This study aimed to analyse, categorise, and interpret the habitat diversity of Khortytsia Island's floodplain in Ukraine. It employed the European Nature Information System Habitat Classification alongside an integrated approach that incorporated geobotanical, geomorphological, bioindication, and remote sensing methods. A total of 876 vegetation relev & eacute;s from 2024-2025 were examined. Plant communities were initially grouped through Two-Way Indicator Species Analysis, with diagnostic species identified based on fidelity values and indicator analysis. These floristic groups were then assigned to habitat types by comparing them with the system's key navigation, factsheets, formal definitions, and official crosswalks. To understand the main factors driving habitat differentiation, analyses included geomorphological variables, ecological indicator values, plant strategy analysis, Multivariate Analysis of Variance, Canonical Correspondence Analysis, and Partial Canonical Correspondence Analysis. Habitat mapping using remote sensing was conducted to analyse spatial and temporal changes from 2022 to 2025. Ten terrestrial habitat types and two water-associated types were distinguished. The terrestrial habitats comprised pioneer sandy vegetation, drawdownshore communities, riverine willow scrub, humid tall-herb assemblages, reed canary-grass beds, willow gallery forests, mixed poplar riparian forests, floodplain oak forests, and sandy steppes. Habitat differentiation was primarily influenced by geomorphology (especially elevation, topographic position, and wetness) distinguishing low alluvial depressions, wet floodplain zones, and elevated sandy terraces. Ecological indicator values revealed that edaphic moisture, air humidity, soil pH, and nitrogen levels were the strongest predictors of habitat differences. These gradients mainly reflected hydrological, trophic, and substrate-chemical variations, with plant strategies indicating distinct traits related to competition, stress tolerance, and disturbance adaptation. Spatial analysis showed a shift from a relatively stable floodplain pattern in 2022 to a highly dynamic mosaic in 2024-2025, driven by drainage, substrate exposure, and faster succession. The findings demonstrate that the European Nature Information System offers a robust framework for interpreting habitat changes after disturbances, supports comparable biodiversity assessments globally, and provides vital information for conservation planning in the former Kahovka floodplain. The study underscores the conservation potential of this area amidst ongoing ecological reorganisation.
Intensified aridization of climate and increase in the frequency of extreme weather events actualize the problem of studying the adaptive strategies of introduced woody plants to ensure stability of the cultivated phytocenoses. The paper presents a comparative analysis of the physiological stability of 12 taxa of the Viburnum L. genus in the conditions of the Steppe Dnipro region during the growing season with the contrast moisture regime. We established the main directions of phenotypic modifications contributing to realization of the adaptive potential of species in the drought conditions-increased signs of xeromorphism of the leaf morphostructure (V. lantana, V. & scy;arlesii, V. rhytidophyllum, V. & times;juddii), physiological mechanisms of increase in water-holding capacity of the tissues (V. trilobum, V. & times;bodnantense, V. prunifolium, V. opulus), and complex effect of these reactions (V. plicatum, V. lentago, V. farreri, V. farreri 'fragrans'). Dynamics of the physiological state of plants was assessed based on the monitoring of the set of water regime parameters using the multivariate statistical analysis (hierarchical clustering with the Ward's method). Results of the study demonstrate a clear differentiation of species according to strategies of their adaptation to hydrothermal stress. Analysis of dendrograms allowed us to identify four stable cluster groups maintaining structural integrity under conditions of moderate moisture and to find "free elements" characterized by chaotic physiological response. The peak drought load in July was observed to destabilize the cluster structure, resulting in the separation of moderately resistant species (in particular, V. lantana) from the formed groups. Based on the assessment of the stability of interspecific relationships, the taxa under study are differentiated into three categories: resistant, moderately resistant, and nonresistant. Regarding the formation of resistance, the determining role of ecological and geographical origin in this process was revealed: Taxa of North American (V. prunifolium, V. lentago) and European origin, evolutionarily adapted to the continental climate, demonstrated the highest adaptive potential. By contrast, the representatives of the East Asian flora (V. carlesii, V. farreri), being the typical mesophytes of the monsoon climate, showed the lowest drought tolerance. Partial regrouping of the studied taxa under the influence of peak loads is a consequence of sufficiently long period of introduction of these species in the conditions of steppe zone, in the area with unstable moisture. As a result, morphophysiological features of the plants under study are transformed. The proposed methodological approach and established ecological differentiation of mesophytic species in the xerothermic conditions allow us to predict the success of introduction and scientifically justify the selection of a sustainable assortment of ornamental shrubs for regions with risky hydrothermal regime.
