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1

Rodent Species Diversity and Occurrence of Leishmania in Northeastern Iran

Motevalli-Haghi Seyed Farzad, Ozbaki Ghorban Mohammad, Hosseini-Vasoukolaei Nasibeh, Nikookar Seyed Hassan, Dehghan Omid, Yazdani-Charati Jamshid, Siahsarvie Roohollah, Dehbandi Reza, Fazeli-Dinan Mahmoud, Enayati Ahmadali

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2021

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Vol. 69, nr 1

57--70

EN

The aim of the current study was to survey the species diversity and Leishmania infection of rodents in the Gonbad -e- Kavoos City and County, northeastern Iran, during 2018-2019. Totally, 20 rural and four urban areas endemic for leishmaniasis were selected and visited monthly. Rodent species diversity indices were calculated in different spatial and temporal scales. Species richness was also calculated using rarefaction curves to estimate the number of species in unequal sample sizes. A total of 167 rodents belonging to 7 species, 6 genera, and 2 families were collected. Rattus rattus (34.7%) and Rattus norvegicus (18.6%) were identified as dominant species. The largest Margalef and Menhinick species richness (DMg = 1.55; DMn = 1.01) and the highest value of the Shannon index (H′ = 1.71) were observed in rural areas. Seasonal abundance of the rodents varied among species and showed that the highest richness (DMg = 1.27; DMn = 0.65) occurred in spring and the highest value of Shannon index (H′ = 1.72) was noted in summer. Rarefaction curves confirmed that the highest species richness occurred in summer and spring in the rural area. Seasonal fluctuations of R. rattus and R. norvegicus have a significant impact on the changes in rodent species diversity. Investigations of Leishmania infection showed that amastigote forms of Leishmania were observed in 15.4% of smears taken from Rhombomys opimus and Meriones libycus and examined under the light microscope. The highest rate of Leishmania infection was observed during the summer.

2

The effect of landscape on the diversity in urban green areas

Kirichenko-Babko M., Łagód G., Majerek D., Franus M., Babko R.

Ecological Chemistry and Engineering. S

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2017

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Vol. 24, nr 4

613--625

EN

This article presented the results of a comparative analysis of carabid species compositions (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in urban green areas of the City of Lublin, Eastern Poland. In this study, the occurrence and abundance of ground beetles were analysed according to habitat preference and dispersal ability. A total of 65 carabid species were found in the three green areas. Obviously, the high species richness of ground beetles in the greenery of the Lublin is determined by the mostly undeveloped floodplain of the river Bystrzyca. The species richness of carabids and their relative abundance decrease in the assemblage of green areas under the effect of isolation of green patches and fragmentation of the semi-natural landscape elements in the urban environment. Generalists and open-habitat species significantly prevailed in all green areas. The prevailing of riparian and forest species at floodplain sites of the river Bystrzyca demonstrated the existence of a connection of the carabid assemblage with landscape of river valley. The Saski Park and gully “Rury” are more influenced by urbanization (fragmentation, isolation of green patches) and recreation that is consistent with the significant prevalence of open-habitats species in the carabid beetle assemblage.

3

Effect of Tree Layer and Microsite on the Variability of Natural Regeneration in Autochthonous Beech Forests

Vacek Z., Vacek S., Podrázský V., Bílek L., Štefančík I., Moser W. K., Bulušek D., Král J., Remeš J., Králíček I.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2015

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Vol. 63, nr 2

233--246

EN

The present study describes natural regeneration on five permanent research plots (PRP) in juvenile growth and development phases (regrowth and advanced growth) in autochthonous beech forests in Broumovské stěny National Nature Reserve located in the Protected Landscape area in the northeast part of Czech Republic. The stands of herb-rich beech forests were studied in the optimum to break-up stage. Natural regeneration was not evenly spaced but rather was clustered. Mean regeneration density ranged from 1,472 to 44,888 recruits per ha. European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) made up 78.5–98.0% of all regeneration. Sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) was also relatively abundant. Regeneration dominance and abundance responded to the mature stand canopy, soil skeleton, microrelief, ground vegetation cover, and surface characteristics. The results suggest a relationship between recruit height and microrelief in 4 out of 5 PRPs. We found statistically significant differences in height of natural regeneration (F(2,18843) = 191.8, P <0.001) on mounds (74.0 cm), on slopes (119.5 cm) and on pits (121.0 cm) due to high soil skeleton content on mounds with numerous rock outputs, minimum amount of fine earth and lower water retention, both necessary for recruit growth. In addition to the character of microrelief, the growth of natural regeneration was negatively influenced by mature stand density and canopy indicators.

