1.5.15. Экология

In the Kemerovo Region and Kuzbass, seedlings with closed root systems are in annual demand for reforestation and restoration. Technological elements have been developed to increase the germination of Scots pine and Siberian spruce seeds and improve the morphometric parameters of seedlings using growth regulators: NV-101, Rostok, and the use of liquid organic fertilizer BIO-R.

This work is devoted to the identification of key zoological territories (cores) as elements of an ecological network aimed at preserving habitats and concentrations of animals in the Rostov region. The basis for determining these key cores was the analysis of the distribution of terrestrial vertebrates in the region. By applying a set of criteria, 99 species acting as indicators of biodiversity were selected. The research is based on original data and on the analysis of literary sources. We have conducted more than 120 expedition trips using classical zoological methods. A spatial analysis of the distribution of the selected indicator species, including 2 amphibian species, 7 reptile species, 66 bird species and 24 mammal species, has been performed. This made it possible to identify key territories characterized by the concentration of specific species groups. These zones, reflecting the current state of biodiversity, have been identified as zoological cores. The paper proposes the concept of a multilevel ecological network consisting of two hierarchical levels: the core of the first and second orders. Special attention is paid to the first-order cores, which are considered as centers of biodiversity, ensuring reproductive success and the constant presence of a wide range of natural fauna. A total of 8 such key cores have been identified in the Rostov Region.

The study of climate change and its impact on agriculture is an important topic of study. The article is devoted to the study of the spatial and temporal transformation of the thermal regime in Yakutia and the assessment of its bioclimatic potential for the development of northern beekeeping. The study is based on meteorological data covering the time period from the 40s of the last century to the 20s of the 21st century. To study climate changes in space and time, data on average monthly and average daily air temperatures from 7 meteorological stations of the republic were analyzed: Ambarchik Bay (Arctic agricultural zone), Oymyakon and Aldan (Mountain Taiga zone), Amga (Zarechnaya zone), Yakutsk (Central zone), Nyurba (Western zone) and Lensk (Srednelenskaya zone). This data is available on the open Weather and Climate portal. The study revealed seasonal asynchrony of changes, including a powerful trend of spring warming, the thermal conservatism of the summer-autumn period and the geographical dichotomy of winter. Modern climatic changes favourably affect the bioclimatic conditions of 5 agricultural zones — Zarechnaya, Central, Western, Srednelenskaya and Gorno-Taiga (in its southern part), which contributes to the development of beekeeping. This is due to an increase in the number of productive flight days of bees in June and stable weather conditions in July.

This study examines the structure of the endophallus in 10 species from 7 genera of carrion beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae) belonging to the subfamily Silphinae. The research focuses on the membranous structures that are an extension of the external male genitalia in these beetles, which are collectively referred to by the term «endophallus». To describe specific structures of the endophallus, terms from previously published works on this topic, as well as original terms proposed by the author in this study, were used. After a morphological description of the studied species, a cluster analysis was performed, which identified four main morphological clusters based on the overall shape of the endophallus: «elongated», «bifurcated», «curved», and «rounded», respectively. The «elongated» cluster includes the genera Necrodes and Silpha. The «irregular» cluster includes the genera Oiceptoma and Dendroxena. The «curved» cluster includes only the genus Thanatophilus. The «rounded» cluster includes two genera, Phosphuga and Aclypea. At the same time, the endophallus of some genera can be considered «intermediate forms» between certain clusters. For instance, the morphotype of the internal sac of the genus Oiceptoma can be considered intermediate between the «elongated» and «rounded» clusters.

The organisation in 1995 of the Rostovsky Reserve, located in arid conditions on the left bank of Lake Manych-Gudilo, had a positive impact on the numbers of the Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia L.) and other waterbirds. The ecological changes that occurred under the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors during 30 years caused great changes in the nature of the reserve. The article shows how it affected the number and breeding places of the spoonbill and other species. In 2024, the eurasian spoonbill, pelicans, pallas's gull, сaspian tern and a number of other birds will no longer nest in the reserve.

