Issues

Abstract

Republic of Mordovia in Russia is a historical focus for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and tularemia. This study aimed at assessing the current status of these foci by studying their rodent reservoirs. Among the small rodents in Mordovia, the red bank vole, the common vole and the house mouse play an important role as carriers of zoonotic diseases. However, it is necessary to take into account the role of such а small species as forest dormouse (Dryomys nitedula), which has a high percentage of infection. Of all examined dormice, 66.7 % were found to have antigens of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome viral pathogen, and 33.3 % - to have antigens of tularemia pathogen. Only one specimen (16.7 %) was found to have no antigens of zoonotic diseases. Our study concluded that the forest dormouse in the Republic of Mordovia was incriminated as a pathogen reservoir causing infectious diseases in human.

Abstract

During the last years new methodologies are developed for the natural hazards risk assessment. The presented work deals with the methodology firstly developed by several bodies at global and regional level (United Nations programs – ISDR, UNDP; Inter-American Development Bank and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GTZ); ESPON 3.1.3 Hazards Project; Joint Research Centre (JRC), EC. Our goal is to further improve these methodologies including some new elements such as: building risk profiles, introduction of the qualitative and quantitative risk levels, combination of several hazards and the influencing factors, and application of the developed methodology to some selected objects in Bulgaria (forest fires around Etropole town surroundings). Presented methodology shows reasonable results and could be explored and exploited by the local authorities, civil defense and risk managers.

Abstract

The use of vegetation as slope cover becomes an alternative solution for slope stabilization instead of using shotcrete cover. Use of vegetation is a way to reduce the impact of engineering works and increase the landscape quality. Although the use of vegetation to reduce slope failure is common around the world during the last decades, but in Malaysia there is still lack of such studies. Therefore, to answer the question whether the existence of tropical trees increase the soil shear strength against slope failure and measuring the amount of increase, the soil engineering properties of two tropical species were studied. Eight trees of similar age of Acacia mangium and Macaranga tanarius, were selected along the East-West highway, Malaysia. The direct shear tests were used to analyze the effect of tree roots on soil mechanical properties. Soil and root properties such as moisture and bulk density with and without root and root architecture of two species were analyzed. The results showed that the existence of roots increases soil shear strength and this is higher in soil sample with M. tanarius roots which increases it with about 11 % to 44 % while A. mangium trees increase soil shear strength with about 7 % to 27 %. The soil particle size in M. tanarius samples shows higher coarse grain size, therefore, the higher soil shear strength could be explained. The results showed that there is a negative correlation between soil moisture and soil shear strength and a positive correlation between soil bulk density and soil shear strength. The root architecture of M. tanarius with VH-type also imply the higher soil shear strength compare with A. mangium. In conclusion, M. tanarius root and soil properties implied higher soil shear strength of soil samples compared to A. mangium.

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of climatic factors affecting radial increment in pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) in shelterbelt and forest stand in conditions of the Left Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine. Standard dendrochronological methods and methods of variational statistics have been used. Tree sensitivity over time was assessed in terms of Pearson’s correlation strength. Two periods (1965–1990 and 1991–2016) were compared to detect features of the response of latewood, earlywood, and total rings to climate change in the shelterbelt and forest stand. The following tendency was revealed: increase in the mean annual temperature by 1.1ºC (15 %), increase in the temperature in April-August by 1.1 °C (6 %), increase in March temperature by 1.4 °С (1470%), increase in winter temperature by 1.0 °С (25 %) in 1965–1990 by comparison with 1991–2016. Mean annual precipitation increased by 20 mm (4 %), precipitation in April-August increased by 10 mm (4 %) and winter precipitation decreased by 32 mm (10 %). For the shelterbelt, the significant negative correlations between the annual and latewood index series and temperatures for April, June, the average temperatures for April-August and average annual temperatures were detected for 1965–1990. Also, a significant negative correlation between the annual index series and temperature for April was revealed. Precipitation for June significantly restricted the annual increment. At the same time for forest stand only significant negative correlations between the annual and latewood index series and precipitation for April were found. In 1991–2017 significant negative correlations between latewood and September temperatures for the shelterbelt were found. Despite greater sensitivity of the oak radial growth to changes in environmental conditions and its lower stability in the shelterbelt compared to the forest stand, the radial growth of trees surviving after a severe drought in 1975 stabilized in 2010–2017.

