Landscape survey in the Tienshan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan

Die Naturraumerkundung nach KOPP, JÄGER & SUCCOW (1982) ist ein umfassendes landschaftsökologisches Methodenkonzept, auf welchem die forstliche Standortserkundung in Ostdeutschland basiert (siehe KOPP & SCHWANECKE 1994, SCHULZE & KOPP 1995) und auch bereits bei der Moorforschung breite Anwendung gefunden hat (siehe SUCCOW 1988, SUCCOW & JOOSTEN 2001). Mit der Naturraumerkundung lassen sich die Zusammenhänge zwischen Standort, Vegetation und Nutzung sehr gut erfassen, und bezüglich ökologischer Funktionen und Nutzbarkeit interpretieren. Deshalb wird die Methode auch bei anwendungsorientierten landschaftsökologischen Untersuchungen im Tienschan eingesetzt (GOTTSCHLING 2003). Im Folgenden werden Erfahrungen mit der in Mitteleuropa entwickelten Naturraumerkundung unter den Bedingungen des Tienschan-Gebirges in Mittelasien dargestellt.Landscape survey as described by KOPP et al. 1982 is a convenient methodology for analyzing the relationship between geo-structural qualities of sites (climate, relief, soil, soil water), vegetation and land use. The method has previously mainly been used in Central Europe. Experiences gathered while applying the method under the conditions of Tienshan Mountains are discussed. In the Tienshan, the climatic and ecological conditions vary within short distances because of the mountainous environment, particularly with altitude and the exposition of slopes. A sharp ecological transition can be observed between north slopes, with spruce forest (Picea schrenkiana) on dystric cambisol and south slopes, with steppe on calcic chernosem. An important principle of the described method is a coordinated classification of climate, soil, relief, soil water and vegetation. The classification units are linked to “landscape forms” in topic dimension and the “landscape mosaics” in choric dimension, which characterise the heterogeneity of the mosaics. Another principle of the method is the distinction of basic natural qualities of the site and the qualities of its present condition, which may have been changed. The comparison of basic qualities of geo-structured sites allows the identification of the natural vegetation on chosen sites. This can be used, for example, to identify well adapted sites for afforestation of pasture land

Die Naturräume des Biosphärenreservates Issyk-Kul in Kirgistan. Eine landschaftsökologische Studie an Transekten

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The impact of climate on radial growth and nut production of Persian walnut ( Juglans regia L.) in Southern Kyrgyzstan

This dendroecological study used time series of climate and radial growth and nut production of Juglans regia to investigate the relationships between these parameters. More than 200 trees growing at sites of different altitude, aspect, inclination and human impact intensity were sampled in walnut-fruit forests of the Jalal Abad region in Southern Kyrgyzstan. Tree rings were dated and ring widths measured. Wide and narrow tree rings, so called positive and negative pointer years, could be explained by climatic events. The mean annual increment differed significantly in different regions and altitudes. The highest values could be found in plantations and at higher altitudes (1,700-2,000m a.s.l.). Analysing the relationships between nut crop yields and annual increment, we found a significantly positive correlation between nut crop of the current year (x) and ring width of the previous year (x−1). This relationship is influenced by climatic conditions, and may change in the future if climatic conditions in the region will change. Our study shows that Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) of South Kyrgyzstan can be used in dendrochronological studies, and illustrates the influence of site conditions and management practices on radial growth of this tree specie

Potential Analysis for Further Nature Conservation in Azerbaijan: A Spatial and Political Investment Strategy

Financed by the MAVA Foundation (Switzerland), the Michael Succow Foundation (MSF), in cooperation with various experts from Azerbaijan, conducted a detailed gap analysis of potential future protected areas in Azerbaijan. This report presents the results of this project and constitutes a part of the strategy of the MSF: to provide sound background information on the biological value and its further potential for protection in Azerbaijan. From the very beginning of the foundation’s engagement in Azerbaijan nine years ago, the sciencebased protection of landscapes and species has been the main focus of our work in the country.researc

The impact of climate on radial growth and nut production of Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) in Southern Kyrgyzstan

ISSN:1612-4677ISSN:1612-466

Asynchronous replication timing of telomeres at opposite arms of mammalian chromosomes

Telomeres are defining structural elements of all linear chromosomes, yet information concerning the timing of their replication in higher eukaryotes is surprisingly limited. We developed an approach that allowed a study of telomere replication patterns of specific mammalian chromosomes. In the Indian muntjac (Muntiacus muntjac), replication timing between respective telomeres of homologous chromosomes was highly coordinated, but no such synchrony was evident for p- and q-arm telomeres of the same chromosome. This finding contrasts with the coordinated timing of both ends of each chromosome in yeast. Also in contrast to yeast, where replication of all telomeres is confined to late S phase, we found specific telomeres in Indian muntjac chromosomes that replicated early in S and other telomeres that replicated later. Finally, replication timing of some but not all telomeres was influenced by telomere length. Knowledge of telomere replication timing represents a first step toward understanding the relationship between telomere replication and telomerase action. The approach, which we call replicative detargeting fluorescence in situ hybridization, is widely applicable to different species and genetic loci