Lepidoptera of black taiga in Transbaikalia, East Siberia

Based on the studies conducted in 2012-2020 on the key plots of mixed fir tree woodlands that grow within the Ulan-Burgasy Mountain range, the authors identified a special nemoral group of lepidopterans, that typically inhabit ocean coastline mixed and broad-leaved forests. Another peculiarity of this area is the presence of species atypical for the major part of the Transbaikal Region: Spialia orbifer Hbn., Leucodonta bicoloria Den. et Schiff., Furcula bifida Brahm (Sub-boreal group); Laothoe populi L. (Central Palearctic group); and Feralia sauberi Graes. (Palearchearctic group). The comparison of Lepidoptera faunas on the key plots and other forest and forest-steppe habitats in the Transbaikal Region revealed their high similarity (more than 80%) to the Ulan-Burgasy humid forests that grow near Baikal and mixed fir tree taiga forests of the Khamar-Daban Ridge.

State of spruce stands in Southern Taiga forests in Udmurt Republic Taiga Zone

The study results of coniferous stands and the description of stands in the southern taiga forests of the taiga zone within the Udmurt Republic (on the territory of the Yakshur-Bodya, Igrinsky and Kez forest districts) are presented. The climatic indicators of the study year are presented in comparison with the average long-term data for the studied areas. The taxational characteristics of forest stands are given, the indicators of the morphological profile, humidity, and cellulose-decomposing activity of forest litter are presented. Studies have shown that the cellulose-decomposing activity of forest litter depends on its moisture content, which is associated with the values of the basal area per hectar of stands in the studied sample areas. No differences in the indicator of cellulose-decomposing activity were found in the sample areas in the Igrinsky forestry. The highest values of this indicator were determined in the sample area No. 1 in the Kez forestry. The lowest values of the cellulose-decomposing activity of forest litter were observed in the sample areas No. 1 and No. 3 in the Yakshur-Bodya forest area. The physiological and biochemical parameters of Siberian spruce (Pícea obováta Ledeb.) were analyzed and compared in trees of good and satisfactory living conditions, which did not show statistically significant differences in the content of chlorophylls and carotenoids in the needles. A significantly high content of photosynthetic pigments and tannins in Siberian spruce conifers was found in the sample areas in the Igrinsky forest area. Similar results were obtained for individuals of a satisfactory living condition, with the exception of the content of tannins in conifers. It was found that the high content of chlorophyll a in Siberian spruce needles is usually accompanied by an increased content of tannins and a low concentration of ascorbic acid. It is shown that in general, the potential of Siberian spruce individuals associated with the biochemical level of the formation of adaptive reactions is highest in plants in the northern regions of the republic, i.e. in areas with more extreme growing conditions. Materials were obtained on the basis of which it is possible to develop a program for monitoring plantings and restoring forest stands.

MAPPING OF BIOTOPES OF RARE AND ENDANGERED PLANT SPECIES IN THE SOUTHERN TAIGA FORESTS OF SIBERIA (EVIDENCE FROM KRASFAN LLC LEASED FOREST AREA)

The stage of mapping of biotopes is a preliminary to decision-making aimed at the conservation of forest biodiversity. The presence of rare and endangered plant species within the leased forest area of a logging company is identified by analysis of literature report and is confirmed under field surveys. To outline the biotopes of vegetation species, it is assumed to use mass forest inventory materials that contain all the information required. A field of biotopes is formed in the GIS attribute table and determines the possibility of mapping.

Orographic Factors as a Predictor of the Spread of the Siberian Silk Moth Outbreak in the Mountainous Southern Taiga Forests of Siberia

This research is dedicated to solving an urgent problem associated with the large-scale destruction of taiga forests by Siberian silk moth (Dendrolimus sibiricus) outbreaks. The dynamics of the damage to dark coniferous forest stands induced by the Siberian silk moth outbreaks in mid-altitude mountains were studied. A hypothesis was formulated based on the fundamental influence of the orography on the phytophage’s dispersal within the landscape, along with the climate, which acts as a secondary predictor—a catalyst for outbreaks. The study was carried out using Landsat−8 satellite imagery time-series (from 2018 to 2020). The data were verified using a field forest pathological survey of the territory. An assessment of the defoliated forest area and damage association with the landscape was carried out using an Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) digital elevation model. The assessment was aimed to detail the forecast parameters for an outbreak development in mid-altitude mountains using the orographic features—altitude, terrain slope, and slope aspect. Early warnings of phytophagous insect outbreaks in mountain southern taiga should be focused on the permanent monitoring of dark coniferous stands of the mossy group of forest types, covering altitude levels from 400 to 600 m, located on gentle terrains and slopes of up to 15 degrees. The greatest vulnerability to phytophage impacts was characterized as areas located at altitudes from 400 to 600 m. The upper limit of D. sibiricus distribution was 900 m above sea level. The results obtained provide comprehensive information on the Siberian silk moth potential reserves within the study area with the possibility of extrapolation to similar territories. The data will make it possible to model pest outbreaks based on orography and improve the forest pathological monitoring methods at the regional level.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN THE VISIM NATURE RESERVE: FROM THE VISIM RESERVE TO THE BIOSPHERE RESERVE

This article presents a historical analysis of human impact and further step-by-step nature reserve creation within the territory of the current Visimsky State Biosphere Reserve. From the end of XVII to the middle of XX centuries the ecosystem of low-mountain southern taiga forests in the Middle Ural region was strongly exploited by a local mining and metallurgical industry. The establishment of the Visim State Reserve in 1946 did not provide sustainable results but initiated research studies that laid a foundation for a subsequent preservation and the studies of the endemic taiga forests of the Middle Ural in the framework of the modern Visimsky State Biosphere Reserve. Since 1975 the science department of the reserve has conducted regular observations of the nature processes. The reserve has established long-term and efficient collaboration with the Institute of Ecology of Animals and Plants, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The joint research findings are used in practical solutions of the nature preservation in the region. This collaboration is also focused on the monitoring of the recreational pressure caused by the educational tourism.

Birch forests productivity in Udmurt Republic

The results of research on the productivity of birch stands on the territory of the Udmurt Republic belonging to the region of southern taiga forests of the European part of the Russian Federation, the taiga zone are presented. The dynamics of the area and reserves of birch forests in the Udmurt Republic is analyzed. Based on the sample area data, changes in the percentage of business wood yield were revealed depending on the type of forest, the composition coefficient and the age of the forest element stand. A comparison of birch stocks growing in different types of forests is made.