Abstract

The private smallholder forest significantly contributes to the wood industry as well as to the livelihood and needs of the society. Farmers grow mixtures of crops and species leading to a multi-layer vegetation covers, and forest stand. However, the structure and composition of the forest exposes a unique mosaic on the landscape. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the association between forest stand structure and composition with varying farmer’s livelihood strategies such as fully-managed forest farmer, partly-managed forest farmer, and non-managed forest farmer. Data were obtained from Semoyo Village, Patuk District, Gunungkidul Regency from 72 plots representing two types of planting pattern, namely: trees along the border and mixed patterns. The negative exponential model was used to describe the forest structure model. The results showed that fully-managed forest farmers tend to have few trees with the smallest diameter at breast height, plant more multi-purposes trees species. All stand structures in the three types of farmers’ can be described by a negative exponential model, but each type possessing a different rate of diminishing in the number of trees. All of these showed that differences in stand structure are a reflection of differences in livelihood strategies

Abstract

The article is presents results of studies on the vegetation of forest territories in the western part of Ukrainian Polissya, touched upon because of illegal amber mining. It has been established that the total species composition consists of 111 species, 80 genera and 30 families of vascular plants. Leading positions in the number of species occupy the families Poaceae and Asteraceae. According to the ratio of diagnostic species among the vegetation classes, representatives of the two classes Molinio-Arrhenatheretea and Quercetea robori-petraeae occupy the leading positions in the phytosociological structure, and in general, the distribution of species of the Braun-Blanquet’s classes of the flora studied is consistent with the type of vegetation, which prevailed in the territories prior the violations. According to the Calinski-Harabasz criterion, clustering the relevés dataset into two groups (A and B) is most acceptable. The naturalness of species composition of cluster A is higher and is credibly different from cluster B. Phytoindication scores of most factors except humidity (Hd) are significantly different between clusters A and B. Additionally, the largest difference being observed in the nitrogen values, with the sites of the cluster A corresponding to soils with the lower nitrogen availability. The studied vegetation retaining sand is comprising some natural features of the surrounding type of vegetation of Ukrainian Polissya. Moreover, the relative remoteness from populated and industrial places, together with the conservation of the surrounding forests creates a potential for a substantial recolonization of the land by forest plant species. Despite this, it is advisable to conduct land restoration activities and monitor succession changes over longer period.

Abstract

This paper presents results of a study on the stand structure and some stocking control approaches of uneven-aged coniferous stands. The even-aged forest management prevails in silvicultural practices in Bulgarian forestry. Uneven-aged silviculture started in the early 1930s when the Biolley control method has been applied in the forest management plan of ‘Chamkoria’ forest. There is relatively little knowledge of uneven-aged forest management compared to a large amount of forest research related to even-aged one. The stand structure of uneven-aged stands is described by diameter distribution and normal, exponential and Weibull distributions have been tested for fit. The optimal distribution of trees by diameter classes (14–18 cm, 22–38 cm, above 42 cm) is calculated for stands with exponential and Weibull distribution.

Abstract

Based on the data of the StateGeoCadastre of Ukraine and the General development plans of towns, a comparative analysis of the structure of the land fund of small towns of Kyiv region has been carried out with the following ecological indicators: ratio of different types of land use, level of greening, population/green plantings ratio. Data analysis of the level of greening of towns and the availability of green public landscapes for general population has been conducted and it revealed that the current state of land use of small towns, as well as other urbanized territories, does not meet the requirements of environment management. Results of the analysis suggest that small towns are characterized by an excessive proportion of property development areas and suboptimal areas of natural territories, as well as insufficient greenery plantings, which require further balancing. In most of the studied small towns ecological situation can be considered satisfactory. Due to the extraordinary diversity of ecological and geographical conditions, individual approach to the development and improvement of greenery systems of small towns has been deemed feasible.

Abstract

The paradigm of multipurpose forest management in gliricidia plantation can be developed to produce woody biomass and carbon stock. Production estimation of gliricidia plants in producing woody biomass and carbon stocks needs to be estimated through allometric models. The research objective is determining the best allometric equations of wood biomass and carbon stocks with predictors of stem diameter. The materials used in the study were the gliricidia stand with age 1–5 years at Forest Management Unit Semarang. The method used in measuring and estimating forest carbon stocks refers to Indonesian National Standard (SNI) No 7724: 2011 and the SNI No 7725: 2011. The results showed that the biomass of gliricidia plants was distributed in stems (10.75 %), branches (86.30 %), and leaves (2.93 %). Furthermore, the average carbon content in stems was 57.40 %, in branches – 56.30 %, and in leaves – 52.90 % of the dry weight. R2adj of allometric models were 0.780 (linear); 0.730 (exponential); 0.532 (logarithmic); 0.799 (polynomial); and 0.959 (power). While the RMSE values were 38.89 %, 1.20 %, 56.66 %, 37.16 %, and 0.48 %, respectively. The allometric model validation showed that power model is the best allometric model for wood biomass and total carbon content. Thus, it can be considered to estimate wood biomass and total carbon with predictors of stem diameter. Further research by adding other predictors is needed to make the result of allometric models more accurate.

