Aim, material. Biodiversity of carabid beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) is studied for the Tshetshen Island in the Caspean Sea based on examination of 32799 adults belonging to 123 species collected during two seasons.

Results. Five collecting sites on the Tshetshen Island were sampled and compared with data from the Nordovyi and Tiulenyi islands as well as from coastal areas of Dagestan. Carabid species composition of the Tshetshen Island differs in having a higher fraction of desert taxa. In this respect, it resembles more that of the Middle Asia and Kalmykia. Some species, common in the mainland, are not found on the island. Rank-abundance distributions, biodiversity indices and effective numbers of species were used to quantitify differences among collecting sites. In most cases, the data obtained fit the best to the Zipf-Mandelbrot distribution. Numbers of carabid species in sites ranged from 45 to 89. Despite of variation, the richness indices are shown to be significantly lower for the Tshetshen Island. This conclusion was confirmed using rarefaction curves. Decomposition of γ-diversity into its α- and β- components in terms of effective numbers of species has shown that α-diversity of carabids in mainland areas exceeds that of the Tshetshen Island only marginally while β-diversity is significantly higher. Cluster analysys of distance matrices has shown that the carabid assemblages of the Tshetshen Island are the most poor and specific, those from the coastal areas – the most species-rich while those of the Tiulenyi and Nordovyi islands are intermediate.

Conclusion. Carabid assemblages of each island in the Caspian Sea may be considered as a rather randomly impoverished subset from the regional species pool of the Middle Asia and Caspian lowland.

Objectives. Experimental trial of using the scientific multibeam echosounder installed on the research vessel “Issledovatel Kaspiya” was conducted in the Caspian Sea with the purpose to detect fish in a wild field of view.

Methods. Both the scientific multibeam echosounder and the scientific echosounder Simrad EK60 were simultaneously utilized for performing acoustic surveys. Data obtained from the scientific multibeam echosounder were compared to data obtained from Simrad EK60. Coefficients of volume backscattering at the vessel’s tracks obtained from the multibeam echosounder and the Simrad EK60 echosounder were also compared.

Results. Values of the volume backscattering coefficient obtained both from the multibeam echosounder and the Simrad EK60 echosounder are rather close. It was revealed that a wild field of view of the multibeam echosounder is more advantageous than the narrow field of view of Simrad EK60.

Main conclusions. Full-scale tests of the multibeam echosounder performed in the Caspian Sea well proved that it can be used for detecting fish in a wide field of view. But to increase the echosounder efficiency in this operation mode, it is necessary to continue improving the data processing algorithms with regards to hydrodynamic noise filtering and to reposition the echosounder underwater unit mounting it at the vessel’s bottom or submerged keel.

The aim is to explore the ecological diversity of wild birds in Siberia, which are carriers of the Avian Influenza Virus (AIV).

Methods. Biological material in the form of cloacal swabs and intestinal fragments from wild migratory birds were collected in the period 2007-2014 years. The virus has been gained in the allantoic cavity of developing chicken embryos. The presence of virus was determined in hemagglutination and primary identification and subtyping of influenza virus was confirmed by RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction).

Results. It was collected and investigated 2300 samples obtained from wild migratory birds 8 Orders. The influenza virus was detected in 185 birds of the three groups. The main role in the circulation of the AIV in the south of Western Siberia, playing members of the family Anatidae Order Anseriformes, namely species - Teal (Anas crecca), garganey (Anas querquedula), and shoveler (Anas clypeata). In the period from 2007 to 2014, the percentage of virus infection in waterfowl ranged from 5.6 to 20%. Order Charadriiformes was characterized by a lower percentage of virus isolation, of not more than 1.4%.

Conclusion. Wild migratory waterfowl orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes are the main reservoir of AIV in the south of Western Siberia. The area south of Western Siberia plays a key role in the persistence of avian influenza viruses, their evolution and geographical distribution.

Aim. The aim of the study is to conduct ecological and faunal studies of coccinellidae in Dagestan as well as to consider the chorologic, trophic and phenological aspects in connection with the peculiarities of the environment.

