Research in Ecology

Bio-Damaging Bird and Mammal Species in Urban Landscapes of Kyrgyzstan: Damage and Mitigation Measures (Osh City Case Study)

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Under conditions of increasing urbanization, the problem of studying the impact of synanthropic animal species on the functioning of urban ecosystems is becoming increasingly important. The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the species composition of synanthropic birds and mammals in the urban area of Osh (Kyrgyzstan), assess the degree of their bio-damaging activity, and develop recommendations to minimize their negative impact on various sectors of the urban environment. Field studies conducted in 2023–2024 revealed 22 species of synanthropic birds and 7 species of synanthropic mammals. Among birds, representatives of Columbiformes (3 species), Apodiformes (2 species), and Passeriformes (18 species) were identified, including families Hirundinidae, Motacillidae, Sturnidae, Corvidae, Turdidae, Paridae, Passeridae, Fringillidae, and Emberizidae. All recorded mammal species belonged to Rodentia, represented by the families Gliridae, Cricetidae, Gerbillidae, and Muridae. Most of these species are closely related to human activities, including obligate and facultative synanthropes (23 species) successfully adapted to anthropogenic landscapes. There are also pseudosynanthropes (6 species) that occur in populated areas but are not directly dependent on humans. The analysis showed that synanthropic species cause considerable damage to urban agriculture, infrastructure, and utilities. Major impacts include crop destruction, deterioration of monuments, damage to networks, and disease transmission. Special attention was paid to Meriones libycus, Ellobius tancrei, and Dryomys nitedula, recently identified as synanthropic species in Kyrgyz cities. Their inclusion provides new insights into urban ecosystem dynamics. The study proposes integrated control measures, including mechanical, chemical, and biological methods for effective management of bio-damaging species.

Ecological Assessment of Nano Micronutrient Composites on Growth Dynamics and Yield Performance of Late-Sown Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Background: The study examines the ecological impact of nano-micronutrient composites on the growth and maturation of late-planted wheat within an agroecological framework. Methods: Experiments conducted using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and eight treatment combinations, ensured uniform plant populations prior to treatment applications. Significant variations were observed across multiple growth parameters, including tiller density per square meter and dry matter accumulation at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after sowing (DAS). Results: Notably, the treatment involving RDF + 20 ppm rGO-Fe + rGO-Zn with two foliar sprays at 45 and 60 DAS (T6) exhibited markedly superior growth performance compared to the control and conventional zinc and iron applications. Maximum grain yield (29.2 q/ha) was achieved in T8 (RDF + 20ppm rGO-Fe + rGO-Zn with two sprays at 45 and 60 DAS) whereas straw yield (50.5 q/ha), biological yield (77.1 q/ha), Harvest Index (38.7 %) and Grain Straw ratio (0.6) were found maximum in RDF + 20ppm rGO-Fe + rGO (Reduced Graphene oxide) − Zn with two sprays at 45 and 60 DAS (T6). Conclusion: The application of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-based iron and zinc nanoparticles significantly improved nutrient uptake and utilization efficiency, leading to enhanced crop vigor and yield. The study underscores the ecological importance of integrating nanotechnology with nutrient management to sustain a healthy and balanced agroecosystem. This research focuses on sustainable agriculture, nanofertilizers, nutrient use efficiency, and ecological impact, which follows the Q16, Q57, and O13 JEL (Journal of Economic Literature) classification.

Impact of Light Crude Oil Contamination on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth in Zea Mays L

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0800

This study explores the dose-dependent impacts of light crude oil contamination on seed germination and seedling growth in Zea mays L. (maize), a critical agricultural species. We hypothesized that higher concentrations of light crude oil in soil would progressively suppress germination kinetics and seedling vigor. To test this, Zea mays seeds were exposed to light crude oil at concentrations ranging from 0.0% to 10.0% (v/v) mixed with soil. The experimental design included a control group treated with distilled water to establish baseline germination and growth metrics. Results revealed a clear concentration-dependent phytotoxic effect. Germination percentage significantly declined from 93.3% in the control to 40.0% at 8.0% (v/v) oil concentration (p < 0.05), with complete inhibition of germination observed at 10.0% (v/v). Seedling vigor, assessed through shoot length, exhibited a drastic 93% reduction at 8.0% (v/v) compared to the control, while concentrations up to 4.0% (v/v) showed minimal impact on growth. Germination indices, such as Mean Germination Time (MGT) and Coefficient of Velocity of Germination (CGV), further corroborated the inhibitory effects, with higher oil concentrations delaying and reducing germination rates. These findings suggest a phytotoxicity threshold for Zea mays around 6.0% (v/v) light crude oil, beyond which severe impairments occur. The data provide valuable insights for developing phytoremediation strategies in oil-contaminated agricultural soils. However, the study’s limitations include its focus on a single species and the absence of field-based validation, necessitating further research to confirm these findings under natural conditions and across diverse plant species.

