scholarly journals Transformations of the herpetofauna of South-Western Kyzylkum (Uzbekistan) under the influence of technogenesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 264 ◽  
pp. 01041
Author(s):  
Elmurad Shernazarov ◽  
Fazliddin Jumayev

The diversity of herpetofauna in the natural ecosystem of the southwestern part of Kyzylkum has been studied quite deeply. In recent decades, vast desert areas have been developed for agricultural crops, and a network of irrigation facilities has been set up for watering and water supply development of new lands and socio-cultural objects. However, the study of the animal world, including the complex of amphibians and reptiles under the influence of anthropogenic factors, has been overlooked in the transformed areas. In this paper, we present the impact and consequences of man-made factors on herpetofauna of the developed areas of the Bukhara region, using the example of hydraulic structures – collectors. The studies were carried out along the Northern collector at the Ramitan and Shafirkan stationary points. Seasonal field works were carried out from March to May and in September 2018, in October-November 2019, and June-August 2020. The population density of the species was determined based on permanent and selective routes. In total, about 80 day-time and nighttime observations were carried out, with a length of more than 130 km. The fauna of the studied area is represented by two species of amphibians and 17 species of reptiles, including three species which are listed in the Red Book of Uzbekistan and Annex I and II of CITES of which one is the IUCN Red List. According to the seasons of the year, the current state of the species population, their habitats, the dynamics of population, and the ratio of adults to young individuals are described. The expansion of the territorial space of two species of amphibians and two species of reptiles in connection with the construction of the collector-drainage network system was established. Detailed data on the negative impact of irrigation agriculture on desert species that are on the verge of complete extinction in the developed areas are provided. It is advisable to conduct conservation activities on critically endangered species regularly.

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 116-123
Author(s):  
A. P. Korzh ◽  
T. V. Zahovalko

Recently, the number of published works devoted to the processes of synanthropization of fauna, is growing like an avalanche, which indicates the extreme urgency of this theme. In our view, the process of forming devices to coexist with human and the results of his life reflects the general tandency of the modern nature evolution. Urbanization is characteristic for such a specific group of animals like amphibians, the evidence of which are numerous literature data. Many researchers use this group to assess the bioindicative quality of the environment. For this aim a variety of indicators are used: from the cellular level of life of organization up to the species composition of the group in different territories. At the same time, the interpretation of the results is not always comparable for different areas and often have significantly different interpretations by experts. Urban environment, primarily due to the contamination is extremely aggressive to amphibians. As a consequence, the urban populations of amphibians may be a change in the demographic structure, affecting the reproductive ability of the population, the disappearance of the most sensitive species or individuals, resizing animals, the appearance of abnormalities in the development, etc. At the same time play an important amphibians in the ecosystems of cities, and some species in these conditions even feel relatively comfortable. Therefore, it is interesting to understand the mechanisms of self-sustaining populations of amphibians in urban environments. To assess the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on the development of amphibian populations were used cognitive modeling using the program Vensim PLE. Cognitive map of the model for urban and suburban habitat conditions were the same. The differences concerned the strength of connections between individual factors (migration, fertility, pollution) and their orientation. In general, factors like pollution, parasites, predators had negative impact on the population, reducing its number. The birth rate, food and migration contributed to raising number of individuals. Some of the factors affected on the strength to of each other as well: the majority of the factors affected the structure of the population, had an influence on the fertility. Thanks to it the model reflects the additive effect of complex of factors on the subsequent status of the population. Proposed and analyzed four scenarios differing strength and duration of exposure. In the first scenario, a one-time contamination occurs and not subsequently repeated. The second and third scenario assumes half board contamination, 1 year (2 scenario) and two years (scenario 3). In the fourth scenario, the pollution affected the population of amphibians constantly. In accordance with the results of simulation, much weaker than the natural populations respond to pollution - have them as an intensive population growth and its disappearance at constant pollution is slow. Changes to other parameters of the model showed that this pollution is the decisive factor -only the constant action leads to a lethal outcome for the populations. All other components of the model have a corrective effect on the population dynamics, without changing its underlying trand. In urban areas due to the heavy impact of pollution maintaining the population is only possible thanks to the migration process – the constant replenishment of diminishing micropopulations of natural reserves. This confirms the assumption that the form of existence metapopulations lake frog in the city. In order to maintain the number of amphibians in urban areas at a high level it is necessary to maintain existing migration routes and the creation of new ones. Insular nature of the placement of suitable habitats in urban areas causes the metapopulation structure of the types of urbanists. Therefore, the process of urbanization is much easier for those species whicht are capable of migration in conditions of city. In the initial stages of settling the city micropopulationis formed by selective mortality of the most susceptible individuals to adverse effects. In future, maintaining the categories of individuals is provided mainly due to migration processes metapopulisation form of the species of existence is supported). It should be noted that the changes in the previous levels are always saved in future. In the case of reorganizations of individuals we of morphology can assume the existence of extremely adverse environmental conditions that threaten the extinction of the micropopulations. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Freire ◽  
Melanie Massaro ◽  
Simon McDonald ◽  
Philip Trathan ◽  
Christine J. Nicol

