Ekológia (Bratislava) Feed

The Attractiveness of Landscape Segments in Terms of Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) Occurrence

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Methods of the research and monitoring of the brown bear populations are standardized and used by the scientific public, but no general methodology exists to determine which environmental conditions are attractive to brown bears in the current human-influenced landscape. For this reason, the authors propose a methodology that evaluates the attractiveness of landscape segments for the brown bear occurrence and compares the attractiveness of important segments with that of anthropogenically affected landscape segments. In terms of the attractiveness assessment of landscape segments for the brown bear occurrence, the following indices were evaluated: Landscape Segment Significance Index (I1), Occurrence Index (I2), Food Supply Index (I3), Index of Nature Conservation and Landscape Connectivity (I4) and Anthropogenic Index (I5). These indices consider the ecological demands of the brown bear as well as the impacts of human activities and landscape changes. The attractiveness assessment (AA) indicates whether the area provides favourable conditions for the occurrence of brown bears.

Diachronic Analysis of Vegetation Cover and Soil Degradation in the Central Aurès (Algeria) Using Multi-Spectral Remote Sensing Indices

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study examines the spatiotemporal monitoring of the vegetation cover and the processes related to soil degradation in the central Aurès region of Algeria over a 33-year period (1990–2023). Using remote sensing, GIS, and multiple spectral indices (NDVI, NDWI, BI, and SI), the analysis reveals distinct phases of vegetation regeneration and regression closely linked to anthropogenic pressures and climate change. A consistently strong positive correlation between NDVI and NDWI (R ranging from 0.76 to 0.88 across all years, peaking in 2013) highlights the significant role of soil moisture on the state of vegetation. The marked negative correlations between NDVI–BI (R = –0.91) and NDVI–SI (R = –0.82) show a progressive and persistent degradation of the vegetation cover, accompanied by increasing exposure of bare soils and salinization. The shift of the BI–SI correlation from negative to positive during the study period (–0.32 in 1990 to 0.60 in 2023) indicates an ecosystemic shift toward advanced desertification. These results advocate for the urgent adoption of integrated sustainable management strategies in the Aurès Mountains.

Determination of Iodides and Bromides in Associated Produced Groundwater by the Visual Test Method

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

A technique has been developed for the semiquantitative visual determination of iodide and bromide ions in their simultaneous presence in highly mineralized produced waters from oil and gas condensate fields. The technique is based on the oxidation of iodine to iodide with potassium iodate and bromide to bromine with potassium bromate, followed by the bromination of fluorescein with the formation of eosin. Both iodine and eosin were adsorbed by modified polyurethane foam tablets. The conditions for visual determination of the indicated analytical forms were investigated. The limit of quantification using the color scale was 3.2 mg/L for bromide ions and was 0.48 mg/L for iodide ions. The determination range was 5–80 mg/L for Br– contents and 0.5–16 mg/L for I–. The semiquantitative method with visual detection is expressed and suitable for the analysis of associated produced groundwater: the analysis time is reduced threefold compared to the quantitative determination method using oxidation–reduction titration.

Influence of Seasonal Vegetation Gradients on Waterbird Species Assemblages in Battoum Marsh, Algeria

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study investigated the seasonal dynamics of waterbird communities and their relationships with wetland vegetation gradients in Battoum Marsh, a semi-humid Mediterranean wetland in northeastern Algeria. Seasonal patterns showed higher abundances of several species in autumn and winter, whereas summer was characterized by a marked decline in diversity. Diversity analyses revealed significant seasonal variation in community structure. Shannon and Simpson indices were significantly lower in summer than in autumn and winter, while species richness and evenness did not differ significantly among seasons, indicating that seasonal changes mainly affected diversity patterns rather than the number of species recorded. Multivariate ordination analyses (PCA, RDA, and CCA) consistently identified vegetation structure as the primary factor shaping waterbird distribution. Emergent vegetation height, floating plant cover, and overall vegetation cover constituted the main environmental gradients influencing species composition. Species strongly associated with dense and structured vegetated habitats included Common Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Common Scoter, Red-Crested Pochard, and Brent Goose, particularly during autumn, winter, and spring. In contrast, Great Northern Loon, Northern Pintail, Red-necked Grebe, and European Shag were generally linked to open or less vegetated habitats. Overall, these findings demonstrate that vegetation gradients and seasonal dynamics play a central role in structuring waterbird assemblages at Battoum Marsh, highlighting the importance of maintaining vegetation heterogeneity for wetland conservation in northeastern Algeria.