Materials and methods. As the basis for the research we used the materials obtained by the authors from 1999 to 2016 in various parts of Dagestan. We also conducted expeditions, stationary and semi-stationary studies using traditional methods of entomological research.

Results. Inventory of coccinellidae fauna in Dagestan allowed identifying 27 species from 18 genera. It also revealed multiple and rare species. We carried out an analysis on distribution of the species in the high altitude range; identified environmental groups by biotopic preferendum: xerophyllous, mesophyll meadow-steppe, mesophyll forest, and Hygrophila and polytopic species; according to trophic adaptation: Aphidophages, Coccidophages, Mycetophages, Entomophages and Phytophages; We held a zoogeographical analysis of coccinellidae of Dagestan and according to habitat type, 8 zoogeographic groups were identified; We conducted phenological observations of the study sites, stages and timing of winter and winter dormancy, the beginning of mating, egg-laying, the duration of certain stages, the number of generations and other features.

Conclusion. This research represents the first comprehensive summary of ladybugs (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) of Dagestan and includes the findings of the composition study, ecological and zoogeographical aspects of coccinellidae fauna of the study area.

Aim. The aim of the study was an attempt to expand on the findings about the structure of the anterior part of the mid-intestine of three species of carp fish: Rutelus frisii kutum (Kamenski), Abramis brama orientalis and Ciprinus caprio (Linne) in connection with the feeding habits in the changed conditions of the western coast of the Middle Caspian sea. Studies of the digestive tract can extend the idea of the specifics of the mid-intestine structure due to the feeding of fish in certain environmental conditions of habitat.

Methods. Investigations of the digestive tract were carried out, guided by the "Methodological manual" by I.V. Verigina.

Findings and discussion. It is shown that in the anatomical and histological structure of the middle intestine was affected by the feeding habits of these types of fish; feeding upon small and soft invertebrates leads to a relatively simple structure of the intestinal wall: mucous layer covers a small part of the total thickness of the wall; there are no collagen structures that perform the function of the mechanical frame and capsules around blood vessels.

Conclusion. Simplification of the digestive system emphasizes adaptive capacity appearing in periodic fluctuation of sea water level. The absence of food of a bigger size in the diet of fish results in a relatively simple anatomical and histological structure of the mid-intestine wall. None of the species under study has a differentiated stomach; instead its role is taken by an expanded portion of the fore intestine, similar is the microstructure of the middle part of the intestines of all three species.

Aim. The main goal was to assess the current state of herons in the Eastern sea of Azov in Krasnodar region.

Methods. We have conducted collecting of material according to conventional ornithological methods of Saemann D. (1970), Kostin, Y. V. (1977), Klimova S. M. (1989), Brave V. M. (1991), and Bogolyubov A. S. (1996).

Results. Spring arrivals in the eastern coast of the Azov Sea have been noted from February to April. Jacks suit in the thickets of reeds, rushes to the creases, some species of trees. The breeding season is extended, depending on the time of construction of the nest. Number of eggs per clutch varies from 1 to 5. The incubating of eggs lasts 21-27 days. The development of the chicks lasts 40-55 days. The effectiveness of nesting herons in the studied species in the lower reaches of the Kuban ranges from 78.6% to 83.5%. The basis of herons diet of fish of different species and sizes. Analysis of the castings showed the presence in them of Coleoptera fragments, lake frog, wool and the remnants of rodents.

Main conclusions. Studied basic biological periods herons of Eastern Azov region. Established that the size of heron population at the area of interest varies year by year due to effect of anthropogenic and abiotic factors.

Aim. This work is an attempt to concretize the concept of "life strategy" of species by identifying the mechanisms of strategies in nature and combine the organismal, population and biocenotic aspects of this phenomenon into a single structure.

