Feral horses (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Equus caballus</Emphasis>) as a component of protected steppe ecosystems in the Rostovskii Nature Reserve

Vegetation was considerably trampled throughout Vodnyi Island in the Rostovskii Nature Reserve in 2007 because of a high pasture load due to feral horses (0.15 horses/ha). Calculation of the food resources on the island, with its protection as part of a nature reserve taken into account, has shown that the herd size is 3.5 times larger than the maximum allowable value.     

Characteristics of the contact zone of three chromosome races of the common shrew <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sorex araneus</Emphasis> L. (Mammalia) as indices of interpopulation competition

The distribution of three chromosome races (Moscow, Western Dvina, and Seliger) of the common shrew Sorex araneus L. in the zone of contact between their ranges in the Valdai Heights (32°00′ E, 57°00′ N) is discussed. The area co-inhabited by all the three races is extremely small. Representatives of all the three races have been captured on only one trap line, although there are no obstacles to the expansion of shrews. The extremely small area co-inhabited by the three races, as well as the strictly parapatric distribution of the Moscow and Western Dvina races, may be related with competition forms such as avoidance of contacts and separation of ecological niches.     

Are ecological differences of irruptive bird species from typical migrants real? (The example of the long-tailed tit <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aegithalos c. caudatus</Emphasis>)

Using the long-tailed tit (Aegithalos c. caudatus) as an example of the so-called irruptive species, the ecophysiological characteristics (body mass, fat reserves) and migration speed during autumn period were analyzed. The mean body mass and the median fat score did not depend on the number of migrating individuals. There was no evidence of the so-called stress in birds, participating in migration: migrants had even higher fat reserves than residents, while no significant difference in the body mass was recorded. The increase in fat reserves in the long-tailed tit during migration period was similar to the seasonal changes in energy reserves known for typical migrants. This makes it possible for late-migrating individuals to maintain higher total speed of migration compared to early-migrating ones. Basing on the obtained data, we conclude that the ecophysiological characteristics of the long-tailed tits migrating in autumn are similar to those of regular migrants.     

Ecological prerequisites for changes in the parental behavior of male pied flycatchers, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ficedula hypoleuca</Emphasis>

On the basis of long-term studies on the ecology of pied flycatcher in Karelia, it has been shown that male nonparticipation in nestling feeding is due to the course of postnuptial molt rather than to the mode of mating relationships, as it was considered previously. This is confirmed by the results of selective capture of birds that have stopped to feed their brood. It is suggested that reduction of parental care is associated with changes in the hormonal balance of molting birds.     

Universal criteria for assessing the ecological state of soil algocenoses

A set of criteria allowing demarcation between algocenoses is proposed. These criteria characterize the species composition, group of dominants, and taxonomic and ecological structure of algocenoses.     

Impact of fires on the fauna of terrestrial arthropods in protected steppe ecosystems

The abundance of terrestrial arthropods in the Orenburgskii Nature Reserve has decreased since its establishment in 1989. At present, this parameter fluctuates considerably, and the species composition of arthropods is changing in favor of xerobiontic and eurybiontic species. These changes result from the absence of grazing load as well as from periodic fires. Therefore, it is necessary to organize controlled livestock grazing and reliable fire protection in reserved areas.     

Assessing computer waste generation in Chile using material flow analysis

The quantities of e-waste are expected to increase sharply in Chile. The purpose of this paper is to provide a quantitative data basis on generated e-waste quantities. A material flow analysis was carried out assessing the generation of e-waste from computer equipment (desktop and laptop PCs as well as CRT and LCD-monitors). Import and sales data were collected from the Chilean Customs database as well as from publications by the International Data Corporation. A survey was conducted to determine consumers’ choices with respect to storage, re-use and disposal of computer equipment. The generation of e-waste was assessed in a baseline as well as upper and lower scenarios until 2020.The results for the baseline scenario show that about 10,000 and 20,000 tons of computer waste may be generated in the years 2010 and 2020, respectively. The cumulative e-waste generation will be four to five times higher in the upcoming decade (2010–2019) than during the current decade (2000–2009). By 2020, the shares of LCD-monitors and laptops will increase more rapidly replacing other e-waste including the CRT-monitors. The model also shows the principal flows of computer equipment from production and sale to recycling and disposal. The re-use of computer equipment plays an important role in Chile. An appropriate recycling scheme will have to be introduced to provide adequate solutions for the growing rate of e-waste generation.     

Food Aid and the Famine Relief Argument (Brief Return)

Recent publications by Pogge (Global ethics: seminal essays. St. Paul: Paragon House 2008) and by Singer (The life you can save: acting now to end world poverty. New York: Random House 2009) have resuscitated a debate over the justifiability of famine relief between Singer and ecologist Garrett Hardin in the 1970s. Yet that debate concluded with a general recognition that (a) general considerations of development ethics presented more compelling ethical problems than famine relief; and (b) some form of development would be essential to avoiding the problems of growth noted by Hardin. Better than renewing the debate, we should recognize two points. First, food needs do indeed evoke a moral response that is more direct and compelling than the philosophical positions often generated to rationalize a duty to bring aid. As such the argument for feeding hungry people cannot be generalized into a paradigm for development ethics without distortions that undercut the morally valid elements in Singer’s original argument. Second, contrary to prevailing assumptions in present day development ethics, food aid and famine relief continue to be important priorities for international agencies, notably the World Food Program. Emergency food assistance, the nominal topic of Singer’s original article, thus is an important issue for agricultural as well as development ethics, though one that should indeed be seen as distinct from more complex duties to address the conditions of chronic poverty and underdevelopment.