Loss of traditional knowledge aggravates wolf–human conflict in Georgia (Caucasus) in the wake of socio-economic change

Reports of the damage from wolf attacks have increased considerably over the last decade in Georgia (in the Caucasus). We interviewed locals about this problem in two focal regions: the Lanchkhuti area (in western Georgia) and Kazbegi District (in eastern Georgia) where livestock numbers had increased by an order of magnitude owing to dramatic shifts in the local economies over the last decade. This coincided with expanding habitats for wolves (abandoned plantations, for example). We found that the perceived damage from wolves was positively correlated with a poor knowledge of wolf habits and inappropriate livestock husbandry practices. Our results suggest a loss of traditional knowledge contributes strongly to the wolf–human conflicts in Georgia. Restoring traditional, simple but good practices—such as protecting herds using shepherd dogs and introducing bulls into the herds—can help one solve this problem.

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Effect of UV radiation and artificial acid rain on productivity of wheat

Responses of physiological parameters to UV irradiation of seeds and acid spraying of plants grown from them have been studied in several wheat species. It has been shown that, in a given species, presowing UV irradiation alone and combined UV and acid treatment generally produce a similar effect. Moreover, they have no significant influence on the yielding capacity of most species and, in some cases, even improve this parameter. All the species studied may be regarded as tolerant of these stress factors.