Influence of experimental conditions on manifestation of the group effect in the gypsy moth, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lymantria dispar</Emphasis> L.

The effect of rearing conditions for gypsy moth larvae on parameters of their development (its duration and mortality) was studied in experiments with early instar larvae reared singly or in groups. The manifestation of the group effect was analyzed depending on the choice of experimental unit (the larva or the rearing container) and the amount of volume per larva. The observed effects were evaluated quantitatively.     

Seasonal spatial differentiation of sex groups in populations of resident bat species (Chiroptera,Vespertilionidae) in the Southern Urals

On the basis of studies on the ecology of boreal bat species in the Southern Urals (1997–2004), the first classification of their summer habitats has been made. It has been shown that spatial segregation of sex groups into areas of two types, designated wintering and breeding zones, takes place in populations in the period of offspring rearing. In females, seasonal migrations are guided by imprinting on sites providing sufficient food for offspring rearing and on wintering sites. In males, imprinting on wintering sites alone is observed.     

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.     

Specific ecological features of the brown bear (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ursus arctos</Emphasis> L. 1758) in Yakutia

In Yakutia, the brown bear inhabits the forest and forest-tundra zones. Compared to bears from other regions of Russia, Yakutian bears have slightly smaller body and skull sizes and are mainly herbivorous, with their wood spectrum being relatively narrow. Their fecundity averages 1.68 cubs per parous female. The bears make their dens at a depth reaching 2.5–3 m. The denning period begins early and is 195–210 days long. An electroencephalographic analysis of the effect of a 1–10 kDa peptide fraction from the bear brain on Wistar rats has shown that wintering bears are in the state of sleep, or “superficial hibernation.”     

Variation in Meristic Characters of Head Seismosensory System in Roach <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rutilus rutilus</Emphasis> (L.) under Hydrochemical Conditions of Water Bodies of Udmurtia

Average and summary values of five paired meristic characters of the head seismosensory system have been estimated in roach from 11 ponds and medium-size reservoirs in Udmurtia. It has been found that the level of fluctuation variance in the summary character values is significantly correlated with the values of water mineralization and total dry solids in the water bodies, and the average summary values, with the absolute and relative contents of magnesium ions in the water. A possible role of magnesium in determining the quantitative indices of seismosensory characters, which are formed during early fish ontogeny, is discussed with regard to the results of a pilot laboratory experiment on rearing roach juveniles under different hydrochemical conditions.     

Characterization of bottom sediments and phosphorus fractions in hyper-eutrophic Krishnagiri reservoir located in an agricultural watershed in India

The hyper-eutrophicated Krishnagiri reservoir is situated in hot tropical and semiarid climate zone in South India. There are 16 villages in the command area, which are directly benefited by this reservoir, and water from the reservoir is used for irrigation, fish rearing, livestock rearing and recreation purposes. The reservoir is located in an agricultural watershed, and the rate of soil erosion in the catchment area is very high. Thus, the reservoir is severely affected by sedimentation, and half of its capacity was reduced. Previous studies in Krishnagiri reservoir clearly indicate the lack of information on the quality of sediments and dynamics of nutrient in the reservoir. Hence, the present study was conducted on bottom sediments, and it included the assessment of physicochemical characteristics and nutrients, such as composition, redox potential, moisture content, organic carbon, organic matter, total iron, manganese, calcium carbonate, different phosphorus fractions and total phosphorus. The increasing trend in organic matter and also the significant change from positive to high negative values of redox potential clearly indicate the inflow of high organic load which may result from the disposal of sewage and industrial waste water in the upstream catchment side. The high concentration of inorganic phosphorus fractions at the inflow point of the reservoir obviously implies that there was a significant input of nutrients into the reservoir. Hence, the study concludes that the rainfall, soil erosion and runoff are the major environmental factors for the input and accumulation of large quantities of nutrients in the bottom sediments of Krishnagiri reservoir during the study period. The present study clearly suggests for a careful investigation into sediment nutrients in Krishnagiri reservoir, and it is also necessary to assess the role of sediments in the phosphorus dynamics and its significant effect on eutrophication. This study demonstrates that the examination of physicochemical characteristics and nutrients in the bottom sediments is a helpful tool to identify the sources of nutrients to the reservoir. The baseline data provided in this paper will be helpful for the policy makers to frame better policies for the sustainable management of water quality in Krishnagiri reservoir.     

