Population status of Bupleurum aureum (Apiaceae), a Critically Endangered plant species in a region of European Russia

Protected Areas are considered as an important and widely applied tool for biodiversity conservation. They are especially relevant for conservation of threatened species populations. This paper presents study aimed to investigate population status and suitability of habitat conditions of a regionally Critically Endangered plant species, Bupleurum aureum (Apiaceae). Our research has been conducted in National Park “Smolny” (European Russia). The field studies were carried out in 2008, 2013–2018 in two study sites (Plot1, Plot2). In each study sites, square plots (1×1 m) were established to cover the most number of B. aureum individuals. The population status was assessed on the basis of the morphometric traits of individuals (height of generative individuals, number of umbellulas per umbella, number of schizocarpiums per umbellula), number of individuals per population, age structure of populations, composition of accompanying flora. We analysed relationships between environmental conditions (shadiness, soil moisture, salt regime of soil, soil nitrogen, soil pH, soil moisture variability) and morphometric and population traits of B. aureum to reveal the most influencing environmental factors. We found that at the north-western limit of the range, B. aureum has relatively low abundance and height of individuals in compare to available data from other parts of its range. The population age structure indicated higher habitat suitability in Plot1 due to presence of both vegetative and generative individuals. At the same time, in Plot2, B. aureum population is under serious threat due to a lack of vegetative individuals noted during almost whole study period. We suppose a forthcoming threat of probable loss of this B. aureum population. Environment data obtained in both habitats of B. aureum populations in National Park “Smolny” (Russia) indicated high relationships between soil moisture and the number of inflorescences formed by plants. We suppose a threat of extinction of the B. aureum population due to the building activity of Castor fiber inhabiting the small river Bakhmustika located nearby of study area. If the small river will be dammed, it could lead to decrease in B. aureum population in both studied sites due to the increase in ground water level

Seasonal activity of Coleoptera attracted by fermental crown traps in forest ecosystems of Central Russia

The seasonal activity of Coleoptera was studied using fermental crown traps. The study was conducted from April to October 2019 in five forest biotopes (aspen, lime, pine, birch and oak) in the territory of the Mordovia State Nature Reserve (Russia, Republic of Mordovia). Eighty-three species are found from 31 families. Cerambycidae (13 species), Nitidulidae (11 species) and Curculionidae (9 species) had the greatest species diversity. A significant part of the identified taxa (57 species from 23 families) can be attributed to saproxylic beetles. The peak abundance of Coleoptera in four biotopes (aspen, lime, pine and birch forests) was in mid-May; in an oak forest, it was at the beginning of June. Seven species seasonal activity was monitored (Cryptarcha strigata, Glischrochilus hortensis, Glischrochilus grandis, Cychramus luteus, Soronia grisea, Protaetia marmorata and Anisandrus dispar)

Effect of some environmental factors on liana abundance in a regenerating secondary lowland rainforest in Nigeria three decades after a ground fire

This study examined variation in liana composition, abundance and environmental variables associated with them in a regenerating secondary rainforest in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Six sample plots were established in the secondary forest in locations undergoing different degrees of regeneration for this study. All individual lianas were enumerated and girths at breast height were measured. Five soil samples were randomly collected from each sample plot using a soil auger, air-dried and sieved, and were analyzed for pH, particle size distribution, organic carbon, total nitrogen, phosphorus, exchangeable cations and organic matter content. Using Canonical Correspondence Analysis, Correlation and regression analysis, we determined soil variables that influenced the liana abundance in the forest. There were 41 liana species in the forest with Motandra guineensis (Apocynaceae) being the most important species. The soil variables affected the liana species differently with the “group IV” liana species showing more preference for all the environmental variables. Liana individuals showed no significant relationship with all the soil variables in the forest. Also, only Motandra guineensis showed a strong relationship with all the soil variables in the forest. The study concluded that soil variables affected the liana abundance in the forest differently

IUCN guidelines using for assessment of plants from the Red Book of Russian Federation at regional level: a case study for the Republic of Mordovia (Russia)

There are 15 plant species included in the Russian Red Book, which occur in the Republic of Mordovia: Najas tenuissima, Koeleria sclerophylla, Stipa dasyphylla, S. pennata, S. pulcherrima, S. zalesskii, Fritillaria ruthenica, Iris aphylla, Cypripedium calceolus, Cephalanthera rubra, Epipogium aphyllum, Neottianthe cucullata, Orchis militaris, Neotinea ustulata, Thymus cimicinus. Of these, only C. calceolusis included in the Global Red List as Critically Endangered. Threat status for studied species in Mordovia was assessed, and their distribution dynamics in this region throughout 12 years was described. Recent floristic studies, inspections of herbariums and literature were used for searches all provided data. Grid mapping and IUCN criteria were used. Nine taxa were determined as Critically Endangered, three as Endangered, one as Vulnerable, one as Near Threatened and one as Data Deficient. The areas of occupancy and extent of occurrence inMordovia were assessed for each taxon. All studied species should be included in the next edition of the Mordovian Red Book. F. ruthenica, E. aphyllum, N. ustulata, T. cimicinus require additional studies to confirm earlier observations

