rss_2.0Sciendo RSS Feed for Ekológia (Bratislava)https://sciendo.com/journal/EKOhttps://www.sciendo.comhttps://sciendo-parsed.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/6471befa215d2f6c89daf88d/cover-image.jpghttps://sciendo.com/journal/EKO140216https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-0023<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The article is devoted to the interdependence between the environment and the health of the population of Ukraine. The processes of destructive changes in the ecosystem of the regions of Ukraine, the use of human capital, and the dependence of public health on the environment have become the object of study and constitute the main goals of this study. To achieve the goals, general scientific and special methods of analysis and techniques were used: economic analysis and comparison – to assess the health status of the population, correlation–regression method – to build a system of equations and identify the dependence of the mortality rate on the impact of environmental factors, the grouping method – to analyze indicators of population morbidity by regions of Ukraine, induction and deduction. With the help of these techniques, the cause-and-effect relationships of the population’s morbidity and the influence of environmental factors on their dynamics were studied. To characterize the qualitative state of the environment in Ukraine, laboratory methods were used – the method of threshold limit value (TLV) of water, air, soil pollution, etc. To assess the quality of the living environment, an index method was used (the suitability index is a synthetic indicator of the quality of the living environment). Statistical data for the analysis were taken from the information bulletins of the State Sanitary Epidemiological Service for 2021‒2022, the statistical yearbook of Ukraine for 2019‒2021, and the Center for Health Statistics of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. It was determined that the prospects of the national economy will depend on the one hand, on the ability to quickly and effectively adapt to the new, modern requirements of globalization processes and on the other hand, on the consciousness of the population and the rational use of natural resources. It has been proven that the solution of medical and environmental problems directly depends on the professionalism of personnel and the motivation to preserve the environment for future generations. The quality of the living environment of the population depends on a safe environment and rational nature management.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-00232024-12-20T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-0021<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Africa has diverse ecosystems and abundant natural resources crucial for its growth and development. Unsustainable use of natural resources can increase the ecological footprint and lead to environmental deterioration on the continent. Several factors influence ecological footprint – a proxy for environmental degradation. However, literature on the determinants of ecological footprint in Africa is mixed and without any evidence on the effect on different quantiles/groups. Therefore, this paper explored the impact of agricultural production, renewable energy, rule of law, natural resource dependence and foreign investments on ecological footprint in Africa controlling for economic growth. We used data from 44 countries in Africa spanning a period of 21 years (2000–2020) and applied fixed effects and method of moment quantile regression models for analysis. Our findings show that GDP per capita, livestock production and foreign direct investments had significant positive association with ecological footprint for most of the quantiles. In contrast, renewable energy consumption, crop production index, rule of law, urbanisation and natural resource rents all reduced ecological footprint in Africa for most of the quantiles. Continuous law enforcement in Africa combined with investment in renewable energy, sustainable crop production practices and sustainable management of natural resources would reduce the continent’s ecological footprint and environmental degradation.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-00212024-12-20T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-0020<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The impacts of climate change on vegetable production in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, were investigated. With the use of questionnaire, 286 vegetable producers were chosen using multi-stage sampling. Primary sources were used for data collection. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, probit, beta and multiple regression methods. The study reveals that the vegetable growers were female (62.6%), married (75.9%), and in their prime age (47%). With greater mean outputs and a higher percentage of vegetable producers, fluted pumpkin (6943.63 kg), green pepper (6011.20 kg), garden egg (5976.52 kg), and okra (5874.53 kg) dominated vegetable cultivation. The outputs of vegetables were favorably influenced by age (<italic>P</italic>&lt; 0.05), farm size (<italic>P</italic>&lt; 0.01), and education (<italic>P</italic>&lt; 0.01). Some of the adaptation measures utilized by vegetable producers were planting improved vegetable seeds (99.7%), modifying planting and harvesting dates (98.6%), and effective staking methods (100%). Age (<italic>P</italic>&lt; 0.01), education (<italic>P</italic>&lt; 0.01), household size (<italic>P</italic>&lt; 0.01), farming experience (<italic>P</italic>&lt; 0.05), and extension contacts (<italic>P</italic>&lt; 0.01) served as important predictors of climate change adaptation. Vegetable production was negatively impacted by temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity, while sunshine fared well with vegetable yield. The study concludes that climate change poses negative impacts on vegetable production and advised vegetable producers to practice climate smart agriculture to mitigate climate change impacts on vegetable crops.