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1

Ecological Structure of the Harmful Entomocomplex of Apple Orchards of the Central Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Mostoviak Svitlana, Berezovskyi Andrii, Krykunov Ihor

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

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2023

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Vol. 24, iss. 6

155--162

EN

The most widespread culture in the structure of fruit plantations in Ukraine is the apple tree. An important factor in the highly efficient production of apples is ensuring proper phytosanitary state of plantations and observing agrotechnological methods of growing, which is possible only with constant and long-term monitoring of the species composition, population dynamics, biological and ecological features of the entomoplex. The aim of the study conducted in 2005–2020 was to determine the ecological structure of the harmful entomocomplex of apple orchards under the conditions of the Central Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Field, laboratory and chamber research methods generally accepted in ecology and entomology were used to fulfill the tasks. In the study, 52 species of phytophagous insects from 25 families and 7 orders were identified; 5 species of phytophagous mites from 3 families of Tetranychidae (Panonychus ulmi Koch., Tetranychus urticae Koch., Scizotetranychus pruni Oudms.), Bryobiidae (Bryobia redikorzevi Reck., syn: Bryobia praetiosa Koch.), Eriophyoidae (Eriophyes mali Nal.) were also found. The taxonomic structure of phytophagous insects was dominated by representatives of the orders of Lepidoptera (24 species), Coleoptera (14 species) and Homoptera (9 species), the portion of which collectively amounted to 90%. A range of Lepidoptera represented by 13 families was characterized by wide species diversity: Tortricidae, Gracillariіdae, Yponomeutidae, Lyonetiidae, Cossidae, Sesiidae, Coleophoridae, Lasiocampidae, Geometridae, Pieridae, Arctiidae, Noctuidae, Orgyidae, which accounted for 46% of the harmful entomocomplex. The most numerous (dominant) species for the period 2005-2020 were three species of aphids (Aphis pomi De G, Dysaphis devecta Walk, Dysaphis mali Ferr.), apple moth (Carpocapsa pomonella L.) and leaf rollers (Archips rosana L.). In terms of trophic specialization, polyphages dominated 75% (39 species) of apple tree agrocenoses, 10% (5 species) of oligophagous insects, 15% (8 species) – monophages. The life forms were dominated by phytophiles – dendrobiotes, the percentage of which in the total structure of insect pests was about 90%. The species composition of harmful entomofauna and ecologically constant species of phytophagous insects in apple plantations in the Central Forest-Steppe of Ukraine were specified. A promising study is to clarify the features of the biology of the most harmful phytophagous insects under the conditions of climate change and to develop environmentally safe means of protecting apple plantations from pests.

2

Plant diversity along an elevation gradient in hyrcanian forest of Northern Iran

Ataei Eshagh, Kazemnezhad Farid, Eshaghnimvari Majid, Sheykholeslami Ali

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2022

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Vol. 70, nr 2-3

69--78

EN

Species diversity is one of the most important and fundamental issues in ecology. The present study was conducted to evaluate effects of elevation gradient on biodiversity in a temperate mountainous forest. For collection of trees' diversity data, 44 sample plots 20 × 20 m2 were set up every 50 m of the elevation interval at the altitude ranging from 100 m to 2250 m a.s.l. Also for collection of data on herbaceous vegetation, five microplots (1 × 2 m) were established (one microplot in the center and four microplots in the four corners of the plot). Species diversity values were analyzed using Simpson and modified Shannon Wiener indices. Also, species richness was calculated using Margalef and Smith-Wilson indices for each plot. The results from Simpson and modified Shannon Wiener biodiversity indices imply approximately bell-shaped diversity curves with the greatest species richness at medium elevations (800–1300 m a.s.l). However, if ecotones (gradual changes between two communities) are excluded, one can conclude that species biodiversity decreases with increasing elevation. The lowland community has the least richness that can be the result of the anthropogenic pressure. The evenness indices for the forest sites along the elevation gradient detected no trend with increasing elevation.

3

Summer distribution and community structure of surface water mesozooplankton from the eastern Mediterranean Sea

Isinibilir Melek, Aker Vedat, Türkeri Ezgi E.

Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies

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2022

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Vol. 51, No. 4

308--324

EN

The zooplankton community structure and its relationship with environmental parameters were evaluated in the surface waters (0–50 m) of the eastern Mediterranean (the Aegean Sea’s coastal waters and the Levanine Sea’s coastal and offshore waters), from coastal waters to open sea waters, during the summer for two years. A total of 157 species/groups were registered in the study area. Copepods, cladocerans, doliolids, meroplankton and appendicularians represented the most important zooplankton groups. Five copepod species (Corycaeus [Onychocorycaeus] ovalis, Goniopsyllus clausi, Oncaea scottodicarloi, Sapphirina bicuspidata and Scaphocalanus curtus) have been recorded for the first time in Turkish coastal regions; three species (Centropages bradyi, Goniopsyllus clausi and Oncaea scottodicarloi) had not previously been found in the Aegean Sea; and one species (Goniopsyllus clausi) has been added for the first time to the eastern Mediterranean fauna. Moreover, Pleopis schmackeri was already found to be present in both the Aegean Sea and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey in August 2006. Dominant species varied from the coastal waters to open waters. A small number of species belonging to the coastal community (e.g. Penilia avirostris, Pseudevadne tergestina, Oithona plumifera, Paracalanus parvus and Centropages kroyeri) dominated all coastal areas. In contrast, the open water stations were characterised by the presence of typically epipelagic species of the Mediterranean Sea (e.g. Calocalanus spp., Clausocalanus furcatus, Lucicutia flavicornis, Mecynocera clausi, Farranula rostrata, Oncaea scottodicarloi and Oncaea mediterranea).

4

Species composition and structure of the nematode communities of epiphytic mosses in the Left-bank Polesie (Ukraine)

Shevchenko Valentyna, Zhylina Tetiana

Studia Quaternaria

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2021

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Vol. 38, Nr 2

143--148

EN

Species and generic composition of nematode communities from the epiphytic mosses in the Left-bank Polesie were studied. Nematodes were extracted by a modified Baermann’s method. A total of 47 species was found and they belonged to 34 genera, 21 families and 8 orders. The average number of nematodes was 4077 per 100 g of the moss. Rhabditida, Tylenchida, Plectida and Dorylaimida composed had more species richness (12, 10, 8 and 7 species, respectively). Species of these four orders comprised 78.7%. Representatives of three order Plectida, Dorylaimida and Monhysterida were the most numerous within the considered communities (proportion in the communities were 40.75, 21.30 and 18.65%, respectively). The majority of the identified species were subrecedent (31 or 65.95% of species composition) and accidental species (37 or 78.72%). Three species: Plectus parietinus Bastian, 1865, Mesodorylaimus bastiani Bütschli, 1873 and Geomonhystera villosa Bütschli, 1873 composed the core of nematode communities from epiphytic mosses in the Left-bank Polesie. They were found in 70.21, 57.45 and 53.19% of the samples, proportion in the community of 15.21, 10.03 and 17.96%, respectively.

5

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.

6

Soft-bottom crustacean fauna from the Turkish coast of the Black and Marmara seas with new records

Mulayim Aysegul

Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies

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2021

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Vol. 50, No. 1

60--76

EN

It is becoming increasingly important to monitor zoobenthic biodiversity in seas that are under industrial and anthropogenic pollution pressure, such as the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea. This study covers crustacean species in the Turkish waters of the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, both of which are closed systems. Sampling was carried out in July–August 2019 and yielded 32 crustacean species from the Black Sea and 77 species from the Marmara Sea. In the Marmara Sea, two species [Kupellonura mediterranea and Leucon (Macrauloleucon) siphonatus] represent new records for the Turkish waters, and 12 species [Cirolana cranchii, Cumella (Cumella) pygmaea, Cyathura carinata, Cymodoce truncata, Eurydice pulchra, Gammaropsis sophiae, Harpinia truncata, Iphinoe serrata, Iphinoe trispinosa, Liocarcinus pusillus, Nebalia strausi and Synchelidium maculatum] are new to the Marmara Sea. The following species: Gammaropsis palmata, Pontocrates arenarius, and Synchelidium haplocheles are new records for the Black Sea. The order Amphipoda dominated in both seas in terms of the number of species and the number of individuals.

7

The Effects of Environmental Features and Overstory Composition on the Understory Species Assemblage in Sub-Mediterranean Coppiced Woods : Implications for a Sustainable Forest Management

Tardella F. M., Postiglione N., Vitanzi A., Catorci A.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2017

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Vol. 65, nr 2

167--182

EN

Understanding the relationship among environmental factors, overstory and understory is a key step for the improvement of sustainable forest management. Our aim was to understand how environmental features (topographic factors) and overstory (tree species) composition affect understory (shrub and herb species) assemblage in sub-Mediterranean coppiced woods. The study area lies in the Monti Sibillini National Park (central Italy). In 205 plots (20 × 20 m) we collected topographic features and species cover values; moreover, we defined the Social Behaviour Type (SBT — i.e. species ecological and dynamic features) of each understory species. Data were analysed using Redundancy Analysis and Generalized Linear Modeling. We found that topographic factors shaped percentage cover of different tree species and hence determined forest community type. Topography-related factors were further mediated by the tree layer composition, in filtering understory assemblage, on the basis of species SBT. We found no effect of overstory species diversity on understory species diversity. However, the presence of tree species different from the dominant ones increased understory species richness. This effect was particularly notable in evergreen woods, dominated by Quercus ilex. We conclude that, to improve the management sustainability, coppicing management should be focused on the achievement of the greater tree species diversity.