4

Fauna dżdżownic składowisk kopalni cynku i ołowiu

Okrutniak M., Grześ I. M., Bonczar Z.

Polish Journal for Sustainable Development

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2015

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T. 19

91--100

PL

Badano hałdy odpadów poflotacyjnych kopalni cynku i ołowiu „Trzebionka” i „Bolesław” w celu sprawdzenia czy będące w różnym stopniu rekultywacji hałdy są środowiskiem występowania dżdżownic oraz jaka jest ich różnorodność gatunkowa i biomasa. Odłów bezkręgowców przeprowadzono metodą formalinową w latach 2010 i 2011. Na hałdach „Trzebionka” i „Bolesław” stwierdzono występowanie odpowiednio 6 oraz 2 gatunków dżdżownic zaliczanych do pospolitych w kraju. Istotnie większą biomasę dżdżownic wykazano na hałdzie „Trzebionka”, co jest wynikiem pozytywnego wpływu obecności gatunku Lumbricus terrestris.

EN

The present study was conducted in the area of post flotation dumps contaminated with zinc and lead. The aim of the study was to test if the dumps being at different stage of reclamation are inhabited by earthworms and to asses their species diversity and biomass. Invertebrates were collected using Satchel’s method during the seasons 2010 and 2011. In the area of “Trzebionka” and “Bolesław” waste dumps 2 and 6 species of earthworms were found, respectively. Significantly higher biomass was found for “Trzebionka”, that can be explained by positive effect of Lumbricus terrestris.

5

The effects of urbanization small mammals communities in a gradient of human pressure in Warsaw city, Poland

Gortat T., Barkowska M., Gryczyńska-Siemiątkowska A., Pieniążek A., Kozakiewicz A., Kozakiewicz M.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2014

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Vol. 62, nr 1

163--172

EN

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of human pressure and spatial structure of landscape on the occurrence of populations of small mammals in the environment of a large urban agglomeration. The investigations were carried out in Warsaw, Poland in 17 locations. The study sites were located on both sides of the Vistula River, of different landscape spatial structure, in various distances from the city center, and were subject to different degrees of human pressure. Part of the city located on the left bank of the Vistula River is more strongly transformed by man than the part located on the right bank of the river. A total of 933 specimens of 8 species of small mammals were caught using the live-trapping method (Catch-Mark-Release). The richest species composition was found at the city borders and in rural areas. On the left side of Vistula, the species diversity was lower than on the right side, showing significant negative correlation with the human pressure degree. Such pattern was not confirmed on the right side of the river. The only species to occur in all sites on the left side of Vistula was the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius). On the right side of Vistula, the striped field mouse was accompanied by the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) in all research sites. The results indicate that the degree of human pressure and spatial isolation are crucial for composition of small mammal community. Less advanced urbanization processes in areas on the right bank of Vistula, as compared to districts on the left side, provide better contact between local populations of small mammals, and offer better living conditions to a large number of species, even in areas located in the center of the city.

6

Predicting the potential distribution of plant diversity in the Yakarigókdere forest district of the Mediteranean region

Özkan K., Berger U.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2014

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Vol. 62, nr 3

441--454

EN

Biodiversity is of crucial importance for ecosystem health and functioning. It is thus one of the most important topics in forest ecology. This study focuses on modelling the spatial distribution of vascular plant diversity (H), richness (S) and evenness (E) in the Yukarıgökdere forest district (14667 ha) located in transition zone between Mediterranean and continental climates in the Mediterranean region, Turkey. Species abundance was sampled at 95 sample plots extending from 1000 to 1900 m a.s.l. in order to calculate the response variables (H, S, E). Climatic and topographical data served as explanatory variables. Multiple regression (ML) and classification and regression tree technique (CART) were used to obtain the distribution models of response variables. The better results were provided by CART. That is why visual assessments of the predicted values of the response variables based on (CART) were performed. The explained variances of the model trees were 63.4, 63.1 and 44.5% for H, S and E respectively. Elevation was found to be the most important environmental factor for all response variables. The higher H and S values were found at the east lower part (1000-1150 m a.s.l.) and the west upper part (1500–1800 m a.s.l.) of the district. The evenness (E) shows generally higher relative values in the upper part of the area. The lowest E specifies the area being optimal for tree growing. It is located between 1400 and 1500 m a.s.l., and ranges from the north to the south in the district.

