In specially protected areas of federal significance, the final phase on the winter route count is underway. It is one of the leading methods for monitoring the number of forest animals and birds. It also helps determine trends in the number of animals and make predictions about the dynamics of the species composition of the fauna.
In the Polistovsky Reserve (the Pskov Region), this type of research is used both in protected areas and in the territory of the protected zone, tracts on the site of former villages. In the course of the work, traces of canine predators were found on almost all routes covered. In some places, remote from settlements, the trail of a rather rare predator - lynx - was noted. Everywhere there are traces of medium-sized predators of the weasel family: weasel, ermine, polecat, mink, but most often, of course, pine marten. Elk are common among hoofed animals; roe deer and wild boars are much less common. It is noted that the number of a rare species in Europe - the Central Russian ptarmigan - is increasing.
In the Oksky Nature Reserve (the Ryazan Region), during the period of stable snow cover, mammals are encountered four times on the permanent routes of the reserve, the biosphere polygon (Lakashinskoye, Charus, Komsomolskoye and Kurshinskoye forestries), the protected zone and the Ryazansky nature reserve.
To date, there have already been three completed monitorings. For a complete picture of the distribution and number of animals in the protected areas, it will be necessary to conduct another survey.
In the Altai Biosphere Reserve (Altai Republic), 212 km were covered by its workers in February of this year. The research was carried out mainly in the Belinsky section of the reserve and covered all altitudinal belts. The data obtained in the course of the monitoring provided preliminary information on the number and territorial distribution of animals in the vicinity of the Bele cordon and the village of Yailu.
In the Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve (the Primorsky Territory), the annual winter route count has been completed.
In the course of the survey, traces of 17 animal species were noted, including the Amur tiger. In addition, traces of two more representatives of the feline family - a Far Eastern forest cat and a lynx - have been recorded. In addition, traces of five species of ungulates, three species of mustelids, and two species of canines were noted. Few visual encounters were recorded at the time of the survey: mainly the surveyors met sika deer and wild boars on the coast.
After the completion of the monitoring in the protected areas, the researchers carry out statistical processing of field diaries and record cards, transfer them to a computer and carefully analyze the tracks from navigators. The data obtained are sent to the scientific funds of the reserves, which are used in writing the Chronicle of Nature, and are provided to federal and regional authorities. Thus, PAs contribute to global environmental monitoring, serve as a model territory for studying the mechanisms of functioning of complex natural systems.
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