Issues

Abstract

Fish diversity is an important indicator of a healthy river ecosystem. The article presents a study examining the current state of fish composition of the Ogosta River, western Bulgaria. Data was obtained by electrofishing along the river’s middle zone above the Ogosta Dam. The analysis recorded 12 fish species from 4 families. Most fishes are rheophilic. Four of it are specific for the North Bulgaria rivers and lower Danube basin. The fish fauna is strongly predominated by the Squalius cephalus.

Abstract

The forests, located in the conditions of steppe and forest-steppe zones, represent insular massifs with an extrazonal type of vegetation. Based on the unanimous opinion of scientists about the origin of insular pine forests and the assumption that pine forests in the past formed a single array with the zonal northern taiga, the concept of relict flora of insular pine forests arose. Scientists note that, despite the high degree of steppe species, the core of the flora is boreal in nature. The purpose of the study was to test the assumption of the relict nature of flora found in insular pine forests in the Russian Plain in contemporary conditions based on the analysis of the spectrum of latitudinal groups. We have studied the flora of the pine forests in the Russian plain: Usmansky and Khrenovskoy – located in the subzone of the typical forest-steppe of the Oka and Don Rivers lowland; Buzuluksky and Krasnosamasrky – occupying an area in the steppe zone of the Volga region. The flora of the forests in the steppe and forest-steppe zones fully reflects the natural and climatic features of these areas, which is clearly visible in the spectra of the latitudinal groups of the studied flora. One-third of the species in the floristic core are forest groups, which confirms the previously stated assumptions about the relict nature of insular pine forests. This was also confirmed by the analysis of the spectrum of latitudinal groups of rare species in the flora. In the floristic core, among the rare ones, there was a high percentage of forest species that determine its forest character. The data obtained also indicate that for many steppe and forest-steppe regions, forests may be the only habitats of forest species. For example, Drosera rotundifolia L., Calla palustris L., Lycopodium annotinum L., and Neottianthe cucullata (L.) Schlehter. 

Abstract

In our work we determined the representation of trees that serve as hosts to common mistletoe (Viscum album L.) in protected areas of the Ukrainian Polissya. Our research goal was to conduct a quantitative and qualitative inventory of tree taxa damaged by the mistletoe. The study was conducted in 57 protected areas of the Ukrainian Polissya with a combined area of 715.22 ha. We identified 455 trees hosting 8586 mistletoe plants in 36.8 % of the entities covering 51.5 % of studied areas. The total number of host-tree taxa was 64, belonging to 9 families and 16 genera, with 45 tree species being on IUCN Red List. By bio-morphological characteristics, these 64 taxa were distributed among moesophanerophytes (44), megaphanerophytes (11) and microphanerophytes (9). By ecological characteristics, the dominant taxa were heliophytes (60.9 %), followed by moesotrophs (57.8 %) and mesophytes (46.9 %). Based on damage to host trees, 46.2 % taxa had low, 31.9 % - moderate, 10.5 % – high and 11.4 % – very high levels of mistletoe damage. The highest damage was observed on five species, including Tilia cordata Mill., Acer platanoides L., Populus simonii Carrière, Populus nigra L. and Juglans nigra L. By origin, 72.3 % of damaged host trees were introduced species, whereas by number of damaged trees, 51.4 % of trees were native. On study sites, in southern section of Volyn and Zhytomyr Polissya, the rate of mistletoe infestation per plant was high and constituted 43 and 41 bushes per host tree, respectively.

Abstract

The aim of study was to investigate the effect of wood biochar in combination with nitrogen fertilizer on soil properties and maize biomass. The experiment was conducted at the Tsalapitsa field (Plovdiv, Bulgaria) on Fluvisol. A randomised block design was established – three rates (0, 5 and 10 t∙ha-1) of biochar and two rates (130 and 260 kg∙ha-1) of N fertiliser (ammonium nitrate). Each treatment was in four replications. Biochar was obtained by pyrolysis (400 ºC) of oak bark. The plant samples (leaves, stems, cobs) were taken in three phases of maize growth. The soil samples were taken during growing period and after maize harvesting. The results showed that treatments with biochar in the presence of N fertilizer significantly increased yields in maize growth (р ≤ 0.05) compared to the variants with fertilizer only. Greater positive effect of biochar application was observed in the combination of low-rate biochar (5 t∙ha-1) and low rate of fertilizer (130 kg∙ha-1) on crop biomass in different growing stages compared to controls and the variant with high N and low biochar rates (increases were +24 % and +44 %, respectively). Slight increases in pH, organic carbon and cation exchange capacity in the variants with both rates of biochar and low level of mineral fertilization were observed in the Fluvisol. When N fertilizer was applied at high rate, soil pH decreased (0.5–0.7 units) and exchangeable Al (1 cmol∙kg-1) appeared due to the fertilizer acidifying effect. The pH in these variants is not a limiting factor for maize production.

