scholarly journals Aggressive behaviour of Robins Erithacus rubecula (Passeriformes, Muscicapidae) at watering places in the forest steppe zone of Ukraine

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. O. Markova

283 The purpose of this research was to study interspecific and intra-specific aggressive reactions of Robins (Erithacus rubecula L.) at watering places in natural and anthropogenically pressured areas. The study took place in Kaniv Nature Reserve, Cherkassy region, in May-June 2010, 2012 and 2014 and the state dendrology park “Oleksandriya” of the National Academy of Science in Bila Tserkva. The observation of the birds’ behavior was performed using the ethological methods of “total observation” and “continuous logging”. In order to calculate the critical distance at which a bird shows aggression, the watering areas studied were divided into 1 x 1 m squares. It was found that aggressive intersspecific actions of Robins were more frequent in the natural habitat of Kaniv Reserve while intraspecific aggression was more frequent in the dendrology park. It was noticed that Robins responded aggressively to 12 species of birds in the Kaniv Natur Reserve site. Those species were: Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos), Blackbird (T. merula), Great Tit (Parus major), BlueTit (P. caeruleus), Marsh Tit (P. palustris), Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes), Icterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina), Wood Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix), Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), Collared Flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis) and Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata). Most often, aggression was directed to individuals that were already at a watering place rather than birds which arrived after the Robins. Besides, Robins frequently initiate aggressive relations. An inverse correlation of aggressive acts and the size parameters of the species, which were objects of Robins’ aggression, was observed. A success rating of Robins’ defence and attack in aggressive relations in Kaniv Nature Reserve was established: Robins were always successful in protecting its territory or attacking an Icterine Warbler and Chiffchaff, and always fails in defending agianst or attacking a Blackbird. The rating in contact with Spotted Flycatcher was zero. The critical distance of aggressive behaviour in intraspecific contacts at watering places was 40–50 cm, while for interspecific contacts it varied from5 cm to2 m. Our research emphasizes the importance of long-term research and multivariate approaches for understanding the complexity of dominance relations in birds.

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 18-23
Author(s):  
Elena Evgenievna Boryakova

The study of the nature reserve oak forest near the village of Pelya-Khovanskaya ecosystem was done in the region of Nizhny Novgorod. The investigated wood is unique for its complex structure. It is situated in the forest-steppe zone, characterized by a high species diversity of small mammals and vegetation, which indicates the complexity of trophic and spatial connections. Several series of sample plots were described: 41 of 2020 m and a number of 11 m sites, totaling 300. Abundance of species by Brown-Blanke scale and the number of specimens of adolescence were specified for each 1 sq. m. plot. Mammals were trapped with the help of trapping grooves and transects method. Vegetation cover is characterized by the presence of a clear intra-differentiation as well as the existence of two basic ecologo-coenotic groups/cores - the nemoral (with Pulmonaria obscura Dum. as the center species of the core) and the meadow-fringe. The most distinct group is formed by forest-shoot species. It can be explained by more forest-steppe rather than nemoral nature of vegetation. Small mammals are represented by the following species: common and small shrews, small forest mouse, yellow-throated and field mice and harvest mouse, vole-housekeeper, common, plowed and red voles, European mole. Two species among them - vole-housekeeper and mouse-baby - are listed in the Red Book of the Nizhny Novgorod Region. Matching burrows of mouse-like rodents with soil richness with nitrogen and humidity, two well-defined peaks are observed. The greatest number of burrows is found in places where the soil is high in nitrogen. Moles were found in areas with a large projective coating of Primula veris: coefficient Spearman rank 0,50. There was a negative correlation of the number of moles and vegetation covering of Pyrethrum corymbosum (-0,46), which is the marker of the driest parts in the forest. In general, the nature reserve oak forest near the village of Pelya-Khovanskaya is of considerable interest, both from botanical and from zoological point of view. Long-term studies of biocoenosis will allow to monitor the facility and to correct the proposed protective measures.


