Biosystems Diversity

Restoration of floodplains' natural vegetation of Polissia to reduce the effects of climate change

I. V. Khomiak — 2025-10-05

Global climate change has a wide range of regional-level consequences. The most sensitive environmental parameters are those related to the water cycle. A t the same time, several natural stabilizers reduce the negative impact of climate change. One of the most prevalent stabilizers is the vegetation of river floodplains. Using geobotanical methods, we surveyed the floodplains of the P ry p i at, Stohid, Horyn, Sluch, Ubort, Slovechna, Noryn, Uzh, Irsha, Teteriv, Dnipro, and Desna rivers and their main tributaries within the Ukrainian Poliss i a. According to Braun-Blanquet's ecological-floristic classification, we found that this vegetation consists of 11 classes, 32 orders, 57 alliances, and 204 associations. Synphytoindicative analysis revealed that these plant communities strongly stabilize climate change and its consequences. These plant communities absorb and accumulate carbon from the atmosphere in the form of phytomass or peat deposits. They also slow the passage of precipitation water, which prevents water erosion and the eutrophication of water bodies. They also create a specific microclimate around water bodies, preventing increased evaporation of moisture from the soil and rivers. However, this vegetation suffers from direct anthropogenic pressure and the same climate changes. If climatic factors deviate from submicrotheral ( mild cold ) , subaridophyt ic -subumbrophyti c ( moderate drought and shading ) , semi oceanic, and subcryophytic ( moderate dryness and cold ) , the functioning of typical floodplain vegetation is suppressed and its recovery is slowed down. Currently, climate change has progressed to a point where floodplain vegetation is unable to fully perform its stabilizing function. Even if we immediately implement measures to restore floodplain vegetation, it will take time to regain its capacity to stabilize the climate. In this regard, it is important to use hydroengineering measures and projects alongside the restoration of natural processes. The success of this combination will have a global impact on the quality and quantity of natural resources, the prese r vation of habitat and species diversity, and the stabilization of climate change.

Nematodes fauna of the genus Nematodirus (Nematoda) in domestic and semi-free-ranging ruminants of Central Uzbekistan

F. Akramova — 2025-11-11

Some features of the nematode fauna of the genus Nematodirus Ransom, 1907 in domestic (sheep , goats, cattle) and semi-wild (goitered gazelle) ruminants of the Bukhara Region in Central Uzbekistan were studied. The aim of the research was to conduct a comparative analysis of the species composition and distribution of nematodes of the genus Nematodirus among di f ferent groups of ruminants in the region. A total of 53 sheep, 15 goats, and 14 cattle were examin ed. The material was processed using coprological methods and complete helminthological dissection, which enabled the detection and identification of nem a todes from different sites of localization. Nine species of the genus Nematodirus were identified in the examined animals: N. abnormalis , N. helvetianus , N. oiratianus , N. gazellae , N. schulzi , N. dromedarii , N. mauritanicus , N. spathiger , and N. sugatini . Among these, 7 species were found in sheep, 4 in goats, and 2 in goitered gazelles ( N. battus and Nematodirus sp.). N. battus was recorded for the first time in the nematode fauna of Central Asia. The identification of larvae belonging to N. battus was confirmed both morphologically and by molecular-genetic analysis. The i nfection rates of animals with individual species under natural conditions varied widely, ranging from 3% to 46.5%. For the first time, N. filicollis and N. sugatini were recorded in the steppe zones of Uzbekistan in sheep. The complex of Nematodirus species found in ruminants of the studied region undou b tedly affects the productivity of sheep and goats, necessitating systematic monitoring.

Maize response patterns to soil and climate factors form the basis for predicting changes in its growing conditions under climate change