Abstract

We monitored the abundance of European Turtle dove in 6 forest habitats. The present study identifies two variables that can affect the breeding distribution of European Turtle dove in Sarnena Sredna Gora Mountain. The arable land adjacent to the breeding habitats is a significant factor influencing its breeding distribution in the study area. The abundance is significantly higher in forest habitats adjacent to cereal, sunflower and sunflower/cereal crops. Second environmental variable which determines its breeding distribution is elevation. The study shows differences between the preferences of breeding sites of Turtle doves in Sarnena Sredna Gora and those found in lowland open habitats in Bulgaria. These results suggest that different approaches to habitat management need to be chosen for different parts of the breeding area of the species in Bulgaria.

Abstract

The contribution of forest recreation to national economy and the adjacent communities is rarely recognized and often overlooked. However, if assessed, it can help to justify the need to conserve forest resources. This study assessed the value, visitor expenditure patterns and employment benefits of forest recreation at the three recreation sites in Mabira Central Forest Reserve (CFR). Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to recreational visitors from July to December 2019. The zonal travel cost method was used to determine the annual recreational value of Mabira CFR and the direct tourism spend method to estimate tourists’ expenditure. Employment income was assessed from questionnaires administered to all employees at the sites. The comparatively high annual forest recreational value of 577,446 USD was attributed to the forest’srich biodiversity and close proximity to densely populated urban areas. The most preferred recreational activity was canopy super skyway ziplining because it is relatively new. The annual income of employees at the three sites amounted to 28,034 USD, of which 78 % was attributed to employment at the sites. The total annual visitor expenditure amounted to 100,700 USD, of which 61,151 was attributed to the biodiversity of the forest. These results indicate the potential of forest recreation in job creation and income generation, which translate to improved standards of living for employees and surrounding communities. This calls for promotion of forest-based recreation in other high diversity forested areas of the country.

Abstract

Waste in the form of bark and wood from branches of Acacia mangium and Falcataria moluccana trees is abundant in forest plantations in Indonesia. It is challenging to use these branches due to their high water content. Open sun drying (OSD) takes a long time and the resulting moisture content of 10–15 % reached still leaves the wood susceptible to microorganism attack. The objectives of this study were 1) to compare the performance of a modified YSD-UNIB mixedmode solar dryer (MSD) with that of an earlier model and 2) to compare moisture content and drying time of bark and wood chips of A. mangium and F. moluccana branches in OSD and the MSD. MSD was 10 °C hotter and 14 % drier than the original YSD-UNIB model. MSD reduced the moisture content of wood and bark samples of A. mangium (to 4.52 % and 5.40 %, respectively) and F. moluccana (to 3.81 % and 5.38 %, respectively), significantly more than OSD (10.41 % and 12.11 % for A. mangium wood and bark samples, respectively, and 10.42 % and 11.82 % for F. moluccana wood and bark samples, respectively). OSD also took longer (10 days) to dry samples of both species than did MSD (20 h for A. mangium and 12 h for F. moluccana). The regression equations fitted to the drying curves for A. mangium (y = -8.746∙ln(x) + 32.49) and F. moluccana (y = -4.7∙ln(x) + 16.441) wood chips in MSD, estimated that air-dry moisture content of 10.4 % was achieved in 12 h for A. mangium and only 5.43 h for F. moluccana. For chipped bark samples of both species, the regression equation y = -8.322∙ln(x) + 31.874 and y = -4.57∙ln(x) + 18.517, respectively, estimated that A. mangium also took longer (11.12 h) than F. moluccana (6.79 h) to reach air-dry moisture content (of 12.11 % and 11.82 %, respectively).

