The aim is development of methodological approaches for an estimation of a biodiversity (species and ecosystems) and the cartographic representation of the regularities of its distribution on the basis of ecosystmes (biomes) concept in biogeography, and integrated ecology-geographical approach to the interpretation of the data. Material and methods. A series of natural maps of the Electronic Atlas of the Caspian Sea includes small-scale vegetation map of the Caspian region, which represents the spatial organization of vegetation with the organizing role of environmental and geographical factors. The created cartographic model can be the basis for an estimation of the ecosystem diversity of the region. The materials for the map were publications and cartographic models, original materials on the study of vegetation cover of the Caspian regions and available data on biodiversity estimation. The analysis of materials is carried out in accordance with the classification system of phytocoenomers and phytocoenochore VB. Sochava; we used ecology-morphological classification and ecology-geographical approach in the preparation of the map legend. Results. The botanical and geographical features of the Caspian region are shown. The characteristic of coenotic diversity of plain deserts of the region within the subzone units is given. Typical altitudinal belt spectra and the formation compositions of high-altitude belts for mountain areas are shown. Using biome as a basic unit of biodiversity accounting, it is possible to proceed to quantifying biodiversity at species and coenotic levels. An example of biodiversity estimation for the regional Caspian desert-steppe biome is given. Conclusion. The cartographic model of bioclimatically determined vegetation types (climatypes) of the Caspian region is a good basis for further estimation of biodiversity (at species and ecosystem levels) based on the concept of regional biomes.

Aim. The aim is to reveal the need and relevant directions for the implementation of the concept of sustainable development in relation to the efficiency of transport and logistics activities. Methods. The methodology of research and development includes the analysis and adaptation of the experience in the areas of sustainable urban development and their transport, environmental impact of transport, planning and organizing passenger transport in smart cities, theories of utility and efficiency. In order to analyze the state of the investigated problem, modern scientific publications of Russian and foreign scientists were used. Results. We considered the modern understanding of the concepts of sustainable development and smart cities, the globalization of their use by the executive authorities in developed countries to improve the economy and quality of life. Were also indicated the main problems of the transition to sustainable development, characteristic of Russia. Various examples of the implementation of the concepts of sustainable development and smart city, the use of modern information technologies and methods for evaluating transport and logistics projects were given. The environmental consequences of using the concept of sustainable development, as well as the need to transform the land use policies in cities were indicated. The approaches to assessing the efficiency of transport and logistics systems and their development projects were considered. The directions of improving the human resourcing for sustainable development were identified. Conclusions. The main directions of succeeding in sustainable urban development and implementation of projects for the development of the transport systems were established. Recommendations were formulated to ensure the planning of sustainable development and building of a methodology to evaluate the efficiency of transportation and logistics as well as the projects for their improvement.

Aim. The aim of the research is to study the potential nesting sites of the Spanish sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis) on the northwest coast of Crimea. Methods. Material was compiled during 2016-2018. The generally accepted methods of road and foot route census study were applied. Nesting stations were explored: nests of storks, birds of prey and corvids, forest belts and reed beds. Results. On the basis of research, the presence of Passer hispaniolensis in the north-western Crimea, in particular, within the borders of the Lebyazhy Islands («Swan Islands») specially protected natural area, has been established. It is revealed that for nesting, this species of sparrow prefers the areas close to fields and is not often found in human settlements. During the nesting period, an increase in the number from 15 to 45 pairs was noted. The greatest number of breeding pairs of spanish sparrow is found in the nests of the white stork. Late arriving birds form colonies on trees in close proximity to stork nests. Conclusion. Nesting of Passer hispaniolensis is most likely due to changes in the hydrological regime and land use structure, since rice crop rotation (until 2014) has been replaced by other grain crops (barley, wheat) and tilled crops (sunflower, maize). Thus, at present, the breeding ornithofauna of the protected area is represented by 92 species of birds.

Aim. It is not possible to study the mechanisms of formation and functioning of the Caspian coastal ecosystems without analyzing the hydrobiological situation of the surrounding water area as a whole. In this regard, the main objective of the research is to study the biodiversity and the quantitative assessment of the zooplankton communities of the coastal waters of Tyuleniy Island and its lagoon areas. Methods. Zooplankton samples were selected seasonally using quantitative methods in order to assess the hydrobionts and current recommendations for material processing. This work represents a continuation of our research launched in 2015 in the coastal area of Tyuleniy Island and its inner lagoon. The qualitative, quantitative and seasonal nature of the distribution of zooplankton in the investigated area of the sea in modern conditions was described. Results. It is shown that the open areas of the island represent a rich taxonomic structure and high density, consisting of a mixed freshwater and brackish-water hydrobiont complex. Conclusions. In general, the zooplankton complex of the Tyuleniy Island water area is a fairly stable ecosystem with a well-developed plankton community. However, for a more complete assessment of its state, seasonal dynamics, and potentials of its food supply for the fish population in the water area, long-term comprehensive monitoring studies are needed.