7

Impact of alien tree species Quercus rubra L. on understorey habitat and flora: a study of the Silesian Upland (Southern Poland)

Chmura D.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2013

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Vol. 61, nr 3

431--442

EN

One hundred and one stands of non-native red oak Quercus rubra L. were examined across various forest types with the objective to relate the influence of environmental variables on the abundance of this species and to characterise its impact on the species richness and proportion of functional groups of native plant species. Amongst randomly selected stands more than 50% were self-regenerating ones, i.e. seedlings were present. The cover of Q. rubra seedlings was positively correlated with light intensity (rs = 0.38, P <0.05) and negatively with the content of nitrogen (rs = –0.20, P <0.05) and loss on ignition (rs = 0.20, P <0.05) in soil. The cover of mature trees was positively correlated with the value of pH (rs = 0.22, P <0.05). Separate correlations with DCA scores of phytosociological relevés and the cover of red oak in each layer showed that the species influenced the floristic composition of forest vegetation. The cover of mature trees of red oak negatively affected both the number of understorey species (rs = –0.39, P <0.01) and the cover of shrubs (rs = –0.21, P <0.05) and herbaceous species (rs = –0.22, P <0.05). Q. rubra in the form of a mature tree had a negative influence on the cover of barochores, endozoochores and species of Grime’s CSR strategy. The cover of red oak’s seedlings was negatively correlated with the cover of annual species (rs = –0.21, P <0.05). Saplings of Q. rubra had a negative influence on the cover of dyszoochores (rs = –0.21, P <0.05) and was positively correlated with competitors (rs = 0.31, P <0.01), megaphanerophytes (rs = 0.27, P <0.05) and therophytes (rs = 0.25, P <0.05). The study showed that Q. rubra is a competitive species both as a mature tree and in the form of seedlings or small saplings and thus it can contribute to the reduction of biodiversity in forest communities.

8

Vascular ground flora in relation to topography, canopy structure and gap light regimes in a subtropical broadleaved forest (South China)

Ou Y., Su Z., Ke X., Li Z.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2012

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Vol. 60, nr 3

463-478

EN

We examined the influence of topography, canopy structure and gap light environmental variables on the patterns of vascular ground flora (vascular plants less than 1 m in height excluding tree seedlings) in a subtropical broadleaved forest in S China, using field data obtained from a 4-ha permanent plot. Both topographic and canopy environmental conditions had a significant effect on community composition, species diversity and distribution of the vascular ground flora. However, topographic factors, especially slope position and aspect, had a greater influence as compared with canopy and understory light conditions. Both number of individuals and number of individuals per species of the ground flora varied significantly with different slope position, aspect, slope steepness and transmitted direct radiation, while species richness varied significantly under different slope position and canopy leaf area index (LAI) The effects of topographic and canopy environmental conditions on ground-flora composition and structure was further confirmed by Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Multi-response Permutation Procedures (MRPP) showed significant differences in the ground-flora species composition based on all the topographic, canopy structure and gap light variables. Species indicative of topographic, canopy structure and gap light regimes were identified with a significant indicator value (IV - 35%) by Indicator Species Analysis (ISA), which indicated that certain species have their ecological preference for a particular environmental gradient.

9

Udział przydroży w zachowaniu lokalnej różnorodności gatunkowej na przykładzie dróg powiatowych w Borach Tucholskich

Stosik T.