The study of myrmecofauna of polluted areas is an important component of environmental monitoring, as changes in species composition can indicates soil conditions and ecosystem recovery stage. The effect of pollution level on composition of myrmecofauna was assessed in dried lake basins of Atamanskoe and Sornoe (Kamensk District, Rostov Region). Soils in the study area are highly heterogeneous in heavy metal (HM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination. Near the wastewater discharge point, Zn concentrations exceed the soil guideline value by a factor of 296. The total concentration of 12 PAHs is 23 times higher than background levels, reaching 65,243 mg/kg and 4,658 ng/g, respectively. Overall, 20 ant species were recorded (18 were recorded with nests identified across the study area). Depending on contamination level and type, communities of myrmecofauna are at different developmental stages. Communities at impacted sites are species-poor, comprising 7–8 adaptive species, whereas the meadow site hosts a well-developed community of 14 species, including 2 hypogean species and 2 socially parasitic species.

Abstract. Biological invasions of alien species are one of the main threats to the conservation of biodiversity in the steppe zone of southern Russia. Traditional ground-based monitoring methods are labor-intensive and do not allow for the rapid assessment of species distribution over large areas. This paper presents the results of a study on the identification of four invasive woody plant species (Amorpha fruticosa L., Robinia pseudoacacia L., Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle) based on their spectral characteristics using hyperspectral imaging. The aim of the study was to develop methodological approaches to remote identification of these species based on spectral characteristics during predictive phenological phases. Hyperspectral imaging was conducted in the laboratory and in the field using a Cubert UHD-185 camera (450–950 nm). Spectral data were classified using machine learning algorithms (Random Forest and Linear Discriminant Analysis). It was established that for A. fruticosa and R. pseudoacacia, the predictor phase is flowering (ranges 530–670 nm and 462–466 nm), while for A. altissima, it is fruiting (720–900 nm). The classification accuracy of the models reached 94–100%. It was shown that filming conditions (laboratory and field) significantly affect the transferability of the models.

Background and aim. Forest soils of the Arctic region are subject to combined heavy metal pollution. The aim of this study was to assess the acute toxicity of Yamal Forest soils contaminated with heavy metals using biotesting methods. Material and methods. Eleven soil samples were taken in the Nadym district of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. Total concentrations of Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cr, Hg, as well as pH, petroleum products, phenols, and anionic surfactants were determined. Biotesting was performed on water extracts (1:10) using Chlorella vulgaris (toxicity index I, 22 h) and Daphnia magna (mortality, 48 h) with a series of dilutions. Results. The soils were acidic (pH 4.5–4.6). Samples 1–5, 8 and 9 caused 13–23 % mortality of D. magna in undiluted extract (acute toxicity), while C. vulgaris did not exceed the threshold I ≥ 20 %. The highest toxicity was found in sample 9 (Cd 0.245 mg/kg, Ni 4.5 mg/kg). The dilution ratio eliminating toxicity was Kr = 1 (hazard class V). Correlations of toxicity with Cd (r = 0.72), Ni (r = 0.68) and phenols (r = 0.51) were significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The combination of chemical analysis and biotesting with Daphnia magna is effective for monitoring forest soils in areas of combined pollution.

Bioluminescent methods using a battery of whole-cell bacterial lux biosensors can quickly provide preliminary assessments of the toxicity of aquatic ecosystems exposed to anthropogenic pollution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ecotoxicological effects of water samples from the Don and Temernik rivers in the waters of Rostov-on-Don and Azov. The study was conducted from 2021 to 2023, analyzing 58 water samples from the Don and Temernik rivers (27 in the waters of Azov and 31 in the waters of Rostov-on-Don). Water samples were collected at water intake sites, recreational areas, residential areas, and wastewater discharge points. The natural bioluminescent strain Vibrio aquamarinus VKPM B-11245 was used to study the integral toxicity of the water samples. Genotoxicity, prooxidant properties, the presence of substances damaging proteins and violating the integrity of cell membranes, and quorum sensing inducers in surface waters were determined using recombinant E. coli MG1655 strains. The results indicate a significant load on the Don River in both water areas with substances causing membrane and DNA damage, and type I quorum sensing inducers. No highly toxic samples were detected. Comparison of the integrated toxicity of samples from the two water areas showed a statistically significant excess of toxicity in the city of Azov compared to Rostov-on-Don. Reliable differences between the toxicity of water samples were detected using three lux biosensors: E. coli MG1655 (pRecA-lux), E. coli MG1655 (pFabA-lux), and E. coli MG1655 (pVFR1-lux). In all cases, toxicity and the presence of quorum sensing inducers type I were significantly higher in water samples from the city of Azov.