Aim. The aim of the study is to carry out mapping of the distribution of model animal species (on the example of weevils-beetles) of the Republic of Dagestan as well as to design a set of zoogeographic maps. Methods. The study is based on materials of the field expeditionary research conducted in the period of 1999-2018 in various areas of Dagestan, collected using conventional entomological methods. As the source material for the creation of the maps was used the database created by the authors, the collection materials of the Institute of Ecology and Sustainable Development of the DSU, archive materials of the Sub-Department of Geography of Moscow Institute of Engineers in Geodesy, Aerophotography and Cartography (DTM, raster and vector topographic and thematic maps of the study area). Processing of the materials and creation of maps were carried out using such software platforms as ArcGIS, MapInfo and Adobe Illustrator CC. Results. Were mapped the areas of 14 model species of weevils-beetles which differ in their distribution, number as well as theoretical and practical significance. A database of mapped species was created. Mathematical foundations, general geographical and thematic content in the GIS environment, as well as editorial guidelines were developed, which allow presenting information in both vector and raster forms (traditional “paper” maps). Conclusion. A set of maps was created which reflects the ranges of model species of the animal population of the Republic of Dagestan: “Lowland Dagestan. Model species of weevils-beetles”, “Intramontane Dagestan. Model species of weevils-beetles”, “Montane Dagestan. Model species of weevils-beetles”.Aim. The aim of the study is to carry out mapping of the distribution of model animal species (on the example of weevils-beetles) of the Republic of Dagestan as well as to design a set of zoogeographic maps. Methods. The study is based on materials of the field expeditionary research conducted in the period of 1999-2018 in various areas of Dagestan, collected using conventional entomological methods. As the source material for the creation of the maps was used the database created by the authors, the collection materials of the Institute of Ecology and Sustainable Development of the DSU, archive materials of the Sub-Department of Geography of Moscow Institute of Engineers in Geodesy, Aerophotography and Cartography (DTM, raster and vector topographic and thematic maps of the study area). Processing of the materials and creation of maps were carried out using such software platforms as ArcGIS, MapInfo and Adobe Illustrator CC. Results. Were mapped the areas of 14 model species of weevils-beetles which differ in their distribution, number as well as theoretical and practical significance. A database of mapped species was created. Mathematical foundations, general geographical and thematic content in the GIS environment, as well as editorial guidelines were developed, which allow presenting information in both vector and raster forms (traditional “paper” maps). Conclusion. A set of maps was created which reflects the ranges of model species of the animal population of the Republic of Dagestan: “Lowland Dagestan. Model species of weevils-beetles”, “Intramontane Dagestan. Model species of weevils-beetles”, “Montane Dagestan. Model species of weevils-beetles”.

Aim. This article discusses the current state of the chemical composition of the soils of the Kharbinsky federal nature reserve located on the territory of Yustinsky and Yashkulsky districts of the Republic of Kalmykia. The predominant soil compositions of the reserve are complexes of brown semi-desert soils with saline and sands. These soils are highly susceptible to erosion, mainly wind. Erosion is facilitated by the light mechanical composition of soils, land use and arid climate where only sparse semi-desert grass stands to grow thus creating no dense turf. Methods. For the general characteristics of the soil, the following analyzes were carried out: analysis of water extraction (the soils were analyzed for Са2+, Mg2+and Na+ cations, НСО3-, CI- and SO42- anions as well as pH), analysis for the content of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as the determination of heavy metals. Results. As a result of chemical analysis, it was found that the soils in the settlements are more saline than in the steppe. The studied soils contain little humus, it varies from 0.37 to 4.66%. The nitrogen content in the soil in the reserve varies from 24.5 to 64.8 mg/1000 g. The content of mobile phosphorus in the studied soils varies over a wide range from 14.0 to 150.0 mg/1000 g. The studied soils are insufficiently supplied with exchangeable potassium, the content of which ranges from 0.12 to 1.17 mg/1000 g. Conclusions. As a result of the study, it was established that agricultural activity leads to a change in the chemical composition of the soil: macroelement composition of the soil, type and degree of salinization change; content of heavy metals increases.