Ekologia i Technika

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2012

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R. 20, nr 3

197-204

PL

Publikacja przedstawia wyniki badań florystycznych przeprowadzonych na poboczach dróg powiatowych w granicach gminy Śliwice. Flora przydroży tego regionu liczy 185 gatunków roślin naczyniowych. Współczynnik różnorodności gatunkowej pojedynczych płatów mieści się w granicach 2- 2,5 i jest niewiele mniejszy niż na łąkach. Zgromadzony materiał obejmuje łącznie 186 gatunków roślin naczyniowych - więcej niż na łąkach tego obszaru. Najliczniej występujące gatunki to: Festuca rubra, Arrheriatherum elatius, Elymus repens i Dactylis glomerata. Poza taksonami pospolitymi na przydrożach występuje szereg gatunków objętych ochroną gatunkową. Należą do nich: Frangula alnus, Helichrysum arenarium, Ononis spinosa, Arctosta-phylos uva-ursi, Convallaria majalis oraz Epipactis helleborine, Botrichium lunaria i Botrichium matricariifolium. Wysoka lesistość i ekstensywne rolnictwo w Borach Tucholskich sprzyjają wysokiej wartości przyrodniczej regionu. Przydroża są specyficznymi, odrębnymi siedliskami w leśnym krajobrazie. Z uwagi na bogatą florę, duży zasób rzadkich i chronionych gatunków, jak również dzięki wysokiej bioróżnorodności każdego badanego płatu, przydroża stają się istotnym elementem lokalnej różnorodności gatunkowej.

EN

The paper presents the results of the floristic research carried out on the roadside verges of the county roads within the borders of Śliwice commune. Roadside verges flora of this area consists of 185 species of vascular plants - more than in the neighbouring biocenoses. The species diversity index ranges from 2 to 2.5 - not much lower than in the meadows. Among the most frequent species to be found: Festuca ruhra, Achillea millefolium, Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Artemisia vulgaris, Lolium perenne and Elynius repens. Many rare and protected taxa were also present: Frangula alnus, Helichnjsum arenarium, Ononis spinosa, Arclostaphylos uva-ursi, Convallaria majalis, Epipactis helleborine, Botrichium lunaria and Botrichium matricariifolium. Intensive forestation and extensive agriculture in the Tuchola Pinewoods contribute to high conservation value of the region. The roadside verges have become specific and unique habitats in the forest landscape. Due to rich flora, large stock of rare and protected species, in addition to high diversity of each investigated plot, the roadside verges have turned into a significant element of the local biodiversity.

10

Field-sampling methods for investigating ground-bryophyte populations in forest vegetation

Jiang Y., Liu X., Tian R., Shao X.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2011

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Vol. 59, nr 2

317-327

EN

To determine the optimum plot size for bryophyte-biocoenosis investigations and identify the sampling methods that can provide sufficient and representative data for bryophyte diversity, we explored two sampling methods and investigated the species composition and their coverage in three sites located within the subtropical-temperate zone in China: mixed coniferous and deciduous broadleaved forest with species of Quercus, Betula, Pinus, Abies (Guanyinshan Nature Reserve), mixed evergreen and deciduous broadleaved forest, broadleaved forest with species of Phoebe, Castanopsis, Lithocarpus, Acer, Tilia, Dacidia, Abies (Mabian Dafengding Nature Reserve) and temperate deciduous broadleaved forest with species of Quercus, Betula, Populus (Dongling Mountains). Two sampling methods are applied: the systematic-sampling method based on nested quadrates of five different sizes (10 x 10 cm, 25 x 25 cm, 50 x 50 cm, 1 x 1 m, and 2 x 2 m) in each 2 x 2 m grid within a 10 x 10 m plot (total 25 grids) and the microcoenose-sampling method (sampling with the minimum area quadrate at the center of the largest fragment in each of the 25 grids). The minimum area of sampling was determined based on the similarity-area curve, the coverage-area curve, and the importance-value-area curve through the systematicsampling. The appropriate sampling method and quadrate number were determined by analyzing the species diversity and evenness. We compared two sampling methods by assessing the species number at two different sites. Both the similarity-area curve and importance-value-area curve showed that the turnover point of sampling size occurred at 50 x 50 cm where the similarity and importance-value were closer to the actual. We concluded that a quadrate of 50 x 50 cm could be used as the minimum area of sampling. However, the systematic-sampling method was not suitable for analyzing the diversity of bryophytes. A viable alternative is the microcoenose-sampling method which allows to obtain sufficient information in terms of species richness and their distribution.