Y. Nykytiuk — 2025-09-02

The present study elucidates the mechanisms by which soil and climatic factors determine the suitability of the Poliss i a and Forest-Steppe regions in Ukraine for the cultivation of maize, and present s predictive models of how these conditions will shift under global climate change. Spatial modelling was performed using CROPGRIDS v1.08 data (maize sowing density), the WorldClim v2.1 database (19 bioclimatic indicators), and SoilGrids v2.0 ( nine chemical and physical soil parameters at 5–15 cm depth). The screening of climate variables was conducted through the utilisation of Principal C omponent A nalysis and residual orthogonalisation techniques. By contrast, soil variables underwent a process of normalisation and standardisation. The maize-area response was Box–Cox transformed, and four regr ession approaches were fitted: Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Ridge R egres sion, G eneral ised Additive Models (GAM), and a Random-F orest ensemble (RF). The most significant factor was dete r mined to be soil reaction (pH 6.0–7.5), which ensured optimal nutrient availability; values outside this range resulted in element fixation into insoluble forms or leaching. In the context of soil properties, the sand content (30–40 %) was found to regulate dra i nage and mo isture, the silt content (20–35 %) was determined to maintain the water - air balance, the organic carbon (up to ≈30 g / kg) was found to enhance suitability until saturation, and the total nitrogen exhibited a near-linear positive effect. The key climatic predictors included residual components of annual mean temperature, seasonality and diurnal amplitude, and precipit a tion volume (300–600 mm / yr, with optima in both the wettest and driest months). The GAMs captured nonlinear “peak–plateau–decline” responses for pH, texture, and rainfall, whereas RF delivered the highest predictive accuracy (R² = 0.96; RMSE = 14.77; MAE = 6.73) by automatically modelling complex interactions. Linear models (OLS and R idge) explained 60–64 % of the v a riance. Based on the best‐performing models, suitability maps were generated for three future periods (2021–2040, 2041–2060, 2061–2080) under low (SSP1-2.6) to high (SSP5-8.5) emission scenarios. Results indicate a mid‐term decline in optimal areas, followed by partial long‐term recovery driven by compensatory climate dynamics and adaptive measures. The practical signifi c ance lies in identifying narrow optimum ranges for soil and climatic factors, enabling targeted agronomic recommendations: localised liming, texture adjustment, sowing‐date optimisation, hybrid selection, and irrigation management. The resulting mo d els and suitability maps provide a scientific basis for evidence‐based planning of adaptive maize‐production strategies in the face of global climate change.

Crustaceans (Crustacea) in bodies of water in Uzbekistan as intermediate hosts of helminths of animals

G. Turemuratova — 2025-10-15

The article provides information on the participation of crustaceans (Crustacea) in the life cycles of helminths of domestic and wild (game and commercial) animals in Uzbekistan. To date, 730 species of parasitic worms have been registered, 114 of which parasitise fish, 376 – birds, and 240 – mammals. The most common of them represent the class Cestoda: Bothriocephalus opsariichth y dis , Schistocephalus pungitii , Ligula intestinalis , L. colymbi , Digramma interrupta , Gryporhynchus pusillus , Dicranotaenia coronula , Diorchis brevis , Diorchis ransomi , Diploposthe laevis , Drepanidotaenia lanceolata , Fimbraria fasciolaris , Microsomacanthus microsoma , M. compressa , Myxolepis collaris , Sobolevicanthus gracillus , and Diphyliobothrium ditremum . The most epizo o tologically significant representatives of Nematoda included Raphidascaris acus , Contracaecum microcephalum , Camallanus lacustris , Ph i lometra ovata , Ph i lometra rischta , Phylometroides sanguine us , Dracunculus medine n sis , Avioserpens mosgovoyi , Ascaridia galli , Heterakis gallinarum , Tetrameres fissispina , Streptocara crassica u da , Echinuria uncinate , and Gnathostoma hispidum . Parasitological studies of the Cyclops community (more than 30 species) in various bodies of water in Central , North - Eastern , and North - Western Uzbekistan show infe c tion of 11 species of Cyclopidae with larval stages of cestodes and nematodes. Naturally, infected Cyclops widely inhabit diverse bodies of water and include the following species: Macrocyclops albidus , M. fuscus , Eucyclops macrurus , E. serrulatus , Cyclops strenuus , Cyclops vicinus , C. heberti , Acanthocyclops trajani , Thermocyclops crassus and Mesocyclops leuckarti . All of them are intermediate hosts to the helminths. The total prevalence of the larval stages of cestodes and nematodes in the studied Cyclops was 6.9%, with Cestoda larvae accounting for 5.7% and Nematoda – 1.2%. All cestode larvae found in Cyclops are of two types – procercoids and cysticerc o ids. The nematode larvae found in 7 crustacean species turned out to be representatives of the following families: Anisakidae, Camallanidae, Ph i lometridae, Dracunculidae and Gnathostomatidae. We identified a total of 20 species of helminth larvae, whose mature forms parasitise fish, birds and mammals. Crustaceans play a signif i cant role in the life cycles and circulation of pathogens and groups of parasites in bodies of water in Uzbekistan.