Aim. The approbation of quantitative assessment of contrast of the acid-base barriers and capacity of humus geochemical barriers and the assessment of capacity of subsoil barrier with use of geochemical Mn-containing incrustations. Methods. The сlay loamy and sandy soils of representative geochemical catenas of Kursk with different degree of anthropogenic transforming were under analysis. Results. It is revealed that the anthropogenic transformed soils of industrial and residential zones (urban grey soils, urbanozem) can be characterized by the alkaline barrier. In clay loamy and sandy soils of sanitary protection areas of the city acid and alkaline barriers are presented. The contrast of acid (-0.017 m-1) and alkaline (0.008 m-1) barriers in clay loamy soils is much higher than in sandy soils. Values of geo chemical the Mn-containing soil incrustations for the illuvial horizons in Kursk are received. Alluvial gley soils are characterized by the maximum absorbing ability of heavy metals on the Mn-containing soil  incrustations. Conclusions. The new indicator of quantitative assessment of capacity of humus horizon  – placement rate of organophile heavy metals on the barrier (Khum) is offered. The placement rate represents the ratio of the product of depth of horizon and degree of humus content to the content level of an element in the horizon. The capacity of a humus barrier increases if the value of placement rate is higher.

Aim. The aim is to study and assess the environmental risk factor according to the biogeochemical coefficients of a number of heavy metals in the coastal areas of the Debet, Shnokh and Aras rivers, in various soil and climatic regions. Methods. A combined method for assessing the environmental risk factor in the soil-plant system was applied, based on the values of a number of biogeochemical coefficients. Sweet corn was used as a model plant. Results. According to the total values of the contamination indices by heavy metals when grouped according to the Russian GOST hazard classes, the soils in Hushakert were the most polluted, while the least in Tekhut. The need to use the European approach to classify heavy metals by hazard class was to take into account the maximum allowable additives of the latter. Conclusions. It was found that the definition of the hazard class, which allows grouping heavy metals, is primarily due to the synergy of the biota response to the degree of contamination. The use of an annual plant allows to fully appreciate the migration characteristics of heavy metals in the soil-plant system. Due to this, it is possible to use corn both as an indicator plant and as a natural filter for the coastal areas where there is migration of the heavy metals.

Aim. The main aim is to determine the effectiveness of using the monitoring of tourist and recreational activities as an indicator in forecasting the development of a tourist territory using the example of specially protected natural areas of the Volgograd Region. Methods. In conducting this study, a number of scientific and practical methods were used, such as the method of processing and analyzing statistical data on the number of ecological paths and tourist routes in the natural parks of the Volgograd region as well as the method of geo-information processing of the collected data, the modeling of results and analysis of statistical data. Tourist flow data for the period from 2002 to 2016 was also used. Results. As a result of the research, it was revealed that the value of the indicator of the number of tourist routes in the natural parks of the Volgograd region is increasing annually. Among the entire range of tourist services provided by the natural parks of the region, car tours prevail. Analyzing the information on the visits to the natural parks, we can conclude that the services of the Eltonsky, Shcherbakovsky, Donskoy and Ust-Medveditsky natural parks are the most demanded by the consumer. Conclusions. Summarizing, we can conclude that there is no correlation between the increase in the number of tourist routes in natural parks and the increase in the number of tourists in the region’s protected areas. In this regard, it is necessary to develop a long-term strategy for the development of the tourist and recreational attractiveness of the protected areas of the Volgograd region.

Aim. The aim is to show the relevance of the convergence of basic science in order to solve global environmental problems. Discussion. Solving the problems of critical areas of the biosphere which requires the combined efforts of various sciences and fields of knowledge is considered as an objective prerequisite for convergence. This article was written on the basis of the findings of our own long-term studies of the steppes of Northern Eurasia and central Arctic landscapes on relic loess-ice lithogenic basis, compared with historical and literary data. From the standpoint of steppe studies, two critical areas of the biosphere are distinguished: steppe zone of Eurasia and tundra of the Arctic which are justified as axes of convergence. The steppe studies are considered as a center of convergence around these axes with the possible formation of a new superdisciplinary field of knowledge and practice, steppenomy, in perspective. Nature-like technologies based on the principle of the co-creation of man and nature, aimed at overcoming the crisis phenomena in ecosystems and attaining high stability and productivity, are considered as an innovation product of the steppenomy. Conclusion. The spread and development of pasture ecosystems in various climatic zones is one of the priorities of constructive co-creation of man and the biosphere. An increase in tundra productivity and creation of “beef belts” in the steppes of Eurasia are regarded as a constructive analogue of Tselina, recreating grass ecosystems as a neo-hyperzonal phenomenon on tens of millions of hectares. In addition to contributing to the solution of the food problem, the pasture arrangement of the last territorial reserve under convergent scientific support will contribute to the global ecological restoration of the Earth’s unique ecosystems.