Monitoring the impact of agricultural management on epigeic beetles is important for assessing the stability of agroecosystems . Beetles represent suitable bioindicators , as they respond sensitively to e nvironmental changes. We analyzed histomorphometric traits ( area, perimeter, maximum and minimum diameter) o f the c ecal crypts of the beetles Pterostichus niger (Schaller, 1783), Calathus fuscipes ( Goeze , 1777) , and Silp ha obscura Linnaeus, 1758 living under organic and conventional management conditions. The results showed higher med i an values of the histomorphological features of P. niger and S. obscura under organic ma n agement, and a similar trend was observed for C . fuscipes . Conventional management was associated with lower median values of the histomorphological features, indicating the presence of individuals that were lacking food. The most pronounced reaction to management was confirmed in P . niger and S . obscura , and the lowest in C . fuscipes , which corr e sponds to its preference for warmer and more disturbed habitats. The obtained results point to the importance of organic management for supporting favorable histomorphological structures of epigeic beetles and emphasize their usefulness in monitoring anthropogenic impacts and setting effective agroenvironmental measures.
Morphometric traits are essential tools for understanding the variability of organisms and their responses to environmental conditions. They provide valuable insights into ecological processes, as changes in body size and proportions often reflect adaptations to habitat characteristics and environmental pressures. During the years 2020-2023, we conducted research in 6 study areas falling under three habitats (willow-poplar floodplain forest, poplar nursery, alluvial meadow) in the Danube Floodplains Protected Landscape Area (CHKO Dunajsk & eacute; Luhy). This study examined the variability of nine morphometric characters (body length, body height, body width, head lenght, head width, pronotum lenght, pronotum width, right elytron, left elytron) in the ground beetle Carabus granulatus Linnaeus, 1758 in relation to management, habitat, and sex. A total of 992 individuals (440 males, 552 females) were analyzed. Individuals from the managed sites showed slightly higher values in body width, head width, and pronotum width, whereas those from unmanaged habitats exhibited greater body length, body height, and elytral length. Generalized linear models revealed that habitat and sex were the main factors influencing morphometric variability, while management had a weaker effect. Habitat significantly affected multiple traits, with lower values observed in more disturbed environments. Sex had a strong influence on most traits, with males consistently smaller than females, confirming sexual dimorphism. A Multi-layer Perceptron model demonstrated high classification performance (accuracy = 0.925), indicating that morphometric traits effectively distinguish individuals based on management. Overall, morphometric variability is primarily driven by habitat conditions and sex, with management playing a secondary role. Morphometric traits can be applied in environmental monitoring as sensitive indicators of habitat quality and ecological changes. Their analysis enables more effective assessment of land management practices and supports conservation strategies aimed at maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
At the European level, interest in the study and conservation of the Eurasian lynx has increased considerably, particularly with regard to the spatial organization of its populations across different ecosystems and landscapes, including home range size and habitat use. In Ukraine, however, reliable information on the spatial parameters of lynx populations based on modern monitoring approaches remains extremely limited. The objective of this study was to assess the spatial structure of the home range of a male lynx within the Volyn Polissia region using GPS-GSM telemetry data obtained in Ukraine. Spatial analyses were conducted using the Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) and Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) methods, with additional identification of core and subcore areas. The total home range area of the male lynx during February-August 2023 was estimated at 258.3 km(2) using MCP (100%) and 119.5 km(2) using KDE (100%), while the core and subcore areas comprised 24.0 km(2) and 10.9 km(2), respectively. During the breeding season, the estimated areas of MCP (100%), KDE (100%), core area, and subcore zones were 158.5 km(2), 55.4 km(2), 0.6 km(2), and 3.2 km(2), respectively, indicating a pronounced reduction compared with the nonbreeding period. Analysis of core and subcore location points demonstrated the importance of oligotrophic and mesotrophic swampy coniferous and deciduous forests, black alder-dominated wetlands, and swampy pine forests as key habitats for hunting, reproduction, and shelter. The obtained results provide new insights into the spatial ecology of the Eurasian lynx in Volyn Polissia and contribute valuable baseline data for the development of effective management and conservation strategies for lynx populations in Ukraine.