Abstract

Both daily and seasonal year-round vocal activity of Ural owl were recorded in the Middle Volga River Region, Russia with the use of digital dictaphones. Two best-expressed peaks of longterm activity were revealed during the year: one starting in March and the other in September. In the spring, calls were recorded from 19:51 to 04:04. During this period, Ural owl’s total length of calls varied from 1 to 35 min per day, on average 12 min. The second annual peak was restricted to brood dispersal. In this period, the total duration of calls varied from 1 to 32 min per day, on average 9 min. In the spring, Ural owls always started calling from 24 min to 4 h after sunset. Vocalisation began at an average of 2 h 34 min after sunset. Completion of morning vocal activityalways ended from 1 h 30 min to 2 h 40 min before sunrise.

Abstract

The sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) shows good adaptability to climate change and it could be used more widely in plantations in Europe and Bulgaria. The purpose of this study is to analyse and establish the condition, growth and productivity of plantations and natural stands under different habitat conditions in Bulgaria. All plantations and natural stands over 30 years of age, pure or dominated by sycamore, were evaluated on site. The volume of natural stands varies from 216 m3∙ha-1 to 944 m3∙ha-1. The plantations’ growing stock at the age of 40 is 399 m3∙ha-1, 70-year-old plantation has a stock of 810 m3∙ha-1. At the age of 50–55, the Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.), the silver linden (Tilia tomentosa Moench.), the hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) and the European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) reach and exceed the growth in height of sycamore, but not in diameter. Under optimal conditions, sycamore can produce amount of volume that meets the requirements for intensive crops.

Abstract

This study was carried out in the Oued Beht watershed in Morocco, it aimed to inventory the wild medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) used and marketed in the study area and to calculate their economic value using the market price. The survey led with the local population in 2019, using face-to-face interviews and focus groups with 200 collectors and 5 cooperatives operating upstream of the sector of MAPs. This study used the Geographical Information System (GIS) tool to develop spatial maps covering medicinal plants prevalent in the Oued Beht watershed. The results permitted the identification of 23 species of MAPs collected, of which root and whole constitute the most used parts. Their economic value was estimated at 34,745,943 MAD∙yr-1 distributed between collectors and cooperatives. The profits of the cooperatives exceed 61 %, with a supply of MAPs of only 24.63 % (700 t∙yr-1). This important economic value encourages the local population to depend on these resources. For this reason, we propose sustainable exploitation of the MAPs to provide their sustainability.

Abstract

The effects of tree shelters on the survival, height, and diameter growth of three deciduous tree species – common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea Matt. (Liebl.) were studied. The study was conducted in two experimenta plantations, established in the spring of 2018 in the Training and Experimental Forest Range Petrohan (North-Western Bulgaria). Four experimental variants with tree shelters – Tubex Ventex Classic, Tubex Ventex Clear, Layflat Shelterguard, Layflat Treeguard and a control one (without tree shelters) were used. Twenty to twenty-seven seedlings in three replications of each variant and tree species were planted. The experimental plantation-1 was established on an east-facing  flat terrain at an altitude of 600 m. The soil is Grey Luvisol mixture of sandy and clay, slightly stony, and very deep. The site class is medium rich to rich. The experimental plantation-2 is located in a high-density game area. The area is a meadow, aspect north, slope with gradient 8o and an altitude of 850 m. The soil is Dystric-Eutric Cambisol, mixture of sandy and clay, slightly stony and deep. The site class is medium rich to rich. In the autumn of the second and third year after the planting height, height increment and root collar diameter were measured. The survival in both experimental plantations was high but without any statistical significance of the tree shelter. The height growth of all tree species was better in tree shelter variants, with the highest average in that with Tubex Ventex Clear. The root collar diameter growth was not yet significantly affected by the use of tree shelters. As a result of research, ventilated tree shelters (Tubex Ventex Classic and Tubex Ventex Clear) may be recommended as suitable.