Variation in Morphophysiological Traits of Male and Female <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aporia crataegi</Emphasis> L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) Depending on the Timing of Adult Emergence

The correlation between the timing of adult emergence and variation in morphophysiological parameters of males and females has been analyzed in the black-veined white Aporia crataegi L. In 2013 to 2015, black-veined white butterflies were collected from a natural population in the south of Sverdlovsk oblast throughout the emergence period; at the same time, adult insects were reared from pupae in individual cages. Comparison of the field observations in nature and the results of rearing preimaginal stages has shown that the largest adults are the first to emerge, while the smallest are the last to emerge. This pattern holds true both for the parameters varying throughout the adult insect life (body weight and relative abdomen weight) and for the permanent characteristic of the “structural” size (wing area). The influence of protandry and food availability to caterpillars on the variation in the size of adult A. crataegi during the period of generation emergence is discussed.     

The Role and Effectiveness of Local Institutions in the Management of Forest Biodiversity in New Dabaga-Ulongambi Forest Reserve,Iringa Region-Tanzania

Abstract

This paper examines the role and effectiveness of local institutions in the management of forest biodiversity in New Dabaga-Ulongambi Forest Reserve, Tanzania. Data were obtained through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, participatory rural appraisal and field observations. The study revealed that the most remarkable local institutions connected to forest biodiversity management include: Village Natural Resources Management Committee (92%), tree nursery group (79.4%), beekeeping groups (61.1%), fish farming (43.3%), livestock rearing group (33.9%). Main activities carried out by local institutions which directly contribute to the sustainability of forest reserve include: forest patrols, fire extinguish, preparation of fire breaks, planting of trees along the forest boundaries, creation of awareness, arresting of forest defaulters, participation in income generation activities. For the purpose of realization that local communities are capable of managing forest biodiversity through their traditional institutions, the policy should provide tangible opportunity for local communities to meet their needs as they manage the forests.     

The Role and Effectiveness of Local Institutions in the Management of Forest Biodiversity in New Dabaga-Ulongambi Forest Reserve,Iringa Region-Tanzania

This paper examines the role and effectiveness of local institutions in the management of forest biodiversity in New Dabaga-Ulongambi Forest Reserve,Tanzania.Data were obtained through questionnaires,interviews,focus group discussions,participatory rural appraisal and field observations.The study revealed that the most remarkable local institutions connected to forest biodiversity management include:Village Natural Resources Management Committee(92%),tree nursery group(79.4%),beekeeping groups(61.1%),fish farming(43.3%),livestock rearing group(33.9%).Main activities carried out by local institutions which directly contribute to the sustainability of forest reserve include:forest patrols,fire extinguish,preparation of fire breaks,planting of trees along the forest boundaries,creation of awareness,arresting of forest defaulters,participation in income generation activities.For the purpose of realization that local communities are capable of managing forest biodiversity through their traditional institutions,the policy should provide tangible opportunity for local communities to meet their needs as they manage the forests.     

