Abstract. Aim. Hydrochemical composition of waters of Agrakhan Bay (the North Caspian Sea), degree of pollution, structure and quantitative characteristics of phytoplankton, zooplankton and zoobenthos is given in the paper. Evaluation of a trophic status of the bay and seasonal trophodynamics are given as a result of study.
Material and methods. The study is based on original materials from expeditions of 2012 (Autumn) and 2013 (Spring and Summer) in Agrakhan Bay. The complex materials are collected on stations with distance 3.5 km. Totally was made 16 marine stations, where samples of water, phytoplankton, zooplankton and benthos were taken.
Results. Agrakhan Bay is eutrophic by level of dissolved oxygen and its BOD. However, the oxygen deficiency is not observed. concentration of oxygen is high almost in all seasons, that has a beneficial effect on hydrobionts. Seasonal dynamics indicates that Agrakhansky bay is oligotrophic within a year, but its trophic status increases to mesotrophic and even to hypertrophic in some periods. The northern part ща the bay is eutrophic. Difference in trophic levels of different parts of the bay is the result of significant differences in depth and area of water surface.
Conclusions. Anthropogenic impact on Agrakhan Bay increases its trophic status. Seasonal trophic level of Agrakhan Gulf except natural processes depends on the "purity" of the Terek River sediments, which are the main source of biogenic elements. Typically, the absolute concentration of biogenic elements in Agrakhan Bay increases with the increase of eutrophication.

Abstract. Work subject. Aim. The Northern Caucasus is one of the prospective regions for development of geothermal energy.The hydrogeothermal resources of the only East Ciscaucasian Artesian basin are estimated up to 10000 MW of heat and 1000 MW of electric power. For their large-scale development it is necessary to built wells of big diameter and high flow rate involving huge capital investments. Reconstruction of idle wells for production of thermal water will allow to reduce capital investments for building of geothermal power installations. In the East Ciscaucasian Artesian basin there are a lot of promising areas with idle wells which can be converted for production of thermal water. The purpose of work is substantiation possibility of efficient development of geothermal resources of the Northern Caucasus region using idle oil and gas wells.

Methods. The schematic diagram is submitted for binary geothermal power plant (GPP) with use of idle gas-oil wells where the primary heat carrier in a loop of geothermal circulation system is used for heating and evaporation of the low-boiling working agent circulating in a secondary contour of steam-power unit. Calculations are carried out for selection of the optimum parameters of geothermal circulation system for obtaining the maximum useful power of GPP. The thermodynamic analysis of low-boiling working agents is made. Development of medial enthalpy thermal waters in the combined geothermal-steam-gas power installations is offered where exhaust gases of gas-turbine installation are used for evaporation and overheat of the working agent circulating in a contour of GPP. Heating of the working agent in GPP up to the temperature of evaporation is carried out by thermal water.

Results. The possibility of efficient development of geothermal resources of the Northern Caucasus region by construction of binary geothermal power plants using idle oil and gas wells is substantiated. The capacities and the basic characteristics of GPP in the promising fields are considered. Prospectivity of geothermal and steam-gas technologies is showed which allow using the low enthalpy thermal waters (80–100 оС) for electrical energy generation.

Conclusions. 1. One of the ways of efficient involvement of geothermal resources in a power balance of the region is construction of the binary GPP using a fund of idle oil and gas wells. The capital expenditure for their reconstruction for production of thermal water is much lower than costs of construction of new wells. At the same time use of idle wells doesn't allow to receive big capacities on GPP because of restriction of a circulating flow rate because of small diameters of wells. Construction of binary GPP on existing wells will enhance energy security and reliability of power supply of socially important objects, will improve an ecological situation by replacement of organic fuel and will increase a share of renewable energy in a regional power balance. 2. Building of geothermal and steam-gas units will allow using the middle enthalpy thermal water for electric power generation, achieving the deeper temperature drop of thermal water that is important for improvement of the economic parameters of geothermal production and most effectively utilizing the heat of the gas-turbine exhaust gas.

Abstract. Esthetic bases of natural in national culture is defined in the paper. On the example of construction and internal furniture of dwellings of peoples of Dagestan communication of microcosm and macrocosm in consciousness of people is shown. Architectural monuments of national culture kept features of adaptive-adapting function of ecological thinking of the people.

Aim of the research is to define ecological bases of national architecture, to show features of natural and esthetic dwelling in the mountain regions of Dagestan.

Methods of carrying out work represent interdisciplinary research of folk art in a context of cultural science, cultural history, and an esthetics. The complex of methods was used: diachronic, synchronic, functional, psychological.

