The diversity of fauna of National Natural Park “Slobozhanskiy” and its conservation (р. )

  • N. Brusentsova
Keywords: fauna, National Natural Park, diversity

Abstract

Landscape diversity of the National Natural Park (NNP) “Slobozhanskiy” defines the diversity of fauna. The Park was established in 2009 and wildlife research was at very low level at that time. The main goals of this study were fauna inventory, identification of the reasons that may affect on the populations of species within the study territory and determination of measures that will protect them.Fauna inventory was conducted by a route method visiting different habitats, which are represented in the NationalNaturePark“Slobozhanskiy”. The forest activities that were carried out on the territory before the establishment of the Park, and changes of wetlands and forest lakes were analyzed by forest inventory data and satellite imagery in order to determine the cause, which may affect the diversity of animal species. The places with a lot of domestic waste and areas that are regularly visited by people were mapped.According to preliminary data more than 400 species of animals inhabit theNationalNaturePark“Slobozhanskiy”. 180 species are included in nature conservation lists valid on theterritoryofUkraine. On the whole, vertebrates are studied better than invertebrates. Largest amount of data among invertebrates collected forthe butterflies (Lepidoptera), dragonflies (Odonata) and spiders (Araneae).Factors that may influence on the fauna diversity of the Park are drying of wetlands and forest lakes, forest fragmentation which associated with the felling of trees before the creation of the NationalNaturalPark“Slobozhanskiy”, recreational load, pollution by domestic waste. 36 species of animals requires the most attention in the development of measures to protect fauna. They are rare on the territoryof Ukraineor vulnerable on the territory of the Park and its environs. Beaver (Castor fiber) and badger (Meles meles) – key species of aquatic and forest ecosystems of the National Natural Park “Slobozhanskiy”. In this article the types of threats and actions that will help to keep populations of each of the 36 species are presented.During further fauna inventory of the NPP “Slobozhanskiy” more attention should be paid to invertebrates, as well as birds and small mammals. The activities that will be aimed both to protected species and to their habitats are very urgent.

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Section
Biological sciences