Wild penguins are facing increased threats to their populations and their welfare as a consequence of human activities. Understanding the perception of animal welfare is essential to identify ethical concerns related to the negative impact of anthropogenic factors on wild species and to guide conservation efforts that reflect societal values. Since penguin conservation is of general interest, we examined the human dimension of welfare assessment across a range of interest groups concerned with penguins, seabird biology and wildlife conservation. We provided participants with a Penguin Welfare Assessment Tool (PWAT) based on the five domains model. The PWAT supports consideration of the impact of four physical aspects on welfare-relevant mental states. Bibliometric analysis of keywords from 347 scientific articles indicated that penguins around the world face five main types (themes) of anthropogenic factors and we then developed five hypothetical scenarios, each related to one theme. Seventy-five participants scored the overall impact of the events described in the scenarios on penguin welfare as negative using the PWAT. Participants rated short-duration, high-intensity events (i.e., being trapped in a ghost fishing net) as having a significantly more severe impact on penguin welfare than low-intensity, long-duration events (P < 0.0001). Scores provided by participants for each domain for each scenario were largely as expected and we found good correlation (all P < 0.0001) between the physical domains and “mental state” for all scenarios, indicating that the tool was facilitating the participants' assessment of welfare. No evidence was found that experience of working or studying penguins, or indeed any other demographic factor investigated, influenced the assessments of welfare. We found little agreement between participants in the scores provided (unalike scores mostly between 0.7 and 0.8), and agreement between participants with experience of working with penguins was no better than between participants without such experience. We discuss the possibility that low agreement within different interest groups may be improved by providing more scientific information to support the evaluation of penguin welfare. We conclude that scientific knowledge of penguin biological responses to anthropogenic factors is vital to support the evaluation of wild penguin welfare by the public and other stakeholders.


2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Roma Witriyanto ◽  
Mochamad Hadi ◽  
Rully Rahadian

Inorganic paddies system has a negative impact as pests become resistant, environmental pollution and residual hazard. People who are aware of the impact of the application of synthetic chemicals have been applying organic farming. This research aimed to compare the abundance, diversity and dominance of soil macroarthropods  in the organic and inorganic paddies field in Village Bakalrejo, Susukan District of Kabupaten Semarang. Sampling of soil macroarthropods method used pit fall traps . Fifteen pit fall traps were set up in the research area and they were divided into three line whith respective line are 5 pit fall traps. Soil macroarthropods  which has been found were identified up to family taxon. The results of the research shows abundance of soil macroarthropods organic rice in paddy fields higher (297) than in inorganic paddy fields (236). Diversity of soil macroarthropods in every phase of rice growth (vegetative, reproductive, ripening and post-harvest) was higher in organic paddy fields (1,479; 1,644; 1,561; 1,019) than inorganic paddy fields (1.391; 0.595; 1.286; 1.002). Based on the relative abundance index, soil macroarthropods family dominated organic paddy fields in every phase of rice growth (vegetative, reproductive, ripening, and post-harvest) was lower (Gryllidae: 39.4%; Carabidae: 46.7%; Formicidae: 44.1 %; Formicidae: 48.8%) than in the inorganic paddy fields (Carabidae: 35.5%; Carabidae: 57.4%; Formicidae: 56.3%; Formicidae: 77.6%). Key words :  biodiversity, soil macroarthropods, organic farming.