Urban parks play a vital role in providing essential ecosystem services, including the maintenance of biodiversity and the enhancement of urban well-being. We analysed how variations in tree stand structure influence microclimate, hemeroby, naturalness, and the functional diversity of the herbaceous layer in two parks in Dnipro, Ukraine. Denser and more diverse tree stands with a higher leaf area index created cooler and moister understory conditions with reduced light, whereas open and homogeneous stands produced hotter, drier, and more brightly lit patches. Tree stand structure drove microclimatic contrasts that underpinned the hemeroby-naturalness gradients of the herb layer: Shaded, humid interiors supported communities dominated by native perennial species of higher naturalness, while exposed, warm, and dry sites beneath open canopies were occupied by ruderal and adventive species indicative of high hemeroby. In this framework, hemeroby reflects the degree of anthropogenic transformation of the herb layer, whereas naturalness captures the retained memory of its near-natural state. Hemeroby and naturalness were found to jointly shape the functional diversity of the herb layer: Disturbed sites favoured short-lived, light-demanding species with high dispersal potential, elevated leaf nitrogen content, and persistent seed banks, whereas more natural sites were characterised by taller perennials with more conservative leaf traits. Using Structural Equation Modelling, we demonstrate that these effects can be described by four main gradients linking stand density/thinning, stand diversity, and cooling versus heating potential to herb layer functional richness, evenness, and divergence. Our results show that tree stands do not merely "matter" in a general sense but actively engineer the microclimate, degree of anthropogenic transformation, and functional composition of the herbaceous layer. This understanding provides a biologically grounded basis for park management that utilises stand structure to enhance biodiversity and stabilise ecosystem services in urban green spaces.
We utilized DNA barcoding to analyze 241 mitochondrial COI sequences of Stenurella melanura across its European range, establishing a framework for understanding its intraspecific genetic variation with four genetically distinct haplogroups (Sm1-Sm4). The two most widespread lineages, Sm1 and Sm2, show a strong association with dorsal pubescence coloration, particularly of the elytra: Sm1 is dominated by light-pubescent individuals, whereas Sm2 predominantly comprises dark-pubescent forms. Instances of discordance between haplogroup and pubescence coloration are best explained by ongoing hybridization, with geographically structured distributions across Europe, reflecting complex postglacial biogeography. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two highly divergent sequences forming a distinct clade, separated from S. melanura by a mean genetic distance of 0.077 substitutions per site. Morphological examination confirmed their conformity with the original description of Stenurella sennii nom. res., validating the taxonomic restoration of this neglected species. As S. sennii nom. res. is a cryptic sibling species morphologically indistinguishable from light-pubescent Sm1 haplogroup of S. melanura, traditional identification fails to capture this diversity. Our pan-European phylogeographic framework resolves this confusion, demonstrating that molecular diagnostics are essential for accurate species delimitation and for maintaining the integrity of taxonomic inventories.
Naturalness is a key ecological concept reflecting the extent to which plant communities correspond to their natural state under minimal anthropogenic influence. The Borhidi system provides a widely used framework for assigning species-level naturalness indicator values based on ecological behaviour; however, its application at the community level remains insufficiently validated. This study aimed to assess whether species-level naturalness indicators correspond to empirically observed patterns in vegetation and to develop a reproducible, community-calibrated naturalness scale for the steppe ecosystems of Ukraine. The analysis was based on a large vegetation dataset encompassing a broad gradient of naturalness and anthropogenic transformation, including natural, semi-natural, urban, agricultural, and technogenic habitats. A modified Borhidi-like classification was developed by integrating functional traits, ecological niche breadth, synanthropic status, and conservation information into a unified species-level index. Relationships between species traits, environmental gradients, and community composition were analysed using RLQ ordination. A curvilinear naturalness trajectory was derived from the ordination space and used to construct a continuous community-level indicator scale. The results show that species-level naturalness categories exhibit non-random patterns in community composition and are related to environmental gradients. They do not form a single linear gradient; instead, naturalness emerges as a multidimensional property structured by multiple ecological processes. The most consistent dimension corresponds to the contrast between stress-tolerant and ruderal strategies, which approximates a functional naturalness gradient. Functional traits, particularly stress tolerance and ecological niche breadth, significantly contribute to explaining variation along this gradient, although they do not fully determine species positions. The proposed approach allows the transformation of discrete Borhidi-like categories into a continuous, empirically calibrated naturalness scale. This scale reflects community-level organisation and provides a more robust basis for ecological interpretation than purely expert-based classifications. At the same time, the results highlight that the transfer of species-level indicators to the community level is only partially valid, as many categories exhibit context-dependent behaviour. The study demonstrates that naturalness can be operationalised as a continuous, community-derived indicator when species’ ecological properties are integrated with empirical vegetation data. The proposed framework offers a reproducible tool for assessing vegetation naturalness and analysing ecosystem transformation across heterogeneous landscapes.