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-00202024-12-20T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-0017<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The discipline of silviculture is rapidly developing, based on stand structures or ecosystems, in which stands are managed according to species and structures. The objective of this study is to characterize the growth of cork oak dendrometric variables, and to determine and compare the different crown parameters and their effects on natural regeneration in the Ouled Bechih forest (Algeria). Eight plots of this forest were selected and they underwent a dendrometric study. The results obtained indicated that these plots were moderately dense. The analysis of dendrometric variables by variance analysis showed that there was a significant difference (<italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.05). The distribution of individuals by height and diameter classes indicated a large representation of individuals with heights of 10–15 m and diameters of 27.5 &lt; d ≤ 47.5 cm. The variables selected in the descriptive analysis have a low impact on the heterogeneity of this forest on height and diameter growth. The study of the different crown parameters showed that there was a difference between the plots, and indicated that cork oak trees have a large crown depending on their surface and diameter. These results show that the cork oak in the Ouled Bechih forest is characterized by trees of large diameter with medium heights, due to the predominance of older individuals with more developed crowns. This type of structure leads to strong inter-tree competition in the stand and a low rate of natural regeneration.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-00172024-12-20T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-0015<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>In the course of our investigations, we have found a suppressed state of assimilation organs in the trees of <italic>Picea abies</italic> and <italic>P. pungens</italic> from plantations with moderate and high pollution levels. It causes a decrease of morphometric characteristics (needle length, width, thickness, cross-section perimeter, surface area, and shoot length) and anatomical parameters [thickness of the epidermis, hypodermis, endoderm, diameter of central conducting cylinder (CCC), resin duct numbers, and their diameter] in both species. However, regarding the endoderm thickness and central conductor cylinder indices in <italic>P. pungens</italic> in conditions of urban technogenic environments, we observed an increase of these parameters in contrast to <italic>P. abies,</italic> which can be explained as the adaptive response spruce species to technogenic stress. It is shown that the higher pollution levels in both species cause 1.6-fold decrease in shoot length and 1.4 times shorter needle lifespan, respectively, along with worsening of tree ornamental traits. At the same time, a 1.3-fold increase in the needle number per shoot was observed as compared to the control being probably an adaptive response to adverse environmental conditions. Our investigations have shown that emissions from industry and transport suppress anatomical and morphometric indices of two-year-old needles and shoots of second order in <italic>P. abies</italic> and <italic>P. pungens</italic>, but the latter species demonstrates anatomical changes of adaptive nature.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-00152024-12-20T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-0024ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-00242024-12-20T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-0013<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Cereals and pulses are an important part of agricultural production in Algeria, particularly in semi-arid regions that are affected and influenced by climatic, geographic, and agronomic factors. Maintaining a reliable and sustainable agricultural production system has become one of the primary concerns of arid and semi-arid producers. Conservation agriculture is recommended by researchers as an effective technique for limiting soil degradation, preserving soil fertility and biodiversity, and ensuring long-term agricultural production, while protecting natural resources and the environment. This study is part of a Technical Institute of Field Crops (ITGC) project in Sétif that aims to assess the effect of conventional tillage (CT) and no tillage (NT) on the chemical and biological quality of Sétif›s soils. The pH of these soils ranged from 7.34 to 7.83, indicating that they were moderately basic to alkaline. An analysis of variance revealed that tillage type had no effect on pH, whereas crop type and depth had a significant effect. According to the findings, NT improves organic matter levels compared to CT. The fauna inventory uncovered a total of 2089 individuals representing 14 different species. There were 1329 individuals in the NT subplot. This number is higher than the 760 individuals recorded in the conventionally seeded subplot. Shannon–Weaver had a high diversity index value. More efforts are required to promote conservation agriculture in these areas.