Animals’ population on the glades of electric power line-500 kw in fir and pine formations of the southern taiga

• Published in: Сибирский лесной журнал
• Main Authors: A. S. Shishikin, V. B. Timoshkin, A. V. Gurov, E. V. Ekimov, M. N. Egunova, S. M. Loshchev, S. A. Astapenko
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English; Russian
• Published: Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch Publishing House 2016
• Subjects: fir and pine forest formations; glade of electric power line 500 kw; microarthropods; herbetobium elements; small mammals; birds; population density; electromagnetic impact; Forestry; SD1-669.5; taiga
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.15372/SJFS20160206; https://doaj.org/article/017ac9b4238b4322930cab4fd3b2e3c1

The test groups of animals showed different reaction on the presence of electric power line (EPL) glades, which cross light and dark conifer formations. The microarthropods react on the changes of hydrotermic soil conditions in a higher degree. The direct influence of electromagnetic field on the population density of soil invertebrates has place in both forest formations, but with opposite consequences. The same is demonstrated by herpetobium elements: the clear dominance of «meadow» species in fir formations and the absence of this in pine parts. Small mammals on the LEP glades increase their abundance and species diversity. They also demonstrate that their distribution is dominated by food and protection conditions. But at the same time, the distribution of constant rodent winter refuges demonstrate the negative effects of EPL existence. The analysis of bird populations on the basis of optimal life conditions demonstrated a highest negative effect of electromagnetic field of EPL. Independently of the creation of good protection, food and nesting conditions for birds, which usually occupy open biotopes and bush with herb thickets, they avoid the EPL glades. The first results showed the dual effect of EPL glades on animal populations. It is necessary to take into account the forming of intrazonal locations and real electromagnetic effects. The significant conclusions are found for birds, because they receive more irradiation. Also some biological peculiarities are important: the migratory species have a possibility to react immediately, according to the season, on the changing of biotopes. As for other animal groups, it is necessary to prolong the study of seasonal changes. For the invertebrates it must be performed the instrumental analysis of the differences of hydrotermic conditions of EPL glades and native biotopes.