Western Siberia in the context of global nature conservation concerns

Western Siberia is the largest wetland area on the planet with considerable variety of wetland sites situated in mid-latitudes. This variety makes the region important for the conservation of species, habitats and landscapes. Extensive wetland areas in this region are in a relatively undamaged condition, with little man-caused impact. Accordingly, the most essential wetland sites can be included in conservation activities to achieve maximum effect at regional, national and international levels. Western Siberia’s wetlands are included in international conservation activities through Ramsar Sites. The case of planning a UNESCO World Heritage Site to protect unique watershed peatlands in the southern part of the West Siberian Plain deserves special attention. There should be UNESCO biosphere reserves in the region to monitor long-term changes of the wetlands because of human activities and spontaneous development.     

The history and modern condition of the brown bear (Ursus arctos L., 1758) of the West Siberian plain

Abstract

Ursus arctos is a large carnivore and a common species for Western Siberia. The earliest traces of it date back to the Middle Pleistocene. During the Holocene, its population grew and its range significantly extended northwards. The modern West Siberian habitat lies between 55° and 67°N, and its dynamics are being affected by human activity and climate change. The beginning of the twenty-first century has been marked by the growth of the population of the brown bear and its occurrence in unusual habitats. Earlier studies of the population genetic structure prove the existence of a Pleistocene refugium on this territory. The body size of the West Siberian brown bear is the largest for U. arctos subscpecies within its range.     

Cold resistance of three species of earthworms (Oligohaeta,Lumbricidae) in Western Siberia

We studied cold resistance of Lumbricus rubellus, Octolasion lacteum, Dendrodrilus rubidus tenuis earthworms of Western Siberia (Tomsk) populations. Worms of these species turned out to be not resistant to low temperatures (100% mortality at ?3?°C), while cocoons, on the contrary, survived ?35?°C (L. rubellus) or below ?40?°C (D. rubidus tenuis). The worms’ populations under study do not have specific cold resistance. Their main characteristics are similar in Western Siberia and other geographically remote areas according to our studies. Due to their very high cold resistance, cocoons are indifferent to winter temperatures. Hibernation of the studied species of worms in the severe conditions of the West Siberian climate is possible only in the warmest habitats where minimum soil temperature in hibernation horizons does not fall below ?2?°C. Apparently, the proportion of such habitats in the region is high as 5 out of 12 surveyed biotopes had minimum temperature above the maximum tolerated by worms at a depth of 15?cm.     

Thermokarst lakes of Western Siberia: a complex biogeochemical multidisciplinary approach

Western Siberia’s thermokarst lakes are highly dynamic hydrochemical systems that receive chemical elements from the surrounding peat soil and exchange greenhouse gases with the atmosphere, delivering dissolved carbon and metals to adjacent hydrological systems. Climate warming is likely to intensify the magnitude of these processes, thus seriously affecting the biogeochemical fluxes both on land and in the coastal zone of the Arctic Ocean. In this work, we review biogeochemical and morphological features of thermokarst water bodies comprising frozen palsa depressions up to large, kilometre-size lakes and drained lakes. Based on a compilation of more than a hundred analyses of these water bodies, we discuss the average concentration of organic carbon, as well as the major and trace elements, and predict the development of their chemical composition, CO₂ and CH₄ exchange with the atmosphere and effect on the riverine fluxes from the land to the ocean under the climate-warming scenario. The accelerating permafrost thaw and rising water temperatures in this region will probably shorten the life cycle of the thermokarst thaw water bodies, increase the fluxes of both CO₂ and CH₄ into the atmosphere, increase the concentration and delivery of dissolved organic carbon and related trace metals to the hydrological network and increase the potential bioavailability of micronutrients. Thus, the impact of permafrost thaw in Western Siberia on the global plantery processes, via the retroactive link between climate change and the thermokarst lakes’ geochemical activity, may be more significant than is currently expected.     