11

Composition and distribution of epiphytic midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) in relation to emergent macrophytes cover in shallow lakes

Tarkowska-Kukuryk M.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2011

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Vol. 59, nr 1

141-151

EN

The influence of emergent macrophytes (dominated by Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.) on the species composition, richness and abundance of epiphytic midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) was studied in five shallow lakes of eastern Poland during three seasons (May, July and October) of 2001. The lakes represented three states: clear (macrophyte dominated), intermediate (phytoplankton-macrophyte dominated) and turbid (phytoplankton dominated). The trophic status of lake strongly affected the assemblages of chironomids living on the surfaces of common reed. Habitat conditions regulated mostly densities and relative abundance of midge taxa and did not have any significant influence on the number of taxa. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis of epiphytic fauna showed the significance of 5 environmental variables: Secchi disc visibility, dissolved oxygen, reed density, concentration of total phosphorous and epiphytic chlorophyll-a. The analysis separated epiphytic midges into two groups. The first group included taxa limited by low oxygen content and water transparency and corresponds with clear state habitats. To the second group belong taxa typical of eutrophic waters with densities determined by the concentrations of total phosphorous and chlorophyll-a, common in lakes of intermediate state and in particular of turbid state.

12

Ocena bioróżnorodności jako jeden z ważnym warunków ekorozwoju

Urbisz A.

Problemy Ekorozwoju

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2010

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vol. 5, nr 1

91-94

PL

Artykuł prezentuje pojęcie i sposoby mierzenia różnorodności biologicznej oraz jej znaczenie, jako wskaźnika zrównoważonego rozwoju i ekorozwoju. Ocena bioróżnorodności może być przeprowadzana na różnych poziomach organizacji przyrody. Najwięcej używanych obecnie wskaźników jest związanych z różnorodnością gatunkową oraz ekosystemową (krajobrazową). Stwierdzono, że wskaźniki dotyczące stanu środowiska przyrodniczego mają zasadnicze znaczenie przy ocenie realizacji założeń zrównoważonego rozwoju, którego ważnym celem powinno być zahamowanie tempa wymierania gatunków na Ziemi.

EN

The article presents the concept and modes of measurement of biological diversity as well as its significance as an indicator of sustainable development and ecodevelopment. Estimation of biodiversity can be carried out on various levels of organisation of nature. The majority of currently used indicators are linked to species and ecosystem (landscape) diversity. It has been established that indicators concerning the state of the natural environment are of great importance for evaluation of fulfilment of the assumptions of sustainable development, for which the important goal should be the restriction of the rate of species extinction on Earth.

13

The effects of protective enclosure on vegetation diversity, and productivity of degraded alpine Kobresia meadow (Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau)

Li S., Wang Q., Jing Z., Wang W.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2009

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Vol. 57, nr 3

495-502

EN

Grassland degradation due to anthropogenic and natural factors and their interactions is one of the worldwide ecological and economic problems because it reduces grassland productivity and diversity and leads to desertification. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of protective enclosure on vegetation composition and diversity and plant biomass of an alpine degraded meadow. The experiment was conducted at center of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau with two degraded (caused by overgrazing) alpine meadows: the lightly and severely degraded ones (LD and SD) and their enclosed areas with iron net (LDE and SDE, respectively). The areas 200 m x 150 m for each of four degraded alpine meadow treatments at average altitude 3,960 m a.s.l. were set for research. The lightly degraded plots were dominated by Scirpus distigmaticus (Kukenth.) Tang et Wang, Elymus nutans Griseb. and Oxytropis ochrocephala Bunge. The dominating plants in severely degraded plots were: Artemisia sieversiana Ehrhart ex Willd, Ajania tenuifolia (Jacq.) Tzvel, Lonicera minuta Batal. The results showed: (1) the vegetation cover of two degraded plots (LD and SD) has increased after taking the enclosure measures and the forbs dominated both plots. (2) Species richness has also increased in two enclosed degraded plots, respectively. There no significant differences in evenness and diversity between LD and LDE, and SD and SDE, respectively. (3) Enclosure may promote aboveground biomass, particularly grass and forb biomass in LD, and forb biomass in SD plots.