The use of systemic neonicotinoid insecticides disrupts the ecological balance in agrocenoses and is detrimental to non-target invertebrates. Therefore, in a laboratory experiment, we evaluated the sensitivity of 50 nontarget species of invertebrates to imidacloprid. No sensitivity to this insecticide was shown by Cylindroiulus truncorum, Formica rufa, Geophilus carpophagus, and Pterostichus niger (the L & Scy;50 values were in the range of 10 to 166 mg/m2). A moderate sensitivity was exhibited by Lithobius forficatus, Megaphyllum sp., Forficula auricularia, Labia minor, Porcellio laevis, Notiophilus palustris, Harpalus rufipes, H. latus, Amara nitida, Ophonus rufibarbis, Ponera coarctata, Lasius fuliginosus, L. niger, L. flavus, Rhyparochromus phoeniceus, Lygus pratensis, Oxythyrea funesta, and Teuchestes fossor (L & Scy;50 measuring 1 to 10 mg/m2). Imidacloprid-sensitive species were found to be Carabus convexus, C. granulatus, C. hortensis, Nebria brevicollis, Tachyporus hypnorum, Tachinus signatus, Drusilla canaliculata, Philonthus coprophilus, Ph. decorus, Ph. nitidus, Ph. cognatus, Silpha carinata, Phosphuga atrata, Aphodius foetens, Hister fenestus, Chortippus sp., Graphosoma italicum, Coreus marginatus, Pyrrhocoris apterus, and Myrmica ruginodis (L & Scy;50 ranging 0.1 to 1 mg/m2). A hypersensitivity to the studied insecticide was registered for Ph. carbonarius, Xantholinus tricolor, and Oxytelus sculptus (L & Scy;50 accounting for 0.03 to 0.08 mg/m2). The values of median lethal concentration for some nontarget arthropods could vary by over 5,000 times. We observed no relationship between trophic specialization of the species and sensitivity to imidacloprid. The larger the invertebrate's body, the less sensitivity to the insecticide it exhibited.
One of the priority directions in modern botany is the experimental investigation of the ecological anatomy of plants. Rapidly increasing anthropogenic pollution is among the main ecological issues threatening ecosystem stability and plant diversity on a global scale. In this context, studying the adaptive mechanisms of species resistant to ecological pressures, including plants with bioindicator potential such as Peganum harmala, holds particular significance. Such studies provide not only an assessment of regional conditions but also a scientific basis for global phytobioindication, biodiversity conservation, and ecological restoration strategies. Investigating the structural adaptations of flora elements in ecologically pristine and phytocontaminated environments is crucial for evaluating ecosystem health. The present study is distinguished by a comprehensive approach analyzing structural adaptations of plants under contemporary ecological risks, thereby integrating regional observations into the study of global environmental challenges. Plant samples naturally occurring in the study areas were collected, fixed, and subjected to anatomical sectioning. Transverse sections obtained using a microtome were treated with histochemical reagents and processed into permanent preparations. Statistical analysis of micrometric parameters recorded during microscopic examination revealed significant differences among the samples. Notably, in plants collected from the Aghdam Industrial Park, massive accumulation of yellow-pigmented intracellular inclusions was microscopically confirmed in the palisade parenchyma of leaves, the prosenchymatous tissue of the petiole, the palisade cell layer of the sepal, and the chlorenchyma of the stem and pedicel. Parenchymatic inclusions were also observed. Idioblasts were recorded in both leaves and sepals of these samples. Statistical measurements indicated that in the Aghdam specimens, the thickness of chloroplast-containing parenchyma layers in leaves, petioles, and sepals was greater, whereas in the Zangilan specimens, the epidermal cell size and the thickness of their outer periclinal walls were higher across all above-ground vegetative organs. In seeds from Zangilan, the aleurone layer was better developed, while in the Aghdam seeds, a thicker endotesta and accumulation of non-specific intracellular inclusions were observed, demonstrating that structural variability occurs under differing environmental conditions. Root samples from Aghdam showed more compact tissue organization, particularly a thicker periderm and stronger sclerenchyma development. These findings highlight the plant's high adaptive capacity and visually confirm the localization of non-specific inclusions at the anatomical level. The accumulation of such inclusions in medicinal plants exposed to phytocontamination may pose risks to their medicinal use. Given that P. harmala is widely employed as a medicinal plant, investigating non-specific deposits within its internal structures under contaminated conditions provides essential scientific evidence for assessing the ecological safety of medicinal plants and for selecting appropriate cultivation environments.