Anatomical diagnostic indicators of adaptation to ecological conditions in the vegetative and generative organs of Peganum harmala (Nitrariaceae)

A. Sardarova — 2025-09-27

One of the priority directions in modern botany is the experimental investigation of the ecological anatomy of plants. Rapidly increasing anthropogenic pollution is among the main ecological issues threatening ecosystem stability and plant diversity on a global scale. In this context, studying the adaptive mechanisms of species resistant to ecological pressures, including plants with bioindicator potential such as Peganum harmala , holds particular significance. Such studies provide not only an assessment of regional conditions but also a scientific basis for global phytobioindication, biodiversity conservation, and ecological restoration strategies. Investigating the structural adaptations of flora elements in ecologically pristine and phytocontaminated environments is crucial for evaluating ecosystem health. The present study is distinguished by a comprehensive approach analyzing structural adaptations of plants under contemporary ecological risks, thereby integrating regional observations into the study of global env i ronmental challenges. Plant samples naturally occurring in the study areas were collected, fixed, and subjected to anatomical sectioning. Transverse sections obtained using a microtome were treated with histochemical reagents and processed into perm a nent preparations. Statistical analysis of micrometric parameters recorded during microscopic examination revealed significant differences among the samples. Notably, in plants collected from the Aghdam Industrial Park, massive accumulation of yellow-pigmented intracellular inclusions was microscopically confirmed in the palisade parenchyma of leaves, the prosenchymatous tissue of the petiole, the palisade cell layer of the sepal, and the chlorenchyma of the stem and pedicel. Parenchymatic inclusions were also observed. Idioblasts were recorded in both leaves and sepals of these samples. Statistical measurements indicated that in the Aghdam specimens, the thickness of chloroplast-containing parenchyma layers in leaves, petioles, and sepals was greater, whereas in the Zangilan specimens, the epidermal cell size and the thickness of their outer periclinal walls were higher across all above-ground vegetative organs. In seeds from Zangilan, the aleurone layer was better developed, while in the Aghdam seeds, a thicker endotesta and accumulation of non-specific intracellular inclusions were observed, demonstrating that structural variabil i ty occurs under differing environmental conditions. Root samples from Aghdam showed more compact tissue organization, particularly a thicker periderm and stronger sclerenchyma development. These findings highlight the plant’s high adaptive capa c ity and visually confirm the localization of non-specific inclusions at the anatomical level. The accumulation of such inclusions in medicinal plants exposed to phytocontamination may pose risks to their medicinal use. Given that P. harmala is widely employed as a medicinal plant, investigating non-specific deposits within its internal structures under contaminated conditions provides essential scientific evidence for assessing the ecological safety of medicinal plants and for selecting appropriate cultivation environments.

Spiders (Araneae) of the urban ecosystems of Kharkiv City (Ukraine)

N. Polchaninova — 2025-10-15

Urbanization is considered a significant driver of changes in ecosystems and a major factor affecting the natural env i ronment. In-depth studies of urban areas are necessary to develop conservation management strategies and foster healthy city environments. We examined spiders, which are abundant and diverse predatory arthropods that can readily inhabit urban spaces and serve as bioindicators. A total of 153 spider species of 24 families were recorded from Kharkiv City and its suburbs. The families Linyphiidae, Gnaphosidae, and Theridiidae were the most species-rich (16.3%, 13.1%, and 9.8% of the araneofauna, respectively). Four species ( Marinarozelotes adriaticus , Sosticus loricatus , Uloborus plumipes , and Zodarion rubidum ) were recorded in the Kharkiv region for the first time, while 32 species were new to Kharkiv’s urban ecosystems. The four species new to Kharkiv region are rare in Ukraine; besides, Kharkiv is the northernmost known locality for M. adriaticus. S. loricatus is synanthropic, while the others are presumably transported with planting material. The spider species richness was highest in Lisopark, a natural forest sector within the city (71 species), and lowest in five small green spaces in the city center (29 species combined) and at a household on the outskirts (27 species). The dominan t complex of ground-dwelling spiders mirrored those in natural and semi-natural habitats: Pardosa alacris was dominant under tree canopies in botanical gardens, P. lugubris on the edges of tree plantations and some open grassy areas, P. fu l vipes and Alopecosa pulverulenta on grassy slopes and park lawns, and Xerolycosa miniata in the most disturbed habitats in households and botanical gardens. Regarding habitat preferences, most of the spider species belonged to forest (29.2%), forest-grassland (20.9%), or grassland (12.2%) elements. Generalists made up 8.5%. This ratio of ecological groups r e flects the city’s geographic position on the border between the forest-steppe and steppe natural zones.