Abstract

A new classification approach of the forest vegetation in Etropolska Stara Planina Mt. is applied in the paper. The dominant and most widespread forest stands in the region have been investigated. They are represented mostly by Fagus sylvatica, Carpinus betulus, Quercus petraea, Betula pendula, Alnus glutinosa, etc. In total, 71 relevés collected according to the Braun-Blanquet’s methodology have been analyzed. As a result, five associations and three forest communities without phytosociological rank were identified. They were classified into four alliances and two classes: Carpino-Fagetea sylvaticae with Luzulo-Fagion sylvaticae, Fagion sylvaticae and Carpinion betuli, and Alno glutinosae-Populetea albae represented by the alliance Alnion incanae. The vegetation of the studied area demonstrates high similarity with the mesophilous to mesohygrophilous deciduous forests typical to Southeastern and Central Europe.

Abstract

The hybrid techniques (rapid static/total station) can be very helpful technology for centimetre and millimetre level positioning in the woodland. Point Positioning with CORS GNSS (Continuously Operating Reference Stations Global Navigation Satellite System) in the woodland is a significant challenge in terms of time saving to obtain high accurate coordinates of the points. The time for integer carrier-phase ambiguity solution takes approximately one-hour or more time for point positioning under the woodland with GNSS surveys. In this study, hybrid techniques for estimating point coordinates under woodland has been performed, which gives the positioning results with millimetre and centimetre level accuracy and nearly 30 minutes are required to provide the new point location in the woodland. The proposed method may also have practical usage for forest-woodland areas applications with desired accuracy at mm level, which is reached in a short observation time. A fieldwork has been performed to obtain coordinates of the point (K) in woodland with CORS GNSS system and supplementary measurements by establishing two control points (T1, T2) observed by rapid static method located at the border of the woodland. On the other hand, the coordinates of point (K) have been also gained by using a static method (3 hours observation). The coordinate differences (static-hybrid) show that a satisfactory solution for woodland is reached at mm level in a short observation time.

Abstract

Hunting exhibitions are valuable sources of morphometric data. Although considering only two craniometric measurements, i.e. maximum length and zygomatic breadth, a huge data base has been created. Trophies from almost all predator species are presented at hunting exhibitions and measured, thus making it possible to collect much more craniometric data in addition to the standard trophy evaluation. However, the CIC (Conseil International de la Chasse) have firmly established and appropriate criteria for awarding medals for only a very few carnivore species. Golden jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758) is hunted as a game species in many European countries, following its ongoing expansion, but still very few trophies are presented and measured at hunting exhibitions. Often different criteria have been applied for awarding medals to jackal trophies decided on an ad hoc basis by the evaluation committees. Recently, new criteria for awarding jackal trophies were officially adopted by CIC in the latest edition of the Handbook for the Evaluation and Measurement of Hunting Trophies. However, not so many trophies of jackal skulls were measured since then and it seems that these criteria are determined arbitrarily and are not based on research or large amounts of data. Bulgarian territory is considered the core area of Golden jackal distribution in Europe with the highest population density, but morphometric studies, including skulls from Bulgaria, are very scarce and local so far. In the present research an extensive morphometric data of jackal skulls from Bulgaria and Romania was analysed to suggest and justify new criteria for awarding medals to jackal trophies. Statistical distribution of trophy scores was approximated by normal distribution with mean and variance calculated from the large Bulgarian sample. According to the results, gold medals must be awarded to a trophy scoring 27.00 CIC points and above, silver – from 26.50 to 26.99 and bronze – from 26.00 to 26.49.

