scholarly journals Status of Astragalus cornutus Pall. populations in the Samara Region

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-41
Author(s):  
Valentina Nikolaevna Ilina

This paper examines features of the demographic structure of natural populations of a rare representative of the steppe flora Astragalus cornutus Pall. (Fabaceae). The rarity of the species makes it necessary to include it in the Red Books of the Russian Federation and some steppe regions. In the Samara Region, species populations require additional protection in connection with the peculiarities of biology and ecology, a significant anthropogenic load on communities, and a reduction in the number of habitats. We studied the features of the structure of populations in the Samara Trans-Volga Region. A total of 84 cenopopulations were surveyed, tendencies of population change, features of demographic and spatial structure were revealed. The structure of populations is affected by the ecological and phytocenotic conditions of the environment and anthropogenic factors. The replacement and recovery of individuals in A. cornutus populations is slow. The ontogenetic structure of populations has a fluctuation dynamics. Assessment of the studied geographical populations by L.A. Zhivotovsky efficiency criterion (2001) showed that they are all mature. Specific cenopopulations of A. cornutus are aging (5%) and old (8%). The average density of individuals is about 3 individuals/m. The average effective density is 2,4 individuals/m, the largest - 4,1, the smallest - 1,3. The condition of all studied populations (even in a satisfactory state) on the territory of the Samara Region causes alarm. Populations of the species in the region need additional protection measures.

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. 


BioTech ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Oxana Khapilina ◽  
Ainur Turzhanova ◽  
Alevtina Danilova ◽  
Asem Tumenbayeva ◽  
Vladislav Shevtsov ◽  
...  

Endemic species are especially vulnerable to biodiversity loss caused by isolation or habitat specificity, small population size, and anthropogenic factors. Endemic species biodiversity analysis has a critically important global value for the development of conservation strategies. The rare onion Allium ledebourianum is a narrow-lined endemic species, with natural populations located in the extreme climatic conditions of the Kazakh Altai. A. ledebourianum populations are decreasing everywhere due to anthropogenic impact, and therefore, this species requires preservation and protection. Conservation of this rare species is associated with monitoring studies to investigate the genetic diversity of natural populations. Fundamental components of eukaryote genome include multiple classes of interspersed repeats. Various PCR-based DNA fingerprinting methods are used to detect chromosomal changes related to recombination processes of these interspersed elements. These methods are based on interspersed repeat sequences and are an effective approach for assessing the biological diversity of plants and their variability. We applied DNA profiling approaches based on conservative sequences of interspersed repeats to assess the genetic diversity of natural A. ledebourianum populations located in the territory of Kazakhstan Altai. The analysis of natural A. ledebourianum populations, carried out using the DNA profiling approach, allowed the effective differentiation of the populations and assessment of their genetic diversity. We used conservative sequences of tRNA primer binding sites (PBS) of the long-terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons as PCR primers. Amplification using the three most effective PBS primers generated 628 PCR amplicons, with an average of 209 amplicons. The average polymorphism level varied from 34% to 40% for all studied samples. Resolution analysis of the PBS primers showed all of them to have high or medium polymorphism levels, which varied from 0.763 to 0.965. Results of the molecular analysis of variance showed that the general biodiversity of A. ledebourianum populations is due to interpopulation (67%) and intrapopulation (33%) differences. The revealed genetic diversity was higher in the most distant population of A. ledebourianum LD64, located on the Sarymsakty ridge of Southern Altai. This is the first genetic diversity study of the endemic species A. ledebourianum using DNA profiling approaches. This work allowed us to collect new genetic data on the structure of A. ledebourianum populations in the Altai for subsequent development of preservation strategies to enhance the reproduction of this relict species. The results will be useful for the conservation and exploitation of this species, serving as the basis for further studies of its evolution and ecology.