Rare and unique communities in the South of Western Siberia of the Bolshaya Sogra natural complex (Kislukhinsky state natural regional reserve,the Altaisky Krai,Russia)

The paper presents floristic and geo-botanical characteristics of rare forest ecosystems of the south of Western Siberia – spruce forests on the site of the Ob river ancient bed within the modern Bolshaya Sogra within the boundaries of the state natural reserve ‘Kislukhinsky’ (Altai region). Spruce forests here are at the edge of their spread in the West Siberian Plain conditions. There are over 300 species of vascular plants found in these spruce forests. Among them are plants that are typical of the mountain taiga associations of Russian Altai, as well as orchids, which have high species diversity. Spruce forest set of associations is also varied. The uniqueness of the described communities to the south of Western Siberia, the large number of rare and endangered plant species listed in the Red Books of different ranks, as well as the boreal forest species complex rare to the lowland wooded steppe, which has a relict character, all served as the basis for allocating a special protection area in the ‘Kislukhinsky’ reserve and attributing the studied spruce forests to the forests of high conservation value.     

Changes in arable land use in Siberia in the 20th century and their effect on soil degradation

The paper presents issues related to soil degradation in Siberia caused by wind and water erosion, as the effects of changes in the Siberian agriculture in the 20th century. In order to understand the mechanism of changes in land management and their effects, i.e. the rate of erosion in the previous century, the article presents the development of agriculture from prehistoric times to the end of the 20th century. The paper presents the consequences of soil degradation, i.e. loss of surface layers of soil, humic compounds and biogenic compounds, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The range of erosion is also determined. The paper discusses the causes of the 20th century’s soil degradation, mainly by wind and water erosion; the actual range of erosion in agricultural areas; the importance of erosion effects on the environment and the economy of Siberia. There is reference also to conditions in the European continent as such. There is a need for changes that would stop this negative process. The paper notes some positive changes that have occurred in some Siberian regions, which provide a chance to limit or even eliminate the effects of erosive soil degradation.     

The avifauna of Western Siberia taiga zone wetlands (Tomsk oblast)

Wetland landscapes are widely spread in the Western Siberia taiga zone. Wetlands serve climatic and hydrological global functions, as well as many others. They also form the habitats for many species of animals. Dynamic development of Western Siberia wetlands and human influence on them demand the investigation of the wetlands’ bird population. This study aims to determine the wetland avifauna species diversity and to evaluate bird abundance and current state of rare species listed in Red Data Book. The study was carried out in the southern and middle taiga zones and in subtaiga. The study is based on the surveys that authors made in 2007–2013 in Tomsk oblast and also on the data gathered by the scientists in the Western Siberia forest zone. Counts were made according to Y.S. Ravkin’s methods. Counts of bird density are based on mean discovery distance on the routes. A total of 600?km walking and 150 water counting routes (by boats) were covered. It was found that 225 bird species inhabit Western Siberia wetland landscapes (196 – Tomsk oblast). Near 80% of birds inhabiting wetlands nest here.     

Reference community Siberian pine forests of Western Siberia as a local example of rational environmental management: anthropogenic disturbance analysis

The article describes geo-botanic characteristics of three massifs of community (situated in the vicinities of settlements) Siberian pine forests, both reference and valuable wood forests with dominance of Pinus sibirica Du Tour., growing in the mid- and southern taiga subzones of the Western Siberia natural taiga zone, Tomsk region. The results of the comparative analysis of the degree of anthropogenic disturbance in Siberian pine forests ecosystems’ composition and plant species communities’ participation are presented based on a hemerobiality scale.     

Hydrological risks in Western Siberia under the changing climate and anthropogenic influences conditions

The article considers hydrological hazards and risks, the dynamics of which are connected to climate change and anthropogenic influence on water bodies and their watershed areas. The hydrological consequences of climate change in Western Siberia are characterized by a high level of spatial and temporal heterogeneity and wide diversity. The authors determine the most dangerous hydrological phenomena with potentially high-risk levels, the causes of such dynamics and characteristic spreading areas. They reach the conclusion that both likelihood and scale of negative effects of certain hydrological phenomena and processes increase with the development of climate change and increase of anthropogenic influences.     