Abstract

Most dendrochronological studies on conifers in Moscow region and on Russian plain in general focused to Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway Spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst). This study is focused on the chronology analysis in non-native pines from Strobi section: Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) and Macedonian pine (Pinus peuce Griseb.) in Moscow city, Moscow region and some neighboring regions, with particular attention to climatic signal in tree-ring chronologies. The study revealed climatic factors that significantly correlate with the growth dynamics of the tested trees. The studied chronologies contained a drought-associated climatic signal, and the nature of the signal differed among the species and among chronologies of the same species obtained from various geographical areas. The most important effect had the climate conditions in May, both for different locations and for different species. The cluster analysis showed similarities in chronologies of the white pine for sites located in a closer proximity to each other, thus proving that site-specific ecological conditions influenced the growth dynamics in a specific manner. This regular pattern can be used as a basis for developing methods of wood origin identification.

Abstract

Features of regeneration of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) after shelterwood cutting in mature pine stands of Eastern Polissya of Ukraine (Chernihiv region) were studied. After the first stage of cutting, the density of stocking of pine stands of certain forest types was reduced to 0.2–0.6, and the natural regeneration of pine was supported by various methods of soil mineralization and seed sowing. Self-sown seedlings and young growth of tree species were recorded on accounting sites in strips on 2–5 % of the plot area. The most successful natural regeneration of Scots pine was found at fresh and humid oak-pine relatively poor forest types, with the density of stocking 0.4. The density of 3–4-year pine young growth was 9–34 thousand plants per ha, which corresponded to a successful regeneration rate. In the final stage of shelterwood cutting, more than 70 % of Scots pine and other species seedlings were preserved, which is sufficient for the formation of valuable stands of natural origin. Shelterwood cutting is an important system of measures for close-to-nature forestry.

Abstract

The mineral deposits’ development is accompanied by significant disturbances of soil and vegetation in large areas. The study of initial stages of disturbed lands natural overgrowing makes it possible to assess patterns of vegetation formation. Forest phytocoenoses formation on serpentine substrates in the Middle Urals, Russia (taiga zone, subzone of southern taiga) was studied in this work. The research was carried out at four dumps of Anatol’sko-Shilovsky asbestos deposit. It was found that forest communities with the dominance of Pinus sylvestris L. are formed on dump sites with the predominance of overburden rocks. The herb-shrub layer of these phytocoenoses was dominated by Calamagrostis arundinacea (L.) Roth. The slopes of dumps and areas with compacted soil are overgrown with sparse undersized forest vegetation dominated by P. sylvestris and Betula pendula Roth. In herb-shrub layer of these areas, the most common were relict species Dendranthema zawadskii (Herbich) Tzvel. and rare for the Urals species, Epipactis atrorubens (Hoffm.) Besser (orсhid) and Thymus talijevii Klok. & Des.-Shost. The geobotanical and soil investigations have shown that all studied parameters (such as humidity, pH value, Mg:Ca ratio) influenced the formation of forest phytocoenoses. In general, the formation of forest vegetation on serpentine dumps is a very long process and it depends on specific climatic and soil conditions.

Abstract

The study of the distribution, morphological and population characteristics of orchids and their responses to the technogenic and natural factors have a great importance for the development of measures for the protection of rare and endangered plant species. The preservation of rare species of the Orchidaceae family is of particular importance in the Urals, Russia, given the high level of industrialization in this area. One of these species is Malaxis monophyllos (L.) Sw., which is protected in many countries, including Russia. The aim of this research was to study the demographic structure and morphological features of M. monophyllos populations in the anthropogenically disturbed habitats, as well as in the natural forest community of the Middle Urals, Russia. It was shown that M. monophyllos settles in a sparse herbaceous layer of forest phytocoenoses dominated by early succession species, such as Pinus sylvestris L., Populus tremula L. and Betula pendula Roth. In anthropogenic habitats, M. monophyllos is able to form local populations with higher abundance and density than in the natural forest community with predominance of individuals in the generative state. It was revealed that M. monophyllos colonizing technogenic substrates corresponded to orchids from the natural forest community with respect to the most biometric parameters. At the same time, they were characterized by reduced fruit formation per plant (2.6 time on average), as well as the percentage of fruit set (2.7 times on average) compared with the plants from natural community, possibly due to unfavourable conditions of technogenic habitats, including putative M. monophyllos pollinators. Suitable humidity conditions and low competition in the man-made habitats favour the growth of M. monophyllos. However, the population persistence time in disturbed habitats will depend on the further succession processes and anthropogenic activities.