Author(s):  
TB Hoareau

AbstractAfter millennia of hunting and a population collapse, it is still challenging to understand the genetic consequences of whaling on the circumarctic bowhead whale. Here I use published modern mtDNA sequences from the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort population and a new time calibration to show that late–glacial climate changes and whaling have been the major drivers of population change. Cultures that hunted in the Arctic Seas from as early as 5000 years ago appear to be responsible for successive declines of the population growth, bringing the effective size down to 38% of its pristine population size. The Thules and the Basques (year 1000–1730) who only hunted in the North Atlantic had a major impact on this North Pacific population, indicating that bowhead whale stocks respond to harvesting as a single population unit. Recent positive growth is inferred only after the end of commercial whaling in 1915, and for levels of harvesting that are close to the current annual quota of 67 whales. By unfolding the population history of the bowhead whale, I provide compelling evidence that mtDNA yields critical yet undervalued information for management and conservation of natural populations.


Oryx ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 544-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minh Le

AbstractTurtles in South-east Asia, especially in Vietnam, have been overexploited for more than a decade, largely because of international trade with and demand from China. This study examined natural populations in Cat Tien National Park and the local trade in surrounding areas to find ways of protecting remaining turtle populations more effectively. The results show that although trade around this protected area remains high, viable turtle populations still exist. However, these populations need immediate measures to protect them. Increased protection measures in such areas should have priority over trade control, given the complexity of the trade network and the lack of government resources to control it. Nevertheless, for long-term conservation goals additional measures such as trade control, environmental education in buffer zones, and raising people's awareness in urban areas, where wildlife consumption has increased, are also required.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (45) ◽  
pp. 22-22
Author(s):  
Alexander Saakian ◽  
◽  

Annotation Environmental monitoring allowed us to analyze the state of the environment and forecast the development of the situation. It included the control of natural and anthropogenic factors of various kinds. Environmental control allowed us to assess the ecological state of agricultural landscapes in the conditions of the NGO "Zarya" of the Ryazan district, the Ryazan region. The information obtained will reduce the anthropogenic pressure on the environment and the population, as well as optimize the use of non-renewable natural resources. Keywords: ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING, ECOLOGY, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES, ENVIRONMENT


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 203-209
Author(s):  
Roman Rybicki

AbstractSoil erosion by water is an important economical issue strongly deteriorating environment and requiring remedial actions. The study was designed to evaluate antierosion effect of changes in the layout of plots from along to across slope as an effect of land consolidation. Moreover, rightness of leaving newly set out boundaries of plots without any protection (i.e. sodding) was evaluated. For this purpose simulations of use of additional anti-erosive measures were done. The Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model was used. Studies have shown that in addition to the design of transverse layout of parcels during consolidation, further antierosion measures may be necessary to reduce soil loss and sediment yield. In order to minimize soil losses outside the slope, boundaries between the newly designed fields should be sodded already in the post consolidation management. Limitation the amount of erosion over the entire slope requires use of additional protection measures in the upper part of slopes e.g. shelterbelts and antierosion crop rotations. WEPP model can be recommended for Provincial Bureaus of Surveying as a tool to support the development of assumptions for consolidation projects of lands threatened by erosion.


Author(s):  
Karen F. Beazley ◽  
Tamaini V. Snaith ◽  
Frances MacKinnon ◽  
David Colville