Birds of Siberian-pine (Pinus sibirica) forests of the south-east part of Western Siberia (Tomsk Region)

Abstract

The article examines the fauna and bird population of Siberian-pine forests in Tomsk Region (the south-east part of Western Siberia) in the summer period. The article is based on data collected by the authors over many years in 12 areas of Siberian-pine forests in various forest subzones. The taxonomical structure of avifauna, the landscape and ecological structure, and species distribution are examined. A comparison has been made of species diversity and population density for birds of sub-taiga Siberian-pine forests in the southern and middle taiga. The authors have identified the leading species of birds in terms of population density in various forest subzones. A tendency towards latitudinal changes in species diversity and population density in Siberian-pine forests has been discovered. The authors have identified the species of birds whose diet includes the nuts of Siberian pines. Data on the bird species of Siberian-pine forests listed in the Red Data Book of Tomsk Region have been included.     

Climate Change Impacts On Cultural Landscapes: A Preliminary Analysis in U.S. National Parks across the Pacific West

The study of climate change impacts on cultural landscapes in the Pacific West Region of the National Park System by the University of Oregon’s Cultural Landscape Research Group, assessed how these landscapes might be affected by key climate variables, and developed recommendations for future research toward the agency’s goal of ensuring cultural landscapes’ resilience in light of climate change variables.     

Human impact on the landscapes of the middle Ob Basin

The article characterises the main factors of human impact on natural landscapes: fires, agricultural production, forestry activity, development of oil and gas fields, transportation infrastructure (roads, electric power lines and pipelines), populated localities and industrial production. The article gives information on the diffusion scale and depth of transformation of natural landscapes in various natural zones from forest-steppe to middle taiga. Significant attention is paid to opportunities of using satellite images when studying nature, especially in conditions of inaccessibility of territories in West Siberia.     

Forecasting the local and global socio-economic impact of climate change in the Boreal and Arctic regions of Siberia

Climate change in Siberia, though local, is a problem of global concern. This article examines some of the negative consequences of climate change in the Boreal and Arctic regions of Siberia. Forecasting the local and global socio-economic impacts of climate change in this region includes assessing the potential for adaptation. Forecasting and solving climate-related issues are possible only on the basis of a multidisciplinary approach, consistently implemented at universities. The authors analyse a set of economic problems in the context of climate change: the need to evaluate natural and climate capital, technological demands, adapting technical systems to changes in the climate and increasing the quality of life. They conclude that there is an absence of systemic climate policy in Russia and emphasise the need for consistent accounting of climate-related expenses and benefits in subsurface resource companies carrying out long-term investment projects in the region. The article lays out directions for socio-economic policies that adequately address climate-related challenges.     

Oligochaetes in the water ecosystems of Western Siberia

Abstract

This article presents the species composition of aquatic oligochaetes (Oligochaeta) in the various regions of Western Siberia. The history of the study of aquatic oligochaetes of Western Siberia is briefly reviewed. The importance of oligochaetes in water bodies is also evaluated.     

Dreams,Propaganda and Harsh Realities: Landscapes of group settlement in the forest districts of Western Australia in the 1920s

After the First World War, opportunities for settlement in Britain's imperial territories were pursued vigorously. It is explored how early 1920s ideas about the role of colonization as a means to create ideal 'British' settlements overseas rekindled the thinking of the post-Napoleonic period. In particular, these ideas are examined in the context of the promotion in South West England of 'group settlement' schemes in Western Australia. Sophisticated promotional material, developed to persuade would-be emigrants to settle in rural areas of the dominions, is discussed, and the mismatch between the migrants' expectations and their actual experiences is examined. Although advertising was rarely deliberately inaccurate, the style and imagery employed in posters, newspaper articles, and other media presented notional landscapes that were far less arduous than proved to be the case. The disillusionment of Devon and Cornwall group settlers, once in Australia, and their complaints of having been 'misled', show the distinction between the landscapes of real empire settlement and the more fanciful landscapes of the imagination.     

