Interannual variation in productivity of steppe pastures as related to climatic changes

The results of long-term stationary research on the assessment of aboveground phytomass and soil moisture dynamics in a steppe pasture are presented. An analysis of annual and interannual variation in meteorological parameters over the study period has been performed, and, on this basis, the dependence of productivity on climatic changes has been determined.     

Biodiversity conservation: From ecosystem to the ecosystem approach

The possibility of implementing 12 principles of the ecosystem approach is considered with regard to the results of meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and recent international forums. The importance of these principles for achieving the main goals of the CBD is shown, and the role of biosphere reserves in solving urgent problems of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in adjoining territories of subjects of the Russian Federation is discussed.     

Specific features of the oribatid fauna in high-mountain pine forests of the Eastern Caucasus in relation to altitudinal zonality

The abundance, structure, and distribution of oribatid communities in high-mountain pine forest biotopes of the Eastern Caucasus are described in dependence on elevation above sea level. The oribatid fauna of high-mountain pine forests proved to be characterized by high abundance, an assortment of dominants, and species richness. It was shown that, as the elevation increases, specific dominants typical of particular altitudinal zones appear in communities, and changes in the mass species occur. These species are stable in terms of their long-term dynamics, and zonal groups (communities) demonstrate a high species diversity.     

Changes in the upper limits of tree species distribution in the Western Caucasus (Belaya River basin) related to recent climate warming

To estimate the response of tree vegetation to recent climate warming in the Western Caucasus, the population state of several tree species at the upper limit of their distribution has been estimated in three mountain massifs in the Belaya River basin. For this purpose, the average and maximum stem diameters, vitality, and age of trees have been determined in the transitional zone between middle-mountain and high-mountain beech-fir forests (1400–1700 m a.s.l.) and in crooked birch forests growing at the upper timberline (1810–2025 m). The upper limits of Acer platanoides, A. pseudoplatanus, Ulmus glabra, and Betula litwinowii have shown a tendency to rise. The upper limit of Abies nordmanniana has remained unchanged over the past few decades, which may be explained by a decrease in moisture supply during the warm season.     

Relict communities and populations of petrophilous plant species in northern regions of Sverdlovsk oblast and problems in their conservation

An inventory of rock vegetation has been taken in river valleys on the eastern slope of the southern part of the Northern Urals and the northern part of the Middle Urals. New habitats of some rare plant species, relict communities of forest-steppe species at the northern limit of their distribution, and ultrasmall populations of petrophilous species growing in isolation for a long time have been revealed. In studies on a group of similar specially protected areas (e.g., within river valleys), it is proposed to identify key sites distinguished by the highest species richness of vegetation     

Paleosols of the Solonchanka IX site and climate of the Transural steppe zone in the fourth century AD

Studies on paleosols under an archaeological landmark of a rare type (a complex of kurgans with “whiskers”) dating from the Early Iron Age (the fourth century AD) have been performed in the steppe zone of the Transural Plateau. The size and shape of third-order soil polygons under stony ridges (“whiskers”) between the kurgans have been described in detail. The results have shown that the paleosol under the kurgans erected at the turn of the Late Sarmatian and Hun times (1600 years ago) is characterized by a higher humus content and deeper location of the carbonate horizon, compared to the recent soil. This indicates that an increase in atmospheric humidity took place in the fourth century AD.     

The concept of ecosystem health in water quality assessment and rating of anthropogenic loads

A methodological approach to water quality assessment within the scope of the ecosystem health concept is substantiated. Key tasks in water body pollution rating are specified. A rationale for the system of criteria for the diagnosis of aquatic ecosystem health is given on the basis of analysis of determinate changes in their organization levels under anthropogenic stress. The results of testing the proposed methods in water objects of the Volga basin and Lake Imandra are described.     

Plant cover synanthropization in the pechora-Ilych biosphere reserve along an altitudinal gradient

Trends in plant cover synanthropization along a plain-foothills-mountains gradient have been revealed in the reserve. Characteristics of plant communities in anthropogenically disturbed habitats, centers of concentration of anthropophytes and apophytes, and pathways of their migration are described.     

Changes in the Carabid Fauna (Coleoptera, Carabidae) of Meadow Steppes during the Past Decades

Basic trends in the structural dynamics of the meadow-steppe carabid fauna over the period from 1970 to 1997 have been analyzed. Data on changes in the abundance and composition of dominant species are reported. Transformation of carabidocenoses is mainly accounted for by an increased humidity of the climate and the related mesophytization of forest–steppe ecosystems.     