Abstract

Forest communities formed on a part of ash dumps during their existence can be taken into account when assessing forest lands. The aim of this study is to identify the features of forest communities and soils formed on a fly ash dump located in southern taiga. The structure of forest communities and physico-chemical characteristics of soils formed during spontaneous overgrowth of an ash dump of Sredneuralskaya Thermal Power Plant (TPP) were studied. Mixed forest phytocoenoses with a predominance of Populus tremula L. and Betula pendula Roth aged 45–50 years age have formed on the non recultivated area of the ash dump. They are close in composition to the zonal secondary forests, have less species richness and similar reserves of living aboveground phytomass. The soils formed on the ash dump have horizons with low thickness, in which pH has shifted towards the neutral, and organic matter and basic nutrients have accumulated. Technosol humus horizons in terms of the main biogenic element content (C, N, Ca, Mg, K, P) are close to that of the background soil or even contain them in larger quantities. The formation of forest communities and soils on the ash dump is proceeding according to the zonal type. Studying forest phytocoenosis forming on the ashes with different properties and a varied combination of natural conditions will make it possible to establish patterns in the formationof forest communities on technogenic substrates and influence their speed.

Abstract

Toxic tolerance study of 1,3-Diazaspiro[4.4]nonane-2,4-dithione of Apis mellifera L. was performed in a laboratory using pollen with different protein content. There is higher toxic tolerance when bees consumed pollen with higher protein content. The lifespan of bees after application of the substance varies from 6 h for those which consumed pollen from Chondrilla juncea L. with 12.3 % protein content to 36 h for those which consumed pollen from Cornus sanguinea L. with 27.7 % protein content. When bees consumed pollen with a protein content of more than 21 %, lived longer. It seems that bees which consumed pollen with a protein content of 14.2 % had a lower toxic tolerance.

Abstract

The substance 1,3-Diazaspiro[4.4]nonane-2,4-dithione was tested in laboratory conditions for insecticidal activity against Diprion pini L. (Hymenoptera; Diprionidae) and Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera; Apidae). High mortality of 93.1 % was found against the larvae of D. pini with a concentration 0.01 %. The lifespan of the bees consumed food containing 0.01 % of the tested substance was up to 8 hour, with an average of 3.6 hour. The highest mortality was reported up to the 3rd hour, while the highest value was established at the 2nd hour. The bees fed on clean food lived up to 168 hour, an average of 120 hour. The highest mortality was reported at the 120th hour.

Abstract

Coppice with standards (CWS) has recently regained importance in forestry. This is due to increased demand for firewood, the high ecological value of CWS, its potential to produce highly valuable timber from oak and Noble Hardwoods and its potential to adapt forests to climate change. In silvicultural investigations of CWS in Franconia/Bavaria which began in 2007, three treatments were carried out in oak-dominated (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) forests on two different sites. Local coppicing systems varied as to the amount of basal area maintained, canopy cover and volume hectare. Investigations of the maidens showed that pruning to a height of 6 m in 2007 failed to improve stem quality. Due to epicormic shoots, the pruned maidens had significantly shorter branch-free bole lengths five years after pruning. The level of regeneration was high (up to 220.000 plants∙ha-1), with a large oak component (up to 95 %). Generative regeneration dominated, with coppice shoots comprising a small share of the total of young plants (<23 %). Although oak dominated in numbers, shade-tolerant species like beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) gained more height. Thus, oak is expected to play a minor role in the next stand generation and mixture regulation is needed if oak is favored. The mean height of regeneration decreased with increasing canopy cover. Furthermore, the larger the diameter of the coppiced oak stump, the more coppice shoots were produced. These results can be used to modernize and adapt management options for CWS in times of climate change, and also can give some hints for the heavy crown thinnings that have become common today in the management of broadleaf, and particularly, of oak stands with elite trees.

Abstract

The paper presents a survey on the genetic variation of Quercus frainetto Ten., an economically important tree species. Allozyme markers were applied to detect intra- and inter-population variation. The level of genetic diversity within populations was relatively high, like in other oak species with similar life history characteristics – mean expected and observed heterozygosities were 0.231, and 0.196, respectively. The major part of genetic diversity was attributed to within-population component of variation. Genetic differentiation measured by F-statistics was 0.027. No significant isolation by distance and small-scale geographic subdivision was detected, whichindicates substantial gene flow among populations.