Integrating Machine Learning, Cellular Automata-Artificial Neural Network Model for Projecting Future Land Use Patterns in Urban Landscape of Jaipur, India

Swati Gupta — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Jaipur, India, is experiencing rapid urbanization that is significantly altering its land use and land cover (LULC) patterns, presenting both challenges and opportunities for sustainable development and socio-economic advancement. This study utilizes advanced geospatial and remote sensing technologies to assess these changes and project future scenarios. Specifically, satellite data were processed using Google Earth Engine, land cover was accurately classified using the Random Forest algorithm, and future projections were modeled through QGIS-MOLUSCE using a polynomial-based Cellular Automata–Artificial Neural Network (CA-ANN) approach. Analysis of Landsat imagery for the years 2000 and 2020 reveals a dramatic 188.59% increase in urban built-up areas and a 145.44% rise in vegetation cover, largely due to successful afforestation efforts. Meanwhile, barren land declined by 47.37%, and water bodies exhibited fluctuating trends, reflecting the intricate interplay between urban development and climatic variability. Looking ahead to 2045, model projections estimate that built-up areas will expand to approximately 1303.08 square kilometres, potentially threatening the integrity of vital green spaces and aquatic ecosystems. These findings highlight the urgent need for integrated policy interventions aimed at mitigating environmental risks such as urban heat island effects and biodiversity loss. By providing a detailed account of past and present LULC dynamics, this research delivers actionable, data-driven insights to support sustainable urban planning. Moreover, the integration of urban growth models with climate resilience strategies offers a replicable framework for managing urban expansion in other rapidly developing cities, particularly those situated in semi-arid regions.

Ecological Implications of Foliar Zinc and Iron Application on Growth Dynamics and Sustainable Productivity of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The physico-chemical analysis of agricultural soil revealed a textured sandy loam at the surface (0–15 cm), with low organic carbon content (0.42%) and moderate levels of nitrogen (157 kg/ha), phosphorus (15.5 kg/ha), and potassium (112.6 kg/ha), under neutral pH conditions (pH 7.4). The chickpea variety PG-186 was used to evaluate the impact of nutrient treatments on plant performance and agroecological outcomes. Experimental findings demonstrated a significant influence of various treatments on the growth, yield, and economic returns of chickpea cultivation. The treatment comprising 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) along with foliar application of 0.6% ZnSO₄ and 0.9% FeSO₄ at pre-flowering and pod development stages (T8) resulted in the maximum plant height (15.5 cm, 33.7 cm, 45.0 cm), dry matter accumulation (27.5 g, 245.2 g, 1006.7 g/m²), and number of branches per plant (3.47, 5.00, and 8.63) at 45, 75, and 105 Days After Sowing (DAS), respectively. This treatment also resulted in the highest grain yield (21.00 q/ha) and stover yield (38.67 q/ha), along with a maximum net return of ₹95,392/ha and a benefit-to-cost ratio of 2.32. From an ecological standpoint, this study highlights the vital role of balanced and targeted nutrient management in enhancing agroecosystem productivity while maintaining ecological balance. The integration of micronutrient foliar sprays not only boosts nutrient uptake efficiency and plant health but also reduces dependency on excessive chemical fertilizers, thereby mitigating potential negative impacts on soil ecology. Overall, the findings underscore the ecological importance of optimizing nutrient inputs in legume-based cropping systems to foster sustainable agricultural practices that align with ecological resilience, soil health preservation, and environmental stewardship.