Abstract

The research undertaken focused on trunk diameter growth dynamics of seven woody species widely used in urban community gardening in Siberian cities: Picea pungens, Betula pendula, Ulmus pumila, Populus balsamifera, Sorbus aucuparia, Padus maackii, Malus baccata. Diameter growth rate was used as indirect indicator of the extent to which industrial pollutions may affect woody species in community gardening. Greening of large industrial city Krasnoyarsk was under study. Five sample sites differing in content of industrial pollutions were established within the districts of the city. It was reviled that in the Downtown greenings being under heavy recreation and vehicle-caused pollutions S. aucuparia, P. maackii, P. pungens, B. pendula and P. balsamifera could be successfully used rather than U. pumila and M. baccata. Greenings heavily polluted by nonferrous metallurgy enterprises should be composed with tolerant M. baccata, B. pendula, U. pumila and P. maackii, and; at that time P. pungens, S. aucuparia and P. balsamifera could not be recommended for planting hear. In greenings heavily polluted by heat power plants and chemical (pulp and paper) enterprises should be composed with tolerant P. pungens, S. aucuparia, P. maackii. B. pendula, U. pumila, P. balsamifera, M. baccata could not be recommended for planting there. Greenings, if planted in accordance with this recommendations, can be highly effective in fulfilling environmental, protective, sanitary, and esthetic functions in industrial cities. It should be taken into account in the implementation of management programs and development strategies for Siberian urban greenings.

Abstract

The present study adds new data to the list of Carabidae species from the Eastern Rhodope Mts. of Bulgaria, and reveals some patterns of the species composition from zoogeographic, ecological and conservation point of view. A total of 5915 specimens of 138 species belonging to 50 genera and 19 tribes are found, including 13 endemic species and subspecies, one relict and some rare and stenotopic species. This represents, respectively, 18.5 % of all established for the Bulgarian carabid fauna species and 40 % of the genera. Eleven genera (Acupalpus Latreille, 1829, Anchomenus Bonelli, 1810, Anisodactylus Dejean, 1829, Carterus Dejean & Boisduval, 1829, Demetrias Bonelli, 1810, Elaphrus Fabricius, 1775, Gynandromorphus Dejean, 1829, Olisthopus Dejean, 1828, Parophonus Ganglbauer, 1891, Tachys Dejean, 1821 and Tachyura Motschulsky, 1862) are new for the Eastern Rhodope Mts. Two of the genera (Carterus and Gynandromorphus) are also new for the whole Rhodope Mts. The subgenus Philochthus Stephens, 1828 is new for the Eastern Rhodopes and subgenus Phyla Motschulsky, 1844 is new for the whole Rhodope Mts. Among the species, 60 species are new for the Eastern Rhodopes, and 24 species of them are new for the whole Rhodope Mts. The richest tribes are Harpalini (46 species), Amarini (14 species), Lebiini (11 species) and Carabini and Sphodrini (10 species each). Pterostichini and Bembidiini are represented with nine species each. Zoogeographical analysis shows that the Mediterranean faunal type prevailed. In relation to their life forms, zoophagous carabids predominate, presented by 78 species (56.5 %). Mixophyitophagous are 60 species (43.5 %). Most of the ground beetles are mesoxerophilous (51 species, 37 %).

Abstract

The main goal of this study was to achieve a set of the main key to sustainable urban forest indicators by using Fuzzy Delphi method – Iran perspective. The questionnaires were developed based on the ecological (sub-criteria including urban trees biodiversity, trees canopy coverage, flood control, species habitat provision, carbon storage and greenhouse gases sequestration), social (sub-criteria including physical assess to nature, visual assess to nature, increasing growing space in the city, air quality improvement and danger probability of urban trees) and economic criteria (sub-criteria including energy conservation and increase property value) and 13 experts in the field of forest sciences were chosen to sit on the panel of experts. The results of this study showed that carbon storage and greenhouse gases sequestration (final weight = 0.25) in ecological sub-criteria, air quality improvement (final weight = 0.24) in social and energy conservation (final weight = 0.66) in economic criterion has the first level of importance in each criterion. The results demonstrate that urban forests not only beautify the landscape, they even play a major role in ecological, social and economic values. The results of this study will be implemented in urban forests developing projects by helping in suggesting proper tree species to maximize all of the indicators factors investigated in this study.

Abstract

The expansion of golden jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758) in Europe in the last decades has triggered research interest. Many aspects of jackal’s ecology, diet, population density, genetics, legal implications of range expansion and management have been studied thoroughly. However, very few studies have focused on body morphometrics. Bulgarian territory is considered the core area of golden jackal distribution in Europe with the highest population density, but morphometric studies including data about Bulgarian population were very scarce and local so far. The present study proposes the first comprehensive analysis of golden jackal morphometrics in Bulgaria, trying to clarify body shape and size related variability and differentiation. Morphometric data were analysed by applying recently developed statistical tools to respond to the following questions: (i) is there geographic variation in body size and shape among golden jackal population in Bulgaria, (ii) are there age-related differences and at what age jackals reach full growth of the body, and (iii) how pronounced is the sexual dimorphism in body shape and size among adult jackals? The body measurements of 87 golden jackals, collected all over the country were subjected to univariate and multivariate analyses. Body size and shape of golden jackal in Bulgaria show considerable individual variability, but weak intrapopulation differentiation. The differences in shape and size of the jackal body, as far as they exist, are age-related, but only 5–6 months old animals could be easily distinguished. Body growth ends at 10 months of age, but even 7–9 months old jackals are difficult to distinguish from the adults in the field. Sexual dimorphism in jackal’s body is weakly pronounced, with older males a little bit larger than females. The results are consistent with recent genetic and morphological studies and give further insights on patterns in variability and population structure of golden jackal in Bulgaria.