Wild Bees Across the Forest-Agricultural Interface in Northwestern Morocco

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

In northwestern Morocco, the Larache cork oak forest and the neighboring Gharb plain are facing increasing pressure from urban expansion and intensive agriculture. These land-use changes pose a serious threat to local biodiversity, particularly to wild bee populations. In order to assess the relationship between the wild bee fauna in forest and crop environments, we conducted a comprehensive survey using a combination of trapping methods and direct field observations in sampled stations over the course of 2022 and 2023. A total of 571 specimens were identified, representing 80 species, 21 genera, and 6 families. The results reveal a significant contrast between both landscapes: the higher richness and abundance of almost all families of wild bees in the cork oak forest demonstrate that these seminatural Mediterranean habitats are essential to sustain the functional diversity of wild bees. Approximately 18.75% of species were shared, especially between the forest edge and agricultural lands, which reflects not only the wild bees’ adaptability but also the functional interdependence between the two ecosystems. Maintaining forest–agriculture connectivity is, therefore, crucial for sustaining pollinator diversity at the landscape scale.

Peri-Urban Forests as a Recreational Environment for the Public in Kyiv, Ukraine

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The study focuses on the recreational assessment of peri-urban forests as spaces for public rest and outdoor activities. Although peri-urban forests provide a multitude social and ecosystem services to the public, little attention has been paid in the scientific literature to evaluating their recreational values. The current study aims to assess the recreational potential of these areas for the public and to explore the role of native and non-native tree species in shaping landscape perception. The research was conducted in the peri-urban forests of three Communal Forest-Park Enterprises: Darnytske, Koncha-Zaspa, and Svyatoshynske, located in Kyiv, Ukraine. Using data from the Ukrainian forest inventory, the recreational assessment of these forests was carried out based on several indicators: proximity to rest areas, available recreation infrastructure, and the scenic value of the landscape. To explore public preferences for rest areas in peri-urban forests, a survey based on a structured questionnaire was conducted. According to the respondents, the primary factor in choosing a rest area is its distance (58% of respondents prioritized this aspect), while the comfort of the rest experience is largely influenced by the recreation infrastructure (30% of respondents selected this factor as a priority). A landscape featuring native (99%) and non-native (1%) tree species also contributes to the appeal of the area, with 12% of respondents considering the esthetic and scenic value of the forest a key determinant for their choice of rest location. To ensure sustainable management of peri-urban forests, it is essential to implement strategic planning that not only creates recreational spaces but also minimizes human impact on ecosystems.

Ecological Consequences of Missile Strikes on Forest Ecosystems: A Case Study from the Buda-Babynetska Area, Kyiv Region, Ukraine

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

War and armed conflicts have tragic and devastating consequences for people, biodiversity and the environment. Among all the numerous impacts, one of the most destructive and long-lasting is the explosion of munitions, especially missiles. Despite the large territories affected by explosions, research about their comprehensive impact on ecosystems is fragmentary and insufficient. This study aims to conduct a complex assessment of the consequences of a ballistic missile explosion on the geological environment, soils and vegetation using the case study of a crater near the village of Buda-Babynetska (Kyiv region, Ukraine). The explosion caused the mixing of soil and rocks, resulting in significant changes in geological diversity, soil structure and its physicochemical properties. Despite the high potential for the restoration of native pine-oak forest in the affected area, several issues that may hinder this have been discussed, including the reduction of soil organic matter, the shift towards sand-dominated substrates and the introduction of alien species. Continued long-term monitoring will be essential to determine the direction of ecosystem development.