Organic soil contaminants arising from military activities represent a significant environmental and public health challenge, with persistent compounds from explosives, their decomposition products, and rocket fuel components posing long-term risks to soil health, plant vitality, and ecosystem stability. This article reviews the sources, environmental behaviors, and biological impacts of three key classes of organic pollutants: common energetic compounds, their environmental decomposition products, and rocket fuel components. Drawing on recent literature, the discussion emphasizes the adverse effects on soil microbial communities, nutrient cycling, and plant physiology, highlighting mechanisms such as oxidative stress, bioaccumulation, and growth inhibition. The review underscores the need for integrated remediation strategies to mitigate these impacts, offering insights into sustainable approaches for contaminated sites. By summarizing data from field studies and laboratory experiments, this work contributes to understanding the multifaceted ecological consequences of military-derived pollution and informs policy for land restoration.
Tel.: Uzbekistan. st., The article provides information on the participation of crustaceans (Crustacea) in the life cycles of helminths of domestic and wild (game and commercial) animals in Uzbekistan. To date, 730 species of parasitic worms have been registered, 114 of which parasitise fish, 376-birds, and 240-mammals. The most common of them represent the class Cestoda: Bothriocephalus opsariichthydis, Schistocephalus pungitii, Ligula intestinalis, L. colymbi, Digramma interrupta, Gryporhynchus pusillus, Dicranotaenia coronula, Diorchis brevis, Diorchis ransomi, Diploposthe laevis, Drepanidotaenia lanceolata, Fimbraria fasciolaris, Microsomacanthus microsoma, M. compressa, Myxolepis collaris, Sobolevicanthus gracillus, and Diphyliobothrium ditremum. The most epizootologically significant representatives of Nematoda included Raphidascaris acus, Contracaecum microcephalum, Camallanus lacustris, Philometra ovata, Philometra rischta, Phylometroides sanguineus, Dracunculus medinensis, Avioserpens mosgovoyi, Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Tetrameres fissispina, Streptocara crassicauda, Echinuria uncinate, and Gnathostoma hispidum. Parasitological studies of the Cyclops community (more than 30 species) in various bodies of water in Central, North-Eastern, and North-Western Uzbekistan show infection of 11 species of Cyclopidae with larval stages of cestodes and nematodes. Naturally, infected Cyclops widely inhabit diverse bodies of water and include the following species: Macrocyclops albidus, M. fuscus, Eucyclops macrurus, E. serrulatus, Cyclops strenuus, Cyclops vicinus, C. heberti, Acanthocyclops trajani, Thermocyclops crassus and Mesocyclops leuckarti. All of them are intermediate hosts to the helminths. The total prevalence of the larval stages of cestodes and nematodes in the studied Cyclops was 6.9%, with Cestoda larvae accounting for 5.7% and Nematoda-1.2%. All cestode larvae found in Cyclops are of two types-procercoids and cysticercoids. The nematode larvae found in 7 crustacean species turned out to be representatives of the following families: Anisakidae, Camallanidae, Philometridae, Dracunculidae and Gnathostomatidae. We identified a total of 20 species of helminth larvae, whose mature forms parasitise fish, birds and mammals. Crustaceans play a significant role in the life cycles and circulation of pathogens and groups of parasites in bodies of water in Uzbekistan.
The present study elucidates the mechanisms by which soil and climatic factors determine the suitability of the Polissia and Forest-Steppe regions in Ukraine for the cultivation of maize, and presents predictive models of how these conditions will shift under global climate change. Spatial modelling was performed using CROPGRIDS v1.08 data (maize sowing density), the WorldClim v2.1 database (19 bioclimatic indicators), and SoilGrids v2.0 (nine chemical and physical soil parameters at 5-15 cm depth). The screening of climate variables was conducted through the utilisation of Principal Component Analysis and residual orthogonalisation techniques. By contrast, soil variables underwent a process of normalisation and standardisation. The maize-area response was Box-Cox transformed, and four regression approaches were fitted: Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Ridge Regression, Generalised Additive Models (GAM), and a Random-Forest ensemble (RF). The most significant factor was determined to be soil reaction (pH 6.0-7.5), which ensured optimal nutrient availability; values outside this range resulted in element fixation into insoluble forms or leaching. In the context of soil properties, the sand content (30-40 %) was found to regulate drainage and moisture, the silt content (20-35%) was determined to maintain the water-air balance, the organic carbon (up to approximate to 30 g/kg) was found to enhance suitability until saturation, and the total nitrogen exhibited a near-linear positive effect. The key climatic predictors included residual components of annual mean temperature, seasonality and diurnal amplitude, and precipitation volume (300-600 mm/yr, with optima in both the wettest and driest months). The GAMs captured nonlinear "peak-plateau-decline" responses for pH, texture, and rainfall, whereas RF delivered the highest predictive accuracy (R2 = 0.96; RMSE = 14.77; MAE = 6.73) by automatically modelling complex interactions. Linear models (OLS and Ridge) explained 60-64% of the variance. Based on the best-performing models, suitability maps were generated for three future periods (2021-2040, 2041-2060, 2061-2080) under low (SSP1-2.6) to high (SSP5-8.5) emission scenarios. Results indicate a mid-term decline in optimal areas, followed by partial long-term recovery driven by compensatory climate dynamics and adaptive measures. The practical significance lies in identifying narrow optimum ranges for soil and climatic factors, enabling targeted agronomic recommendations: localised liming, texture adjustment, sowing-date optimisation, hybrid selection, and irrigation management. The resulting models and suitability maps provide a scientific basis for evidence-based planning of adaptive maize-production strategies in the face of global climate change.