Abstract

The objects of the study were the forests in different natural zones in Ukraine. The aim was to reveal the relations between forest cover of water catchments of about 50 rivers of Dnipro, South Bug, Desna, and Siversky Donets basins in different natural zones and the components of water balance, atmospheric precipitations, surface, subsurface and total runoff and evapotranspiration. It was revealed that due to the increase in forest cover up to 20–25 % there was an increase in precipitation up to 95 % in all natural zones of Ukraine. However, further increase in the forest cover did not significantly affect it. The maximum amount of surface runoff (up to 90 %) absorbed by forests was detected when an increase in forest cover was up to 20 % in the steppe part of Ukraine and up to 50 % in Polissya zone. The highest increase in total evaporation – up to 60 % – can be observed if the forest cover increases up to 20–25 % in the Steppe zone and up to 50 % in Polissya and Forest-Steppe zones. Water conservation functions of catchment forest ecosystems are closely related to their spatial distribution and vegetation development as well as the specificities of economic activities within catchments. Significant improvement of Ukrainian rivers is impossible without sustainable management of the territory and increasing its forest cover to certain – optimal or minimum required – level. In this case, a small river catchment is to be the primary territorial unit for land and forest management. Water system sustainability and floodplain agricultural land improvement require complete afforestation of the meandering zones of rivers, as well as meander bars, dead stream branches, coasts of lakes, and scrublands.

Abstract

Latitude and altitude affect the geographical distribution of plant communities on Earth from the equator to the poles. While latitude has influence on the horizontal distribution, the altitude confines the vertical range of plant communities, shaping the floral composition and their eco-physiological features such as macronutrients that control the growth. In this research, the effects of different altitude gradients on plant macronutrients (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Na) content in leaves of two different birch species (Betula pubescens Ehrh. and B. pendula Roth) distributed in the Northern Urals region were investigated for two years. Tree leaves were collected in growing seasons in 2006 and 2008, and all measured macronutrients concentration levels were compared according to altitude and year, respectively. As a result, leaf concentration of N and P were increased by altitude in Downy birch (B. pubescens), while the macronutrient concentration levels were decreased in Silver birch (B. pendula) species. In addition, although concentration of N, P, and K levels changed in both species, the N concentration level was not significantly changed in two years. Moreover, N, P, K, and Mg concentration levels in the leaves of Silver birch increased from 2006 to 2008. This reason was likely due to the later start of the growing season and higher percentage of humidity in 2006. Consequently, altitude gradients played a significant role on macronutrient contents of birch species’ leaves.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the diameter structure of a Quercus pubescens-Quercus frainetto remnant forest in Northeastern Greece. The main disturbances acting in the study area are illegal cuttings and grazing. Two site types are found in the studied forest as a result of different grazing pressure. In site type A, where the grazing pressure is not as intense as in site type B, there are Q. pubescens-Q. frainetto degraded stands. Site type B is covered by Q. pubescens degraded stands. In each site type, a square plot of 100×100 m was established. Each plot was divided into four square subplots of 50×50 m (I, II, III and IV subplots), where the breast height diameter of all trees having a diameter equal and over 4 cm was measured. For I, II, III and IV subplots, I+II subplot and I+II+III+IV plot Anderson-Darling statistic was used in order to examine in which typical distribution their diameter distribution fits better. This procedure took place for the investigation of diameter structure spatial heterogeneity. Both species, in all plots, present low basal area and do not exhibit large diameters. The main conclusion of this study is that there is a significant spatial heterogeneity in the tree diameter structure. This heterogeneity is a combination of different forms of diameter distributions as well as of differences in basal area in the different plots. In site type B the spatial heterogeneity is more intense than in site type A if the form of the diameter distributions is considered as the main criterion for the heterogeneity assessment. On the other hand, the heterogeneity is higher in site type A if only the differences among the basal areas of subplots of 50×50 m are taken into account. The understanding of the structure of these rare for Greece stands will contribute to the protection and sustainable management of them as well as of analogous ecosystems.