Russian Journal of Ecosystem Ecology (Sep 2024)
THE CONJUGACY OF THE POPULATION ORGANIZATION OF RODENTS AND PLANT COMMUNITIES AS A FACTOR IN MAINTAINING THE STABILITY OF BIOSYSTEMS IN THE KOSTROMA REGION
Abstract
Studies of the dynamics of the population organization of small mammals using an ecological-cenotic approach are important for understanding the general principles of the stability of biological systems in constantly changing environmental conditions, as well as for developing effective methods of managing them. The aim of the work is to assess the influence of vegetation cover on the spatial distribution of background rodent species in protected and anthropogenically transformed territories of the Kostroma region. A total of 18 sites of boreal-nemoral and boreal spruce forests in the subzone of the southern taiga оn protected and anthropogenically transformed territories of the Kostroma region were studied, for which the analysis of forest vegetation conditions by forest taxation and geobotanical methods was carried out. In total, 4 biotopes were considered and 11 plant associations were identified, which significantly differ from each other in the territory of the biosphere reserve and Kostroma forestry in terms of soil acidification and soil nitrogen richness. The PCA analysis revealed the presence of two factors significant for the distribution of background rodent species. These factors are related to the nature of the vegetation cover and the conditions of its growth (acidification and nitrogen availability of the soil). The indirect influence of the nature of vegetation cover and its projective cover on the distribution of rodents in space through the creation of a favorable microenvironment has been established. It was revealed that the red vole and the small forest mouse in the Kostroma region are confined mainly to darkened areas with moderate humidity and moderately warm temperature conditions. The established patterns of the influence of phytocenosis on zoocenosis play an important role in maintaining the stability of biosystems.
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