Plasticity in metamorphic traits of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rana kukunoris</Emphasis> tadpoles: The interactive effects of food level and rearing temperature

Larval amphibians are particularly likely to encounter variation in rearing temperature and resource availability due to variation in aquatic breeding habitats. In this study, plasticity in growth rates, larval mass, larval period, and size at metamorphosis were examined in Rana kukunoris Nikolskii, 1918 under different combinations of temperature and food level. Larval period and larval body mass was sensitive to food level, and varied with temperature. Tadpoles metamorphosed at an older age at low temperature than those reared at warm temperature. Food level was a significant affect on larval period at low temperature, but not at warm temperature. Mass was heavier for tadpoles reared at low temperatures than those reared at warm temperatures. The effect of food level depended on temperature, because larvae reared at low temperature that were offered a high food level achieved a larger size than larvae offered a low food level, but this did not occur at warm temperature. Therefore, we suggest that high food availability at low temperature prolonged developmental periods, thus larvae are larger as metamorphs than those reared at warm temperatures.     

葛洲坝船闸过鱼时空特性研究

于2013年4月、6月及8月，在葛洲坝一、二号船闸上下闸首断面及闸室内，利用DIDSON声纳定点探测方法，对船闸上下行鱼类数量进行探测记录，并同步进行水质水动力现场监测，研究船闸过鱼现状及规律。结果表明：船闸天然情况下存在一定过鱼能力，附加一定的改进措施，船闸可能成为通航与过鱼功能合一的新型过鱼建筑物。船闸过鱼存在一定的昼夜节律，鱼类在夜晚时段表现的更为活跃，且在不同季节有选择相对适宜温度活动的趋势，而两船闸间下闸首天然鱼类通过量无显著差异。6月由于水温条件适合，且处于禁渔期末，鱼类大量繁殖，过鱼数量最大，4月及8月过高及过低的水温均不利于家鱼繁殖，过鱼相对较少，且均值比较无显著差异，另外不同月份水位流速变动可能对过鱼量造成一定影响。一号二号船闸的鱼类上闸首通过率分别为21%及42%     

Regional specialization and market integration: agroecosystem energy transitions in Upper Austria

We investigate agroecosystem energy flows in two Upper Austrian regions, the lowland region Sankt Florian and the prealpine region Grünburg, at five time points between 1830 and 2000. Energetic agroecosystem productivity (energy contents of crops, livestock products, and wood per unit area) is compared to different types of energy inputs, i.e., external inputs from society (labor, industrial inputs, and external biomass inputs) and biomass reused from the local agroecosystem (feed, litter, and seeds). Energy transfers between different compartments of the agroecosystem (agricultural land, forest, and livestock) are also quantified. This allows for delineating an agroecosystem energy transition: In the first stage of this transition, i.e., in the nineteenth century, agroecosystem productivity was low (final produce ranged between 14 and 27 GJ/ha/yr), and local biomass reused made up 97% of total energy inputs in both regions (25–61 GJ/ha/yr). In this period, agroecosystem productivity increase was achieved primarily through more recycling of energy flows within the agroecosystems. In the second stage of the agroecosystem energy transition, i.e., after World War II, external energy inputs increased by factors 2.5 (Sankt Florian) and 5.0 (Grünburg), partly replacing local energy transfers. Final produce per area increased by factors 6.1 (Sankt Florian) and 2.9 (Grünburg). The difference in the resulting energy returns on investment (EROI) owes to regional specialization on cropping versus livestock rearing and to increasing market integration. Our results suggest that sustainable land-use intensification may benefit from some regional specialization harnessing local production potentials based on a mix of local and external inputs.

     

稻鱼共生系统生态服务功能价值比较——以浙江省青田县和贵州省从江县为例

石油农业导致生态系统退化与环境受损.人们在寻找新的农业途径时,将目光转向传统农业,开始对传统农耕模式的价值进行挖掘.稻鱼共生是最为典型的中国传统生态农业模式之一,因其历史悠久、景观独特和效益显著而被联合国粮农组织列为首批全球重要农业文化遗产保护试点之一.在数千年的农耕文化演变过程中,同宗的青田县和从江县的传统农业系统,由于受到不同的自然、经济和文化的影响,分别形成了以养鱼为主和以种稻为主的稻鱼共生系统.本文采用市场价值法、造林成本法、替代价格法、大气污染治理成本法和水库工程费用法等,分别对青田县和从江县传统农业区生态系统服务功能的经济进行评估.结果表明,以养鱼为主的青田县直接经济价值比以种稻为主的从江县平均每公顷高近1.70万元,但其闻接价值却比后者低,从江县稻鱼共生系统的气体调节和养分保持价值分别是青田县的1.35和1.59倍.最后,本文提出了提高农民收入的途径,以更好地保护这一具有全球重要意义的农业文化遗产.     