8

Structural Diversity Closely Associated with Canopy Species Diversity and Stand Age in Species-Poor Montane Forests on Loess Plateau of China

Liu N., Wang H., Nan H.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2017

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Vol. 65, nr 2

183--193

EN

High species diversity is often accompanied with and supported by a diversified stand structure in species-rich natural forests. However, the relationship between species diversity and stand structural diversity is less examined in species-poor forests. In montane forests on Loess Plateau of north-central China in a semi-arid climate zone, canopy species diversity and vertical structure of 57 broadleaves, conifer and mixed stands, with varying stand ages and site conditions, were randomly sampled. Canopy species diversity was represented by Shannon's index (H'). Stand structural diversity was represented by two indices respectively, i.e. coefficients of variation of diameter measurements at breast height (CVdbh) and Shannon's index of diameter classes (H'dbh). Structural equation models (SEMs) were constructed to explore multiple relationships between stand structural diversity and canopy species diversity, stand age and elevation. Both stand structural diversity indices increased directly with H' and stand age. However, indirect positive effect of stand age via increasing H' was only significant on CV. H'dbh provided positive feedback on H', while effect of stand age was only indirect via increasing structural diversity. Elevation significantly affected coefficients of variation of diameter, which was probably a sampling effect due to narrow distribution of broadleaves-conifer stands in altitudinal range. In conclusion, the results showed that stand structural diversity and canopy species diversity and stand age are closely associated with the species-poor montane forests like these on Loess Plateau of north-central China.

9

Surirella barrowcliffia Donkin 1869 (Bacillariophyta, Surirellaceae) : the first observation of the diatom in Poland

Szulc B., Szulc K.

Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies

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2017

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Vol. 46, No. 4

464--471

EN

Diatoms of the genus Surirella are considered to be a very diverse group, many of them are endemic species found in old lakes as well as in tropical regions worldwide. This study describes a new location of Surirella barrowcliffia. In 2005-2007, algological research on the taxonomic composition of benthic diatoms was conducted in the middle section of the Pilica River (Central Poland). A total of 23 benthic samples were collected from a single sampling site located in the town of Sulejów (159.8 km upriver). Altogether 242 diatom species were identified in the collected material. One of the most interesting taxa in this community was S. barrowcliffia. According to the information available in the world’s algological databases, such as Algaterra and AlgaeBase, S. barrowcliffia has so far been found only in England, France, Finland, northern Germany – in the Weser and the Kleine Wumme rivers, near Bremen, and in Romania in the Crapina-Jijila lake complex. S. barrowcliffia has not been recorded in the previous research conducted not only in the middle section of the Pilica River, but also in other Polish aquatic ecosystems.

10

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.

11

The application of forest sustainable management framework and community participation adjacent to Doi Laung wildlife sanctuary, Thailand

Khonkaen P., Cheng J.-D.

Archives of Environmental Protection

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2017

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Vol. 43, no. 1

87--94

EN

This paper present the data for monitoring forest conditions and forest resource management by a local community adjacent to the Doi Laung Wildlife Sanctuary, Huaimai Sub-district, Song District, Phrae Province, Thailand. This study uses quantitative forest surveys, interviews, discussions, and descriptions of the historical context of public participation in forest management including a detailed assessment of field conditions. The findings of a forest resources inventory show that (1) from the three sampled areas, Doi Laung Wildlife Sanctuary has highest richness, followed by village #16 and #14, and (2) Huaikhon #16 implied the process of framework to maintain a healthy condition and response to community needs with collective management. The conceptual model assessment that links key group indicators and drivers is presented based on previously developed assessment models. The framework focuses on the best way to provide forest management, forest fire prevention, and firefighting as well as monitoring of Check-dam construction and other activities that support the recovery of the forest community. This paper demonstrates the general of an environmental assessment framework to applying organize environmental information to facilitate policy decision making for the sustainable development.