Assessment of woody species diversity and composition along a disturbance gradient in Behali Reserve Forest of Biswanath district, Assam, India

The present study was carried out in Behali Reserve Forest, a semi-evergreen forest of Assam, India to record and analyze the woody species diversity and community characteristics using random sampling. Altogether, 35 quadrats (20 m × 20 m) were randomly established and studied from August 2018 to April 2019 spreading across nine study sites. A total of 128 (118 identified and 10 unidentified) woody species from 83 genera and 43 families were found in the sampled area of 1.4 ha. Lauraceae with 19 species was the richest family by species followed by Euphorbiaceae and Phyllanthaceae (eight species each). Altogether, 787 individuals were recorded from the sampled plots and the stand density ranged between 250 individuals × ha-1 to 725 individuals × ha-1 with mean stand density of 543 individuals × ha-1. Species-wise density analysis revealed that Magnolia hodgsonii (96.43 individuals × ha-1) has the maximum tree density. Plot wise analysis showed that Dikal (58.32 m2 × ha-1) recorded the maximum basal area as well as the equitability index of 0.95. In Serelia, we recorded the highest Simpson index (0.92), Shannon H index (2.76), Brillouin index (2.11), Menhinick (3.49), Margalef (5.29) and Fisher alpha index (26.59). In Radhasu, we recorded maximum evenness (0.90), dominance (0.58) and Berger-Parker index (0.65). The maximal values of Chao index (38.53) was recorded in Hatimara. Our study also revealed that diversity was maximal for the community under medium level of disturbance in the reserve, while communities under the lowest and highest disturbance pressure had minimal diversity. The Behali Reserve Forest exhibited a great species richness (118 species), mean basal area (44.42 m2 × ha-1) and stand density (in total, 788 individuals per study area of 1.4 ha) compared to the other forests of the northeastern region of India

Environmental Preferences of an Invasive Plant Species, Bidens frondosa (Asteraceae), in European Russia and Western Siberia

To identify habitat conditions, indirect ordination methods on the basis of environmental scales are used widely in Europe. However, many alien plants are absent from those scales. Bidens frondosa (Asteraceae) is an invasive alien species distributed widely in Europe. It is becoming a significant part of natural plant communities, sometimes forming monospecific stands. This study aimed to empirically determine environmental factor values using analysis of the flora accompanying B. frondosa in 22 regions of European Russia collected in a 34-year time span. In European Russia, Tsyganov environmental scales are widely used for such analyses. We determined intervals of values for each environmental factor according to Tsyganov environmental scales, namely thermoclimatic scale (TM: 7.3–9.4), climate continentality (KN: 6.0–9.4), climate aridity/humidity (OM: 6.1–8.6), cryoclimatic scale (CR: 5.3–8.8), soil moisture (HD: 9.9–17.6), scale of the soil salt regimen (TR: 5.1–10.7), soil nitrogen availability (NT: 4.4–8.5), soil pH (RC: 4.8–8.8), habitat shading (LC: 2.0–4.5), and soil-moisture variability (FH: 0.7–5.9). These data on environmental factor values can be further used in ordination analyses of plant communities where B. frondosa appears in the subzone of coniferous-deciduous forests of Eastern Europe. Results of this study demonstrate the ecological preferences of this species and can be used to determine conditions of habitats invaded by B. frondosa

A global systematic review of publications concerning the invasion biology of four tree species

Paper presents a systematic global review of Acer negundo, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Ailanthus altissima, Robinia pseudoacacia invasions focusing on the Scopus and Web of Science databases. We examined the data on papers, study areas, habitat studied, topic discussed. We hypothesized that these species were studied evenly throughout their invaded ranges and, as such, indexed by international databases. We asked whether four selected species are presented evenly in publications related to their invaded ranges, and whether both selected databases cover well a content of these papers. We found 48 papers for A. negundo, 14 – for F. pennsylvanica, 83 – for A. altissima, 96 – for R. pseudoacacia. A high percentage of the studies were conducted in Central Europe and USA (for A. altissima), while Eastern Europe, Russia, Western United States were poorly represented. Most studies were conducted in forests, and focused on impacts or distribution of aliens in invaded range, and their control and management. We encountered habitat types invaded by trees, factors influencing tree invasions, consequences of invaders’ impact on ecosystems, counteracting measures. We concluded that the use only Web of Science and Scopus is not sufficient to obtain the complete data about the invasion biology

Seed mass and aeed yield of six roses (Rosa L., Rosacear Adans.) from c entral russia (Republic of Mordovia)