Symmetry ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 1317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Shadrina ◽  
Nina Turmukhametova ◽  
Victoria Soldatova ◽  
Yakov Vol'pert ◽  
Irina Korotchenko ◽  
...  

The fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in Betula pendula Roth was estimated as an integrated measure of five morphometric characteristics of a lamina. Samples were collected in seven cities that differ both in climatic conditions, moderately to sharply continental. In total, 33 ecotopes were distinguished with various level of anthropogenic load. The statistical data processing involved correlation, one-way and factorial ANOVA, regression analyses, and principal component analysis (PCA). The impact of 25 climatic and anthropogenic factors on the FA value was considered. In most urban ecotopes, the integrated fluctuating asymmetry (IFA) value was higher than in natural biotopes of the same region. No significant inter-annual differences in IFA values were found. FA dependence on traffic load is noted to be statistically significant. The covariation analysis of IFA, climatic, and anthropogenic variables in various urban ecotopes revealed the impact of three groups of factors that together explain 93% of the variance in environmental parameters. The complex analysis clearly arranged the studied ecotopes by pollution gradient and climatic patterns. The primary effect of the total anthropogenic load on the developmental stability of B. pendula results in an IFA increase. IFA can play a key role in bioindication assessment of environmental quality. The climatic factors have no significant effect on the developmental stability of B. pendula in urban conditions.


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominika Dąbrowska ◽  
Marek Sołtysiak

Abstract Many plant and animal species are closely related to the aquatic environment. Small reservoirs are a place of the biodiversity concentration. Reservoirs are especially important for amphibian species as a place of feeding, shelter and wintering. Many anthropogenic factors has a significant impact on the natural values of water reservoirs (surroundings of the water reservoirs, the shore`s type, distance from roads and buildings, the role of the object and the chemical status). They can eliminate or change amphibian population. The effect of three such factors was determined for one of the cities in the Upper Silesian Agglomeration - Sosnowiec (91 km2). The paper presents an assessment of the impact of the type of surroundings, the percentage share of the open space around water reservoirs and the distance from roads and buildings on the number of amphibian species present in the reservoir. In the analysis were taken into account 20 reservoirs, in which amphibian species were found. This analysis indicates the influence urban factors on the number of amphibian species in water reservoirs based on positive correlations in the case of Spearman Rank correlation and the Fisher’s exact test. Results of these calculations highlight the negative impact of the anthropopressure (the changes in the environment) on the amphibian breeding places and the biodiversity.


2015 ◽  
Vol 370 (1667) ◽  
pp. 20140129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamiel Spoelstra ◽  
Roy H. A. van Grunsven ◽  
Maurice Donners ◽  
Phillip Gienapp ◽  
Martinus E. Huigens ◽  
...  

Artificial night-time illumination of natural habitats has increased dramatically over the past few decades. Generally, studies that assess the impact of artificial light on various species in the wild make use of existing illumination and are therefore correlative. Moreover, studies mostly focus on short-term consequences at the individual level, rather than long-term consequences at the population and community level—thereby ignoring possible unknown cascading effects in ecosystems. The recent change to LED lighting has opened up the exciting possibility to use light with a custom spectral composition, thereby potentially reducing the negative impact of artificial light. We describe here a large-scale, ecosystem-wide study where we experimentally illuminate forest-edge habitat with different spectral composition, replicated eight times. Monitoring of species is being performed according to rigid protocols, in part using a citizen-science-based approach, and automated where possible. Simultaneously, we specifically look at alterations in behaviour, such as changes in activity, and daily and seasonal timing. In our set-up, we have so far observed that experimental lights facilitate foraging activity of pipistrelle bats, suppress activity of wood mice and have effects on birds at the community level, which vary with spectral composition. Thus far, we have not observed effects on moth populations, but these and many other effects may surface only after a longer period of time.


Oryx ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bakri Nadhurou ◽  
Roberta Righini ◽  
Marco Gamba ◽  
Paola Laiolo ◽  
Ahmed Ouledi ◽  
...  