Content of Photosynthetic Pigments in Sedum album L. and Sedum reflexum L. in Dry Weather Conditions of the Steppe Zone of Ukraine

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The climate changes in the steppe zone of Ukraine are associated with the rise in temperature and prolonged droughts, and the consequences of their stressful action depend on the stage of plant development, as well as duration and severity of stress. Species of the genus Sedum L. have long been cultivated; however, these unpretentious multifunctional perennials are of limited use in artificial cenoses of the region. The purpose of this study was to determine the content of photosynthetic pigments during the growing season in S. album and S. reflexum in dry weather conditions of the steppe zone of Ukraine. It was found that the content of basic photosynthetic pigments (1.1‒3.5 mg/g of raw materials) was higher in the leaves of S. reflexum plants, with the predominance of Chl а in the total pigment amount at all phases of development. During flowering, the content of Chl b and of secondary peroxidation products in S. album increased significantly. In addition, the medium-strength direct correlation between the level of precipitation and the content of Chl а (r = +0.58) was found in S. album. In S. reflexum, the content of carotenoids increased during flowering, and correlation coefficients at the phase of completion of the vegetative growth indicated the strong inverse relationship (r = −0.95) of the content of all pigment forms with the air temperature. The study results revealed that the content of photosynthetic pigments and variation in their quantities in the leaves of S. album and S. reflexum were species specific, and these changes contributed to an increase in the protective mechanisms of the pigment system associated with the resistance to stress.

Changes in the Content of Lipid Peroxide Oxidation Products in Leaves of Poplar Species and Cultivars Under Conditions of Environmental Pollution with Heavy Metals

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Changes in the content of lipid peroxidation products (LPO) in the assimilation organs of two species and three poplar cultivars under conditions of varying degrees of environmental pollution with heavy metals were studied. The established different amounts of accumulation of the latter in plant leaves indicate the specificity of their absorption. The greatest ability to accumulate heavy metals was revealed in plants growing in a zone of severe pollution, at the Northern Iron Ore Dressing Combine experimental site (henceforth referred to as Pivnichnyi HZK or PivnHZK). In the assimilation organs of the “Lvivska” and “Hradizhzka” cultivars, cadmium, one of the most dangerous elements for living organisms, accumulates on average 25.5 times more than in the leaves of plants growing on the territory of the “Arboretum of the Kryvyi Rih Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine” (control). The obtained data are in good agreement with the enrichment factor (EFpl) indicators of the specified element in the assimilation apparatus of poplars. A peculiarity of the stress effect of heavy metals on poplar is the absence of an increase in the formation of TBARS in the cultivars “Lvivska” and “Hradizhzka” with an increase in the level of accumulation of heavy metals in the conditions of PivnHZK in comparison with plants on CHZK. Considering that TBARS is a marker of the level of stress effect on organisms, and the established fact of high accumulation of heavy metals, the cultivars “Lvivska” and “Hradizhzka” can be used to create effective phytofilters with a high level of pollution by heavy metals at industrial sites.

Importance and Evaluation of the Green Framework of the Saida Agglomeration (Western Algeria) Using a New Approach

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The aim of this study is to evaluate phytodiversity in urban environments. The new approach proposed in this work is based on the Saida conurbation. In order to assess the urban phytodiversity of the latter, the inventory and phytoecological diagnosis concerned 10 habitats (43 sites), for which we calculated an index (the Floristic Interest Index, FII), integrating information on the floristic richness index, naturalness (indigeneity) index, typicity index and rarity index of taxa. This new index identifies and classifies sites (sectors) and habitats of great interest for conservation and above all restoration, according to their degree of ecological importance. The results show that one suburban forest environment (fenced and more at the month monitored) had the habitat with high floristic interest index and two urban forest environments (open environment) had a medium floristic interest index. This is explained by the degree of impact of anthropic action and the presence of watercourses (riparian vegetation) for the first habitat.

