Vol 28, No 4 (2025)

Conservation of biological diversity is one of the most urgent and complex problems of our time that requires an interdisciplinary approach. Special attention should be paid to the state of rare and endangered species cenopopulations playing a key role in maintaining the ecosystems functional integrity at both the biosphere and regional levels. Cenopopulations (CP) of rare species reflect ecological well-being and biodiversity, showing the interaction dynamics between organisms and their habitat. CP research makes it possible to identify vulnerable links in ecosystem chains, to assess the effects of anthropogenic impact and develop effective strategies for protection and restoration of natural communities. The study of rare and endangered local cenopopulations plant species state is an integral part of the strategy aimed at preserving biological diversity and maintaining ecological balance. 
The paper describes two local cenopopulations of the perennial herbaceous plant Paeonia lactiflora Pall. – a rare species included in Red Books of the Russian Federation and the Jewish Autonomous region. 
Seven rare species of vascular plants are annually monitored in the Bastak Nature Reserve. This article shows comparative characteristics of two peony cenopopulations growing on the Bastak Nature Reserve Zabelovsky cluster site.
The study shows that peony cenopopulations, having differences in morphometric indicators, develop well in different plant communities. Most likely, this is due to both favorable environmental conditions that promote sustainable growth and reproduction of cenopopulations, and the absence of natural pressure on this species habitat in the region.

The paper presents descriptions of the Eastern Turtle Dove nestings (Streptopelia orientalis) found in the Jewish Autonomous and Amur regions. The author describes a single case of atypical nesting of this species on the ground. Besides, it is considered 14 (93%) cases of typical nesting in trees and shrubs. The Eastern Turtle Dove nesting sites are described by the author. In the Jewish Autonomous and Amur regions, these birds nest in the following tree species: various willow species, Japanese elm, hazel, pine, cedar, fir, birch, and bird cherry. It is defined the nesting distance above the ground: from 3–4 cm to 4–5 m.  The dates of some nesting parameters of the Great Turtle Dove are indicated: from April 24 (incubation) to July 2 (ready-made empty nest), and June 7 – the chicks on the way out of the nest. The author also provides the scientific literature data concerning the Eastern Turtle Dove nesting in other territories.

It is known that medicinal thermal and mineral waters have a beneficial effect on the human body due to the high content of minerals. As a rule, the therapeutic effect of thermal mineral waters on human health is associated with the inorganic dissolved fraction. For example, various silicon compounds, such as silicic acid, in combination with water temperature, prove useful when using thermal waters in various resorts and balneological clinics. However, these waters, along with inorganic components, contain a variety of dissolved organic substances, which are also likely to have medical significance. On the one hand, they may have a beneficial effect on the human body; on the other hand, cause harm due to the presence of toxic compounds. Various issues of the balneological influence of organic components in the Altai Territory hot springs, as well as their probable negative impact, are considered in this manuscript. Using the method of capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and solid-phase extraction of the Belokurikha deposit thermal waters in the Altai Territory, it has been identified various hydrocarbons and their derivatives, constituting 16 homologous series, and revealed the prevalence of aliphatic (mainly normal and iso-alkanes) and aromatic hydrocarbons (arenes and heteroaromatic compounds). Besides, in thermal waters it has been found carboxylic acids and their esters. Their origin in the studied Belokurikha hot springs is associated with biogenic processes, including bacterial activity. A number of identified components may indicate minor man-made pollution. According to the results of the study, the presence of such components as carboxylic acids, esters, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, and molecular sulfur in the medicinal waters has a positive effect on the population health in the Belokurikha resort. Although toxic compounds of benzene and its derivatives are present in the Belokurikha waters, their concentrations are not high and do not pose a danger to human health.

The author considers the agriculture postagrogenic period problems in the Khabarovsk Territory, such as soil degradation, reduction of agricultural lands and redistribution of their forms of ownership.  Most (about 80%) of the land is used for hayfields and pastures, while less than 15% of the land is used for arable land. The author points out the main postagrogenic perod consequences: loss of the soil cultivation signs, overgrowth of shrubs and small forests, degradation of the arable horizon structural and aggregate state, restoration processes development, reduction of soil filtration capacity, increased waterlogging and secondary waterlogging, changes in ecological and agrochemical parameters. The main problems in land reclamation are noted. In the post-agrogenic period, the area of reclaimed land in the region has halved. Currently, most of the reclaimed lands are in poor condition. The main number of land reclamation systems are abandoned and are not registered on the state cadastral register. The types of soils are considered depending on the degree of moisture, and for each type the optimal set of crops and a set of measures for their effective use in agriculture are given. Since the 2010s, in accordance with state programs and orders of the Government of the Russian Federation, work has been underway to restore and bring unused land into economic circulation. It is planned to increase the acreage of agricultural land involved in the turnover by at least 30 thousand hectares by 2030, including at least 20 thousand hectares by 2026.

This paper analyzes the planning structure of the Russian Far East towns, in its southern part. This structure serves as a basis for their ecological state and urbanized territories improvement. The author has identified the planning structure ecological features (types of development), taking into account urban planning norms and rules. It has been considered their current environmental conditions and the main causes of the regional towns’ unfavorable environmental situation since the period of their formation and development: the buffer zone absence between residential and industrial areas; infrastructure and social facilities location, such as industrial enterprises, airports, and tailings facilities, within the town limits; uneven distribution of green areas; overcrowded buildings, lack of green spaces for urban residents, etc. In the southern part of the Russian Far East, 46% of the population lives in environmentally hazardous conditions (category II). The author outlines the approaches to the eco-friendly urban environment formation, taking into account current requirements for the urban development, on the example of Birobidzhan. This approach indicators include a reasonable ratio of built-up and undeveloped areas, as well as the presence of open, green, and sanitary-protection zones. In the southern part of the Russian Far East, the average share of open spaces in towns is 50.7%. For medium-sized and small towns, the average share is 58.5%, which shows a favorable situation for maintaining the urban environment ecological stability. As a strategic measure for optimizing the urban environment quality and ensuring comfortable living conditions for the population, it is proposed to create an ecological framework for every urban area, with planting green spaces and efficient use of territorial reserves. 

The article states about the Far Eastern Federal District subjects last positions in the regional quality of life rankings 2024. Despite life a range of development measures, the regional population continues to decline. It is emphasized that the life quality concept needs to be clarified, taking into account the economic specifics of the regions. It is emphasized that the indicators currently used to assess the quality of life in the regions largely depend on the real economic sector state being its fundamental factor. Referring to the Far Eastern Federal District subjects, their development is uneven. Not all the towns are included in the process. It is noted that the share of mineral extraction in the GRP structure of the districts has increased from 13.6% in 2005 to 32.7% in 2022. Based on the statistical data review on the number of regional businesses and population from 2005 to 2022, the authors show that a decrease in the number of businesses leads to a decrease in the population. They conclude that the leading factor, providing the population living standards in the Far Eastern Federal District, is the economy real sector development, represented by manufacturing and agriculture.