Danila V. Panchenko

В ходе работы проанализированы концентрации ртути (Hg) у млекопитающих с разной эколого-трофической специализацией, обитающих в Республике Карелия. Объектами служили 18 видов из отрядов Carnivora, Artiodactyla, Eulipotyphla и Rodentia. Содержание общей Hg в печени, почке и скелетной мышце животных определяли методом прямого пиролитического разложения с атомно-абсорбционной детекцией. Выявленные особенности уровня Hg у исследованных животных согласовывались с хорошо известными закономерностями распределения металла как между органами у отдельных видов, так и в пределах уровня консументов в пищевых цепях. Почти у всех видов животных содержание Hg было максимальным в почке, реже в печени. Вне зависимости от образа жизни (наземного или полуводного) консументы второго порядка (плотоядные виды) характеризовались более высоким содержанием Hg в организме по сравнению с консументами первого порядка (питающимися преимущественно растительной пищей). Концентрации Hg в организме животных Карелии в основном не достигали летальных значений и не превышали норм, зафиксированных для тех же или таксономически близких видов из других регионов России и стран мира. Результаты исследования свидетельствуют об относительно низком уровне Hg в организме млекопитающих наземных и полуводных экосистем Карелии. The study analyzed mercury (Hg) concentrations in mammals with different ecological and trophic specializations living in the Republic of Karelia. The subjects of this study comprised 18 species from the orders Carnivora, Artiodactyla, Eulipotyphla, and Rodentia. The total Hg content in the liver, kidney, and skeletal muscle of the animals was determined by direct pyrolytic decomposition with atomic absorption detection. The identified features of Hg levels in the studied animals were consistent with well-known patterns of metal distribution both between organs in individual species and within the level of consumers in food chains. In the majority of animal species examined, the kidneys were found to contain the highest concentrations of Hg, with the liver exhibiting a lower but still significant level of accumulation. Notwithstanding the subject's lifestyle (terrestrial or semi-aquatic), second-order consumers (carnivorous species) were distinguished by elevated Hg levels in the body in comparison to first-order consumers (species that primarily consume plant-based foods). The concentrations of Hg in the bodies of animals in Karelia did not generally reach lethal levels and did not exceed the established norms for the same or taxonomically closely related species from other regions of Russia and countries around the world. The findings of the study suggest that the level of Hg in the bodies of mammals inhabiting terrestrial and semi-aquatic ecosystems in Karelia is relatively low.

The content of vitamins in the body is one of the most important indicators reflecting the level of nutrition of large ungulate mammals living on the northern periphery of their range in conditions of limited access to food resources in the cold period of the year. In this work, the content of retinol (vitamin A) and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) in the organs and tissues of wild moose ( Alces alces ) of different ages and sexes, as well as European red deer ( Cervus elaphus ) and maral ( C. e. sibiricus ) kept in semi-free conditions in the Northwest of Russia (Republic of Karelia and Leningrad Region) was studied. Biological material was collected from animals harvested because of legal hunting during the hunting season from October to January. The level of vitamins in the studied animals was generally consistent with the values established for cervids living in other regions of the world, including those with a milder climate. Relatively low vitamin content identified in species of the genus Cervus warrants further investigation. In moose, no sex- or age-related differences were found in the content of vitamins A and E, except for a lower level of α-tocopherol in the kidneys of adult females compared to young ones. Pregnant females had a comparatively low retinol content in the examined organs and tissues. The effect of the region in which the moose were hunted on the content of retinol in the liver and α-tocopherol in the heart was found, which may be due to the natural and climatic features of the study areas, which determine the composition of phytocenoses and the forage nutritive value. The results obtained can be used to assess the status of large ungulates and their population level management plans.

Филогеографическая структура населения лесного северного оленя (Rangifer tarandus fennicus Lonnb.) в Республике Карелия на основе данных полиморфизма мтДНК

Monitoring the status of wild reindeer population a species listed in the in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation is a necessary conservation measure. Protected natural areas, under increasing anthropogenic pressure, serve as refuges where habitats essential for this species are preserved. This study presents data on the distribution of the forest type of wild reindeer in the Paanajärvi National Park (Republic of Karelia) during 2024–2025. Seasonal variation in territory usage was observed: during the snow-free period, forest reindeer frequent summer habitats, while their presence in winter is inconsistent. The national park is an important conservation site for this endangered species and can serve as a model territory for monitoring the status of the population inhabiting this part of the republic.

The negative anthropogenic impact on the Rangifer tarandus fennicus population in the Republic of Karelia (Russia) is primarily driven by direct human persecution and habitat loss resulting from forestry activities. Understanding the species’ habitat selection preferences in transformed landscapes is essential for developing effective conservation strategies. This study examines the habitat use patterns of R. t. fennicus in an area subjected to prolonged intensive logging. We analysed movement data from three female R. t. fennicus equipped with GPS-collars. The collared individuals moved within the Loukhsky district and Kemsky district of the Republic of Karelia in 2015–2018. The analysis revealed that more than one-third of the recorded positions of R. t. fennicus during the entire observation period were located in intact forests, although these habitats comprise a relatively small proportion of the study area. A multifactorial analysis of variance demonstrated that the habitat use was primarily influenced by habitat type, followed by seasonal variation and individual space-use preferences of the collared females. The representation of various habitat types within seasonal home ranges (kernel density estimation) varied significantly throughout the year. This proportion was the highest in winter in forests unlogged for over 40 years (more than 41.1%). The proportion of intact forests increased during summer and the rut period, reaching 58.3% and 48.4%, respectively. Analysis of habitats within seasonal home ranges confirmed that habitat type played a decisive role in selection. Habitat selectivity analysis using Jacobs’ index revealed a strong preference for intact forests during summer and the rutting period. Forests, unlogged for over 40 years, as well as clear-cuts aged 16–40 and 6–15 years, were used in proportion to their availability in winter but were avoided in summer. Seasonal differences in shoreline utilisation with Jacobs’ index calculations indicate a preference for areas within 500 m from the water edge during summer. To ensure the conservation of R. t. fennicus, it is essential to preserve intact forests in key habitat areas and prevent their economic exploitation. This can be accomplished by designating these areas as Protected Areas or specially managed forest zones. Establishing a network of Protected Areas within core habitats and along seasonal migration corridors for R. t. fennicus will enhance population connectivity and contribute to its long-term viability across its range.

The results of studying the space use and seasonal movements of the Topozero territorial group of wild forest reindeer females in the Republic of Karelia are presented. Telemetry (GPS-collars) was used to assess the movements of the wild forest reindeer. Individual variations were noted in seasonal movements: two individuals were relatively sedentary, whereas the third moved over long distances during the year, with the distance between the extreme locations amounting to more than 70 km. The timing of the start of seasonal migrations varied between years. The use of the same summer habitats in different years was revealed, but the territories of the rut and winter pastures were different for the same animals. Movements of animals over fairly long distances have been noted, which is probably associated with the disturbance factor on the part of predators and/or humans.