Influence of Environmental Factors on Microalgae in Marine Coastal Saline Soil

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This study analyzes the influence of abiotic factors on the microalgae in marine coastal saline soils. The analysis revealed 38 species of microalgae in the studied area. Cyanobacteria comprised the largest proportion of the found species. The species richness and biodiversity indicators depend on soil moisture, while relative abundance negatively correlates with chloride content. The results of permutational multivariate analyses of variance showed a marginal influence of moisture and sodium on the structure of microalgal communities. The factors beyond chemical properties and soil moisture (e.g. surge-related (tidal) phenomena) explain the observed microalgal quantitative and qualitative features. Leptolyngbya foveolarum and Micractinium sp., owing to their high values of occurrence frequency and relative abundance, may hold potential for the biological optimization of saline soils.

Biological Significance as an Indicator of Organic Pollution in the Upper Region of Qua Iboe River, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The pollution status of Qua Iboe River, Niger Delta, Nigeria, was studied between January 2020 and June 2021 at five sampling locations based on human activities. The indices used were PPI and HFBI for organic pollution. The identified phytoplankton comprised 44 taxa belonging to 5 taxonomic groups, 14 genera of pollution indicators out of 33 genera of the total population, among which Bacillariophyceae accounted for 48.25%, followed by Chlorophyceae (28.87%), and the least was Euglenophyceae with 3.16%. The macroinvertebrates identified comprised 25 taxa, 3 phyla, and 22 families of pollution indicators. Among them, phyla arthropoda accounted for 83.9%, while Mollusca was the lowest accounted for 6.6 %. The HFBI values ranged from 3.94 to 5.98, while PPI score ranged between 17 and 25.The values of HFBI obtained in locations 2, 3, and 5 reflected significant level of organic pollution, while the values of PPI obtained between locations 2 and 5 revealed higher level of organic pollution, which was unsafe for the sustenance of aquatic life; mostly intolerant species. The occurrence of pollution indicator species further proved that the river water was polluted owing to anthropogenic activities. The activities of humans within the watershed should be of concern to the relevant authorities; regulation of these activities should be enforced to minimize the situation of water deterioration and for regaining the natural water quality to support aquatic life and health and make it fit for domestic usage.

Paeonia (Paeoniaceae) in Kosovo: A Comprehensive Study of Diversity, Distribution, Habitats and Threats

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the diversity, distribution, habitats and threats to Paeonia species in Kosovo. The research focused on three species: Paeonia mascula, P. officinalis and P. peregrina. Field surveys, herbarium data and literature research were used to investigate the distribution and ecological preferences of these species. P. mascula is classified as endangered due to habitat degradation and limited distribution. P. peregrina, although generally robust, is highly threatened by industrial activities, leading to habitat fragmentation. P. officinalis, which occurs at only one locality, is vulnerable to fires and collecting. The study highlights the urgent need for habitat monitoring, conservation measures and further research to ensure the survival of these species. These results provide important insights for national and regional conservation strategies.