Helminths of reptiles from Southern Uzbekistan

E. B. Shakarboev — 2025-09-11

In the present study, the results of research on endoparasites of reptiles in S outhern Uzbekistan are di s cussed. As a result of the investigations, 37 species of helminths belonging to 3 phyla, 4 classes, 8 orders, 17 families, and 27 genera were recorded in the reptiles. Among them, 26 species were found in the adult stage, while 10 species occurred in the larval stage. The nematode of the genus Pseudabbreviata sp. could not be identified to the species level. Out of 366 examined reptile specimens, 86 individuals (23.5%) were found to be infected with helminths. It was revealed that the class Trematoda was represented by 5 species (13.5%), Cestoda by 6 species (16.2%), Acanthocephala by 1 species (2.7%), and Nematoda by 25 species (67.6%). The number of helminth species in different reptile hosts ranged 1 to 11, with the highest species diversity recorded in the dice snake ( Natrix tessellata ). The occurrence of helminths varied among different reptile suborders. In the representatives of the suborder Cryptodira, 2 nematode species ( Atractis dactyluris and Atractis emilii ) were recorded, which are considered specific parasites of tortoises. In the suborder Lacertilia, 24 helminth species were found, 75.0% of which belonged to the class Nematoda. In the suborder Serpentes, 16 helminth species were identified, of which 50% were nematodes. The species Telorchis assula , Macrod e ra longicollis , Oochoristica fedtschenoi , Rhabdias fuscovenosus , Strongyloides mirzai , Polydelphis attenu a ta , Amplicaecum schikhobalovi , and Pharyngodon mamillatus were recorded as specific parasites of snakes. Based on the life cycle characteristics, it was determined that out of the 37 helminth species recorded, 24 species (64.8%) we re heteroxenous, while 13 species (35.1%) we re monoxenous. These findings expand the knowledge of reptilian helminth biodiversity in Uzbekistan and highlight their importance in epizootology and parasite transmission.

Trophic relationships of birds in forest plantings of the Azov region (Ukraine)

E. M. Aiubova — 2025-10-26

The elements of the trophic structure of birds in the Ukrainian Azov region include: availability of food resource s in hab i tats, feeding behavior and foraging methods, and specialization or euryphagous feeding patterns of certain species. Green plants form the basis of trophic relationships, but feeding schemes are much more complex and include animal organisms as well . The trophic relationships of birds in shelterbelts were conducted research during 2019 – 2021 . Adjacent biocenoses, pr i marily agricultural lands, also serve as feeding sites. We analyzed trophic relationships within the framework of research on consortional relationships between birds and dominant tree sp ecies in shelterbelts: Robinia pseudoacacia , Elaeagnus argentea , and Fraxinus excelsior . During the study period, 1–4 bird species fed on Elaeagnus argen tea on diff erent days of the breeding period, and the correlation between the number of bird species and the number of trees on which birds fed was very weak. On Robinia pseudoacacia trees, 1–6 species fed, but this relationship also proved to be very weak. A significant correlation was found for Fraxinus excelsior ; however, the functioning of this trophic consortium was sustained by an average of only 1.8 0 ± 0.33 (1–4) bird species. In the shelterbelts of the study region, 62 breeding species were identified and classified by dominant food sources into the following groups: entomophages – 25 species – birds whose food resources consisted of insects and arachnids; phytophages – 15 species – birds feeding on seeds, grain, fruits, and green plant organs; myophages – 9 species – birds feeding on mouse-like rodents and small mammals; pantophages – 8 species – birds feeding on various foods; and ic h thyophages – 5 species – feeding on fish and small aquatic animals. According to foraging methods, the following categories of birds were identified: birds that perch on tree trunks, mov e along them, and extract insects and their larvae from under tree bark; birds feeding on insects and fruits on thin branches or leaves; predatory birds that capture small birds and insects on branches; birds that collect food primarily on the foliage of trees and shrubs; birds that peck food (insects, seeds) from the ground and search for it in the litter; predatory birds that catch their prey on the ground; species that find food (insects, seeds, grain) in open landscapes (agricultural lands, steppe, meadows, clearings, etc.); and birds that capture food in flight. In our research, we identified a trend of increase or decrease of certain bird groups in shelterbelts of different age. Thus, the number of entomophages in creased from 20.0% (of the total number of breeding species in the studied shelterbelts) in young shelterbelts to 53.1% in old shelterbelts; the number of phytophages decreased with shelterbelt age (from 53.3% to 18.8%); and the my o phage assemblage gradually increased depending on shelterbelt age (from 14.5% to 20.9%). Given the complexity of bioceno t ic relationships, we consider promising areas of research to include studying the relationship between the feeding patterns of avian populations in shelterbelts and a complex of factors: proximity to water bodies, shelterbelt structure, maturity and stabil i ty of plant ing s, and plant cover diversity. Also, in the context of trophic activity of birds, the phenomenon of zoochory is e x tremely interesting – the transport of plant propagules by animals, particularly birds, in various ways. By consuming plant seeds and fruits, birds leave undigested food remains in various locations, where over time we observed the emergence of vegetation patches.