Interdisciplinary Analysis of Hedgerow Network Landscapes' Sustainability

Hedgerows with pollarded trees are still emblematically shaping many agricultural landscapes in Western Europe; they are part of our heritage but their future is uncertain due to the enlargement of fields and loss of firewood use. As a consequence the sustainability of these agricultural landscapes is questioned. We studied changes in hedgerow management in a long-term ecological site in Brittany, France with an interdisciplinary approach. Importance, spatial distribution and relationship with the agricultural system have been assessed over 11 years in three contrasted hedgerow network landscapes, while management practices and farmers' perception were studied from an anthropological point of view. Two apparently opposed trends were found: first, an apparent decrease in the interest of farmers for hedgerows witnessed by the diminishing of the rate of pruning; second, changing attitudes of farmers not necessarily toward hedgerow abandonment but rather toward the production of novel shapes for pruned trees.     

The influence of the oil and gas complex on the bogs of the Western Siberia taiga zone

The paper examines the influence of economic activities during oil-field development on the bogs of the Western Siberia taiga zone. This research summarises long-standing experience of field studies aimed at exploring various factors of human impact on bogs, which were classified and evaluated according to their seriousness. To identify and characterise fault areas, we used satellite images of various resolutions. The paper analyses existing technologies to recultivate disturbed soil and suggests some principles for gentle recultivation methods, which can restore the natural regimes of bog landscapes.     

Genetic diversity of honeybees in different geographical regions of Siberia

Abstract

An assessment of the genetic diversity of nine microsatellite loci in honeybees of different origin (evolutionary lineages M, C, and hybrids) from different geographical regions of Siberia was conducted in order to find the genetic markers of the Siberian ecotype of dark-coloured forest bee (Apis mellifera mellifera). The greatest genetic diversity (both in the number of alleles and the calculated expected heterozygosity) was shown for loci A008, A113, Ap049, and A043 in honeybees from the Tomsk region, as bees from the southern districts had higher genetic diversity than bees from the northern districts. Honeybees from the Eastern region of Siberia (Yenisei population) had the lowest level of genetic diversity on these loci compared to Tomsk bee populations. Allele 162 pb of the locus A008, allele 126 bp of the locus A043, and allele 218 bp of the locus A113 can be considered as genetic markers of the A. m. mellifera Siberian ecotype.     

Dreams, Propaganda and Harsh Realities: landscapes of group settlement in the forest districts of Western Australia in the 1920s

After the First World War, opportunities for settlement in Britain's imperial territories were pursued vigorously. It is explored how early 1920s ideas about the role of colonization as a means to create ideal 'British' settlements overseas rekindled the thinking of the post-Napoleonic period. In particular, these ideas are examined in the context of the promotion in South West England of 'group settlement' schemes in Western Australia. Sophisticated promotional material, developed to persuade would-be emigrants to settle in rural areas of the dominions, is discussed, and the mismatch between the migrants' expectations and their actual experiences is examined. Although advertising was rarely deliberately inaccurate, the style and imagery employed in posters, newspaper articles, and other media presented notional landscapes that were far less arduous than proved to be the case. The disillusionment of Devon and Cornwall group settlers, once in Australia, and their complaints of having been 'misled', show the distinction between the landscapes of real empire settlement and the more fanciful landscapes of the imagination.     

Biodiversity of basic vegetation communities in forest steppes of the Altai-Sayan mountain region

Abstract

The Altai-Sayan mountain region (ASMR) is the Western part of the South Siberian mountain belt and is characterized by diverse climatic conditions. As a result, the forest-steppe belt forms areas of different size at various altitudes. This work presents the analysis of over 4000 relevés and over 100 geobotanical transects characterizing all forest-steppe landscapes of the ASMR. The biodiversity of basic vegetation communities comprises 5 classes, 6 orders, 9 alliances, and 43 associations. Areas with similar spectra of vegetation communities were unified into 8 forest-steppe landscapes. Two generalized types of ASMR forest steppes were proposed: Altai-Sayan and North-Mongolian.