Aim. The work presents information on the habitat of a wolf (Canis lupus L., 1758) in the Crimea. The aim of the work is to identify the environmental characteristics of the distribution of the wolf in the Crimea and to estimate its population. Methods. We carried out a detailed study of literary sources, data from hunting inspection. Surveys among hunters and reserve staff members were also conducted. Results. In the 21st century, wolf-dog hybrids, originally came from the Black Sea region, begin to inhabit the Crimea, which is unacceptable for protected areas. In the modern history of Crimea, the number of wolves has been constantly growing since 2003, and now this predator has become an ordinary game species (13 districts and near 3 cities). Its population had been gradually increasing until 2011 (60 wolves hunted) and had decreased by 2014 by 15 hunted wolves. The number of wolves in Crimea can be estimated at around 90-300 individuals. Conclusions. The largest number of killed wolves was recorded in the east of the peninsula in the Leninskiy district and in the north, in the Dzhankoyskiy district. The absence of wolf species in the Karadag natural reserve caused an overpopulation of European roe deer, which is fraught with degradation of phytocenoses.

Aim. The aim of the research is to determine the objectivity and reliability of the information received on the quality of surface water bodies, taking into account the natural features of water bodies in the Specific Combinatorial Water Pollution Index. Methods. Basic information about the quality of surface land waters (including small rivers) was obtained during regime observations, which were carried out by the Federal State Budgetary Institution "West-Siberian Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring" in 2017. Assessment of the degrees of contamination of surface waters was carried out on the basis of statistical processing of the results of chemical analyzes “Gydrokhimik PC” software package and indicators of a comprehensive assessment of the degree of contamination of surface waters calculated using the “UKISV-network” software package. Assessment of the degree of pollution of surface waters is based on the data of the West Siberian Research Institute for Aquatic Bioresources and Aquaculture for 2017. Results. It has been established that the quality assessment methodology by the Specific Combinatorial Water Pollution Index does not objectively evaluate the quality of surface water bodies taking into account the natural features of water bodies. Conclusion. It is necessary to improve or change the approaches and methods of assessing the quality of surface waters since this will increase the degree of reliability of statistical information. In turn, this will allow the authorities and relevant federal agencies to respond more quickly to issues of ensuring environmental safety, it will also allow using the budget funds allocated for environmental protection more rationally.

Aim. Copper-nickel deposits are located all over the world. A large amount of nonmetalliferous raw materials is formed, when they are developed. It moves into dumps and creates environmental risks for the environment. In the dumps magnesium-containing rocks prevail, which must be disposed of. The purpose of the work is to study the possibility of their use in the production of building materials. Methods. The chemical analysis was carried out by gravimetry, photometry, and atomic-absorption spectroscopy. The mineral composition was studied using X-ray phase analysis. The mechanical parameters were determined on a test hydraulic press. Results. It is established that the crushed stone from magnesiumbearing rocks is of high quality and can be used as a large aggregate in the production of concretes. It is shown that the concrete, containing crushed stone from ultrabasic rocks - verlites show the most compression strength. The lowest values has ordinary concrete on granite crushed stone. The type of hardening conditions also affects the strength of the resulting material. Sand from the sifting of crushing rock mass has angular shape of the grains and a mineral composition as in the parent rock. This contributes to the design of a dense structure of concrete stone, which increases its strength by more than 10%. Main conclusions. The use non-metalliferous raw materials will reduce the volumes of waste rock formed during the development of mineral deposits. In this case, it is possible to obtain a finished commodity product - crushed stone from magnesium-containing rocks and sand from their crushing. This will solve environmental, economic problems, as well as produce the necessary building materials for their own needs.

Aim. The aim is to identify the differences in the accumulation of manganese, zinc, copper and molybdenum in the hair of farm animals (cows and goats) and their spatial differentiation in the valley of the Lower Dniester. Methods. Sampling and sample preparation were carried out in accordance with generally accepted methods. The determination of metal content in hair samples was carried out in accredited laboratories using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy (ICP-S). Results. For the first time, data are presented on the content of biogenic metals (manganese, zinc, copper, molybdenum) in the hair of the tail of black-and-white cows and Russian White and Saanen goats in the valleys of the Lower Dniester. Conclusions. It is shown that the concentration of trace elements in the hair of farm animals reflects the relative homogeneity of the biogeochemical conditions of the Lower Dniester valley. It is established that cows and goats are characterized by a sharply differing elemental status for the studied metals estimated on the basis of an analysis of their concentrations in the hair of the tail. At the same time, the effect of hair color on the content of elements was revealed only for molybdenum in cows, and for goats there were no significant interbreed differences in metal concentrations.