Экология

In recent decades, halogen-containing fl ame retardants have been gradually replaced by safer fl ame retardants, including nitrogen-containing compounds. However, their ecotoxicity is poorly studied. The ecotoxicity of melamine, a widely used nitrogen fl ame retardant, at concentrations equal to MPC in water (4 mg/L), 5 MPC (20 mg/L) and 10 MPC (40 mg/L) was assessed in this study using a complex of test organisms.

The dynamics of the number and genetic structure of populations is one of the leading factors determining the success of the existence of populations in time and space. Based on observations (changes in numbers) and molecular genetic analysis data (CR and cyt b), the dynamics of the demographic and genetic structure of the populations of russet (Spermophilus major Pall.) and speckled (S. suslicus Güld.) ground squirrels in the sympatry zone were studied.

The Biological Diversity Convention and the National Strategy for the Conservation of Biodiversity in Russia have laid the basis for the implementation of large-scale scientifi c and practical research aimed at fi nding eff ective solutions to this issue. The creation of the SPNA network which includes federal, regional and local signifi cance is one of the promising directions for the conservation, maintenance and reproduction of biodiversity at all levels.

Based on quantitative counts of the abundance of four species of the genera Aelia and Neottiglossa (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae), the process of formation of their populations in the overgrown burnt areas of the Usman Forest (Voronezh region) after a fi re in 2010 was modeled. It has been established that mesoxerophilic species Ae. acuminata and N. leporina appeared in the formerly burnt areas 5–6 years after the fi re. The mesophilic species N. pusilla is a permanent inhabitant of ecotone biotopes and has not shown a tendency to colonize the formerly burnt areas.

In many parts of the world, urban green spaces are being explored as a source of ecosystem services. Their role in the provision of regulation of and, support of ecosystem services and even in the provision of cultural services is considered. At the same time, species assessment of the composition and vital condition of trees that provide ecosystem benefits in an urbanized environment is becoming increasingly relevant.

Six years have passed since, in 2018, an invasive species from Europe – the Ohrid miner Cameraria ohridella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) penetrated into the Lower and Middle Volga region and began to actively populate urban landscapes planted with horse chestnut. Using the example of the regional center of Saratov, the temporary aspects of settlement and damage to horse chestnut trees over the specifi ed period are considered.