Aim. The purpose of this article is the improvement of organizational, methodological and legal mechanisms for environmental auditing in the Russian Federation, taking into account the current regulatory framework and foreign experience in this area.
Discussion. Economic growth is recognized by all as a positive and necessary phenomenon in social development. However, this process has a flip side ‐ every year, enterprises poison the air with toxic emissions, waste water damages water bodies and radioactive waste makes land unsuitable for cultivation. All this causes environmental degradation both in Russia and the broader world. The relevance of this study is that environmental auditing as a mechanism to increase the attractiveness of investment facilitates the solution of state problems of environmental safety and the strengthening of environmental law enforcement. While domestic experts currently recognize the need to develop this area of auditing, there is still no fully developed legal framework and methodology for its implementation within the Russian Federation. To a certain degree this restrains the development of organizational mechanisms for environmental auditing.
Conclusion. The authors have comprehensively examined the current domestic and foreign experience in environmental auditing, its advantages and disadvantages. The environmental audit is also considered as an independent institution of governance, designed to reduce risks of business entities on the basis of compliance with environmental norms and international standards. According to the authors, an eco‐audit report should be considered as a legal document recognized as a component of conformity within eco‐auditing legal relations.

Aim. The aim of this review is a comprehensive analysis of current literature data on coronaviruses identified in bats.
Discussion. Coronaviruses (Coronaviridae) constitute the most extensive family of viruses of the order Nidovirales. Coronaviruses have a wide range of hosts, including mammals (Alphacoronavirus, Betacoronavirus, Deltacoronavirus, Gammacoronavirus) and birds (Deltacoronavirus, Gammacoronavirus), amphibians (Alphaletovirus) and are pathogens of respiratory, intestinal, cardiovascular. Until the beginning of this century, only etiological agents of mild and moderate respiratory diseases were known among pathogenic coronaviruses for humans. In the 21st century, new highly pathogenic coronaviruses were discovered that caused outbreaks of severe pneumonia with high mortality: the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (Severe acute respiratory syndrome‐related coronavirus, SARS‐CoV; 2002‐2003, southern provinces of China), the Middle East respiratory coronavirus Syndrome (Middle East respiratory syndrome‐related coronavirus, MERS‐CoV; 2012, western part of Saudi Arabia) and type 2 acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (Severe acute respiratory syndrome‐related coronavirus 2, SARS‐CoV‐2; 2019 ‐..., the eastern part of central China). The natural reservoirs of SARS‐CoV, SARS‐CoV‐2 and MERS‐CoV are bats (Chiroptera). Coronaviruses circulating in bat populations are not only phylogenetically close to the currently known especially dangerous human viruses but probably have epidemic potential that can be realized in the future.
Conclusion. This review presents current data on coronaviruses of bats: taxonomic status, spectrum of potential hosts, distribution. The ecological features of coronaviruses of bats are considered in the context of their epidemiological significance. The origin of pathogenic human coronaviruses is discussed.

Aim. The aim of the study is to find out what external factors may be the driving force behind the growth and population dynamics of two ecologically similar species of gelatinous macroplankton (scyphomedusa Aurelia aurita and ctenophore Pleurobrachia pileus), which play an important role in the functioning of the pelagic ecosystem of the Black Sea.
Material and Methods. The state of zooplankton populations was estimated by data obtained in 2000‐2014 in the outer shelf of Sevastopol Bay, where monthly quantitative samples of meso‐ and macroplankton were taken 2 miles of the coast (depth 50‐70 m). Weather and hydrology related changes were assessed using open databases.
Results. It was been established that size‐specific growth rate of these species depends on weather and hydrological conditions in the winter‐spring months and varies from 0.85 to 1.02% day^‐1 and from 0.27 to 0.47% day^‐1 for A. aurita and P. pileus, respectively.
Conclusions. External factors unequally affect the growth of these species. Sub‐ latitudinal transit of warm air masses, accompanied by increased river flow and seawater circulation, activates the growth of the ctenophore, while sub‐meridional propagation of cold and dry air increases the growth rate of the jellyfish. In both cases, somatic growth is influenced by trophic relations, differing depending on the weather in February‐May. The changes in growth of ctenophore occur in parallel with synchronous variations in biomass of crustacea, while that in jellyfish may relate to an abundance of microplankton and its mesoplanktonic consumers.