This paper presents the results of a study on leafroller moth (Tortricidae) communities in two botanical–geographical regions (BGRs) of Rostov Oblast: the Azovo-Egorlyksky and the Priazovsky regions. In the Azovo-Egorlyksky region, 914 specimens belonging to 75 species were recorded, of which 28 species (37%) belong to the subfamily Tortricinae and 47 species (63%) to Olethreutinae. In the Priazovsky region, 5812 specimens and 128 species were recorded: 50 species (40%) of Tortricinae and 78 species (60%) of Olethreutinae. In both regions, the tribes Cochylini and Archipini dominate within Tortricinae, while Eucosmini and Grapholitini dominate within Olethreutinae. The distribution of species by abundance categories (very rare, rare, common, abundant), by ecological groups, by association with plant life forms (dominant: chortophages; subdominant: dendrophages), and by economic importance (pests of forests and fruit crops) is similar in both regions. In the Azovo-Egorlyksky region, the most diverse habitat type is fruit and berry gardens; in the Azov region, the most diverse habitats are tree–shrub thickets and shrubby steppe slopes with ravines. Species–accumulation curves show that for fruit–berry gardens and tree–shrub thickets in the Azovo-Egorlyksky region, the potential species richness is higher than the recorded richness; in the Priazovsky region, the curve for tree–shrub plantations has reached an asymptote (recorded species number close to potential), while for tree–shrub thickets it has not.

The article examines the geological and geomorphological features of the Southern Foothill zone of the Krasnodar Territory on the example of the territory of the Seversky district. The analysis of three main geomorphological regions is carried out: the Kuban delta-floodplain region (Prikuban plavni), the Transcuban inclined plain and the northwestern end of the Caucasian uplift. The lithogenic basis of the territory, represented by alluvial and deluvial deposits of various granulometric composition, from sands and sandy loams to heavy clays, is described in detail. The influence of relief and soil-forming rocks on the formation of hydrological conditions and the structure of the soil cover is described. The effects of anthropogenic impact (drainage reclamation, rice farming) on the transformation of primary landforms in the lowland part of the region are reflected. It is established that the complexity and heterogeneity of the geomorphological structure of the foothills determine the diversity of soil types and the active development of erosion processes.

The work is devoted to the Tipuloid insects (Insecta : Diptera : Tipulidae) of the Terek River basin within the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. Tipuloid insects are the most important representatives of the zoobenthos of the river ecosystems of the North Caucasus region. Despite the study of the species composition (based on the imago) of the regional fauna, the larval stages of development remain almost unexplored. The aim of the work is to study the species composition, structure, distribution, biotopic affinity and significance of larval stages of development of long-legged mosquitoes (Tipulidae) in various watercourses of the KBR. For the first time, a list of species of long-legged mosquitoes of Kabardino-Balkaria, larval stages of development of which are confined to various watercourses of the republic, is compiled. The study covers glacial rivers, small and ultra-small rivers, streams, and spring-fed streams from the plain (180 m above sea level) to the high-mountain zone (3,500 m above sea level) of the republic (Terek, Malka, Baksan, Chegem, Nalchik, Shalushka, Kenzhe, and others). The article provides detailed descriptions of the locations where long-horned mosquitoes were collected. The study used standardized classical research methods for collecting and processing the mosquitoes. The emphasis is on the collection of adult larval stages of development. Qualitative and quantitative collections have been made, in the latter case using Sadovsky's bentometer. The identification of long-legged mosquito species has been carried out using relevant identification tables and atlases, including modern ones. The work includes the locations where long-legged mosquito larvae were collected, accompanied by relevant photographs. Based on the collected hydrobiological material and its taxonomic processing, 23 valid species of long-legged mosquitoes have been identified in the hydroecosystems of the KBR. Detailed descriptions of the habitats of these insects have been compiled. The biology and ecology of the identified species of long-legged mosquitoes have been described. The relative abundance and biomass of the larval stages have been provided. Representatives of various zoogeographical groups of these insects have been identified. The role of long-legged mosquitoes in the hydroecosystems of the study region has been demonstrated.