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-00132024-12-20T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-0016<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The objective of this study is to assess the health status of the Zouagha forest in Algeria, which is composed of oak trees (<italic>Quercus suber</italic>, <italic>Q. canariensis</italic>, and <italic>Q. afares</italic>), and to estimate its biodiversity potential through field observations using the ARCHI, DEPEFEU, and IBP methods on individuals of each species. The adopted methodology relies on a visual evaluation of the tree crowns of the main species in this forest. The results indicate that the health of tree crowns is moderate, as is the biodiversity carrying capacity according to the IBP rating scale. Within the ARCHI protocol, two distinct types can be observed: ARCHI type R (Resilient), characterized by proportions of 42.72% for <italic>Q. suber</italic>, 40.7% for <italic>Q. canariensis</italic>, and 45% for <italic>Q. afares</italic>, and the ARCHI type S (Healthy), with slightly different proportions, namely 38.18% for <italic>Q. suber</italic>, 38.05% for <italic>Q. canariensis</italic>,and36%for<italic>Q. afares</italic>. Regarding the DEPEFEU protocol, it is important to note that the average health condition class has percentages of 37.27% for <italic>Q. suber</italic>, 32.74% for <italic>Q. canariensis</italic>, and 39% for <italic>Q. afares</italic>. Therefore, it is imperative to implement appropriate forest management strategies to ensure the sustainability of forest ecosystems. These strategies should aim to preserve the ecological integrity of the Zouagha forest in Algeria, with a focus on the regeneration of oak species (<italic>Q. suber, Q. canariensis</italic>, and <italic>Q. afares</italic>) and the restoration of their health.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-00162024-12-20T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-0019<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Global megatrends (GMTs) reshape landscapes worldwide, posing challenges for sustainability. This study delves into the complex interplay between GMTs and landscape changes in the Danube Lowland region of Slovakia, a microcosm of broader trends. Leveraging the concept of representative potential geoecosystems (REPGES), we assess historical landscape transformations and correlate them with key GMT drivers. Results reveal significant urban expansion linked to GMT2, primarily impacting the Bratislava area. Simultaneously, GMT5-driven economic growth manifests in agricultural land expansion and the total loss of one REPGES type. Notably, these changes coincide with a decrease in ecological stability across the region. Spatial analysis further unravels the interplay of GMTs, highlighting areas under intense urban and agricultural pressure. Our findings not only shed light on specific GMT impacts in the Danube Lowland but also offer valuable insights for landscape management across diverse regions facing similar megatrends. By understanding these complex interactions, we can develop informed strategies to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by a globalized world, promoting sustainable landscapes for the future.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-00192024-12-20T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-0022<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The peri-urban forest of Harouza, located near the city of Tizi Ouzou in Algeria, is currently facing significant preservation challenges. These wooded areas, crucial for the country’s ecological and socioeconomic balance, are experiencing increasing pressures of human and climatic origin. Rapid urbanization, forest exploitation, and the consequences of climate change have significantly influenced its ecosystem, leading to visible degradation. The repercussions include a noticeable decrease in forest cover, a reduction in biodiversity, and the emergence of degraded areas. To address these issues, our study relied on Geographic Information Systems (GIS). These tools allowed for precise mapping of land use in our study area, revealing a total area of 201.5 ha. Most of this land is occupied by scrubland, a formation associated with forest degradation, covering 74.9 ha. The actual forest covers only 21.4 ha. The presence of 75 wild species, including 20 chamaephytes and 21 therophytes, reflects the disturbances experienced by this ecosystem. The use of multi-date images (2006, 2013, and 2022) over a 15-year period reveals a concerning trend of urbanization. Between 2006 and 2022, the low risk of urbanization decreased from 6.974 to 3.573 km, while the high risk increased from 0.753 to 3.528 km. This analysis of urbanization dynamics thus provides a detailed perspective on the most affected and potentially vulnerable areas.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-00222024-12-20T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-0018<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Passeriformes are a sensitive group of birds that play a role as indicators of biodiversity, pollution, and environmental change. The military operations taking place in the Sumy region are the main threat to the region’s biodiversity. Undoubtedly, the consequences of these threats can be reflected in a decrease in numbers, phenological changes, and changes in trophic interaction. However, due to their properties and ability to adapt, I assume that birds of the Passeriformes can respond to these environmental changes in different ways. Given the mosaic of different vegetation types and the presence of many transitional areas between them, the study area was divided into five habitats: household plots, pine forest, Vorsklytsia River, pastures, and agrocenoses. During the research period, 48 species of birds belonging to 18 families and 36 genera were identified. This study allowed us to confirm the hypothesis that similar species of birds are found in the three biotopes (pastures, agrocenoses, and household plots) and that most of them may have similar food resources in their diet. The results of grouping in the space of projections of the principal components, PC1 and PC2, taking into account the measured indicators of the number of representatives of the Passeriformes in relation to