Population Trends and Urbanisation in Mountain Ranges of the World

This study assesses the global mountain population, population change over the 1975–2015 time-range, and urbanisation for 2015. The work uses the World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) definition of mountain areas combined with that of mountain range outlines generated by the Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment (GMBA). We estimated population change from the Global Human Settlement Layer Population spatial grids, a set of population density layers used to measure human presence and urbanisation on planet Earth. We show that the global mountain population has increased from over 550 million in 1975 to over 1050 million in 2015. The population is concentrated in mountain ranges at low latitudes. The most populated mountain ranges are also the most urbanised and those that grow most. Urbanisation in mountains (66%) is lower than that of lowlands (78%). However, 34% of the population in mountains live in cities, 31% in towns and semi-dense areas, and 35% in rural areas. The urbanisation rate varies considerably across ranges. The assessments of population total, population trends, and urbanisation may be used to address the issue “not to leave mountain people behind” in the sustainable development process and to understand trajectories of change.

ADMINISTRATIVE-TERRITORIAL DIVISION OF THE TEREK REGION AND DAGESTAN DURING THE REVOLUTION AND CIVIL WAR, 1917–1920

The article deals with the topics related to the national-state construction on the Terek River and in Dagestan in 1917–1920. Attention is paid to the problems of creating regional governments of various political orientations. The question of the confrontation between the Terek Cossacks, mountain leaders and Islamists is raised. Special attention is paid to the foreign policy factor that influenced the course of events in the region. The relevance of the research topic of the realities of the beginning of the XX century. It is caused not only by the 100th anniversary of the revolutionary events of 1917–1922, but also by the extreme similarity of the events of a century ago with what is happening in the region at the present time. It is noted that the mountain leaders of the liberal-democratic sense could not create a full-fledged statehood, which alienated the bulk of the local population. It is shown that the White Guards in the eyes of local residents were associated with the old regime and could not consolidate them around themselves. The Sharia reflected the point of view of a small part of the mountain population, and were critically dependent on the Bolsheviks and the external factor (Georgia, Azerbaijan, and the Turks). It is proved that only the final Sovietization of the region saved it from self-destruction and returned it to the creative path of development.

The pygmy wood mouse (Sylvaemus uralensis) in the region of the Ukrainian Carpathians

Information on the specifics of distribution and habitat preferences of the pygmy wood mouse in the region of the Ukrainian Carpathians is generalised according to data from original sources on the species’ records with consideration of results of the revision of regional collection series of wood mice. The currently known geographical range of the species is presented. A comparative analysis between morphometric data from various sources and of the revised collection series is carried out. The possibility of existence of a high-mountain population of the species Sylvaemus uralensis in the Ukrainian Carpathians is supported.

Cambarus fetzneri sp. nov., a new species of burrowing crayfish (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia and West Virginia, USA

The disjunct distribution of Cambarus monongalensis has led to speculation about its taxonomic status. An Appalachian Plateau population occurs in northern and central West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania, and a mountain population occurs in the Allegheny Mountains and Ridge and Valley physiographic provinces of the Virginias. Herein we describe the mountain population as Cambarus fetzneri sp. nov. The two species differ genetically and morphologically, and have different color patterns. Specifically, C. fetzneri sp. nov. chelae lack extensive red coloration on the distal end of the propodus and dactyl, possess rostral margins that lack any red coloration, compared to C. monongalensis, which has extensive red coloration on the dactyl and propodus, as well as red rostral margins. Morphologically, the rostrum of C. fetzneri sp. nov. is shorter and wider than that of C. monongalensis. Also, adult C. fetzneri sp. nov. are considerably smaller in body size than those of C. monongalensis.

Retreat Site Selection in Vaejovis carolinianus Populations of Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland Region

My study examined Tennessee’s only native scorpion species, Vaejovis carolinianus. Little is known about its ecology, so the objectives of my study were to determine if: (1) V. carolinianus selected cover objects based on surface area; (2) V. carolinianus preferred moister soils under the cover object; and (3) length of time in captivity altered the preferences. Scorpions were captured from two different locations: (1) a roadcut parallel to State Highway 96 near Edgar Evins State Park; (2) France Mountain in Overton County. In laboratory trials, scorpions were allowed to choose among three retreat sites and three soil moisture levels. Transects were established at both field locations to count and measure rocks that may serve as retreat sites. Surface area trials indicated that V. carolinianus selected large objects as retreat sites most often, but overall retreat site selection did not differ from that expected based on random choice weighted by cover object size. Soil moisture trial results varied, with no statistical significance in the results from the Highway 96 and 2013 France Mountain populations. The 2014 France Mountain population did show statistically significant differences. The surface area trials did not exhibit a time in captivity effect, but the soil moisture trials indicated a time in captivity effect between the 2013 and 2014 France Mountain populations. Based on test results, it appears V. carolinianus selected larger rocks as cover sites, perhaps due to chance or perhaps to escape sunlight and heat, for predator avoidance, or for higher soil moisture levels.

New Summer Areas and Mixing of Two Greater Sandhill Crane Populations in the Intermountain West

Population delineation throughout the annual life cycle for migratory birds is needed to formulate regional and national management and conservation strategies. Despite being well studied continentally, connectivity of sandhill crane Grus canadensis populations throughout the western portion of their North American range remains poorly described. Our objectives were to 1) use global positioning system satellite transmitter terminals to identify summer distributions for the Lower Colorado River Valley Population of greater sandhill cranes Grus canadensis tabida and 2) determine whether intermingling occurs among any of the western greater sandhill crane populations: Rocky Mountain Population, Lower Colorado River Valley Population, and Central Valley Population. Capture and marking occurred during winter and summer on private lands in California and Idaho as well as on two National Wildlife Refuges: Cibola and Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuges. A majority of marked greater sandhill cranes summered in what is established Lower Colorado River Valley Population breeding areas in northeastern Nevada and southwestern Idaho. A handful of greater sandhill cranes summered outside of traditional breeding areas in west-central Idaho around Cascade Reservoir near Donnelly and Cascade, Idaho. For example, a greater sandhill crane colt captured near Donnelly in July 2014 survived to winter migration and moved south to areas associated with the Rocky Mountain Population. The integration of the greater sandhill crane colt captured near Donnelly provides the first evidence of potential intermingling between the Lower Colorado River Population and Rocky Mountain Population. We suggest continued marking and banding efforts of all three western populations of greater sandhill cranes will accurately delineate population boundaries and connectivity and inform management decisions for the three populations.