А new fossil species of Ulmus (Ulmaceae) in Early Pleistocene deposits of Southern Armenia

M. Sargsyan — 2025-10-15

Ulmus ivangabrieljanii Sargsyan sp. nov. is described and illustrated as a new fossil species from Early Pleistocene deposits of the Sisian Diatomaceous Formation in Syunik Province, S outhern Armenia. The species is distinguished by a combination of characters: lamina broad elliptical to elliptic, 20.8–38 mm long and 17.2–33 .0 mm wide, with a length – to – width ratio of 1.09–1.3 0 ; petiole 8–13 mm long; and 10–12 pairs of secondary veins. Photographs and diagnostic tables differentiating this species from U. minor and U. glabra and detailed morphological characteristics of U . ivangabrieljanii sp. nov. are provided. The present fossil species, U . ivang a brieljanii sp. nov., is distinguished from all other modern Ulmus spp. by its characteristics of leaf shape, leaf size, leaf base, and venation. Key differences between U . ivangabrieljanii sp. nov. and fossil Ulmus species from Turkey, Iran, and Europe are presented. These morphological features clearly justify recognising U . ivangabrie l janii sp. nov. as a distinct fossil species. The discovery of U . ivangabrieljanii sp. nov. indicates that the genus Ulmus was already widely distributed in South – Western Asia during the Pleistocene, at a time when the regional climate was similar to the present – day conditions.

Toxicity of imidacloprid for nontarget arthropods in a laboratory experiment

L. I. Faly — 2025-11-19

The use of systemic neonicotinoid insecticides disrupts the ecological balance in agrocenoses and is detrimental to no n target invertebrates. Therefore, in a laboratory experiment, we evaluated the sensitivity of 50 nontarget species of invert e brates to imidacloprid. No sensitivity to this insecticide was shown by Cylindroiulus truncorum , Formica rufa , Geophilus carpophagus , and Pterostichus niger (the LС ₅₀ values were in the range of 10 to 166 mg/m ² ). A moderate sensitivity was exhibited by Lithobius forficatus , Megaphyllum sp., Forficula auricularia , Labia minor , Porcellio laevis , Notiophilus pal u stris , Harpalus rufipes , H. latus , Amara nitida , Ophonus rufibarbis , Ponera coarctata , Lasius fuliginosus , L. niger , L. flavus , Rhyparochromus phoeniceus , Lygus pratensis , Oxythyrea funesta , and Teuchestes fossor (LС ₅₀ measuring 1 to 10 mg/m ² ). Imidacloprid-sensitive species were found to be Carabus convexus , C. granulatus , C. hortensis , Nebria brevicollis , Tach y porus hypnorum , Tachinus signatus , Drusilla canaliculata , Philonthus coprophilus , Ph. decorus , Ph. niti dus , Ph. cognatus , Silpha carinata , Phosphuga atrata , Aphodius foetens , Hister fenestus , Chortippus sp., Graphosoma itali cum , Coreus marg i natus , Pyrrhocoris apterus , and Myrmica ruginodis (LС ₅₀ ranging 0.1 to 1 mg/m ² ). A hypersensitivity to the studied insect i cide was registered for Ph. carbonarius , Xantholinus tricolor , and Oxytelus sculptus (LС ₅₀ accounting for 0.03 to 0.08 mg/m ² ). The values of median lethal concentration for some nontarget arthropods could vary by over 5 ,000 times. We o b served no relationship between trophic specialization of the species and sensitivity to imidacloprid. The larger the invert e brate’s body, the less sensitivity to the insecticide it exhibited.

Organic soil pollutants resulting from military activities

V. A. Palchykov — 2025-12-28

Organic soil contaminants arising from military activities represent a significant environmental and public health challenge, with persistent compounds from explosives, their decomposition products, and rocket fuel co m ponents posing long-term risks to soil health, plant vitality, and ecosystem stability. This article reviews the sources, environmental behaviors, and biological impacts of three key classes of organic pollutants: common energetic compounds, their environmental decomposition products, and rocket fuel components. Drawing on recent literature, the discussion emphasizes the adverse effects on soil microbial communities, nutrient cycling, and plant physiology, highlighting mechanisms such as oxidative stress, bioaccumulation, and growth inhibition. The review underscores the need for integrated remediation strategies to mitigate these impacts, offering insights into sustainable approaches for contaminated sites. By summarizing data from field studies and laboratory exp e riments, this work contributes to understanding the multifaceted ecological consequences of military-derived pollution and informs policy for land restoration.