Farmer typology, future scenarios and the implications for ecosystem service provision: a case study from south-eastern Spain

Farming communities are increasingly expected to manage their agricultural activities in ways that ensure sustainable flows of a wide range of ecosystem services for society. The land use and management choices that farmers make are dependent upon their socio-economic characteristics and background, and in turn have important implications for the landscape and associated ecosystem services. Thus, a better understanding about the linkages between the characteristics of farmers, farm management and land use is important for managing multifunctional agro-ecosystems. In this paper, we first develop a typology of farmers for Torrealvilla catchment in Murcia, Spain, according to the characteristics of their households and farm management (e.g. the farmer’s age, household income, water access, land tenure and farm labour). This analysis distinguishes six types of farmers. Secondly, we analyse the link between farmer typology and the farmers’ responses to a number of scenarios. The scenarios describe different likely changes to agriculture in the catchment in terms of environmental constraints (irrigation water availability and rainfall pattern) and environmental policy regulation (water taxation and subsidies). This exercise enables us to explore the range of future land use changes that are likely to occur in the study area. The results indicate that: rain-fed agriculture is expected to experience gradual but extensive abandonment; vegetable/fruit farming and pig/animal rearing are likely to stagnate or even decline; and growing of grapes is likely to expand. Thirdly, we qualitatively evaluate how future land use changes are likely to affect key ecosystem services in the study area including future agricultural production and associated local income generation, erosion control, maintenance of the groundwater table and various cultural services associated with a heterogeneous agro-ecosystem. Particular changes such as expansion of grape production will increase food production and local income at the cost of further depletion of the aquifer and increased risk of salinisation. The outcomes of the study highlight that, to be effective, the design of agri-environmental schemes and other government interventions (e.g. specific compulsory regulations on farming practices and associated water use) should carefully take into account the characteristics of the farmers within the area of interest, their land uses and the possible diversity of responses to policy and environmental drivers. Opportunities exist for future studies quantifying the extent of the impacts of ecosystem service provision through formal models combining farmers’ land use decision-making and spatially explicit modelling of landscape processes.     

三峡库区中低产土壤重金属含量及其与小麦吸收的关系

三峡库区中低产土壤的Hg,As,Cr,Pb,Cu五个重金属含量（除渝北区外），均在国家土壤环境质量标准内，属自然背景值一级标准。Cd和Zn高于全国土壤中的平均含量和背景值含量，属二级标准。土壤的重金属含量与土壤母质类型，pH值，阳离子交换量，有机质，无定形铁和物理性粘粒有关，同时存在一定的地域分布。重庆近郊的土壤所有重金属含量相对较高。土壤重金属的可给态或有效性含量极低，锌和铜不是过量，而是不足。小麦籽粒中As,Cr,Pb,Zn,Cu含量低于国家食品对重金属限量标准和小麦籽粒背景值标准，Hg,Cd含量高于国家规定标准。籽粒中的Cu,Zn含量是小麦茎叶中的2.0-2.2倍，而茎叶中的Hg,Pb,As,Cr,Cd含量明显高于籽粒。     