Habitat conversion, degradation and fragmentation, and the introduction of exotic species are among the primary factors causing the loss of biodiversity. Road density is a valuable indicator of these anthropogenic factors. Deleterious biological effects extend more than 1000 metres from roads, and road density of 0.6 km/km2 has been identified as an apparent threshold value above which natural populations of certain large vertebrates decline. Road density assessments in Nova Scotia indicate that many areas exceed this threshold. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicate relationships between road density, moose pellet distribution, and habitat suitability values. Road density has a statistically significant negative correlation with moose pellets, such that as road density increases, the probability of moose pellet presence decreases. Road density alone and road density in combination with habitat suitability index values predict the presence of moose pellets, whereas habitat suitability values alone do not. Thus, road density may be an indicator of moose habitat selection or effectiveness in mainland Nova Scotia. Biodiversity conservation activities in Nova Scotia and elsewhere could focus on discouraging further road densities above 0.6 km/km2; protecting remaining roadless and low road density areas; minimizing new road construction, especially in natural areas; decommissioning and regenerating old logging roads; increasing buffer zones between natural areas and roads; and providing road crossings for wildlife in the form of under and overpasses.La conversion, la dégradation et la fragmentation des habitats ainsi que l’introduction d’espèces exotiques figurent parmi les principaux facteurs responsables de la réduction de la biodiversité. La densité routière est un indicateur précieux de ces facteurs anthropiques. Des effets biologiques négatifs se font sentir à plus de 1 000 mètres des routes, et il semble qu’une densité routière de 0,6 km/km2 constitue un seuil au-dessus duquel les populations naturelles de certains gros vertébrés diminuent. En Nouvelle-Écosse, la densité routière dépasse ce seuil dans plusieurs régions. Des analyses de régression logistique multivariée révèlent des relations entre la densité routière, la répartition des excréments d’orignaux et les valeurs de qualité de l’habitat. Il existe une corrélation négative significative entre la densité routière et les excréments d’orignaux, l’augmentation de la densité routière réduisant la probabilité de la présence d’excréments. La densité routière seule et la densité routière combinée aux valeurs de l’indice de qualité de l’habitat permettent de prévoir la présence d’excréments d’orignaux, tandis que les valeurs de qualité de l’habitat seules ne peuvent le faire. Par conséquent, la densité routière peut être un indicateur du choix ou de l’utilité de l’habitat pour l’orignal dans la partie continentale de la Nouvelle-Écosse. Dans cette province et ailleurs, les activités de conservation de la biodiversité pourraient mettre l’accent sur le maintien de la densité routière à moins de 0,6 km/km2, sur la protection des zones sans route et à faible densité routière, sur la réduction de la construction de nouvelles routes, en particulier dans les régions naturelles, sur la mise hors-service et la restauration des vieux chemins d’exploitation forestière, sur l’augmentation des zones tampons entre les régions naturelles et les routes et sur l’aménagement de traversées routières (tunnels et viaducs) pour les animaux sauvages.


2004 ◽  
Vol 94 (5) ◽  
pp. 449-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Kourti

AbstractGene flow based on the spatial distribution of rare alleles at 25 gene loci was estimated in 15 populations of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) from different parts of the world. Estimates of Nm, the number of migrants exchanged per generation among populations in different regions of the world, appeared to be quite similar, ranging from 3.36 in tropical Africa to 2.94 in the New World and 2.72 in Mediterranean basin populations. This suggests that gene flow among neighbouring populations of medfly is quite extensive. The genetic differentiation in American, Mediterranean and African populations was related to major climatic differences between North and South. These differences arise mainly from five loci that showed gene frequency patterns suggestive of latitudinal clines in allele frequencies. The clinal variation was such that tropical-subtropical populations were more heterozygous than temperate populations. It was concluded that gene flow, counteracting the forces of natural selection and genetic drift, determines the extent to which geographical populations of C. capitata are differentiated.


Robotica ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Po-Jen Cheng ◽  
Hsiang-Yuan Ting ◽  
Han-Pang Huang

SUMMARY The variable stiffness actuator (VSA) is helpful to realize the post-collision safety strategies for safe human–robot interaction.1 The stiffness of the robot will be reduced to protect the user from injury when the collision between the robot and human occurs. However, The VSA has a mechanism limit constraint that can cause harm to users even if the stiffness is minimized. Accordingly, in this article, a concept combining danger index and robust fault detection and isolation is presented and applied to active–passive variable stiffness elastic actuator (APVSEA). APVSEA can actively change joint stiffness with the change of danger index. Experimental results show that this concept can effectively confirm the fault mode and provide additional protection measures to ensure the safety of users when the joint stiffness has been adjusted to the minimum.


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