AbstractThe decline of the mongoose lemur Eulemur mongoz has resulted in a change of its conservation status from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered. Assessing the current threats to the species and the attitudes of the people coexisting with it is fundamental to understanding whether and how human impacts may affect populations. A questionnaire-based analysis was used to study the impact of agriculture and other subsistence activities, and local educational initiatives, on lemur abundance, group size and composition in the Comoros. On the islands of Mohéli and Anjouan we recorded 214 lemurs in 63 groups, the size and composition of which depended both on environmental parameters and the magnitude and type of anthropogenic pressure. There was no evidence of an impact of anthropogenic disturbance on abundance. In contrast, group size and composition were sensitive to human impacts. The most important threats were conflicts related to crop raiding, as well as illegal capture and hunting. The promotion of educational activities reduced the negative impact of hunting and illegal activities. These results highlight a need for urgent conservation measures to protect the species.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 113-123
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Bielczyńska

Abstract The aim of the work was to analyze the influence of wave activity on invertebrate fauna living in the littoral zone. For this purpose, an algorithm was developed to analyze spatial and meteorological data, calculating the values of fetch and wind exposure. The taxonomic composition of the fauna and the values of selected water quality indicators were analyzed against the background of varied wind exposure, trophy, and various habitats. A significant negative impact of wind exposure on the taxonomic variety of the macrozoobenthic community, the number of Coenagrionidae damselflies and Baetidae mayflies was found. It is difficult to separate the impact of waves on the fauna from the impact of other natural and anthropogenic factors, because those factors may also be affected by water movements. The tool produced as part of this work can also be used to further investigate the issue of impact of waves on all the communities living in the littoral zone.


2019 ◽  
Vol 945 ◽  
pp. 718-723 ◽  
Author(s):  
V.Y. Chukhlanov ◽  
O.G. Selivanov ◽  
N.V. Chukhlanova

The paper considers the problems of creating new protective coatings based on organosilicon polymer – polymethylphenylsiloxane, modified with tetraisopropyltitanate. The mechanisms of siloxane polymer nanostructuring have been suggested. The coating surface nanostructure and the impact of material components content and nature on its properties have been studied. To research protective surface nanostructure, the method of atomic-force probe microscopy applying IntegraAura device has been used. Nanoparticles formations with 10-20 nm effective scale have been revealed. Adhesive properties of the protective coating have been studied. Glass and metal adhesion was determined applying the method of detachment from the steel discs substrate using adhesive meter PSO-MG4. The modification was stated not to cause any substantial loss of coating adhesive properties. Simultaneously modification process was accompanied with the increase of relative coating firmness.The developed compounds and corresponding coatings are aimed at protecting buildings and constructions against negative impact of natural and anthropogenic factors.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
Pruthu Thekkur ◽  
Hannock Tweya ◽  
Sam Phiri ◽  
James Mpunga ◽  
Thokozani Kalua ◽  
...  

When the COVID-19 pandemic was announced in March 2020, there was concern that TB and HIV programme services in Malawi would be severely affected. We set up real-time monthly surveillance of TB and HIV activities in eight health facilities in Lilongwe to see if it was possible to counteract the anticipated negative impact on TB case detection and treatment and HIV testing. Aggregate data were collected monthly during the COVID-19 period (March 2020–February 2021) using an EpiCollect5 application and compared with monthly data collected during the pre-COVID-19 period (March 2019–February 2020); these reports were sent monthly to programme directors. During COVID-19, there was an overall decrease in persons presenting with presumptive pulmonary TB (45.6%), in patients registered for TB treatment (19.1%), and in individuals tested for HIV (39.0%). For presumptive TB, children and females were more affected, but for HIV testing, adults and males were more affected. During COVID-19, the TB treatment success rate (96.1% in pre-COVID-19 and 96.0% during COVID-19 period) and referral of HIV-positive persons to antiretroviral therapy (100% in pre-COVID-19 and 98.6% during COVID-19 period) remained high and largely unchanged. Declining trends in TB and HIV case detection were not redressed despite real-time monthly surveillance.


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