Discussion. The analysis and summary of the literature sources show that the search for reliable indicators of plant life strategies as well as easily measured and identified adaptive traits and reactions should be carried out at the organismal and population-ontogenetic levels. The choice of life strategy indicators should be made taking into account their role in the maintenance of heterogeneity and the lability of coenopopulations. Among the organismic mechanisms of development of life strategy, providing heterogeneity of coenopopulations, we identified biomorphological, age and dimensional differentiation of species of coenopopulations. To population-ontogenetic mechanisms providing lability coenopopulations, we can also refer adaptive variability of seed production, seed and vegetative reproduction, age, vitality, spatial and biomorphological structures, density and number, state of life of coenopopulations, rhythms of phenological development, etc.These mechanisms are closely interrelated and are the result of the implementation of a genetically fixed biological potential of the species variability, under which it is advisable to consider various forms of polyvariance of species development in ontogenesis as well as variability and flexibility of the plant features.

Conclusion. Thus, the life strategy of plant species in nature should be viewed as a holistic, integrated and adaptive response to the impact of environmental factors formed due to the close relationship of its adaptive traits and responses, and determining the means of survival, status and functional role in phytocenosis.

Aim. This work is devoted to intra-population variability of Botlikh Nitraria schoberi L. (Nitrariaceae).

Methods. As the research materials, were used the vegetative and generative organs (shoot, leaf, fruit, seed) collected in 2013 in the natural population of N. schoberi L. on the western micro slopes of the south outskirts of Botlikh village.

Results. The studied specimens of Nitraria schoberi L. differ both in absolute terms of features as well as their degree of variability. This may be due to the microenvironment for growing as well as genetic and age features. The two-way analysis of variance showed that the significance of differences between the bushes and shoots in the number of internodes and the number of leaves was confirmed at a high level of significance. One-way ANOVA test showed significant interbush differences by the weight of fruits and seeds. All features of the vegetative organs have high variability while features of the generative organs are characterized by low variation.

Conclusion. Research revealed the dependence of intrapopulation interbush variation more on the type of shoot (generative or vegetative) than on the characteristics of the bushes themselves. By the features of the fruit, the greatest contribution in intrapopulation interbush variation is made by weight, environmentally more sensitive features than linear features which are more constant.

Aim. Environmental effects of long-term fixed-pressure on ecosystem of the middle course of stability Kur in within Georgia it was noted by us 50 years ago in the first of the 4 reservoirs - Mingachevir, created in 1956. In 1959-1960. We noted the rapid development of phyto-bacterial, in the waters mouth of the rr. Kura Alazan (Ganikh) and Iora (Gabyrry) and later (after 9-11 years), in the area of the water. In the same time, anthropogenic eutrophication in the Shamkir reservoir which established upstream, occurred in the first years of the filling.

Methods. To find out the reasons, causing intense phytoplankton, increasing the biological oxygen demand of water have been used methods determining the concentration of nutrient, the floristic composition of the dominant forms of phytoplankton, the value of its primary products, the degree of oxygen consumption in the form of the daily BOD.

Results. Many years of research have shown, in all the reservoirs 4 causes of anthropogenic eutrophication are biostok of Kura River and increasing concentrations of allochthonous organic matter, which are the source of the waste water of cities and towns, industries located in the catchment area in Georgia.

Conclusions. A result of receipt the river water, nutrients wore the stationary character, easily mineralized allochthonous origin of organic matter reservoir contributes to the generation of phyto-bacterial. This, adequately strengthened oxygen consumption of water microbiota, arise processes of hypoxia, which in coastal, relatively quiet areas leads to sustainable anaerobios.

Aim. The aim of the study is to develop technologies for processing geothermal brine produced with the extraction of oil as well as to solve environmental problems in the region.

Methods. In order to determine the chemical composition and radioactivity of the geothermal water and solid samples, we used atomic absorption and gamma spectrometry. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the technology was made on the basis of experimental studies.

Results. In the geothermal water, eight radionuclides were recognized and quantified with the activity of 87 ± 5 Bq / dm3. For the processing of this water to produce lithium carbonate and other components we propose a technological scheme, which provides a step of water purification from radio-nuclides. As a result of aeration and alkalinization, we can observe deactivation and purification of the geothermal water from mechanical impurities, iron ions, hydrogen carbonates and organic substances. Water treatment allows recovering lithium carbonate, magnesite caustic powder and salt from geothermal water. The mother liquors produced during manufacturing operations meet the requirements for the water suitable for waterflooding of oil reservoirs and can be injected for maintaining the reservoir pressure of the deposits.