The Effects of Vegetation & Bare Land on Thermal Characteristics: A Case Study of Three Indian Metropolitan Areas

Arpit Gupta, Rupesh Kumar Gupta, Grinedge Yadav, Nani Gopal Mandal — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Urban expansion in India’s metropolitan regions has led to significant alterations in land surface composition, which directly affect local thermal environments. Vegetation loss and the emergence of bare land surfaces are increasingly recognized as key contributors to urban heat, yet comparative, multi-city studies addressing their combined effects remain scarce. This study analyzes the influence of vegetation and bare land on land surface temperature (LST) across three major Indian cities—Delhi, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad in 2023. Satellite imagery was used to extract Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Bareness Index (NDBaI), and LST values. Statistical correlation and spatial analysis techniques were applied to evaluate thermal variations across land cover types. NDVI was negatively correlated with LST (r = −0.68 to −0.81), indicating the cooling role of vegetation, whereas NDBaI showed a positive correlation with LST (r = 0.59 to 0.74), highlighting the warming effect of bare surfaces. Delhi exhibited the highest maximum LST (47.45 °C), while Lucknow recorded the highest minimum (38.63 °C). Across all cities and timeframes, vegetated areas consistently showed lower surface temperatures compared to bare or built-up regions. The findings emphasize the importance of vegetation in reducing urban heat and the thermal risk posed by increasing bare land. Strengthening green infrastructure and minimizing exposed soil in urban areas can serve as effective strategies for enhancing thermal comfort and climate resilience in Indian cities.

Forage Nutrient Fluctuations During the Dry Season: A Case Study of Tropical Grazing Land in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Natural grazing land plays a crucial role in extensive ruminant livestock systems, especially in semi-arid tropical regions such as East Nusa Tenggara (ENT), Indonesia. The availability and quality of forage during the dry season present significant challenges. This study aimed to identify variations in grass species composition and fluctuations in forage nutritional content in natural grazing lands of ENT during the dry season (July–October 2024). Sampling was conducted in four sub-districts: two representing lowland zones and two representing highland zones. In each sub-district, four grazing fields were selected, and ten plots were sampled per grazing field, totaling 160 sampling plots. Species identification and nutrient analysis included crude protein, crude fiber, energy content, and protein-energy ratio. Statistical analyses using ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparison test were performed to evaluate significant differences in nutritional parameters across months and zones. Dominant species identified were Themeda arguens, Heteropogon contortus, Brachiaria decumbens, Ischaemum timorense, Cynodon dactylon, and Pennisetum clandestinum. Results showed significant monthly fluctuations in crude protein and fiber contents (p < 0.05), with protein levels decreasing from July (9.31 ± 2.66%) to October (7.53 ± 3.10%). Energy content and protein-energy ratio also varied significantly across the dry season. A monthly shift in dominant grass species composition was observed, influenced by environmental conditions and species adaptability. The protein-energy ratio of forage remained below optimal levels throughout the dry season, potentially limiting livestock productivity. These findings provide important scientific insights for developing climate-resilient feeding strategies and support policy formulation for sustainable tropical livestock farming in semi-arid regions.

Assessment of the Tourism Potential of the Mountain Ecosystems of Kyrgyzstan

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The relevance of the work lies in its relation to the sustainability of mountain ecosystems of Kyrgyzstan in the context of growing tourist activity. The study area belongs to mountain ecosystems, which are highly sensitive to anthropogenic loads, and with the increase in this impact, the main tourism resources can be lost. The main objective of the work is to create a scientific basis for sustainable development of the studied region with minimal impact on the natural environment. The sustainability of the underlying surface was analyzed considering altitude, orography, climatic and seasonal changes, terrain slope, and other factors. Dominant plant species characteristic of different altitudinal levels were taken into account. An assessment of the level of degradation of the studied ecosystems was provided, based on field methods, by creating “transects,” which allow the identification of different levels of sustainability under anthropogenic influences. Based on the degree of degradation, the sites were ranked into six degrees of degradation. For this purpose, plant and soil samples were collected to assess the tourist load. To determine the potential for the development of tourist flows, their one-time throughput capacity was calculated, based on the total number in a specific area. Measures were proposed to regulate the flow of vacationers throughout the mountainous region. For these purposes, the maximum number of tourists per daily flow was determined. A methodology was developed for assessing mountain tourist zones, which is important for further regulation of the flow of vacationers, and will allow for the sustainable development of these zones in the future.