This paper presents the results of a study on tortricid moth communities (Tortricidae) in the Lower Don Valley (Rostov Oblast). A total of 115 moth species belonging to 2 subfamilies and 11 tribes were recorded, and an annotated checklist has been compiled. Of these, 52 species (45 %) are of economic importance. Forest mesophilic species predominate (49 species, 36 %), which correlates with the presence in the samples of 14 species of forest pests (12 %), 14 species of fruit crop pests (12 %), as well as 55 species (48%) of chortophages and 28 species (24 %) of dendrophages. In terms of trophic breadth, polyphages dominate, accounting for 46 species (40 %). The trophic spectrum is primarily based on plants from the families Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Fagaceae, Salicaceae, and Betulaceae, many of which are cultivated species. The most abundant economically significant species include Aleimma loeflingiana, Archips rosana, Hedya nubiferana, Aspila funebrana, and Cydia pomonella. The highest number of occurrences and the highest population density of these species were recorded in areas with shrub thickets, as well as in populated localities with orchards within their boundaries or in their vicinity. The highest level of similarity in tortricid communities was observed between floodplain meadows and kitchen gardens. Maximum species diversity was noted in floodplain and forest habitats. Ravine and low-lying forests, as well as wetlands (waterbody shores), represent habitats with high potential species richness. These natural complexes are the furthest from being fully inventoried and are the most promising targets for further study.

The spread of woody invasive alien species (IAS) in grassland ecosystems significantly alters their structure and functioning and has become a serious environmental problem worldwide. Therefore, developing a regional strategy for managing woody IAS in the steppe zone of southern European Russia, taking into account the ecological, social, and economic characteristics of the region, is a pressing issue. Currently, 24 IAS have been identified within the Rostov Region. A conceptual framework for managing IAS in the steppe zone of southern Russia is proposed, taking into account the zonal specificity of the invasion process. An eradication policy is proposed for Acer negundo, Ailanthus altissima, Amorpha fruticosa, and Halimodendron halodendron. For the remaining IAS, a containment policy, selective for plant communities, is recommended. It is noted that the implementation of a management policy for a specific IAS should be based on an objective assessment of the balance of ecological and economic damage from its invasion and the ecosystem service benefits of its cultivation. Be provided with financial, technological and human resources, and also have reasonable guarantees of achieving the set goal.

The article presents for the first time the results of a comparative study of the flora of eight cemeteries in the cities of Rostov-on-Don and Bataysk. 225 species of vascular plants belonging to 181 genera and 70 families were identified. It was established that herbaceous plants (68.4 %) make up the basis of the flora, and the leading families are Asteraceae, Rosaceae, and Poaceae. It has been shown that the old necropolises (Nizhne-Gnilovskoye and Verkhne-Gnilovskoye) have the highest species richness and serve as reserves for native species. A number of invasive species (Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Ailanthus altissima, and Acer negundo) have been identified as a threat to natural ecosystems. There is a low floristic similarity (CS < 0.4; CJ < 0.3) between the necropolises of the two cities, which indicates the dominance of cultigenic flora and the relative isolation of their species complexes.

This article analyzes the dynamics of raptor species diversity within the «Rostovsky» State Natural Biosphere Reserve and its surrounding areas, located in the arid climate of southeastern Rostov Oblast in the Kuma-Manych Depression, where steppe and semi-desert landscapes prevail. Based on a synthesis of literature data from the mid-20th century onwards, obtained both before the establishment of the reserve and during its existence in the 20th and 21st centuries, and original field research conducted between 2016 and 2024. The composition of raptors (24 species) recorded in the reserve, its buffer zone, cooperation zone, as well as potentially occurring vagrant birds, is examined. To assess the effectiveness of conservation activities and identify changes in community structure, the data are divided into three temporal periods («pre-reserve», «early» and «modern»). An approach of accounting for encounters as the minimum number of individuals is proposed for estimating the relative abundance of species. The results demonstrate a significant increase in species diversity after the establishment of the reserve and the dynamics of the encounter rate of individual species, including rare and endangered ones. August was found to be the most active month in terms of the number of encounters, while October showed the highest species diversity. The outcome of this work is an updated taxonomic list of raptors in the «Rostovsky» Reserve and their residence status in the studied area. The article includes detailed information on encounter dates, information on the residence status of species, and for rare and endangered species, changes in the categories of conservation status are analyzed, which can serve as reference material for ornithologists and conservation specialists.