近45 a来我国农业气象灾害变化特征及其对粮食产量的影响

利用农业部种植业管理司发布的数据,针对近45 a(1970~2014年)来我国农业气象灾害变化特征及其对粮食产量影响的问题,采用数理统计和偏相关分析方法进行了研究。结果表明:黑龙江、山东和河南是受灾和成灾面积最大的省份;山西和内蒙古是受灾率和成灾率最高的两个省份;旱灾是我国主要的气象灾害,洪涝灾害波动明显,沿海地区台风灾害持续上升;东北地区旱灾比重增加,低温灾害有所减轻;华东地区洪涝、低温和台风灾害比重增加;华北地区低温和风雹呈现上升趋势;华南地区台风灾害增长显著;西北地区风雹和低温增加;西南地区旱灾和洪涝走势相反;中南地区旱灾减轻,洪涝加重;气象灾害直接影响到粮食总产量,干旱和洪涝灾害影响尤为明显;气象灾害与粮食产量的关系呈现出先上升后下降趋势。     

长江三角洲地表水环境污染规律及调控对策

根据野外实地考察和定点观测数据 ,结合历年环境监测资料 ,初步揭示了长江三角洲地表水环境污染的现状与近十年来的时空演变规律 :河网干流水质基本良好 ,中小河流污染突出 ;城市河流有机污染严重 ,普遍出现水体黑臭现象 ;湖泊氮磷含量逐年增高 ,水体富营养化加剧 ;市郊小城镇河网水质急剧恶化 ,已成为新的水环境污染中心。造成长江三角洲地表水环境污染的主要物源包括工业废水和生活污水、畜禽粪便、农田化肥、底泥等。针对上述污染规律和成因机制 ,提出了相应的调控对策。     

近50 a三江源地区蒸发量的变化特征及其影响因子分析

选用青海省三江源地区1964~2013年14个气象台站观测的基本气象数据,利用线性倾向性估计和Mann-Kendall检验方法等分析了三江源地区蒸发皿蒸发量的时空变化和变化趋势,并以完全相关分析方法进行蒸发量上升成因分析。结果表明:三江源地区年蒸发量总体呈显著上升趋势,其线性变化速率为30.1 mm/10 a,夏秋冬季蒸发量均呈显著上升变化,春季变化趋势不明显,夏季和秋季蒸发量上升对年蒸发量上升贡献最大;逐月蒸发量变化趋势均增加,但幅度各异;冬季蒸发量在2011年发生了突变,其余各季和年均未发生突变.蒸发量月际变化规律明显,表现为双峰型分布,双峰出现在5月和7月,最小值出现在1月;季节变化也十分明显,夏季蒸发量最大,其次为春季和秋季,冬季蒸发量最少,表明春夏两季蒸发量的多少对三江源地区水循环起重要作用。年和四季蒸发量呈现出西北部少,东南部及东北部多的分布特点,气候变化速率分布自西向东逐渐增大。蒸发量年际变化不剧烈,年蒸发量变异系数从西北向东南逐渐增大,四季蒸发量变异系数空间分布明显不同。年蒸发量与平均气温总体上呈正相关,与气温日较差、相对湿度呈负相关,平均气温上升、气温日较差和相对湿度下降是三江源地区蒸发量上升的主要因素。     

长江流域的自然保护区发展与生态环境建设

长江流域的自然保护区占全流域面积的5．74％,比我国自然保护区 占国土面积的比例低1．9个百分点。保护区数量在80年代增幅最大,面积在90年代增幅最大,这种不同步性在一定程度上反映出保护区经营管理更加注重建立较多的大保护区,保护较大的生态系统。本流域的各类自然保护区的数量和面积与流域内自然生态系统类型的丰富性和珍稀特种的多样性直接相关。生态系统类的自然保护区多分布在长江一线以南,形成4个明显的集中分布地带。野生生物类自然保护区在川西高原、川黔湘接壤带和鄱阳湖附近比较集中。川西南滇西北、川西高山峡谷区、川鄂湘黔接壤区、南岭山地北部等6个区域成为长江流域自然保护的关键区域。长江流域生态环境建设中必须注意资源植物的持续利用、防护林的质量和生态平衡等问题。