The Ecological Impacts of Forest Fragmentation in Southwest Ethiopia

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Deforestation and fragmentation have posed a serious threat to tropical forests, leading to a loss of biodiversity and ecological disturbance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of forest fragmentation and anthropogenic disturbances on the diversity, structure, and regeneration status of woody species. Systematic sampling approach was employed to assess woody vegetation and human disturbances across four forest fragment sizes (FFSs) in 122 sample plots, each measuring 20×20 m. One-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to evaluate the impacts of fragmentation and disturbances on woody species diversity, structure, and regeneration status. The results showed that very large FFSs had higher mean species richness (S) (31.55), Shannon diversity (H´) (2.96), and evenness (E) (0.86) than large (S = 26.44, H´ = 2.68, E = 0.81), medium (S = 24.57, H´= 2.48, E = 0.78), and small FFSs (S = 22.28, H´ = 2.22, E = 0.76), with significant differences (p < 0.001) between very large and small FFSs. Disturbance levels varied significantly, with small FFS experiencing higher mean index (34.37). Mean stem density ranged from 613.2 to 985 individuals/ha, showing significant differences between small and very large FFSs. Mean basal area density varied from 27.68 to 60.66 m²/ha, with significantly higher values in very large FFSs. Larger FFSs and reduced disturbances positively influence tree species regeneration. These findings underscore the negative effects of forest fragmentation and disturbances on woody species richness, diversity, structure, and regeneration in southwest Ethiopia. Urgent conservation strategies are necessary to protect these forest fragments and their biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Phytoindication is an Effective Method for Accurately Determining the Lighting Intensity in Urban Parks

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This study demonstrates the potential for utilising the phytoindication approach to ascertain the light regime of urban park plantations and evaluates the efficacy of the weighted average and ideal indicator methods for the phytoindication of light regimes. The study was conducted in two urban parks in the city of Dnipro, Ukraine. A total of 128 plant species were identified within the vegetation of the parks. A strong correlation was observed between the instrumental and phytoindication-based estimates of light intensity within the parks. The weighted average method yielded underestimates in comparison to instrumentally measured values across the range of light gradients from medium to high. The accuracy of the phytoindication estimates decreased monotonically with increasing number of species in the relevé, from 7 to 8 and above, and reached a plateau when the number of species exceeded 15. The expansion of hemeroby was observed to be correlated with an increase in the light intensity of the parkland, which is well explained by the Hill saturation curve. The natural urban park communities presented relatively lower light levels. This correlation demonstrates a linear trend.

The Harvest Mouse (Micromys Minutus) Nest Density and Dimensions in Slovakia

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Our research in Slovakia identified key plant species that support nesting by the Eurasian harvest mouse (Micromys minutus) in field-edge and marginal habitats. Nests were most often found in couch grass (Elymus repens), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and bramble (Rubus plicatus). They were typically circle and oval and located in the middle part of the plant, with nest height depending on the height of the vegetation. Nest density varied greatly between sites and years, ranging from 1 to 3 nests/ha to over 270 nests/ha. The highest values were recorded in the Košická kotlina basin, such as 279.4 nests/ha in Košice part Šebastovce (Line 1) in 2021. These findings suggest that well-structured edge habitats can support high harvest mouse densities and play a key role in species conservation.

Long-Time Dynamics in a North African Coastal Ramsar Site, the Sidi Boughaba Lake

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Coastal wetlands host a large part of the world’s biodiversity and provide various ecosystem services with a known economic value. However, they experience many pressures due to anthropogenic and natural drivers, causing periodic changes in their structure and functioning. Earth Observation provides opportunities for monitoring water surface dynamics and understanding the impacts of different drivers on wetland degradation. This study had two objectives: to assess the spatiotemporal dynamic of the Sidi Boughaba Lake surface area (Mediterranean and North African coastal Ramsar site, Morocco) over 38 years (1984–2021) and to identify natural and anthropogenic drivers of this dynamic, mainly land-use and land-cover changes and policies. This work focused on the use of multiple datasets based on remote sensing images within a cloud-based computing platform. Time series of satellite images were classified and used after a series of processing procedures to assess the land use and land cover and water extent dynamics. Results reveal that over 38 years, the lake shows intra- and inter-annual variations, including significant losses of permanent water impacting its dynamic and extent. Those trends call into question the urban and agricultural policies adopted. Pressure on resources and the regressive trend recorded in the dynamic of the lake are likely to increase further in future years if effective protection measures are not implemented. The results of this study help authorities, civil society, and decision makers to make decisions and call for action to protect these areas and maintain their capacity to provide ecosystem services and address global concerns such as biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.