Emergy Evaluation of a Village Ecosystem in Wolong Nature Reserve in China

Due to historic reasons, there are several human settlements in nature reserves and national parks, which may constitute a threat to biodiversity. Establishment of nature reserves may however generate constraints for development of local communities residing in these reserves. The village ecosystem of Zhuanjinglou Village in Wolong Nature Reserve includes population, farming and livestock （domestic and alpine） and forest ecosystem. An emergy analysis of agro-ecosystem （including the farming and livestock ecosystem） and energy consumption in Zhuanjinglou Village indicates that livestock ecosystem plays an important role in village ecosystem, which may be the source of great pressure on the state of the local environment. The increasing ratio of electricity in energy consumption may play a positive role for environmental conservation. Despite some successful experiences, there are some remaining issues that need to be addressed in the ecological rehabilitation of the village ecosystem.     

Emergy Evaluation of a Village Ecosystem in Wolong Nature Reserve in China

Abstract

Due to historic reasons, there are several human settlements in nature reserves and national parks, which may constitute a threat to biodiversity. Establishment of nature reserves may however generate constraints for development of local communities residing in these reserves. The village ecosystem of Zhuanjinglou Village in Wolong Nature Reserve includes population, farming and livestock (domestic and alpine) and forest ecosystem. An emergy analysis of agro-ecosystem (including the farming and livestock ecosystem) and energy consumption in Zhuanjinglou Village indicates that livestock ecosystem plays an important role in village ecosystem, which may be the source of great pressure on the state of the local environment. The increasing ratio of electricity in energy consumption may play a positive role for environmental conservation. Despite some successful experiences, there are some remaining issues that need to be addressed in the ecological rehabilitation of the village ecosystem.     

Odontological characteristics of European brown bears from the Central Forest Biosphere Nature Reserve

Forty-five skulls of European brown bears from the Central Forest Nature Reserve and adjacent regions were examined in detail. The frequencies of oligodonty, dental caries, parodontosis, and traumatized teeth were estimated. A total of 12 variants of the tooth formula were described. The sample under study was distinguished from the populations examined previously by the lowest frequency of oligodonty. Dental caries in one or several teeth, caused by mechanical damage or malocclusion, occurred in 14% of animals. Strong wear marks on the canines caused by feeding on oats frequently resulted in broken canines in bears of the senior age groups.     

On the Multifunctional Role of the Biota in the Self-Purification of Aquatic Ecosystems

Principles of the theory of the ecological mechanism of water self-purification based on multiple functions of the biota in freshwater and marine ecosystems are formulated. In developing this theory, the results of the author's experiments with filtering hydrobionts have been used. These results indicate that the water self-purification mechanism is vulnerable to the impact of some pollutants and, in particular, surfactants. Conclusions drawn on the basis of the theory have practical significance for biodiversity conservation and for the sustainable use of the biological resources of aquatic ecosystems.     

Phytodiversity of relict steppe enclaves in the Urals: Experience in comparative assessment

Unique mountain-steppe ecosystems in the Southern Urals have retained a high level of species and cenotic diversity, despite fragmentation and isolation. Specific features of these ecosystems are described.     

我国自然保护区建设中的环境剥夺问题

近年来我国各地大量增长的自然保护区实质上是一种环境剥夺现象。受环境考核体系与推行可持续发展战略需要．加大自然保护区建设力度是地方政府能够采取的比较成熟的环境保护手段。但是．通过博弈模型，可以推导出．受地方财政刚性预算约束．政府在地方自然保护区建设与管理中不能对环境区原有居民落实各项补偿．也难以投入必需的保护性管理费用。于是．在自然保护区管理中．保护区居民与管理机构之间博弈形成的纳什均衡是：居民违反有关规定，尽可能延续以往开发利用环境资源的经济活动。以抗衡自然保护区建设对他们“靠山吃山、靠水吃水”经济模式的压制；管理机构则实施开发性管理，以求自身努力。增加经济收入以保障自然保护区各项基础研究和管理活动。由于经营活动迎合了增加地方财政收入的地方政府经济发展目标。因此。在目前的自然保护区建设中普遍存在各种形式的开发性经营管理活动。但是．由于一些制度缺陷．在这种开发性管理战略中，一些环境区变相为政府权力支配下的环境资源．并借用可持续开发管理名义进一步转变成为某些地方机构与组织的私有环境资产。其后果是使自然保护区制度偏离了政策目标，也使环境区居民丧失了传统的环境支撑作用。对此论点．研究通过对近十年地方自然保护区建设数量的情况分析予以了经验验证。     

Paleoecology and dynamics of forest ecosystems in Central Evenkia during the past 2400 years

New data on the composition of surface assemblages of plant macroremains from soil and swamp samples have been obtained in the study of geomorphologically different localities in the middle reaches of the Nizhnyaya Tunguska River. The results of paleocarpological analysis of forest soil sections supported by relevant palynological and geochronological data are presented. Natural changes of the forest cover over the past 2400 years and quantitative characteristics of the paleoclimate during each stage are described.Translated from Ekologiya, No. 1, 2005, pp. 3–10.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Koshkarova, Koshkarov.