14

Diversity and composition of wetland communities along an agricultural drainage ditch density gradient

Lu T., Ma K., Fu B., Zhang J., LU Q., Hudson S.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2009

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Vol. 57, nr 1

113-123

EN

Agricultural drainage ditches are a reflection of the disturbance caused by agriculture and other human perturbations associated with agricultural activities, and the density of them can be seen as an important gradient reflecting local disturbance. However, no studies to date have examined the changes in wetland communities in relation to drainage ditch densities, yet such information is urgently needed for the conservation of wetland ecosystems facing intensive cultivation. In this paper, we inventoried 67 plots at four wetland mosaics with the ditch density values ranged 0-3.6 km km[^-2] in the Sanjiang Plain, and the species richness, composition and diversity were compared among those four sites. Linear regression was used to explore relationships between wetland community pattern and agricultural ditch density, and the results show that there is significant relationship (r[^2] = 0.56, P <0.001). The diversity comparisons show that there exist a clear negative relationship between ditch density and species diversity indices, and the species diversity did not differ greatly among sites, but species composition varied considerably. With increasing ditch density, an increasing loss of indigenous wetland species paralleled with an increasing incursion of upland species. Management implication from the drainage ditches is that the density of 1.2 km km[^-2] be the maximum value suitable for the protection of native wetlands in Sanjiang plain.

15

Occurrence of rare and protected plant species related to species richness in calcareous xerothermic grassland

Barańska K., Żmihorski M.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2008

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Vol. 56, nr 2

343-350

EN

Occurrence of rare and protected plant species is regarded as a strong argument for creating a protected area. It is therefore especially important to know whether rare and protected species are reliable indicators of abundance of other, more common, unprotected species. We analysed co-occurrence of protected and rare species with other xerothermic plant species in calcareous xeric grassland in Western Poland. In the years 2005-2006, on 62 plots (25 m[^2] each) we identified vascular plants on a 60 km[^2] area in the Odra R. Valley and its smaller tributaries valleys. Legally protected species appeared not to be better indicators of xerothermic species richness than non-protected species. The rarest species (Anthericum liliago L., Carex supina Willd. ex Wahlenb. and Stipa borysthenica Klokov ex Prok.) were significantly less useful indicators of xerothermic species richness than other rare and common species. These results let us conclude that designing a network of protected areas on the basis of rare and protected species may result that some common species, biodiversity hotspots or well developed phytocenoses will be ignored.

16

Endemic plant species in a karstic canyon (Mediterranean region, Turkey) : relation to relief and vegetation diversity

Ozkan K., Suel H.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2008

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Vol. 56, nr 4

709-715

EN

Data collected from 85 sample plots in Yazili Canyon Nature Park (deep, limestone valley; length - 6 km, area - 600 ha, height - 100-400 m) located in Mediterranean region (Turkey) yielded 24 endemic vascular plants. The endemic plant diversity and all vascular plant diversity indices were calculated for each sample plot using Simpson index. Regression analysis was performed between environmental factors, plant diversity and canopy closure. Endemic plant diversity showed a positive correlation with vascular plant diversity, and a negative correlation with slope position and altitude. A significant quadric relationship was observed between the endemic plant diversity and aspect variable. RDA (redundancy analysis) and CCA (canonical correspondence analysis) based on linear regressions were applied to determine the environmental factors affecting the distribution of endemic species, and the best model based on total variance explained was selected. According to RDA based on linear regression, habitat selection of endemics is strongly correlated with aspect, slope position and altitude. Lower altitude zone (300-500 m), the north aspect and lower slope including valley bottom of Yazili canyon were observed to be the most suitable areas for endemics.