Effect of Altitude and Urbanization on the Ecology of the Breeding White Stork (Ciconia Ciconia) in the Tizi-Ouzou Region (Kabylia, Northern Algeria)

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The ecological breeding conditions of the Tizi-Ouzou white stork (Ciconia ciconia, Linnaeus, 1758) are examined in this study. The population was estimated, as well as its evolution, and the impact of altitude on breeding pairs was examined throughout two breeding seasons (2019 and 2021). The first census showed 650 breeding pairs in 2019. By 2021, there are 830 pairs. In 2019, piedmont areas had 601 stork pairs (92%) by altitude. In the mid-mountains, 49 pairs (8%) were seen. There are no pairs above 1200 m in the high mountains. Similar percentages were seen in 2021. The breeding pair density rose from 65.76 in 2019 to 83.97 in 2021. At altitudes below 400 m, the density exceeded 230 pairs per 100 m2 for both study years. The mid-mountain zone has fewer pairs/100 km2 than the foothills over the same period. The following proportions indicate that this Ciconiidae prefers heights between 10and 14m: 67.69% (2019) and 69.04 (2021). Over the two-year study, 94.62% of nests were installed on artificial supports and 5.38% on natural supports. Urban pairs make up 63% of the spatial distribution. Both years saw 36% fewer pairs outside built-up areas. The altitude distribution of stork nests shows that this bird prefers to live from 15 to 550 m. The average nesting pair is 329.5 between 0 and 100 m. This distribution is mainly determined by habitat quality and food availability. Other agronomic parameters, such as the presence of irrigated agricultural areas and landfills, which may feed the studied species, also affect it.

Sustainable use of the Natural Potential of the Poľana Biosphere Reserve

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The contribution is focused on the assessment of the current state of use of the landscape potential of the Poľana Biosphere Reserve and the specification of the basic landscape-ecological problems associated with the inappropriate use of the potential. In this area, we have singled out the following: problems of biodiversity and ecological stability threats, caused by stress factors linked to the inappropriate use of the landscape’s potential and its elements with high ecological-stabilizing functions (forests, water bodies, meadows, pastures or public greenery); problems of natural resource endangerment – resulting from improper human use of natural resources; problems threatening the human society’s environment, arising from stress factors linked to socioeconomic activities impacting humans and their surroundings; and problems threatening biocultural landscape values, arising from inappropriate landscape management, which endangers rare landscape types. The assessment subsequently resulted in a proposal for basic measures to eliminate the specified problems and a proposal ensuring sustainable utilization of landscape potential Poľana Biosphere Reserve. The methodological procedure based on an integrated approach after some modification can also be used in other biosphere reserves.

A Multicriteria Evaluation using the Analytic Hierarchy Process and Correlation Techniques to Analyze the Sustainability of Land-use Planning: A Case Study in Phu Quoc Islands, Vietnam

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The Multicriteria Evaluation uses the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP-MCE) technique to analyze and determine factors affecting land-use plan implementation results from 2015 to 2023 to propose a solution to improve the effectiveness of land-use plan implementation. The case study is in Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province. The study collects data on the current land-use plans. Statistically, it analyzes the correlation between current land-use plans and implementation results, combining interviews and AHP analysis. The results show that agricultural land has decreased and non-agricultural land has increased from 2015 to 2023. The City has increasingly effectively implemented land-use plans. The study identified four level 1 factors (natural conditions, economy, society, and policy) and twenty-one level 2 factors. Natural conditions have the highest weight (W = 0.46), and the level 2 factor of geographical location has the most significant impact (overall weight W = 0.192). In addition, the study proposed solutions based on the impact factors to improve the effectiveness of implementing the land-use plan for Phu Quoc City.