Author(s):  
T. V. Shupova ◽  
◽  
S. N. Koniakin ◽  

In settlements, safe places for birds nesting and feeding need to be created. The purpose of the work is to assess the state and identify vectors of the formation of nesting bird communities in parks under the pressure of anthropic load in the metropolis. In parks of Kyiv 62 species of birds nest. Such faunogenetic complexes like European nemoral (25.0–53.3%), Desert-mountain (12.0–27.8%) and Forest-steppe (6.9–25.0%) prevail. The number of community species in each of parks is 49–12, the average nesting density is 0.08±0.02–0.9±0.19 pairs / ha, and the dispersion is 0.12–1.62. With the combination of anthropic load on biotopes of more than 140 points with a small area of parks (2.0–16.5 ha), the species composition of communities decreases, and the average nesting density and density dispersion increase. Dominated by density: Parus major, Columba livia, Sturnus vulgaris, Turdus merula, Passer domesticus, Passer montanus, Fringilla coelebs, Columba palumbus, Apus apus, Ficedula albicollis, Erithacus rubecula, Turdus pilaris. All birds in communities are obligate synanthropes (12.9%; n=62) or hemisinanthropes. Obligate synanthropes are distributed in communities of 0-7 species. According to the gradient of increasing anthropic load on parks, logarithmic trends show a slight increase in the percentage share of obligate synanthropes in the species composition and in the number of breeding pairs. 47–70% nest on trees, 0–14.3% in shrubs, 0–13.0% on ground and in buildings. In parks, birds (16–38% of the species composition), in addition to using species-specific stations, nest in the cavities of buildings. Such species like Motacilla alba L., Sturnus vulgaris, Ficedula albicollis, Muscicapa striata Pallas, Erithacus rubecula, Parus major, Passer domesticus, Passer montanus nest in this way. Due to this nesting strategy, the need of the birds in hollows and the dependence on the woodpeckers in the community decreases. High parameters of the Shannon index (1.51–3.14) and Pielou index (0.61–0.95) were revealed, with low data of the Berger-Parker index (0.15–0.61). With an anthropic load of more than 160 points, there is a sharp decrease in species diversity, evenness of species, and increased dominance pressure. Cluster analysis showed the division of bird communities into similarity groups according to the area of the parks, the proximity of parks to the outskirts of the city and large forest tracts of the area and specifics of the anthropic load.


2009 ◽  
pp. 63-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. A. Starodubtseva ◽  
L. G. Khanina

Voronezhsky nature reserve is situated in the forest-steppe zone of European Russia, on the border between Lipetsk and Voronezh regions. The reserve was estab­lished in 1923; the total area of the reserve is 31 053 ha. We have created the vegetation classification system for the reserve on basis of 1058 phytocoenotic relevés processing. Phytocoenotic relevés have been collected since 1929 by different generations of researchers. All relevés were included into the data processing. Five forest vegetation formations and one herbaceous formation were described. According to the reserve’s forest inventory from 1991, Pinussylvestris formation occupies 32.3% of the reserve area, broad-leaved forest (oak forest) formation — 29.3, Populus tremula formation — 19.3, birch forest formation — 5.7, and Alnus glutinosa formation — 5.2 correspondingly. Her­baceous formation covers 3 % of the area in dry, moderate moistened and moist soils, and swamps occupy 2.5 % of the reserve area (they are not described here). Within the bounds of the vegetation formations, we have distinguished the vegetation association groups on the basis of ground vegetation functional group composition and ordination (DCA) technique. 8 functional species groups (ecologic-coenotic species groups) were used for the classification. The ecologic-coenotic species groups were as follows: 1) nemoral, 2) boreal, 3) nitrophilous, 4) pine-forest, 5) meadow-forest edge, 6) steppe, 7) oligotrophic, and 8) water-swamp. Totally we have described 23 vegetation asso­ciation groups united into the 9 ecologic-coenotic types of vegetation cover. 4 vegetation association groups were described for the herbaceous formation. We described in detail vegetation association groups inclu­ding species, structural diversity and the ecological position calculated by Tsyganov’s ecological species values. We also discuss the group’s history and the succession status. Finally, we have compared the proposed vegetation classification system for the re­serve with some other classification systems.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 47-52
Author(s):  
Polina Valerievna Grudanova ◽  
Evgeniy Sergeevich Korchikov