Conclusion. The implementation of the proposed processing technology of mineralized geothermal water produced with the extraction of oil in the Northern Dagestan will contribute to extend the life of the oil fields and improve the environmental problems. It will also allow import substitution in Russia for lithium carbonate and edible salt.

Aim. To study the effect of different levels of agri-environmental loads on the enzymatic activity of the soil.

Methods. Isolation of soil fauna was conducted by thermogradient. Ecological characteristics of soil biota community was determined by ecological indices. The enzymatic activity of soil under different crops and at different levels of agri-environmental loads in our experiments was determined by methods proven in the laboratory soil enzymology Institute of Experimental Botany name V.F. Kuprevich and Belorussian Research Institute for Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry.

Results. Community soil biota is polydominant character, as evidenced by the values of environmental indices. It does not set a significant impact on the community agrotechnological loads of soil micro and mesofauna. Absolute figures soil phosphatase activity averaged over all embodiments without recourse formation were higher by 63% compared with plowing. Invertase and catalase activity was much higher in stubble on all variants of the experiment and selection of terms. The content of peroxidase lower under pure steam. The laws have taken place in respect of peroxidase activity, marked for polifenoloksidase activity.

Main conclusion. There was no major change in the ecological characteristics of soil biota. In the enzymatic activity of soil influenced by sampling time, fertilizer system, soil tillage methods and cultivated crops.

Aim. Environment quality estimation and its probable changes in the presence of anthropogenous influence on the Tatarstan republic natural reserved fond objects with fluctuating asymmetry method on different species of organisms was carried out.

Methods. Gathering of scientific material was carried out at the 2012-2013 years period at the natural reserved fond objects territory – Tatarstan republic state natural complex wildlife areas. For land ecosystems estimation the morphometric parameters of birch leafs was used, for water ecosystems characteristic – the morphometric parameters of most ordinary species of fish (small fry, golden crucian, bream) and amphibians (pond and lake frog). Morphometric measurements results of indicator organisms was statistically processed, fluctuating asymmetry parameter was calculated, according received results the state of ecosystems was estimated.

Results. The state of some especially protected natural areas at the Tatarstan republic was estimated. Applicability of fluctuating asymmetry parameter for complex ecosystem estimation was proved. Received results can be used as a matter for ecological risk estimation methodic developing for Tatarstan republic territory.

Main conclusions. The investigated areas ecological status was estimated as “relatively normal”. The fluctuating asymmetry parameter in similar conditions for phytoindicator was higher than for zooindicators Results analysis was shown the need of using different indicators for complex characteristic of environmental quality.

Aim. The aim is to study the impact of environmental education on the quality of learning biology and ecology by the example of secondary schools in Kizilyurt city, Republic of Dagestan.

Materials and methods. As a material for the research, we used the findings obtained in the survey and testing of students of 5-11 grades and teachers of Kizilyurt, developed at the Institute of Ecology and Sustainable Development of the Dagestan State University. Data processing was based on the general principles of statistics and was carried out using Statistica and Excel softwares.

Results. By comparing the survey results of the students, we can draw conclusions about the quality of environmental education in particular schools. The results in general show some shortcomings in the planning and content of school curricula. Studies conducted in Kizilyurt schools demonstrate that environmental knowledge of the students is poor and primarily the acquisition occurs through the study of biology and a minor extent of geography.

Conclusion. The analysis of ecological education of students of Kizilyurt schools based on national educational standards is an attempt to explain the real situation and to make recommendations to improve the system and content of the training in the field of education for sustainable development.

Aim. The aim is to analyze the current state of social and ecological consciousness of youth and consider the introduction of student volunteering activity in the formation of ecological consciousness in the context of Republic of Dagestan.