Aim. To investigate the histological structure of fish tumors in the Volga Delta and the northern part of the Caspian Sea to assess the habitat quality of aquatic organisms.
Material and Methods. Neoplasms identified in the following representatives of ichthyofauna were analyzed: black‐backed herring, roach, asp, perch, carp, pike, zander, catfish and bream. Biological material was collected during specialized scientific research expeditions to the Volga Delta in April‐October 2015‐2018. Sample analysis were carried out in accordance with standard histological techniques.
Results. The research shows that tumors were localized both on the surface of the body and in the internal organs of fish. During the period of investigation individuals examined were diagnosed with the following cancers: adenomectomy, basal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, polypous cancer, rhabdomyoma, fibrosarcoma and follicular, epidermal papilloma. The most common pathology in the populations of semi‐migratory, migratory and river fish was a malignant tumor, fibrosarcoma, registered in six of the ten examined ichthyofauna species. Epithelial papilloma was most often observed in catfish. There were no oncological diseases were detected in rudd.
Conclusions. Histological analysis of tumors recorded in the Volga ichthyofauna has shown that a number of identified disorders are irreversible and will inevitably lead to the reduction of fish resources as well as generally indicating the environmental problems of the habitat of aquatic organisms.

Aim. Detection of succession trends and bioengineering approaches to the restoration of vegetation on road slopes of piedmont Dagestan in Russia.
Material and Methods. Ten test area plots (100 m² every 500m) at 256‐515m altitude and at a range of exposures were established along the Makhachkala‐Buinaksk highway (Narat‐Tyube Pass section) to assess species composition and their participation in the overgrowth of roadside slopes.
Results. This paper presents the results of studying the primary overgrowth of roadside slopes in the conditions of piedmont Dagestan. Data are presented on the natural vegetation, geomorphology, soil types and parent rocks of the Narat‐Tyube ridge. In the first year of observations, a spectrum of families with the largest number of pioneer species and the role of slope consolidation with a high proportion of vegetatively propagating species was determined.
Conclusions. Native woody species showing promise for the application of bioengineering methods for optimization and acceleration of vegetation overgrowth have been identified. Features of overgrowth species distribution in relation to slope microenvironments, proximity of natural plant communities and their ecological and biological characteristics have been shown.

Aim. To study the effects of a biological plant protection agent on the state of the microbiocenosis of agricultural soils in the arid climate of the Astrakhan region.
Material and Methods. The objects of study were agricultural soils located in the Kamyzyaksky district of the Astrakhan region. During the experiment the soils were treated with Bacillus atrophaeus ACIM B‐11474. Studies were carried out in accordance with generally accepted microbiological and agronomic techniques. Field experiments were undertaken according to the generally accepted methodology of field and vegetation experimentation in the fields of strategic partner LLC Nadezhda‐2 when growing potatoes.
Results. Agricultural soils were investigated for agrochemical, agrophysical and microbiological indicators. Microorganisms involved in the mineralization of organic matter occurring in soil and the mobilization of nutrients were identified. The effect of the agent on the intensity the mobilization processes in the soil and on the activation of decomposition and mineralization of organic substances has been established. The use of the agent helped reduce the number of micromycetes in the soil and on cultivated crops studied. Plant protection has an impact on reducing their incidence, increases potato yields, increases the mass of tubers and reduces the number of diseased tubers.
Conclusion. The use biological plant protection agent has a positive effect on the formation of the microbiocenosis and on the phytosanitary condition of the agricultural soils studied, as well as improving the characteristics of agricultural products cultivated on them.

Aim. Assessment of earthquake activity in the border areas of the south of the European part of Russia (excepting Crimea) over the past decade.
Material and Methods. The main materials used are literary sources, as well as data from regional divisions of the Russian Ministry of Emergencies and the southern regional centre of the Federal State Budgetary Institution, Hydrospetsgeology, published in the open press.
Results. The general picture of the distribution of earthquakes that occurred in 2009‐2018 in the south of the European part of Russia (excepting Crimea) is given. In the territory of this region and in the 30‐kilometre adjacent border zone of the neighboring states of Azerbaijan and Georgia (including Abkhazia and South Ossetia) 1768 earthquakes with an energy class of KR =2.5‐14.2 occurred annually on average. A significant variation in the number of earthquakes in the region (from 1146 to 2214) was revealed. The largest number of seismic events was observed in 2009 and 2017 and the lowest in 2010. The greatest activity of earthquake manifestations was observed in Russian territory (62.1%), a significant share of seismic events (38.9%) occurring in the 30‐kilometre adjacent border zone of the neighboring territories of the states of Azerbaijan and Georgia (including Abkhazia and South Ossetia). The largest number of earthquakes was observed in the eastern part of the North Caucasus (Dagestan, Chechnya and Ingushetia).
Conclusion. The analysis conducted made it possible to assess the seismic hazard and activity of earthquakes from 2009 to 2018 in the territories of the border regions of the Russian Federation within the south of the European part of Russia (excepting Crimea).

