collection: E. coccineus (Kraków, Rabka-Zdrój, Szymbart) and L succincta (Sztutowo). In addition to the main museum collection, the four above-mentioned species are contained in the collection of A. Stöckl: one spec. D. denticollis from Serbia, collected by Reitter; 5 spec. E. coccineus from the western part of Ukraine (Lviv, Riasne, Ivano-Frankove); 3 spec. L. succincta: one spec. from Poland (Konskowola), two – from Ukraine (Ivano-Frankove, Lviv); and 2 spec. of M. cruciata collected in Ukraine (Pistyn). Other specimens of this collection lack information on the collectors.

A reversal to hypogyny in Campanula alpina and its impact on capsule dehiscence: evidence from morpho-anatomy of the fruiting ovary

Introduction. Campanula alpina is a perennial herbaceous bellflower grown in the Eastern Alps, Carpathians, and Balkans. Fruit in Campanula species opens by the hippocrepiform slits in the fruit wall, which are formed by axicorns, elongated structures inside the ovary composed of lignified parenchyma cells. Our objectives were to reveal the fruit structure and dehiscence mode in C. alpina and compare it with C. latifolia, a type species of the genus Campanula. Materials and methods. Flowers and fruits at different stages of morphogenesis of C. alpina subsp. alpina were examined. Plant materials were sampled in two plots in the Chornohora massif of the Ukrainian Carpathians. Results. Contrary to other Campanula species, in C. alpina only the basal part of the ovary is fused with the calyx forming the flattened ovary base. The placentation is axile, the fruit wall and septas are parenchymatous, only axicorns are lignified. Dehiscence of the hanged fruit proceeds by the curving of axicorns outside by drying. In the dehiscent capsule viewed from above, hollow openings in the horizontal ovary base are exposed, and the curved axicorns attached to the crumpled fragments of the ovary wall are visible inside the ovary. Discussion. The dehiscence of the fruit in C. alpina proceeds through septifragal and hippocrepiform slits like in C. latifolia. The main differences are that the ovary is mostly superior, openings are located on the horizontal ovary base, and valves together with axicorns curve inside the ovary. The semi-inferior or nearly superior ovary insertion could be traced in illustrations in digital databases and researches for some taxa of Campanula section Medium. No issues have been made on the evolution of the ovary position in Campanuleae, since only the inferior ovary was referred for this tribe before the present article. The functional implications of shifts in the ovary position in C. alpina could be a result of selection of the pollination mechanism, or dissemination mode. Conclusions. The peculiarity of the fruit in C. alpina is the axicorns curving inside the ovary during the dehiscence. It is expected that deviation from the inferior ovary will be confirmed in other related species of the Campanula with pendent fruits. No argumentation about the evolution of secondary hypogyny in Campanula has been proposed so far.

GENESIS OF RECREATIONAL SETTLEMENTS IN THE UKRAINIAN CARPATHIANS IN THE 21ST CENTURY

The article examines the phenomena of the emergence and spontaneous evolution of a new type of recreational facilities for the Ukrainian Carpathians region – multi-format recreational settlements that combine private rental residential units with their partial functioning, in the form of rental recreational housing, in the structure of a management company. The prerequisite for the emergence of this type of recreational facilities was the construction of a large ski complex in Bukovel. Accommodation in this complex offered both traditional hotels and comfortable single-family cottages. And these cottages turned out to be the most popular among vacationers and it were they that became a clear example for residents of surrounding villages and towns, who quickly adapted their own surroundings “for tourists.” After russia's occupation of Crimea in 2014, a significant number of the Ukrainian population redirected their holidays to the Carpathian region. The summer holiday season in the mountains has become as widespread and crowded as the winter season. Consequently, recreational facilities in the Ukrainian Carpathians over the course of 1- 2 years were transformed from single-season to year-round establishments, and the summer season surpassed the traditional winter season in terms of profitability. The global Covid 19 pandemic with strict long-term quarantine, psychological stress, and total remote work became the next strong impetus for popularizing the idea of owning a single-family cottage in the environmentally friendly, safe Carpathians. At that time, quarantined Europe and open Ukraine, a visa-free regime and the opening of a number of low-cost airlines to the Gulf countries also resulted in the appearance of a huge number of tourists from the Arab world in the Carpathians.The desire to own a single-family cottage in the Carpathians grew stronger after the large-scale russian invasion in February 2022, as all the delights of the Carpathians added to the feeling of safety from bombings and missile attacks. The response to this demand was the offer of private estates, apart-hotels, small cottage communities, and entire recreational settlements with developed internal infrastructure. The owner of such a building in a recreational settlement can live in it all the time. However, during absence, the management company of a recreational settlement has the right to rent out its building to third parties under the terms of a preliminary agreement with its owner. Thus, this property passively generates income for the owner during the period when he and his family are in another place. Technical issues of maintaining or repairing a building, providing energy resources, developing the territory, landscaping, etc. provided by the management company. Taking this into account, investing capital in exactly this type of real estate in the Ukrainian Carpathians is quite promising and relevant in our time.

Territorial Organisation of the Resort “Yaremche” in the Nadvirna District of the Ivano-Frankivsk Region

Topicality. The Ukrainian Carpathians (a part of the Eastern Carpathians in Ukraine) are among the best ones in the country in terms of recreational sphere development. Many years of experience in the field of recreation is an important prerequisite for its recognition as a priority in the economic complex of the region. The strategic goal of the development of any territory is to create a stable territorial-recreation system, optimally using natural, labour, material, technical, and other resources. This, in turn, will ensure the material well-being of the local population without disturbing the ecological balance in the Carpathian region. The aim of the article is to implement the territorial organisation of the resort “Yaremche” with the help of information technologies. Research methods. Both general scientific and special methods are used in this study. The basis of resort area zoning are information technologies and mapping methods, such as Autocad xb MapInfo, Digitals, Delta, Google Maps, and Virtual Earth, Google Earth Pro, and Open Streer Map. Digitisation of land covers are carried out according to their display on online satellite images in the Digitals program. Results. The territorial organisation of the resort “Yaremche” is carried out with the help of information technologies. The allocation of each of the 13 zones with a total area of 11,313.897 hectares is substantiated: Carpathian National Nature Park Reserve Zone – 509.2448 hectares; Rivers Zone – 64.8532 hectares; Zone of Coastal Protection – 304.4698 hectares; Zone of Regulated Recreation of Carpathian National Nature Park – 2028.1494 hectares; Recreational Zone – 101.9866 hectares; Zone of Public Green Spaces – 18.7594 hectares; Zone of Other Green Areas – 623.9729 hectares; Zone of skiing tracks – 81.1291 hectares; Zone of Service Centres of Mountain Recreation Complexes – 18.9858 hectares; Land Area of Settlements (buildings) – 1183.7419 hectares; Zone of Recreational Forests of Dora Forestry of Delyatyn FI – 1746.3541 hectares; The zone of exploitation forests, other forest and non-forest lands of Dora Forestry of Deliatyn FA (Forestry Administration) – 4074.65 hectares; Zone of Exploitation Forests, Other Forest and Non-forest lands of Yaremche Nature Protection Scientific Research Department of Carpathian National Nature Park – 557.6 hectares. Conclusions and discussion. The effectiveness of this research consists in optimising the use of the territory of the resort “Yaremche”. This will make it possible to improve its social efficiency, expand the medical facilities of the Ukrainian Carpathians, and improve the economic performance of the region.

A century-long tendency of change in surface air temperature on the territory of Ukraine

A century-long tendency of change in surface air temperature on the territory of Ukraine