Specific composition, numbers and biotopical distribution of snakes (Serpentes) on the southern slope of the Navagir mountain ridge (Abrau Peninsula) and some problems of its preservation

Seven species of snakes were revealed in 1997–1998, six of which (Natrix tessellata, N. natrix, Zamenis longissimus, Hierophis caspius, Platyceps najadum, and Elaphe sauromatus) were in the lower part of the slope, in the area of mediterranean vegetation. In 2001– 2003, the first three species were revealed only, and their numbers significantly decreased, reaching a maximum in the middle part of the slope, in the zone of transition from mediterranean vegetation to broad-leaved forests. In 1999–2000, the recreational load on the coastal area sharply rose, which probably was the cause for the species composition reduction and changes of the spatial distribution in snakes.

Status and life strategy of Orchis punctulata Steven ex Lindl. (Orchidaceae) in the South-Eastern Crimea

This article presents the results of the population studies of rare protected species Orchis punctulata (Orchidaceae). Based on analysis of local floras in eastern and southeastern Crimea and personal observations, we identified the three most numerous populations of O. punctulata: two in the steppe (on the Tepe-Oba mountain ridge) and one in forest communities (on the Kiziltash mountain ridge). The ontogenetic, demographic, and vitality structures of the populations were studied. We also assessed the life strategies of the species in different habitats. The populations in steppe communities were characterized by high number and density parameters. O. punctulate often formed large clusters and was dominated here. A small number and low density characterized the population in the forest community; the distribution of individuals within the population was scattered. The age spectra were also different. The populations in steppe communities had a left-sided spectrum with a maximum in immature individuals, while in forest communities, it had a bimodal spectrum with maximums in generative (with a predominance of mature and old generative) and immature individuals. Specimens from forest communities were more extensive than those of steppe communities, they had longer leaves and inflorescences, and their inflorescences had a more significant number of flowers. As a result, the population in the forest community had a higher vitality index. It included individuals of the highest and middle class of vitality. The populations in the steppe community consisted of all classes of vitality or only of middle and lower classes. Thus, optimal environmental conditions for the growth of species are in forests. At the same time, a low level of regeneration and competition from other plants hinder its wide distribution. As a result, the species exserts as a phytocenotic patient (S-strategy). In steppe communities, the species is characterized by a mixed patient-explerant-violant strategy (SRC strategy).

Spatial-temporal distribution of birds in the northern macroslope of the Kyrgyz mountain ridge (Tien Shan)

Based on the results of our analysis, a classification of bird species of the Kyrgyz mountain ridge (Northern Tien Shan) was compiled according to their preference for habitats and occurrence throughout the year. The program of factorial classification used for this unites species according to the maximum similarity in their distribution and stay in an unspecified number of clusters. In total, 4 supertypes and 12 types of preferences have been identified along the Kyrgyz ridge. In the supertype of birds that prefer undeveloped areas, 6 types were distinguished, namely, the species choosing: 1 – high mountains, 2 – high and medium mountains, 3 – medium mountains, 4 – medium mountains and foothills, 5 – foothills, and 6 – found at all heights. The supertype of birds preferring built-up areas is represented by one type only: the species preferring foothill sheaths and villages, and the supertype of birds preferring rivers and their banks is represented by four types, namely, the species preferring: high-mountain rivers in the summer and autumn; high-altitude and mid-mountain rivers in the spring and summer; mid-mountain rivers in the autumn; and foothill rivers in the first half of the summer. The supertype uniting species found in all habitats is represented by one type of preference, namely, found throughout the whole year. It is shown that of the 154 recorded bird species, most were found in undeveloped habitats, and 6 and 12 times less were in built-up areas and rivers, including their banks. In undeveloped areas, most bird species prefer high- and mid-mountainous landscapes and half as many prefer foothill landscapes. In residential landscapes, most species tend to the foothills, and among rivers, they prefer high-altitude and mid-mountain areas. At to the seasons, the maximum number of species was recorded in the spring-summer and summer periods.

STUDY OF CONDITIONS OF GULLY FORMATION IN MOUNTAIN REGIONS OF SOUTH-EAST KAZAKHSTAN WITH USE OF GIS-TECHNOLOGIES

In the article the results of field and laboratory researches of gully erosion in the mountains of Zhetysu Alatau of south-east Kazakhstan are considered. Mountain ridge Malaisary was chosen for study of gully erosion. Malaisary ridge is the western ridge of Zhetysu Alatau mountains in the south-east Kazakhstan. Foothills and plain territories of southeast Kazakhstan are characterized by favorable conditions for the development of erosion processes. There was conducted stationary monitoring (yearly in October from 2013 to 2018) of gully erosion development on the Malaisary ridge from 2013 to 2018. Most of gullies of studied ridge show development in the top part and extend in the width mainly due to fluvial processes. There were studied the natural-anthropogenic factors influencing development of gully erosion; the morphometric characteristic received using the modern devices and satellite images are provided. The determined factors of development of gullies on Malaisary ridge are mechanical substratum composition, atmospheric precipitation (spring runoff, summer rainfalls), steepness and length of the slopes. The received materials allow concluding that gully erosion is the most active factor of the ridge relief transformation. Intensive gully erosion development increases ecological tension of natural-anthropogenic environment in the region. Growth of gully net and its active development deteriorates quality of agricultural lands and create threat to road objects and residential area infrastructure in the region.