Aim. The purpose of these studies is to assess the phytotoxicity and insectoacaricidal activity of actinomycetes culture fluid. The results of phytosanitary monitoring on plantings of crops indicate the massive development of pathogens of viral phytopathogens which can spread through insects – pests and ticks. In this connection, the study of soil actinomycetes of the Astrakhan region provides a promising direction for creating a microbial preparation for regulating pests which are carriers of phytopathogenic viruses.
Material and Methods. The phytotoxicity of the actinomycetes culture fluid was assessed in laboratory experiments on seeds of the Novichok tomato variety. Acidic and acaricidal activity was determined in the laboratory by a method based on contact interaction between the preparation and the test object.
Results. As the result of the studies, ten isolates showed a phytotoxic effect on the Novichok tomato. The highest biometric indicators of the plants studied – biomass (15.3‐17.0 mg), root length (3.7‐5.0 cm) and stem length (2.0‐2.7 cm) were found in variants with isolates No2, No3, No 10, No11 and No18, which also had high rates of seed germination. These isolates most actively suppressed the vitality (90‐100%) of melon (Aphis gossypii Glover.) аnd legume (beet) (Aphis fabae Black.) аphids and spider mites (Tetranychus urticae Koch.) in laboratory conditions.
Conclusion. The study of isolates No2, No3, No10, No11 and No18 showed high insectoacaricidal activity and phytostimulating properties. Using 16S DNA sequencing, 2 strains, No2 and No18, that are represented by Nocardiopsis umidischolae species, were identified.

Aim. Assessment of natural landscapes of the North Caucasus in order to increase the efficiency of their use for agriculture on the basis of modern updated data.
Material and Methods. Research on the assessment of the state of natural landscapes was carried out by modern methods, including remote sensing using systemic, analytical and comparative geographical analysis methodologies.
Results. In agricultural terms, the use of semi‐desert landscapes is limited because a lack of moisture. Accordingly, they are most suitable as pastures (especially in winter), haymaking, and also for the cultivation of melons. Agriculturally flat and hilly warm‐temperate and moderate semi‐arid landscapes are the most favorable landscapes for crop production: the main form of use of these landscapes is as arable land. Lowland temperate semi‐humid landscapes, which are widespread in the North Caucasus foothills, are also quite favorable for agricultural production. 
Conclusion. We have established that in order to increase the efficiency of use of landscapes of the North Caucasus, high‐quality zoning is necessary with the subsequent development of agro‐reclamation measures.

Aim. The aim of the present study is a comparative analysis of spatio‐temporal changes in the macrophytobenthos of Kruglaya Bay over a 40‐year period (1977‐2018) using a landscape approach.
Material and Methods. Submarine landscape research of Kruglaya Bay was carried out in the summer of 1977 and 2018 by the method of detailed study of the bottom using landscape profiling. The landscape mapping of Kruglaya Bay waters was done based on the constructed profiles and interpretation tables
Results. This research presents for the first time through landscape mapping the results of a comparative analysis of qualitative and quantitative changes in the plant components of BNC (bottom natural complexes) carried out in Kruglaya Bay over a period of more than 40 years.
Conclusions. Comparative analysis showed that the composition, structure and distribution of bottom vegetation have marked significant changes. For the BNC upper shoreface abrasion slope composed of psephitic sediment, the dominance of Cystoseira species (the share of which decreased from 76‐99 [1977] to 55‐92% [2018] of the total biomass of macrophytes) is characteristic. The most noticeable changes in the BNC occurred in the gently dipping accumulation plain composed of silt‐psammitic sediments, where the dominant community was seagrass throughout the study period with its contribution accounting for 96‐99% of total macrophyte biomass. It was revealed that a change in the Zostera‐based phytocoenoses occurred Zostera marina dominating with Z. noltei co‐dominant to Zostera‐Stuckenia‐based phytocoenoses where Z. noltei and Stuckenia pectinata predominate. The changes in the structure and composition of the macrophytobenthos of Kruglaya Bay are probably associated with the influence of both natural and anthropogenic factors.