Discussion. The social and environmental issues with a negative shade are largely typical for Dagestan. The consequences of these are one of the areas of social work the main goal of which is to provide assistance and support to people who are in difficult life situation. Annually, more than 150 bachelors and masters of social work graduate the Department of Sociology of Dagestan State University. Proper use of the potential of student volunteering activities, in our opinion, will help to a certain extent to solve the existing in the country social and environmental problems, reduce their negative impact on the population.

Conclusion. The Republic of Dagestan is a very important region for the realization of the ideas of volunteerism. However, an analysis of the work done has shown that voluntary associations, as a rule, exist in many universities and their activities is a mere formality as they are similar to circles of interest. There is a lack of systematic and purposeful approach on the use of voluntary activities of students. We came to the conclusion that it is crucial to implement an appropriate approach, the main objectives of which shall be as follows: the organization of training aimed at the development of social activity and personal potential; formation of ecological awareness; use of volunteering activities of future social workers in dealing with social and environmental problems.

Aim. The aim is to identify the similarities and differences of fauna of oribatid mites (Acariformes, Oribatida) in the Tethys desert-steppe region and analyze geographic relationships of the studied area.

Methods. For the research, we used the materials collected for 5 years (2008-13) by the members of the stuff of the Department of Biology and Biodiversity (Grikurova A.A.) in the territory of the Republic of Dagestan. In addition, we referred to personal collections and publications including" Catalogue of oribatid mites of the Caucasus" by Shtanchaeva U.Ya., Subias L.S. To analyze the similarities of fauna of the Tethys region we made a comprehensive analysis based on Jaccard similarity coefficient.

Results. As a result of the research we gave the composition of fauna, held a brief overview on oribatid mites and their resettlement and migration. In Tethys region, we identified 381 genera of oribatid uniting 1506 species, one third of which is endemic (501 species). Despite the fact that the fauna of the oribatid in the Caucasus is studied unevenly, the greatest variety of species is observed here. The smallest amount of diversity compared with the Caucasian species is observed in the Mediterranean countries and Central Asia, which shows the peculiarities of the genesis and geographic distribution.

Conclusion. The dendrogram of similarity of the oribatid mites genera in the Tethys region demonstrates the tremendous role of coastal and island ecosystems of the Tethys Ocean, followed by the enrichment of the diversity as well as independent species shaping.

Aim. The aim of the research if to study variability of the sprout of S. daghestanica, included in the list of endemic species of the Eastern Caucasus and listed in the Red Book of Dagestan.

Methods. Collection of species at the flowering stage was held in three districts of Dagestan: Gergebilskaya (751 m above sea level), Akushinsky (1058 m above sea level.) and Karabudakhkent (747 m above sea level). From each collected sample we randomly selected 30 shoots, 3 sprouts from 10 plants, morphometric features of which were taken into consideration.

Results. The group with the highest coefficient of variation of the studied traits of the S. daghestanica sprout is characterized by: "the length of the apical generative sprout", "the length of the developed lateral generative sprout", "the number of nodes on the generative part", "the number of nodes on the vegetative part" "the number of flowers on the main generative sprout", "the number of lateral generative sprouts". The variability of feature "total length of the sprout" proved to be the lowest. The relative stability of this trait, in our opinion, is due to the optimal conditions for the realization of the growth potential.

Conclusion. For such characteristics as "the number of nodes on the generative part", "the number of nodes on the vegetative part", "number of lateral generative sprouts", "the length of the developed lateral generative sprout" are under the significant influence of environmental factors. No differences could be identified or they were not valid, concerning the following characteristics: "the total length of the sprout", "the length of the generative part", "the length of the vegetative part", "the length of apical generative sprout", "the number of flowers on the apical sprout", "diameter of the vegetative part at the base", "diameter of the generative part at the base".

Aim. The aim of the research is to study the specific determinants, motivational factors, tools and approaches that make up the mechanism for the implementation of sustainable development (the region of Southern Russia).