different habitats, showed a strong positive relationship between the number of bird species of the Passeriformes in pastures and agrocenoses, and the average relationship was determined for household plots and the Vorsklytsia River. A negative correlation was found for the pine forest, which shows a fairly high number of species as well as the originality of the habitat. The basis of the Passeriformes population was formed by sedentary birds. The highest proportion of sedentary species was found in household plots (31.3%) and the pine forest (31.3%). Dendrophiles were the most numerous group: in the pine forest, 95.2% (of all species), household plots, 66.7%, pastures, 50%, and Vorsklytsia River, 37.5%. Hollow-nested species had a high proportion of 57.1% in the pine forest, crown-nested species 46.7% also in the pine forest, shrubs 50% in household plots, and ground-shrubs 60% near the Vorsklytsia River. The highest proportion of species was found for entomophagous birds (30.3%) and polyphagous birds (31.4%) in the pine forest, while the phytophagous bird group had the highest proportion of 50% in the household plots.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-00182024-12-20T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-0014<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>This paper provides a quantitative assessment of debris flows, the morphometric properties of high-mountain lakes, and their catchments in the Slovak part of the High Tatra Mts. Our database comprises 29 high-mountain lakes in 11 valleys. We utilised vector models to derive some maps, and for a detailed study, we employed a digital elevation model of the study area and applied map algebra within a geographic information system environment. Using ArcGIS software, we calculated 18 morphometric parameters (such as basin orientation, topographic slope factor, basin length, basin ruggedness, etc.). This study is valuable for conducting various analyses of hydrological and morphometric characteristics of catchments. It is based on a comprehensive approach that integrates Earth remote sensing with aerial image interpretation and detailed field research of the High Tatra Mts.’ lakes. The study has shown a significant influence of morphometric parameters of catchments on the dynamics and frequency of morpho-dynamic processes.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-00142024-12-20T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-0012<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>In Ethiopia, <italic>Parthenium hysterophorus</italic> (<italic>P. hysterophorus</italic>) is an invasive alien plant affecting various ecosystems. <italic>P. hysterophorus</italic> displaces native plant species and causes a serious threat to biodiversity. With this background, we aimed to assess the soil seed bank of <italic>P. hysterophorus</italic> under major land use types and assess the perception of the community toward the effects of <italic>P. hysterophorus</italic> on social aspects in the lower Hare watershed. For this study, 210 soil samples were collected from 15 transect lines in grassland, cropland, and forest land use types. Statistical analysis using three-way factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the difference in density of <italic>P. hysterophorus</italic> among various land uses soil depths and sites (<italic>P</italic> &lt; 0.05). For assessing the perception of local communities regarding the effects of <italic>P. hysterophorus</italic>, a total of 117 respondents were enrolled and semi-structured and close-ended questionnaires were used for data collection. It was found that all factors, that is, land use, site, and soil depth, significantly affected the soil seed bank density in the lower Hare watershed (<italic>P &lt;</italic> 0.05). Results indicated that the mean density of seeds was the highest in croplands among the land use types. Meanwhile, the highest mean density of seeds was identified in 0–10 cm soil depth, but the lowest mean density of seeds was identified in 10–15 cm soil depth. The highest seeds were identified at Chano Cheliba, but the density of seeds the lowest in Kola Shera. Moreover, 38.5% of households in Kola Shera and 21.4% of households in Kola Cheliba, but 8.5% of households in Kola Doriga said that it had effects on ecosystem services such as crop yield and livestock production. There should be a need for increased awareness about the density of <italic>P. hysterophorus</italic> in various land uses and its impacts on native plant species. Seeking for possible solutions such as mechanical control methods in terms of abortion of its seed set and weeding in early vegetative period are among the local people, researchers, and extension workers can use for the management of its invasion, and appropriate control measures can be designed to combat its further invasion and impacts on different land uses of the region.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-00122024-12-20T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-0001<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>This study examines the spatial distribution of soil types and their susceptibility to erosion and accumulation processes in a study area in Slovakia. Field research involving 71 probes identified various soil types, with Regosols and Cutanic Luvisols being predominant. The study found that erosion-accumulation processes were detected in 69.97% of the probes, with changes observed in soil horizons. Soil analysis revealed different relations between soil depth, humus thickness, and terrain characteristics such as slope, slope length, and slope length and steepness factor (LS factor). Specifically, we confirmed a moderately strong positive correlation between soil depth and humus thickness (<italic>r</italic> = 0.597, <italic>n</italic> = 71, <italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.001). Shallow