Main conclusions. National creativity is closely connected with the nature of the native land. So, lullabies and lyrical songs, games, signs, labor and ceremonial songs, and also architecture and painting reflected features of perception of nature by people, their attitude towards her, use of natural resources. In national creativity regional features of relationship of people and nature are most fully and authentically traced. In art of the people its spiritual wealth, the internal ecological environment is reflected.

Abstract. Subject, theme, aim of the work. Caucasian mountainous country is the original biogeographic region with a large number of endemic species, including mammals. The aim of the work was to conduct a historical analysis of the development of a modern faunal zoogeographical structure of the Caucasus theriofauna.

Methods. We used in the work the methods of paleogeographic, historical and faunal analysis of the causes and ways of modelling a modern structure of Caucasus theriofauna and distribution of kinds and faunal species of mammals on its territory. There was a detailed analysis of all the available literature on the history of nature and fauna formation of the Caucasus, habitats of mammals, and their modern zoogeographical structure. Such a methodological approach allows us to explain many features of modern zoogeographic Caucasus theriofauna, not amenable to scientific explanation from the perspective of modern geographical situation.

Results. The conducted detailed analytical overview of the formation problem and the nature of the current state of the Caucasus theriofauna lets explain, in terms of genesis, in close connection with the history of the Caucasus nature formation, a way of formation as well as the structure of the current state of the zoogeographical Caucasus theriofauna and the difference between the faunal complexes of its individual parts. As a result, now a there is picture of reconstruction of the most probable path of becoming the mammalian fauna of the Caucasus since ancient times to the present day , influenced by the formation of the structure of high-altitude zone, and then the patterns of glaciation in the region.

The area of the results application. The results are of considerable theoretical and practical importance as a basis for assessing the causes of faunal diversity of ecological-faunal systems of mammals and patterns of their genetic relationship to the specific landscape. Of particular importance are the results for the implementation of the objective zoogeographical zoning of the Caucasus, the identification and protection of endemics, rare and endangered species, acclimatization and re-acclimatization of mammals.

Summary. It has been conducted the most comprehensive thematic overview of the stages of the Caucasus joint historical landscape development and its flora and fauna, many of which defined zoogeographical characteristics of the region and its relations with the surrounding areas, ways and means of protection, use and reproduction.

Abstract. Aim. Beysugsky Estuary is one of the biggest estuaries of the Azov-Kuban’ lowland. Like the other water bodies in the South of Russia, this one is subject to strong anthropogenic load: detachment of the freshwater part for establishing the Beysug spawning area; regulation of the flow of the rivers feeding the estuary; destruction of the Yasenskaya spit and narrowing of the Bugaz mouth; disorganized tourism. The ongoing reformation of the ecosystem makes it necessary to carry out the analyses of the modern state of the biota of this water body and uncover reasons and regularities of its change.

Location. Beysug Estuary of the Sea of Azov.

Methods. Quantitative zoobenthos samples were taken with the Petersen dredger (sampling area 0,034 m2) from board of the inflatable “Zodiac” boat. Qualitative samples were taken in the coastal zone by hand and with the dredge. All the samples taken were washed through the bag made of mill sieve with mesh size 0,5 mm, and then were fixed in a plastic bucket by 4 % formaldehyde (quantitative samples) or 70 % ethyl alcohol (qualitative samples). Taking and processing of samples were carried out in field and laboratory environment using common methods. 22 samples at 7 stations were taken in total.

Results. Macrozoobenthos was presented by 14 invertebrate species. Estuarine fauna is the depleted version of the euryhaline one of the Sea of Azov with Holocene relic macrophyte-dwelling elements. Biodiversity and quantitative characters of the estuarine communities decrease from west to east. Pelophylic detritophages predominated in the benthic communities of the estuary. The results of this research are meant to be used for uncovering historical ways of forming of benthic fauna and clearing up the dependence of community structure on the seawater influence, freshwater flow, regulation of freshwater and seawater sources, nature of changing of faunas at salinization of estuaries connected with the sea and the river network by the system of channels.

Main conclusions. Major factors effecting composition, structure and distribution of benthic communities in the Beysug Estuary are: 1) bottom sediments’ structure (mostly clayey silts of pelite and, in certain parts, alevropelite fractions; 2) bathymetry of the water body (70 % of the estuary presented by 0,6–1 m depths, southern part of the estuary up to 2 m); 3) salinity, which varies from 6 ‰ in the east up to 10 ‰ in the west; 4) presence of macrophytes, solitarily occurring in the western part of the estuary.