Abstract

The distribution and cycling of nutrients were examined in a mature Bulgarian fir forest (Abies borisii-regis Mattf.) in the area of Karpenisi, Central Greece. More specifically, the current and second year concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, N, P, S, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in bulk deposition, throughfall and litterfall in the fir needles and fluxes were determined. In addition, their total amounts were measured in the standing and ground vegetation as well as in soil up to 80 cm. It was found that the throughfall deposition was a significant source of S and K. The foliar, woody and rest fractions of litterfall were 71, 19 and 10 % of the total litterfall, respectively. Among all the ecosystem components, the highest nutrient quantities were found in the mineral soil, forest floor, trunk wood, trunk bark and canopies of the fir trees. The trunk bark proved an appreciable pool for P and S. In order to calculate the mean residence time of nutrients in the forest floor, througlfall and litterfall fluxes were taken as input. It was found that the mean residence times of nutrients in forest floor followed the order Fe>Mn>Zn>Mg>Cu>P>N>Ca>K>S. According to nutrient concentrations ranges in conifer needles and soils, the fir forest is in a very good condition with regard to nutrient status. Consequently, all the environmental parameters measured in the forest can serve as a comparison reference level for other (mature) mountainous Abies forests in Europe.

Abstract

The Grey partridge (Perdix perdix L.) is a common gamebird in Bulgaria but some important parameters of its population are still poorly studied. In this paper we present results from the first radio telemetry study of wild Grey partridges in the country. A total of six partridge males were captured in two study sites in Upper Thracian Plain. Monitored birds stayed near the capture point with a mean dispersion distance of 486.9 m ±309.5 SD (min-max 54.28–1307.24 m). Sufficient data to define home range size was possible for only one adult individual and 100 % Minimum convex polygon (MCP) equaled 17 ha. Within its home range, this male partridge showed a preference for an unusual part of its home range, an area for the storage of straw bales used by a bioenergy production facility. This observation confirms the species ability to adapt to changing types of land use in agricultural ecosystems.

Abstract

This article presents the results of a study of the growth rates of Orpheus Dace from the rivers Topolnitsa and Luda Yana, tributaries of the Maritsa River’s middle zone. The study assesses species’ length and weight growth pattern. Samples were collected mainly in the autumns of 2006, 2007, 2010. A total of 552 fish were caught by electrofishing, 297 of which were caught in the Topolnitsa River and other 255 in the Luda Yana River. The oldest fish, caught in the Topolnitsa River, were four-year-old, while those from the Luda Yana River were three-year-old. More than 70 % of the specimens, caught in the Luda Yana River, were one-year-old. Average length of three-year-old Orpheus dace from the Topolnitsa River was 125 mm and average weight was 30 g. Average length of three-year-old fish from the Luda Yana River was 168 mm and average weight was 56 g.

Abstract

Forest fires play an important role in the deterioration of forests. In 2020, in Zhytomyr region, 28,300 ha of forests were damaged by fire, including about 15,000 ha in Ovruch Specialized Forest Enterprise. Forest fire occurrence depends on forest site conditions, age and type of stands (coniferous or deciduous), and humidity index. However, the significance of neighbouring subcompartments for fire spread has been proved. The number and area of such subcompartments increase after bark beetles’ outbreaks or windstorms. The aim of this research was to evaluate the change in the class of fire hazard in Ovruch Specialized Forest Enterprise forests by baseline approach and considering the type of neighbouring subcompartments using GIS technologies. Considering the categories of lands of neighbouring subcompartments shows that for 2010–2018 the class of fire hazard decreased, i.e. the hazard has increased. The area of 1st class stands in 2018 is 3577.5 ha more in the approach of considering the neighbouring subcompartments compared to the baseline approach. Fire hazard in 2018 increased due to a 3063.6 ha increase in the area of subcompartments, which bordered with clear-cuts and unclosed plantations. The effectiveness of predicting the fire occurrence was confirmed by analysing data on the fire spread in 2020. Therefore, this approach is advisable to be widely implemented by the State Agency of Forest Resources of Ukraine to determine the list of forest compartments with a high risk of fire, to evaluate their area, to calculate the location of IP cameras, as well as for navigation and calculation of the optimal path for fire suppression.