Urbanization is considered a significant driver of changes in ecosystems and a major factor affecting the natural environment. In-depth studies of urban areas are necessary to develop conservation management strategies and foster healthy city environments. We examined spiders, which are abundant and diverse predatory arthropods that can readily inhabit urban spaces and serve as bioindicators. A total of 153 spider species of 24 families were recorded from Kharkiv City and its suburbs. The families Linyphiidae, Gnaphosidae, and Theridiidae were the most species-rich (16.3%, 13.1%, and 9.8% of the araneofauna, respectively). Four species (Marinarozelotes adriaticus, Sosticus loricatus, Uloborus plumipes, and Zodarion rubidum) were recorded in the Kharkiv region for the first time, while 32 species were new to Kharkiv's urban ecosystems. The four species new to Kharkiv region are rare in Ukraine; besides, Kharkiv is the northernmost known locality for M. adriaticus. S. loricatus is synanthropic, while the others are presumably transported with planting material. The spider species richness was highest in Lisopark, a natural forest sector within the city (71 species), and lowest in five small green spaces in the city center (29 species combined) and at a household on the outskirts (27 species). The dominant complex of ground-dwelling spiders mirrored those in natural and semi-natural habitats: Pardosa alacris was dominant under tree canopies in botanical gardens, P. lugubris on the edges of tree plantations and some open grassy areas, P. fulvipes and Alopecosa pulverulenta on grassy slopes and park lawns, and Xerolycosa miniata in the most disturbed habitats in households and botanical gardens. Regarding habitat preferences, most of the spider species belonged to forest (29.2%), forest-grassland (20.9%), or grassland (12.2%) elements. Generalists made up 8.5%. This ratio of ecological groups reflects the city's geographic position on the border between the forest-steppe and steppe natural zones.
Ulmus ivangabrieljanii Sargsyan sp. nov. is described and illustrated as a new fossil species from Early Pleistocene deposits of the Sisian Diatomaceous Formation in Syunik Province, Southern Armenia. The species is distinguished by a combination of characters: lamina broad elliptical to elliptic, 20.8-38 mm long and 17.2-33.0 mm wide, with a length-to-width ratio of 1.09-1.30; petiole 8-13 mm long; and 10-12 pairs of secondary veins. Photographs and diagnostic tables differentiating this species from U. minor and U. glabra and detailed morphological characteristics of U. ivangabrieljanii sp. nov. are provided. The present fossil species, U. ivangabrieljanii sp. nov., is distinguished from all other modern Ulmus spp. by its characteristics of leaf shape, leaf size, leaf base, and venation. Key differences between U. ivangabrieljanii sp. nov. and fossil Ulmus species from Turkey, Iran, and Europe are presented. These morphological features clearly justify recognising U. ivangabrieljanii sp. nov. as a distinct fossil species. The discovery of U. ivangabrieljanii sp. nov. indicates that the genus Ulmus was already widely distributed in South-Western Asia during the Pleistocene, at a time when the regional climate was similar to the present-day conditions.