Abstract. Aim. Incorporation rate of heavy metals in fish is an important informative integrant index that allows estimating the impact of water pollution and fodder hydrobiont contamination on fish organisms. Unlike other contaminating anthropogenic factors of the Caspian Sea, metals are always present in the sea interacting with fish organisms many thousands times as the result of biological and chemical circuit.

Methods. We analysed the grade of concentration of heavy metals in tissues and organs of hydrobionts under the program “the Central Caspian District of the Caspian Sea marine environment”. The procedure for determining metals consisted in determination of concentration of heavy metals in accordance with the methodology recommendations of atomic absorption analysis of Dagestan 52.24.28-86, with the help of atomic absorption spectrophotometer Hitachi 180-50.

Results. The results after analysis of concentration of heavy metals in the tissues and organs of fish caught in the Central Caspian Sea marine environment are compared with the average annual estimation. The results obtained on the analysis of concentration of hydrocarbons in hydrobionts selected in the Central Caspian District of the Caspian Sea marine environment are within the long-term annual average data that are typical of the Northern and Middle Caspian Sea.

Main conclusions. The results obtained help to form scientific foundation of ecological regulation that takes into account some ecosystems’ anthropogenic stability. Concentration of pollutants (heavy metals and hydrocarbons) in hydrobiont tissues characterizes the ecological situation on the whole of the Caspian Sea due to hydrobionts’ large-scale migrations. The analysis of the dynamics of the pollutant concentration in tissues reflects the situation created in the drilling areas; it will help forecast and avert the negative impact of hydrocarbon production on the Caspian Sea ecosystem.

Abstract. The first representative of the genus Odocnemis Allard, 1876 – O. protinus (Reitter, 1900) is found in Northern Iran (Gilan Province). To present time the species was known from North Western Anatolia. Close species Odocnemis opertus (Reitter, 1922) is also known from north west of Anatolia. Both species relate with relic oak species Quercus cerris. Iranian population of O. protinus inhabits altitude (1400–1800 m) with relic Qeurcus castaneiformis (species from section cerris). Disjunction in range of O. protinus probably connects with fragmentation of Turgayan flora in Late Miocene (6 Ma). Solid paleodistribution of this species (Southern land of Paratethys) probably was formed in Middle Miocene (12–11 Ma), when was completed connection between Western Asia and Iranian Land. Morphological description with key to opertus species group of the genus Odocnemis and differences for Iranian and Turkish populations of O. protinus are given in the paper.

Abstract. Aim. Livestock is one of the main sources of protein human nutrition. Helminthiases infections are one of the limiting factors in animal husbandry. The most prevalent helminths of sheep and goats OF gastrointestinal tract are Strongylatoses. Studies on helminthiasis are absent during the last twenty years in the Chechen Republic. This paper analyzes the state of nematode infections of cattle in farms and private land plots of the Chechen Republic. The aim of the work is study of Strongylata infections of gastrointestinal tract of sheeps and goats: taxonomic composition, identification of extensiveness and intensity of infestation of strongylate invasions in the Chechen Republic.

Material and methods. Tripes, intestines and lungs of 235 sheep 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-months of age, 1–2 years sheeps, 2–3 years sheeps and older than 3 years sheeps were studied. The follows methods were used: the method of opening full helminthological autopsy by Scryabin, the method of Fulleborn, helminthological research method by Berman-Orlov.

Results. Livestock is infected by 14 species of nematodes of the suborder Strongylata, that are parasitic in the gastrointestinal tract. The most common nematodes are of genera Chabertia, Nematodirus, Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Ostertagia, Cooperia, Bunostomum.

Conclusions. The results will allow to plan the most optimal anthelmintic activities.

Abstract. Labarrus translucidus and Pseudesymus lucidus are recorded as new for the fauna of Dagestan, the Caucasus and Russia. Earlier these species were found in Central Asia. Labarrus translucidus and Pseudesymus lucidus are recorded for Island Chechen only. Labarrus lividus is similiar to Labarrus translucidus and it was recorded for other part of Dagestan. Species are reliably divided by a structure of genitals only. Photos of habitus and epipharinx of Labarrus translucidus and Pseudesymus lucidus, drawings of genitals of Labarrus translucidus and Labarrus lividus are given in the paper.

Abstract. Aim. The aim of the work is to develop large mammals populations estimate methods, and development of science-based measures to prevent a further decline of their numbers in Russia.

Location. Daghestan and ungulate of the CentralAsia, Mongolia and south Siberia

Methods. Methods and field data processing for all large mammals species were similar, as all ungulates species have similar life style and their life cycles. Field data collecting were done by routing method and fixed points.