A new species of Bolitoglossa (Caudata: Plethodontidae) of the Bolitoglossa franklini group from an isolated cloud forest in northern Guatemala

We describe Bolitoglossa qeqom sp. nov. from an isolated cloud forest in Cerro Guachmalén, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, based on multiple lines of evidence (morphological, molecular, and biogeographic data). This region comprises a mountain ridge without previous herpetological surveys. The new species is a large salamander with uniform purplish-black coloration and is distinguished by having relatively long legs with only one costal groove between adpressed limbs, numerous maxillary teeth, few vomerine teeth, only one phalange free of webbing in digit III of feet, and a relatively short tail. It is geographically closest to its sister clade of B. lincolni + B. franklini and the xeric Chixoy river canyon appears to be the major biogeographic barrier that isolated the new taxon. The cloud forest inhabited by this species has undergone severe habitat destruction in the region and land conservation actions are urgent.

The Early Byzantine and Khazar Periods in the Evolution of the Towns on the Inner Mountain Ridge in the Crimea

From the large-scale archaeological researches of individual urban centres located on the Inner Mountain Ridge of the Crimea, atop of the plateaus of Mangup, Eski-Kermen, and Bakla, there are enough reasons to identify and reconstruct the Early Byzantine and Khazar Periods in the evolution of these towns. The analysis of written sources and materials of archaeological excavations allows the one to substantiate the chronology of the two initial periods in the history of the evolution of the towns located on the Inner Mountain Ridge as: 1 – Early Byzantine, from 582 AD to the early eighth century; 2 – Khazar, from the early eighth century to 841 AD. In the early sixth century, there was the only oppidum or civitatium Dory known in the region in question. Obviously, its fortifications were built by the Goths living atop of the plateau of Mangup from the mid-third century on. In the Early Byzantine Period, in the late sixth century, when the region of Dory was incorporated into the Empire’s borderland province, military engineers realised the state-sponsored program and constructed fortifications and a church in the castle (κάστρον) of Δόροϛ and fortified towns of various types (πόλισμα) atop of the mountains of Eski-Kermen and Bakla. Although the engineers immediately planned and constructed fortifications, access roads, gates, sally ports, a church, streets, and other objects on a greater part of the uninhabited plateau of Eski-Kermen, only the citadel was built on the already inhabited terrace of the plateau of Bakla. In the Khazar Period, Δόροϛ kept the status of the capital of Gothia and the bishop’s see. At Eski-Kermen there probably was an archon supervising the building of the town according to a single plan, while at Bakla there appeared suburban area covered by residential houses. The archontes of the towns located atop of Eski-Kermen and Bakla were civil and church governors of the klimata, just as their predecessors had done earlier.

Kongssteinen og navnet Stavanger

This article present a new and somewhat daring interpretation of the name Stavanger. Previous discussions have revolved around from which topographical elements the name originates. The suffix ON angr, fjord, predates the Viking Age. ON stafr, standing staff became early an appellative for boundary markers. The King’s stone (Kongssteinen) was a remarkable boulder, at least 5.6 meters high and 6.2–7.5 meters wide. In the 4th century, the nearby land was cleared for farming and the boulder became clearly visible from the fjord. The King’s stone was one of several hoarstones for an ancient farm, Eiganes, – the parent farm of the town. It balanced on the top of a low mountain ridge (29 MASL) above the medieval town. It is discussed whether this boundary marker gave name to the fjord Stavanger, which in the 10th century also became the name of the town.

Visual Evidence of Constrained Area of a Cloudburst, 12 June 2018, Tirisha Village, Nubra Valley, Ladakh, India

On 12 June 2018, the Tirisha village in Nubra valley, Ladakh experienced a flash flood from a cloudburst that occurred over the mountain ridge. This event was captured in a Sentinel 2B satellite image at the time of its occurrence. The image also provided unique visual evidence of the constrained area of a cloudburst for the first time. Field survey of impact area at the Tirisha village was carried out on 13 June 2018. It was followed by assessment of the impact at the place of occurrence and further downstream using satellite data taken on, before and subsequent days. Satellite data show small area where cloudburst impact (< 1km2) from a cumulonimbus (Cb) cell of ~2.97 km2 of cloud top area. Rest of the flood catchment remained cloud-free during the event and floodwater in the stream is clearly visible in the imagery. The flash flood entered the Tirisha village situated at the Nubra valley foothills, which destroyed a stretch of 100 m road. Previous studies have suggested inherent atmospheric instability over the arid Ladakh region with an extremely high-temperature lapse rate of >9.8 K/km during 40-70 days during summer months. The extremely constrained nature of this event highlights the challenges involved in monitoring, forecasting and managing such events in the Himalayan region.