Material and methods. As the main methodological approach, the author used the civilizational method including philosophy and political science which effectively evaluate and analyze a concrete historical stage of development of a society, a short period of its history. At the same time, as a particularly important factor and determinant of social development, we put culture, mental and religious terms of spiritual life of the peoples of the South of Russia into to the forefront, which is seen as a local independent civilization. We see the methodological innovation in the understanding of sustainable development based on the principle of ecocentrism, the equality between generations, types and groups, with regard to the principle of universal evolutionism.

Results. It is assumed that civilizations develop independently and realize its cultural potential in various areas, while ethnic groups, nations and peoples with their specific culture must respect the principle of equal moral functioning. The threat of a global catastrophe and attitude for sustainable development bring spiritual values of traditional civilizations to the forefront, which are collectivism, harmony between man and nature, self-limitation, reliance on national culture and other issues that have always been fundamental to Dagestan and the North Caucasus.

Conclusions. Sustainable development of the South Russian regions, including Dagestan, is possible only on the basis of the given spiritual determinants in the direction of a global civil society.

Aim. The Kursk region is the central part of European Russia. The region's economy is based on the use of fertile agricultural land. The share of the employed population in agriculture is more than 17%. The flip side is unemployment in rural areas. Basing on the statistical data we analyzed the unemployment situation between 2009 and 2014 in the administrative districts of the region.

Methods. In order to study the problem of unemployment we used methods such as the collection and compilation of statistics, factor analysis, and method of comparison of the data on registered unemployment rate calculated by the ILO and GIS technology for visualization of the results.

Results. Unemployment is a social and economic problem for all sectors of society which is critical for the steady development of the Kursk region. The results of study on the female unemployment among women, young people and rural population show the geographical classification of administrative districts with three main types of unemployment: 1 - predominantly female; 2 - female and youth; 3 - without priorities.

Conclusions. Our results show that during the period under study only 2 regions showed an increase in registered unemployment rate and other areas showed a marked decrease (13 districts) and the stabilization of the situation (13 districts). This typology can be useful for the regional employment services, as it allows to individualize the content of programs to combat unemployment in accordance with its territorial expression by taking into account the needs of specific focus groups for sustainable development of the region.

Aim. The article is devoted to consideration of issues of priority development of regions and transition to sustainable development from the point of view of international law. Great attention is paid to the analysis of priority development regions and the right to sustainable development. It is proposed to develop model of formation of priority development regions in the context of sustainable economic development the conclusions about the validity of consideration of cultural diversity as the fourth dimension of sustainable development.

Methods. We used the following methods: historical and comparative analysis, system approach, analysis of the statistical and mathematical materials.

Results. A model of the formation of priority development regions in the context of sustainable economic development, which defines the purpose and objectives of social reporting, legal and regulatory framework for its formation, principles and basic models for determining measures of social responsibility, explored the most promising industry in the region with the economic-geographical point of view.

Conclusion. We identified socio-economic problems of sustainable development of the Republic of Dagestan and also offered important directions for sustainable development in the region.

Aim. The aim is to select the crops to reclaim the highly saline soils of the plains of Dagestan.

Materials and Methods. We made an analysis of the literature sources; applied the field experiment methods using standard techniques, instruments and equipment along with processing of experimental data and mathematical statistics methods.

Results. According to the results of the research held in agricultural production cooperative "Novaya Zhizn" of Kazbekski district, wheatgrass (Elytrigia elongata) formed higher rates of leaf area, photosynthetic potential of crops and net photosynthetic productivity. In the year of planting alfalfa, the yield amounted to 11.8; 14.0 and 11.7 t / ha which is less than the Elytrigia elongata for 22.8; 7.8 and 15.4%. A similar situation occurred in the second and third years of growth of perennial grasses. On average, during the years of research, productivity of Elytrigia elongate was higher compared with alfalfa respectively by 36.8; 20.1 and 40.7%.

Conclusion. These studies indicate the effectiveness of growing Elytrigia elongata as a phytomeliorant on saline soils, as compared with alfalfa. Growing Elytrigia elongata on highly saline meadow soils is an effective technique to improve its structure.