Global climate change has a wide range of regional-level consequences. The most sensitive environmental parameters are those related to the water cycle. At the same time, several natural stabilizers reduce the negative impact of climate change. One of the most prevalent stabilizers is the vegetation of river floodplains. Using geobotanical methods, we surveyed the floodplains of the Prypiat, Stohid, Horyn, Sluch, Ubort, Slovechna, Noryn, Uzh, Irsha, Teteriv, Dnipro, and Desna rivers and their main tributaries within the Ukrainian Polissia. According to Braun-Blanquet's ecological-floristic classification, we found that this vegetation consists of 11 classes, 32 orders, 57 alliances, and 204 associations. Synphytoindicative analysis revealed that these plant communities strongly stabilize climate change and its consequences. These plant communities absorb and accumulate carbon from the atmosphere in the form of phytomass or peat deposits. They also slow the passage of precipitation water, which prevents water erosion and the eutrophication of water bodies. They also create a specific microclimate around water bodies, preventing increased evaporation of moisture from the soil and rivers. However, this vegetation suffers from direct anthropogenic pressure and the same climate changes. If climatic factors deviate from submicrotheral (mild cold), subaridophyticsubumbrophytic (moderate drought and shading), semioceanic, and subcryophytic (moderate dryness and cold), the functioning of typical floodplain vegetation is suppressed and its recovery is slowed down. Currently, climate change has progressed to a point where floodplain vegetation is unable to fully perform its stabilizing function. Even if we immediately implement measures to restore floodplain vegetation, it will take time to regain its capacity to stabilize the climate. In this regard, it is important to use hydroengineering measures and projects alongside the restoration of natural processes. The success of this combination will have a global impact on the quality and quantity of natural resources, the preservation of habitat and species diversity, and the stabilization of climate change.
The elements of the trophic structure of birds in the Ukrainian Azov region include: availability of food resources in habitats, feeding behavior and foraging methods, and specialization or euryphagous feeding patterns of certain species. Green plants form the basis of trophic relationships, but feeding schemes are much more complex and include animal organisms as well. The trophic relationships of birds in shelterbelts were conducted research during 2019-2021. Adjacent biocenoses, primarily agricultural lands, also serve as feeding sites. We analyzed trophic relationships within the framework of research on consortional relationships between birds and dominant tree species in shelterbelts: Robinia pseudoacacia, Elaeagnus argentea, and Fraxinus excelsior. During the study period, 1-4 bird species fed on Elaeagnus argentea on different days of the breeding period, and the correlation between the number of bird species and the number of trees on which birds fed was very weak. On Robinia pseudoacacia trees, 1-6 species fed, but this relationship also proved to be very weak. A significant correlation was found for Fraxinus excelsior; however, the functioning of this trophic consortium was sustained by an average of only 1.80 +/- 0.33 (1-4) bird species. In the shelterbelts of the study region, 62 breeding species were identified and classified by dominant food sources into the following groups: entomophages-25 species-birds whose food resources consisted of insects and arachnids; phytophages-15 species-birds feeding on seeds, grain, fruits, and green plant organs; myophages-9 species-birds feeding on mouse-like rodents and small mammals; pantophages-8 species-birds feeding on various foods; and ichthyophages-5 species-feeding on fish and small aquatic animals. According to foraging methods, the following categories of birds were identified: birds that perch on tree trunks, move along them, and extract insects and their larvae from under tree bark; birds feeding on insects and fruits on thin branches or leaves; predatory birds that capture small birds and insects on branches; birds that collect food primarily on the foliage of trees and shrubs; birds that peck food (insects, seeds) from the ground and search for it in the litter; predatory birds that catch their prey on the ground; species that find food (insects, seeds, grain) in open landscapes (agricultural lands, steppe, meadows, clearings, etc.); and birds that capture food in flight. In our research, we identified a trend of increase or decrease of certain bird groups in shelterbelts of different age. Thus, the number of entomophages increased from 20.0% (of the total number of breeding species in the studied shelterbelts) in young shelterbelts to 53.1% in old shelterbelts; the number of phytophages decreased with shelterbelt age (from 53.3% to 18.8%); and the myophage assemblage gradually increased depending on shelterbelt age (from 14.5% to 20.9%). Given the complexity of biocenotic relationships, we consider promising areas of research to include studying the relationship between the feeding patterns of avian populations in shelterbelts and a complex of factors: proximity to water bodies, shelterbelt structure, maturity and stability of plantings, and plant cover diversity. Also, in the context of trophic activity of birds, the phenomenon of zoochory is extremely interesting-the transport of plant propagules by animals, particularly birds, in various ways. By consuming plant seeds and fruits, birds leave undigested food remains in various locations, where over time we observed the emergence of vegetation patches.