soils (0–30 cm) exhibited a very strong positive correlation between soil depth and humus horizon thickness (<italic>r</italic> = 0.978, <italic>n</italic> = 33, <italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.001). Conversely, no relationship was found in moderately deep soils (30–60 cm) (<italic>r</italic> = 0.018, <italic>n</italic> = 14, <italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.948). For deep soils, we identified a moderately strong positive correlation (<italic>r</italic> = 0.345, <italic>n</italic> = 24, <italic>p</italic> = 0.098). While slope and slope length showed relationships with soil depth and humus thickness, the LS factor did not exhibit a clear correlation. These findings underscore the importance of understanding soil dynamics in informing land management practices, especially in areas susceptible to erosion. Recommendations include continued monitoring of eroded soils and implementing erosion control measures to maintain soil health and sustainability in agricultural production amidst climate change challenges.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-00012024-06-04T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-0010<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>To ensure safe and quality drinking water for residents of rural settlements who use their own wells, boreholes, and natural sources for domestic water supply, a comprehensive approach to evaluating the quality of underground drinking water using geographic information system (GIS) technologies is necessary. The purpose of the study was to assess the quality of drinking water sources of noncentralized water supply in rural settlements of the united territorial communities (UTCs) of Zhytomyr district and to create geoinformation models based on the research results. The following research methods were used during the research: analytical, field, laboratory, statistical, calculation, and cartographic. The research was conducted in 129 settlements of 12 UTCs of Zhytomyr district, where drinking water samples were collected from noncentralized water supply sources for further analysis in the Measurement Laboratory of Polissia National University, and the creation of geoinformation models using the ArcGIS Pro software package. It has been proven that the average pH level in none of the studied settlements exceeded the norm. The average nitrate concentration in the drinking water from noncentralized water sources exceeded the norm by 1.4–3.5 times, specifically in the water of the Pulyny, Cherniakhiv, Vilshanka, Volytsia, and Oliivka communities, exceeding the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) limit by more than two times. Only in rural settlements in the Liubar community was the average iron content found to be above the norm by more than 1.9 times. Overall, it was established that the calculated value of the overall water quality class in the Zhytomyr district was 2.03, which is determined as “good,” clean water of acceptable quality. The best water quality was found in the Vilshanka, Cherniakhiv, and Stanyshivka communities, with a quality class range of 1.85–1.93, while the worst water quality was recorded in the Oliivka, Teterivka, and Liubar communities, with a quality class range of 2.13–2.31. It was determined that the highest contribution to the overall water quality was made by nitrate and iron content. The obtained research results and models based on them can be used by local governments of the studied communities to inform the population about the quality of drinking water and to develop a plan for improving the state of drinking water supply with the aim of increasing the level of environmental safety of drinking water.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-00102024-06-04T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-0008<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The sustainability of forests and forestland resources is essential in ensuring the long-term well-being of ecosystems, biodiversity, and human society. This study analyzed available data from triangulated sources that produced information about extent and locations of the current assets, threats, and opportunities that were analyzed using various statistical methods, image and spatial analysis, and situational analysis in order to develop and sustain applicable management, conservation, and protection strategies for forest and forestland (FFL) resources of Baler, Aurora. Results revealed that there were significant changes of FFL assets from 2003 to 2018, and the recent data showed that closed forest was still the dominant cover of the area along with other assets like biodiversity, tourism, water resources, and others. The decreasing trend of the forest cover was the result of expansion of cultivated lands that follows the occurrence of several threats both from natural and anthropogenic sources. The most severe among the anthropogenic threats is timber poaching followed by charcoal making, pole timber collection, and firewood gathering. These threats were driven by the number of dependents, home-to-threat distance, conveyances used, and income earned per activity. Social geomatics of the identified threats shows that the human activities had extended almost to the farthest portions of each sub-watersheds that affects opportunities for development and sustainable utilization of resources. Assets, threats, and opportunities were considered as inputs used in situational analysis of sub-watersheds of which prior-itization of use was decided and FFL management strategies were developed and proposed to be sustained in order to produce optimum ecological, socio-cultural, and economical benefits in the future.