According to remote sensing data, the number of fire incidents in the Azov and North Caucasus regions has been determined, the area affected by these incidents has been calculated, and the largest fires in eight specific regions have been identified. Maps of the distribution of confirmed wildfire events for 2024 and 2025 were also compiled. A significant spread of wildfire activity in the studied region has been observed. As a result, the highest number of wildfire incidents per year was recorded in the territory of the Rostov Region – 1,018 incidents in 2024, and the Donetsk People’s Republic – 1,191 incidents in 2025. On the other hand, the lowest number of incidents was recorded in the Republic of Crimea – 14 incidents in 2024 and 46 incidents in 2025. In total, 8,498 wildfires occurred in the study area over the two-year period, covering a total area of 17,627.8 square kilometers. The largest wildfire incident in terms of size occurred on February 27th, covering an area of 48,800 hectare, spreading from the banks of the Kakhovka reservoir to the city of Orekhiv in the Zaporizhzhia region.

The problem of soil contamination with heavy metals and petroleum products requires the de-velopment of effective and economical remediation methods. In this study, the potential of using bottom sediments as a remediant for the restoration of polluted soils of various origins was evaluat-ed. For the experiments, Haplic Chernozem from the Botanical Garden of the Southern Federal University and Arenosols from the Kamensky district of the Rostov Region were used. In laborato-ry conditions, soil contamination with Cr, Pb and oil was simulated, followed by the introduction of bottom sediments of the Aksai River at a dose of 100 t/ha. The results showed that the type of con-taminant and soil determine the degree of toxic effects. Chromium turned out to be the most toxic element, causing a sharp suppression of enzymatic activity (dehydrogenase activity in seropesks de-creased by 97%). Oil caused complex stress, and lead caused moderate but stable depression. As a less buffered soil, Arenosols showed significantly greater vulnerability to all types of pollution com-pared to Chernozem. The introduction of bottom sediments demonstrated a remediation effect, which was most pronounced in heavily polluted soils. They stimulated the biological activity of un-contaminated soils and mitigated the effects of pollution, primarily by changing the environment, sorption of pollutants and the addition of organic matter. The greatest remediation efficiency was observed for soils contaminated with oil and Cr, especially in Arenosols, where the integral indicator of the biological state increased by 43%. Thus, bottom sediments are a promising material for the ecological restoration of degraded soils.

The aim of the study was to conduct environmental monitoring and assess the geochemical state of soils in residential areas of the Maloderbetovsky District, Republic of Kalmykia. Materials and Methods. The research objects were zonal soil subtypes: brown semi-desert and light-chestnut solonetzic soils forming complexes with solonetzes. Soil sampling was carried out in ten settlements (center, outskirts, and background sites). Laboratory studies included the determination of total heavy metal content, particle size distribution, analysis of macro-element oxides, catalase activity, and organic carbon. A distinct feature of the methodology was the calculation of technogenic concentration coefficients (Kc) and the total contamination index (Zc) relative to local background levels established individually for each settlement. Results. It was revealed that the soils of the district are characterized by an alkaline reaction, low humus content, and a predominance of light particle size distribution (sands, loamy sands). A direct correlation (r=0.68) was established between organic carbon content and soil enzymatic activity. Geochemical analysis demonstrated the dual nature of the identified anomalies: alongside areas of true technogenic pollution (chromium up to 354.70 mg/kg in Vasilyev khutor; cobalt up to 50.78 mg/kg in Iki-Bukhus settlement), high calculated pollution indices were recorded (e.g., in Plodovitoe village), which are conditioned not so much by technogenic input as by the natural depletion of the background sandy soils. Conclusions. The total pollution level of the majority of the territory is assessed as permissible; however, the specific lithological conditions require a differentiated approach in environmental regulation.