Some features of the nematode fauna of the genus Nematodirus Ransom, 1907 in domestic (sheep, goats, cattle) and semi-wild (goitered gazelle) ruminants of the Bukhara Region in Central Uzbekistan were studied. The aim of the research was to conduct a comparative analysis of the species composition and distribution of nematodes of the genus Nematodirus among different groups of ruminants in the region. A total of 53 sheep, 15 goats, and 14 cattle were examined. The material was processed using coprological methods and complete helminthological dissection, which enabled the detection and identification of nematodes from different sites of localization. Nine species of the genus Nematodirus were identified in the examined animals: N. abnormalis, N. helvetianus, N. oiratianus, N. gazellae, N. schulzi, N. dromedarii, N. mauritanicus, N. spathiger, and N. sugatini. Among these, 7 species were found in sheep, 4 in goats, and 2 in goitered gazelles (N. battus and Nematodirus sp.). N. battus was recorded for the first time in the nematode fauna of Central Asia. The identification of larvae belonging to N. battus was confirmed both morphologically and by molecular-genetic analysis. The infection rates of animals with individual species under natural conditions varied widely, ranging from 3% to 46.5%. For the first time, N. filicollis and N. sugatini were recorded in the steppe zones of Uzbekistan in sheep. The complex of Nematodirus species found in ruminants of the studied region undoubtedly affects the productivity of sheep and goats, necessitating systematic monitoring.
In the present study, the results of research on endoparasites of reptiles in Southern Uzbekistan are discussed. As a result of the investigations, 37 species of helminths belonging to 3 phyla, 4 classes, 8 orders, 17 families, and 27 genera were recorded in the reptiles. Among them, 26 species were found in the adult stage, while 10 species occurred in the larval stage. The nematode of the genus Pseudabbreviata sp. could not be identified to the species level. Out of 366 examined reptile specimens, 86 individuals (23.5%) were found to be infected with helminths. It was revealed that the class Trematoda was represented by 5 species (13.5%), Cestoda by 6 species (16.2%), Acanthocephala by 1 species (2.7%), and Nematoda by 25 species (67.6%). The number of helminth species in different reptile hosts ranged 1 to 11, with the highest species diversity recorded in the dice snake (Natrix tessellata). The occurrence of helminths varied among different reptile suborders. In the representatives of the suborder Cryptodira, 2 nematode species (Atractis dactyluris and Atractis emilii) were recorded, which are considered specific parasites of tortoises. In the suborder Lacertilia, 24 helminth species were found, 75.0% of which belonged to the class Nematoda. In the suborder Serpentes, 16 helminth species were identified, of which 50% were nematodes. The species Telorchis assula, Macrodera longicollis, Oochoristica fedtschenoi, Rhabdias fuscovenosus, Strongyloides mirzai, Polydelphis attenuata, Amplicaecum schikhobalovi, and Pharyngodon mamillatus were recorded as specific parasites of snakes. Based on the life cycle characteristics, it was determined that out of the 37 helminth species recorded, 24 species (64.8%) were heteroxenous, while 13 species (35.1%) were monoxenous. These findings expand the knowledge of reptilian helminth biodiversity in Uzbekistan and highlight their importance in epizootology and parasite transmission.
The agricultural landscape of Kherson Oblast, Ukraine, is increasingly challenged by climatic variability and the imperative for resource-use optimization. To enhance the resilience and sustainability of crop production in this region, a two-year field study was conducted over the 2023-2024 growing seasons to evaluate the effects of three distinct cultivation technologies (Traditional, Biological, and Organic) and three seeding rates (2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 million seeds/ha) on the productive moisture content, nutrient dynamics, and yield of brown mustard (Brassica juncea). The results indicated a clear superiority of the biologized agrotechnological systems. The biological and organic technologies consistently maintained significantly higher productive soil moisture reserves throughout the growing season and demonstrated lower average daily water consumption. This translated into superior water-use efficiency, with lower water consumption coefficients (WCC) recorded for the biologized treatments. In addition to water efficiency, these systems exhibited superior nutrient-use efficiency. Regression modeling confirmed a strong relationship between agrotechnology and nitrate uptake (R2 = 0.72), with biological (24.5 kg/t) and organic (23.6 kg/t) systems requiring significantly less nitrate per ton of yield compared to the traditional approach (29.8 kg/t). The impact on phosphorus uptake was more nuanced (R2 = 0.39), with the organic system demonstrating the highest efficiency (60.8 kg/t), highlighting the role of longterm soil health in phosphorus cycling. Furthermore, the study confirmed a quadratic relationship between seeding rate and water consumption, underscoring a critical trade-off between plant density and water use. Ultimately, the resource-efficient biological and organic systems produced significantly higher yields, with top performances reaching 1.57 t/ha of mustard seeds. These findings underscore that biologized practices are not only viable but are superior for optimizing agricultural resources and enhancing crop productivity in semi-arid environments compared to traditional ones. The adoption of biological and organic cultivation technologies presents a clear pathway for building resilient, high-yield agricultural systems capable of withstanding climatic stresses and reducing dependency on external inputs.