Genus Rosa L. is one of most critical taxa within European flora. Majority works is devoted to phylogeny, taxonomy and nomenclature of roses. Investigations of morphology and ecology of roses are still relatively few in number. The aim of this study was to evaluate seed mass and seed yield of six rose species (Rosa cinnamomea, R. spinosissima, R. rugosa, R. rubiginosa, R. glauca and R. canina) from populations in Central Russia (Republic of Mordovia). As a result of the study, it was revealed that Rosa rugosa has maximal number of seeds per rosehip among all investigated roses. Roses from section Caninae are characterized by large number of achenes per rosehip too. In contrast, among all investigated species, Rosa cinnamomea have most minimal seed yield. Origin of Rosa spinosissima population in Ruzaevka district (Republic of Mordovia, Central Russia) was proposed as uncertain according to number of seeds per rosehip. At first time, the seed mass of Rosa cinnamomea, R. glauca and R. rubiginosa was revealed

Environment Status Estimation of the Forest Communities Based on Floristic Surveys in the Mordovia State Nature Reserve, Russia

Environmental scales include species responsive to changes in environmental conditions. The present paper aims to apply floristic survey data to reveal environmental conditions in habitats studied in the Mordovia State Nature Reserve, European Russia. In total, 161 square plots were established within a selected forest area. In each plot, all species were registered to conduct a further analysis. Then, average values of six environmental factors were calculated based on the Tsyganov environmental scale. Contour maps were created for four factors to demonstrate spatial changes through the study area. All study pots were assigned to seven habitat types during the field surveys. To test the correctness of the determined classification, a principal component analysis was performed based on Tsyganov’s environmental factors. Additionally, PERMANOVA was used to test the correctness of the habitat distinguishing. The results demonstrate that differences in environmental conditions among the majority (mires, coniferous forests, broadleaved forests, mixed forests) of the distinguished habitats are statistically significant, except for water bodies, forest gaps and roads, which have no significant differences in environmental factors compared with other habitats. We assume that this is caused by the very small sampling size for these habitat types. To obtain correct results, each habitat group should be represented by at least 3–4% samples of the whole sampling set. The main conclusion represents a simple way to assess the habitat environmental status based on floristic data. Based on Tsyganov’s environmental factors, the spatial distribution of only plant specialists can be recognised well. The allocation of plant generalists is impossible based on the proposed approach. Finally, the correctness of habitat classification based on dominated plants is well-testable using environmental conditions found on these sites. We also recommend the use of the here applied approach in plant ecology studies in the subzone of coniferous–deciduous forests of Eastern Europe

Stanowisko Silene viscaria (L.) Jess. (Caryophyllaceae) z kwiatami achromatycznymi w Rezerwacie Przyrody Mordovia (Rosja Centralna)

Silene viscaria (L.) Jess. is a common species of Central Russian flora. It has attractive purple, crimson, or darkpink inflorescences. Some literature sources indicate the possibility of white-colour flowers. However, there are no reliable published evidences of these cases. In this report, a record of S. viscaria plants with achromatic, white, flowers at the southern border of the Mordovia State Nature Reserve is presented. Some morphological traits of flowering individuals were measured: the height of reproductive individuals, the number of whorls of lateral branches per an inflorescence, the number of flowers per an inflorescence, the length of an inflorescence, and the percentage of an inflorescence length from a flowering plants height. Data on the flora accompanying S. viscaria are presented. As a result, no significant differences between plants with achromatic flowers and plants with coloured flowers have been found. However, the height of white-flower individuals was slightly higher. We suggest accumulating data on a phenomenon of the flower’s achromatism amongst different groups of plants in order to try to understand the frequency of this phenomenon and perhaps its impact on plants biology.Silene viscaria (L.) Jess. jest gatunkiem pospolitym we forze Centralnej Rosji. Ma atrakcyjne fioletowe, szkarłatne lub ciemnoróżowe kwiatostany. Niektóre źródła literatury wskazywały na możliwość występowa-nia kwiatów w kolorze białym u tego gatunku. Jednak dotychczas nie było wiarygodnych opublikowanych danych na ten temat. W niniejszym opracowaniu zaprezentowano stanowisko S. viscaria z achromatycznymi, białymi kwiatami, zlokalizowane na południowej granicy Rezerwatu Przyrody Mordovia. W trakcie badań zmierzono niektóre cechy morfologiczne osobników kwitnących: wysokość osobników reprodukcyjnych, liczbę okółków odgałęzień bocznych na kwiatostan, liczbę kwiatów na kwiatostan, długość kwia-tostanu, procent długości kwiatostanu z długości rośliny kwitnącej. Przedstawiono również dane dotyczące fory towarzyszącej S. viscaria. W rezultacie nie stwierdzono różnic istotnych między roślinami o achromatycznych kwiatach i roślinami o kolorowych kwiatach. Jednak długość osobników z białymi kwiatami była nieco większa. Byłoby wskazane gromadzenie dalszych danych dotyczących zjawiska achromatyzmu kwiatów wśród różnych grup roślin, aby spróbować zrozumieć częstotliwość tego zjawiska i być może jego wpływ na biologię roślin