This paper presents data on the new location of the moss Ptilium crista-castrensis (Hedw.) De Not, which is listed in the Red Data Book of the Samara Region on the territory of the nature reserve Racheyskie Rocks in the Syzran district. 10 of its coenopopulation loci have been identified and the exact geographic coordinates are given. For the first time the exact coordinates of 11 coenopopulation loci are also named for the holarctic mountain-forest relict fern Polypodium vulgare L., which is also protected at the regional level, both of these species have a mosaic structure of coenopopulations confined to confluent sandstones as a substrate for growth. It has been revealed that the ecological preferences of these species are very close, however, Polypodium vulgare is more shade-tolerant and it can be called a scioheliophyte, in contrast to the heliophyte Ptilium crista-castrensis . The Polypodium requires more humid and shaded conditions for its normal existence. When growing in the forest-steppe zone, where humidity is often a limiting factor, Ptilium crista-castrensis and Polypodium vulgare can form a significant projective cover (more than 30%) only in the northern and northeastern exposures of the substrate, but only with an enhanced light regime in the phytocoenosis at the density of the stand that is not more than 0,3.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1(20)) ◽  
pp. 46-52
Author(s):  
V.O. Stadnyk ◽  
◽  
A.I. Samchuk ◽  
I.V. Kuraeva ◽  
K.V. Vovk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  