12

The Effect of Fallow Period Length on the Abundance and Diversity of Usable Plant Assemblages in Shifting Cultivation System (Swidden Agriculture) in Northern Laos

Delang C. O., Weiyi X., Brooke B., Chun K. P.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2016

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Vol. 64, nr 3

350--356

EN

Shifting cultivation, or swiddening, involves alternating cycles of cropping and fallow periods. Rather than being abandoned, the fallow swidden fields provide a source of important plant products for remote, forest-dwelling human communities. In northern Laos, the traditional length of fallow periods used to range between five and 11 years, depending on the availability of land and quality of the soil. Fallow periods are currently being shortened because of population pressures and government policies. To determine the potential impacts of shorter fallow periods, 128 swidden fallows of various ages (up to 20 years), located at altitudes between 400 and 800 m a.s.l. in northern Laos were sampled for usable plants. The impact of fallow length on plant abundance and species diversity was analysed. The number of usable plant species was found to increase with the fallow age until it was 11–12 years old, and then decline, while the abundance of usable plants increased beyond that period. We conclude that shorter fallows will result in a significantly smaller usable plant abundance and species diversity for the villagers. We propose that 11–12-year-long fallows should be considered in order to fully exploit the greater plant volume of older fallows as well as the compositional shift of species in fallows over time.

13

Zbiorowiska okrzemek rozwijające się na glebie uprawnej w Pogórskiej Woli koło Tarnowa

Stanek-Tarkowska J., Noga T., Kochman-Kędziora N., Rybak M.

Inżynieria Ekologiczna

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2016

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Nr 46

128—134

PL

Celem pracy było zbadanie różnorodności gatunkowej okrzemek rozwijających się na glebie pod uprawą pszenicy w Pogórskiej Woli koło Tarnowa oraz charakterystyka zbiorowisk okrzemek w oparciu o wybrane właściwości fizykochemiczne gleby. Badania prowadzono w okresie wegetacyjnym (od kwietnia do listopada 2011 r.), próbki powierzchniowej warstwy gleby pobierano w odstępach comiesięcznych. Badania fizykochemiczne wykazały odczyn kwaśny lub lekko kwaśny oraz niskie wartości uwilgotnienia (od około 6% w kwietniu i październiku do 1,93% w czerwcu). Łącznie oznaczono 47 taksonów okrzemek. Największym bogactwem gatunkowym charakteryzowały się rodzaje Luticola, Navicula i Mayamaea. Wyróżniono 8 gatunków dominujących, z których zdecydowaną większość stanowiły gatunki aerofityczne i glebowe. Najliczniejsze populacje tworzyły: Hantzschia amphioxys (Ehrenb.) Grunow, Luticola nivalis (Ehrenb.) D.G. Mann, Pinnularia borealis Ehrenb. var. borealis i Stauroneis borrichii (Petersen) Lund.

EN

Studies were conducted on a farmland located in the Pogórska Wola near Tarnów. The aim of the studies was to examine the species richness of diatoms growing on soil under wheat cropping in the Pogórska Wola and characteristic of diatoms assemblages based on selected physico-chemical parameters of soil. Studies were conducted in vegetation season (from April to November 2011). Samples were collected once a month. Soil reaction in each month was acid or slightly acid. Humidity was low and balanced between 6% in April and October down to 1.93% in June. 47 diatom taxa were recorded in total. The biggest species richness occurred in genus Luticola, Navicula and Mayamea. Eight taxa were considered as dominant from which the most was aerophytic and soli species. The biggest populations were created by: Hantzschia amphioxys (Ehrenb.) Grunow, Luticola nivalis (Ehrenb.) D.G. Mann, Pinnularia borealis Ehrenb. var. borealis and Stauroneis borrichii (Petersen) Lund.

14

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.

15

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.

16

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.

17

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.

18

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.

19

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.

20

The effect of hydrological connectivity on water beetles fauna in water bodies within the floodplain of a lowland river (Neman river, Belarus)

Pakulnicka J., Nowakowski J. J.

Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies

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2012

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Vol. 41, No. 2

7-17

EN

The middle course of the Neman River is the habitat of 120 water beetle species. Water beetles were most abundant in the Neman River, its major tributaries and oxbow lakes. They consisted of four synecological groups: rheobiontic and rheophilic organisms, type "a" and "b" stagnobionts. The diverse types of aquatic environments constitute faunal centers which, in addition to the specific and dominant Coleopteran populations, also feature migrational elements. The presence of close relations between the fauna of different environments indicates that they form a single, faunistically integrated hydrological system.