Results. It is estimated current biological resources potential, revealed numbers fluctuation, formulated and proved the main threats for large mammals of Daghestan and ungulate of the CentralAsia, Mongolia and south Siberia. The approbation of instrumental methods of monitoring (camera traps) of resource species of large mammals were done. It is got evidences of dwelling local leopard population in Daghestan.

Main conclusions. Formulated and proved the main threats to large mammals species existence in different ecosystems and natural zones of the Central Asia and the Caucasus, 2 – proposed strategic priorities and measures for large mammals species sustainable development, 3 – tested method of instrumental monitoring of resource species of large mammals in mountain ecosystems of the eastern Caucasus and south Siberia, 4 – it is got evidences of dwelling local leopard population in Daghestan.

Abstract. Results of researches of biomorphic structure of 19 caucasian species of the genus Allium L. and influence of vital form lability on age structure of cenopopulations are given.

Abstract. Aim. Study of the forms of migration of heavy metals in water of the Northern part of the Caspian Sea, the characteristics of their accumulation in sediments and fish fauna are presented.

Methods. The western part of the North Caspian Sea is investigated in 2002–2009. Complex of sampling, transportation, storage and handling of samples was carried out in accordance with the regulations and methods of measurement.

Results. The main share of elements in sea water was transferred as a part of suspended particles. Most often ionic forms of migration of metals dominated over weighed in the central part of a shallow zone of pre-mouth of Volga River. The greatest number of cases of excess was recorded by metals of maximum-permissible concentration in the central part of the studied water area with depths from 5 m to 10 m. It is established that the index of impurity of waters of the changed in the range from 0,2 (waters alone) to 3,4 (the polluted waters). The surface water of the water area is located in the western part of the studied area. The greatest coefficients of ground accumulation (CGA) are characteristic for iron and the manganese, the least for Zincum. The western part of the studied water area belongs to areas with the greatest values of CGA of metals in the north part of the Caspian Sea: zone near Island Chechen and the region of Volga-Caspian Channel. Cases of excess of the admissible residual concentration for lead and cadmium are noted in Neogobius fluviatilis and sprat ordinary practically in 50 % of cases, and in 35 % in Rutilus caspicus. Most often all studied hydrobionts containing metals in concentration above admissible residual concentration were met in zone before mouth of Volga River.

Main conclusions. The main form of migration of heavy metals in the water of the north part of the Caspian Sea is suspension. The largest accumulation of heavy metals was found in the sediments of the western part of the area. The content of heavy metals in fish reflects their accumulation in sediments.

Abstract. Statistical data from "Indicators of health status of the Republic of Dagestan" for 1999 - 2010 years are presented in the work. The aim of this work was to identify a cause-effect correlation between non-communicable diseases (ischemic heart disease, neuropsychiatric disease, endemic goiter, diabetes, congenital anomalies) and environmental factors in the Republic of Dagestan.
Statistical data processing was carried out using the software package Statistica, Microsoft Excel. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient (ρ) was used for identify of correlation between indicators of environmental quality and health of population.
Moderate positive correlation is observed between the development of pathology and excess of concentrations of contaminants in drinking water sources. Direct correlations are founded between development of the studied pathologies and excess of concentrations of heavy metals and their mobile forms in soils of the region. Direct correlation is found between excess of concentrations of heavy metals in the pasture vegetation (factorial character) and the morbidity of the population (effective character).

Abstract. Features of national culture as component of culture of ethnos, and as phenomenon of social and historical and cultural life of the people are defined in the article.
National artist of force of space felt in all that was for it considerable in nature and in creations of a man. Human it is learned through natural, natural through the human. Animals, birds, plants personify forces of nature, serve as the symbols connecting people with space.
It was manysets of various symbols, magic signs in the dwelling andhouse furniture, which subsequently some have lost initial magic value, having given way, mainly, to esthetic appointment. Ornaments of embroideries and jewelry, ornamental compositions and elements of symbols of other nationalities show it. Every ensemble of art have the semantic loading designating the age characteristic and a social standing.
Results of the work can be used as information for the tourist organizations, in esthetics, cultural science, culture ecology.

Abstract. The results of observations of wintering of bees of Carpathian and Caucasian breeds in Kabardino-Balkaria is analized. Biology of bee colonies in the preparation to wintering is study. Positive role of of electric heaters in spring development of bees is empirically proved. It is proved that Carpathian breed of bees is the most effective in Kabardino-Balkaria.