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-00082024-06-04T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-0011<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Wildlife crime has emerged as one of the most crucial threats to biodiversity conservation and is particularly severe in south and southeast Asia. Addressing the ever-increasing challenges of wildlife crime in Nepal requires strategies informed by rigorous analysis of spatiotemporal patterns of wildlife crime. However, little do we know about the nature and trends of wildlife crimes in Nepal. Retrieving the information on the registered wild-life crime cases of Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) from the Annapurna Conservation Area Liaison Office (ACALO) and Kaski District Court, this study assessed the temporal trend and spatial pattern of wildlife crime in the ACA from 1994 to 2019. Additionally, this study assessed the sociodemographic characteristics of the people convicted in wildlife crime cases. A total of 48 cases of crimes were registered over the last 25 years among which the majority of the cases were of poaching and wildlife trophies transportation (89.6%) mainly from Kaski district (60%). For those cases, a total of 132 people were convicted (65% from local villages and 35% from outside the ACA). About 68% of the convicted perpetrators were from Janajati ethnicity with poor economic conditions. These inferences emphasize the necessity of understanding the severity and pattern of the crime to prevent it by synthesizing and implementing conservation programs such as educating targeted groups and providing alternative sources of income.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-00112024-06-04T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-0005<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Reliable indicators of success are needed to monitor the process of reclaiming disturbed land in order to understand the achievement of reclamation objectives. The formation of coherent dynamics of vegetation and soil development is ultimately a crucial condition for the success of reclaiming territory disturbed by surface mining and the possibility of using reclaimed land in agricultural production. The study revealed a relationship between the phytoindicator of vegetation hemeroby and the physical properties of technosols to prove its application as a measure of the restoration of the disturbed ecosystem in the reclamation process. The plant communities were classified into beta-, alpha-euhemerobic, polyhemerobic and metahemerobic levels of anthropogenic transformation. The technosols varied in the proportion of hemeroby levels of plant communities. The hemeroby level was consistent with the physical properties of technosols. A decrease in hemeroby level resulted in increased soil electrical conductivity, decreased soil penetration resistance and altered soil aggregate structure. The hemeroby of plant communities is a dependable phytoindicator of ecosystem restoration during reclamation.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-00052024-06-04T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-0006<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The information on the spontaneous spread (1152 localities) of the invasive species <italic>Echinocystis lobata</italic> is summarized. It was found that this alien species is timed to coastal water biotopes, floodplain meadows, mesophytic forests, wetlands, as well as disturbed ecotopes. The syntaxonomic scheme of vegetation with the participation of <italic>E. lobata</italic> includes 13 classes, 7 orders, 8 alliances, and 8 associations. It is predicted that under the conditions of a temperature increase of 3 °C, there will likely be changes in the carbonate content (Ca), water regime (Hd) of the soil, thermal regime (Tm), and climate humidity (Om), which will cause a reduction in the secondary range of the species in Ukraine, and the changed acid regime of the soil will cause (Rc) its disappearance in some localities. The obtained data can be used to carry out preventive measures regarding the emergence and further distribution of <italic>E. lobata</italic> in new habitats with different degrees of anthropogenic transformation.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-00062024-06-04T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-0002<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>With an average annual rainfall below 150 mm, the steppe with <italic>Hammada scoparia</italic> emerges, constituting the transition between the arid steppes and the Saharan vegetation. The distribution of the vegetation is very irregular, which depends on the nature and structure of the soils. A soil study, based on observations and the sampling of 42 profiles, was carried out within a range of species located in the southern part of Naâma. The principal component analysis enables the identification of relationships between the different soil profiles and the species studied. The results obtained show that the woody steppe with <italic>H. scoparia</italic> occupies habitats characterized by a sandy-loamy to sandy and stony texture on the surface of carbonate crusts, often in the form of slabs with a variable carbonate content of 1.22 to 12.7% in certain types of soil; this element tends to be carried to a depth of 40 to 60 cm. In other types of soil, on the contrary, it remains distributed throughout the entire profile. Colonized soils are generally shallow and poor in organic matter, varying from 2 to 3.65%, with an alkaline pH ranging between 6.7 and 8.8. The measured electrical conductivity varies between 0.1 and 0.7 mS/cm. This variation largely depends on the texture of the soil, the bioclimate and the steppe vegetation. The results obtained enable the valorization of this species, which has a socio-economic and ecological role, as it practically adapts to the different types of soil of the steppe space.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/eko-2024-00022024-06-04T00:00:00.000+00:00en-us-1