Aim. Testing of a methodological approach to the geo‐ecological assessment of the comfort of living in the territory of a municipality.
Material and Methods. The study was conducted on the municipal administrative territory of the city of Balakovo in the Saratov region of the Russian Federation. The selection of accommodation comfort indicators has been based on a literature review. The degree of contribution of the selected indicators is determined by weighting factors of importance identified in the course of individual expert surveys. The ranking of results is based on converted values.
Results. Five grades of comfort of living were determined for the population of Balakovo, The most comfortable neighborhoods are typically those of the older developed parts of the city, while the least comfortable are those of new neighborhoods adjacent to industrial zones.
Conclusion. The following groups of indicators have been identified as having the greatest impact on levels of comfort of living in the municipality: environmental, urban planning, landscape and social. Each indicator was calculated quantitatively, taking into account the weight coefficients obtained based on the results of expert surveys.

Aim. The purpose of this research based on the study of the ecological and biological characteristics of the shrub vole is to expand knowledge about patterns of microevolution in space, ecology and biology on the basis of which to assess the adapted characteristics of the Central North Caucasian population of the shrub vole (Microtus majori Thomas, 1906) in natural conditions.
Material and Methods. The material for this work was obtained during expeditions and stationary studies carried out by the authors in the Russian Central Caucasus from 2013 to 2017. During this time, a survey of various biotopes of the broad-leaved forest belt was carried out, taking into account both anthropogenic loads and the season of the year.
Results. Stationary studies were carried out, taking into account the season of the year, in deciduous forest belt. Reproduction of shrub voles in the population studied takes place over five months (April‐August). Overwintered voles reproduce within four months (from early April to late July), females bearing three litters. Accordingly, we can say that the greatest importance in maintaining the viability of the population of this vole species falls on the overwintered yearlings of the first spring cohorts.
Conclusions. The data obtained indicate the regular dynamics of the (seasonal) age structure of the population, associated with the reproduction and death of individuals of certain age groups. When conditions of existence in the population of the shrub vole studied change, it reacts with an increase in the intensity of reproduction, a seasonal change in the number of embryos in a litter, a change in sex and age structure: it is sensitive to any fluctuations in its habitat.

Aim. Identify potential sources of heavy metal contamination of soil in the Ivanovo and Kostroma regions, Russia. Identify the risks to public health in the regions studied.
Material and Methods. 72 sampling sites were laid out. Laboratory preparation of extracts from soil samples was carried out in the facilities of the Biological‐Chemical Faculty of Ivanovo State University. Hardware analysis was undertaken using a 210 VGP atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Statistical and mathematical data processing was carried out with the OpenOffice Calc open‐source software package. The plotting of cartographic materials was done with Quantum GIS Brighton. Since soils are often contaminated with several elements at the same time, the total pollution index (Zc) was calculated for them, thus reflecting the effect of exposure of the groups of elements.
Results. Significant excesses above the maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) for cobalt, lead, and cadmium were not found in spring soil samples. The average pollution value Zc for the Ivanovo region was 20 units (a significant pollution level) and for Kostroma ‐ 38 (a high pollution level). The hazard coefficient for the content of heavy metals in the soil cover of the Ivanovo region is thus in the second range (significant risk), while in the soil cover of the Kostroma region it is in the third range (high risk).
Conclusions. Mostly heavy metals enter the soil from solid waste dumps and also settle during the snowless season. There is a risk to public health.

Aim. The widespread use of so‐called commercial breeds leads to the loss of a unique gene pool of native breeds and the narrowing of the genetic base that is necessary to preserve and to increase the genetic diversity of cattle breeds which are still preserved. These breeds include the Caucasian Brown. In connection , the aim of this research was to study the polymorphism of PIT‐1, PRL and GH genes in dairy cattle bred in different ecological climatic zones of the Republic of Dagestan to identify the genotypes of carriers of selection‐significant marker alleles for their preservation and further use in the selection process.
Material and Methods. Genotyping of the Caucasian brown breed cows bred in different natural climatic zones was carried out using PCR‐RFLP methods. The polymorphism of PIT‐1, PRL and GH genes was studied, population analysis of their distribution in the cattle stock studied was carried out and the features of the genetic structure in the researched populations were studied in relation to the conditions of their habitat.
Results. The specific allelic PIT‐1, PRL, and GH gene spectrum, characteristic for each animal population studied has been established. Homozygous and heterozygous carrier genotypes of the desired marker alleles with frequency of occurrence depending on both the gene and the animal population were identified. The genetic structural features of the genes studied in the researched populations were revealed.
Conclusion. The data obtained indicate the genetic uniqueness of the Caucasian Brown breed bred in different natural climatic zones in the Republic of Dagestan and are probably associated with the manifestation of adaptations, the nature of which has developed under the influence of the prevailing ecological, natural climatic conditions of its habitat.

This review was written during self‐isolation and remote access to work in connection with the COVID‐19 coronavirus pandemic.