Author(s):  
А.В. Терешкин ◽  
А.Л. Калмыкова ◽  
Т.А. Андрушко

Вертикальное озеленение с участием различных видов лиан в современных условиях имеет важное эстетическое и санитарно-гигиеническое значение. Особо актуально решение вопросов обогащения флоры городских территорий лианами в степных районах в связи с бедным видовым составом и резким ухудшением экологической ситуации. Объектами исследований являлись 7 видов лиан, различных жизненных форм (однолетние, многолетние), произрастающие в населенных пунктах Саратовской области (Аткарск, Саратов). Цель исследований – изучение эколого-биологических особенностей и мелиоративных свойств лиан и выявление перспектив их использования в вертикальном озеленении селитебных территорий Саратовской области. В ходе исследования видового состава, были выявлены наиболее популярные виды однолетних лиан: ипомея красно-голубая (Ipomea tricolor (L.) Roth) и ипомея пурпурная (Ipomea purpurea (L.) Roth), горошек душистый (Lathyrus edoratus L.), настурция (Tropacolum peregrinum L.) и фасоль огненно-красная (Phaseolus coccineus). Большинство (70%) из них произрастают в местах ограниченного пользования. Изученные виды лиан в исследуемых регионах достигают средних природных показателей (при наличии надлежащего ухода), обладают хорошими показателями жизненного состояния, обильно цветут и плодоносят. При воздействии токсикантами различной концентрации на листовые пластинки лиан установлено их степень устойчивости. Выявлено, что однолетние лианы лучше использовать в декоративных целях, а не в санитарно-гигиенических. Сравнительная оценка однолетних видов с многолетними лианами (девичий виноград пятилисточковый и клематис тангутский) показывает устойчивость многолетних видов (в среднем на 3 балла - 40%). Разработаны варианты декоративных композиций с участием травянистых лиан. По степени декоративности выделены однолетние лианы – Ipomea tricolor, I. purpurea (37 – 41 балл), средней степенью отличаются – Lathyrus edoratus (33 балла), Tropacolum peregrinum (30 баллов) и Phaseolus coccineus (20 – 27 баллов). Преимущество многолетних лиан заключается в их устойчивости к резким изменениям климатических условий (на 40 %) по сравнению с однолетними формами. Поэтому они более предпочтительны для озеленения городской среды. Для усиления декоративного эффекта в сезонном аспекте рекомендуются сочетать расширение видового и формового разнообразия растений (многолетние и однолетние лианы, древесно-кустарниковая, цветочная растительность). Установлено, что природно-климатические условия зоны степи и лесостепи в пределах Саратовской области являются достаточно благоприятными для нормального роста и развития древесно-кустарниковой растительности, в том числе травянистых лиан. Таким образом, обоснованное применение древесных лиан в комплексе с традиционными видами насаждений позволит создать комфортные условия проживания населения, регулировать оптимальный температурный баланс и создавать благоприятные микроклиматические условия. Vertical gardening with different types of vines in modern conditions is important aesthetic and sanitary-hygienic value. It is especially important to address the issues of enrichment of the flora of urban areas with vines in the steppe regions due to poor species composition and a sharp deterioration of the ecological situation. The objects of research were 7 species of lianas, various life forms (annual, perennial), growing in the settlements of the Saratov region (Atkarsk, Saratov). The aim of the research is to study the ecological and biological features and reclamation properties of vines and identify the prospects for their use in vertical gardening residential areas of the Saratov region. In the study, species composition was the most popular species of annual vines: morning glory red-blue (Ipomea tricolor (L.) Roth) and purple morning glory (Ipomea purpurea (L.) Roth), the fragrant pea (Lathyrus edoratus L.), nasturtium (Tropacolum peregrinum L.) and runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus). Most (70%) of them grow in restricted areas. Studied species of vines in the study regions reach average natural performance (with proper care), have good indicators of vital condition, bloom abundantly and bear fruit. When exposed to toxicants of different concentrations on the leaf blades of vines established their degree of stability. It was revealed that the annual vines are better used for decorative purposes, and not in the sanitary-hygienic. A comparative assessment of annual species with perennial vines (maiden grapes and clematis Tangut) shows the stability of perennial species (an average of 3 points-40%). The options and decorative compositions with the participation of herbaceous vines. According to the degree of decoration of the allocated annual vine – Ipomea tricolor, I. purpurea (37 – 41 points), the average degree of differ – Lathyrus edoratus (33 points), Tropacolum peregrinum (30 points) and Phaseolus coccineus (20 to 27 points). The advantage of perennial vines is their resistance to sudden changes in climatic conditions (40 %) compared to annual forms. Therefore, they are more preferable for greening the urban environment. To enhance the decorative effect in the seasonal aspect, it is recommended to combine the expansion of species and form diversity of plants (perennial and annual lianas, tree and shrub, floral vegetation). It is established that the climatic conditions of the steppe and forest-steppe zone within the Saratov region are quite favorable for the normal growth and development of tree and shrub vegetation, including herbaceous lianas. Thus, the reasonable use of wood vines in combination with traditional types of plantings will create comfortable living conditions for the population, regulate the optimal temperature balance and create favorable microclimatic conditions.


Author(s):  
N. I. Kashevarov ◽  
R. I. Polyudina ◽  
I. N. Kazarinova ◽  
D. А. Potapov

A new cultivar of smooth bromegrass (Bromopsis inermis Leyss) Flagman was developed by methods of mass selection and polycross. Breeding and wild forms of various ecological and geographical origins are used as an initial material. The authors of the cultivar: Kazarinova I.N., Polyudina R.I., Straub A.A., Gomasco S.K. Studies were conducted on the Central experimental base of the Siberian research Institute of fodder crops of the Siberian Federal Scientific Centre of Agro-BioTechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, located in the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia (Novosibirsk region, Novosibirsk district, Krasnoobsk). The cultivar is mid-ripening: the period from the beginning of spring aftergrowing to mowing ripeness is 63-75 days and to full maturing of seeds is 95-111 days. The yield of dry matter is 8.3 t/ha, which exceeds the standard by 8%, seed yield - 0.62 t/ha, higher than the standard by 28%. The dry matter yield of the cultivar Flagman for the fourth year of use exceeded the standard by 23% and reached to 11.4 t/ha. The 1000 seeds weight is 3.0-3.4 g. The plant height is 90-140 cm. Tilling capacity is up to 40 stems per tuft. Foliage varies from 32 to 50% depending on the age of the grass and environment conditions. The resistance of the cultivar to brown rust and helminthosporiosis is higher than of the standard. The copyright certificate No. 71916 and patent No. 9653 were received.


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