17

Effect of young midfield shelterbelts development on species richness of macrofungi communities and their functional structure

Kujawa K., Kujawa A.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2008

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Vol. 56, nr 1

45-56

EN

The aim of the study was to recognize features characterizing development of macrofungi communities occurring in afforestations planted in crop fields and to evaluate the role of these habitats in conservation of macrofungi and preserve high species richness. The study was carried out in 1998-2006 and covered four shelterbelts (planted in 1993-1996) located in the area of the Dezydery Chłapowski Landscape Park (western part of Poland). The shelterbelts were colonized by macrofungi just after planting. During first years of their growth a total of 174 species were recorded. Species composition changed significantly between initial (1998-2000) and final (2004-2006) period of study. Similarity of macrofungi communities (expressed as the Sorensen's index) between these two periods in studied shelterbelts ranged between 37 and 46%. In spite of high similarity in tree species composition between studied afforestations (69-80%), the communities of macrofungi differed strongly between these sampling plots (Sorensen's index was equal to about 40%). Pattern of changes in percentage share of functional groups, i.e. parasitic, mycorrhizal and saprotrophs (humicolous, lignicolous, litterinhibiting and muscicolous ones) in individual afforestations was different but the diversity of the communities measured with the Shannon-Weaver H' index on the basis of share of functional groups tended to increase with ageing of afforestations. On average, the share of fungi growing on soil (ectomycorrhizal and humicolous saprotrophic species) was highest among all distinguished groups. Species composition of particular functional group was changing during the study period. A species representing new groups (lignicolous saprotrophs and parasites) were appearing in some shelterbelts in successive years. There were recorded some species rare in Poland, eg. Psilocybe (Stropharia) melanosperma (Bull. ex Pers.: Fr.) Noordel., Clavariadelphus fistulosus (Holmsk.: Fr.) Corner, Thelephora caryophyllea (Schaeff): Fr., Agrocybe arvalis (Fr.) Singer, Galerina clavata (Velen.) Kuhner, Lachnella alboviolascens (Alb. & Schwein.: Fr.) Fr., Macrocystidia cucumis f. minor Joss, Mycena amicta (Fr.) Quel., Psilocybe (Stropharia) inuncta (Fr.: Fr.) Noordel., Trichophaea gregaria (Rehm) Boud. and Typhula filata (Pers.) Herter. Occurrence of rare and threatened species in young shelterbelts indicates that such afforestations, planted in crop fields but not treated by agricultural practices, contribute to the protection of species richness of macrofungi associated with tree communities and they are important substitute habitats for many species.

18

Effects of forested strips on spider assemblages in adjacent cereal fields: dispersal activity of spiders

Kajak A.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2007

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Vol. 55, nr 4

691-704

EN

Spiders are important components of agricultural ecosystems as far as they affect markedly the abundance of crop pests. The objective of the study was to determine whether the planting of forested strips (shelterbelts) in agricultural area enhances the biomass of spiders active on soil surface of cereal fields and if the exchange of individuals between these habitats depends on the age of trees. The investigations were carried on in 2000 and repeated in 2003/2004 along transects across young shelterbelts (2 -11 years old) - ecotones - fields. In the second period the 150 years old forest strip was included into the study. So altogether in both periods the study was performed in the strip-managed area in forested strips 2, 6, 7, 11, and 150 years old, adjacent cereal fields and in the control field located in a deforested area. The intensity of patrolling (number of individuals captured per trap per day) the soil surface by spiders was investigated using pitfall traps forming lines parallel to the shelterbelt. The results of both investigation periods show, that forested strips increased the biomass of patrolling spiders (BP - biomass of spiders per trap per day) in the fields. It was higher in the fields located in the strip-managed area than in the deforested area by ca 70%. The BP decreased gradually with the increasing distance from the strips. Differences between the strip and the field at a distance of 50 m were significant (two-way ANOVA, post hoc Turkey test). The reason for the higher BP in the fields adjacent to forested strips was mainly the dispersal of large spiders from strips to adjacent fields. Dispersal is high between the very young strip and the field and low between the oldest strip and the field. The group of forest inhabiting species accounted for 0.3-0.5% of the total number of spiders in the field located in deforested area. In the fields adjacent to young shelterbelts this proportion increases with the strips age from 1 to 6%. But in the field bordering the oldest forest strip it is low again and accounted for 1.4%. In this field the proportion of agrobionts is almost as high (94%) as in the field located in deforested area (98%). Similarly the species diversity was very low. The mean individual body mass of spiders from all the fields located in the strip-managed area was 2.7 times higher than in the control field (P<0.001). It can be concluded, that in the old forest strips the number of species, which don.t disperse to surrounding, increases. This conclusion may be important for landscape management.