Publications
Taxonomic turmoil around the genus Anoplistes Audinet-Serville, 1833 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in the Uvs Nuur Basin: a new species, a new synonym, and a species reinstatement
A groundbreaking taxonomic reassessment of the beetle genus Anoplistes in Mongolia's Uvs Nuur Basin reveals three key discoveries: the reinstatement of Anoplistes minutus as a distinct species, the synonymization of Anoplistes tuvensis, and the description of a previously overlooked species, Anoplistes pseudotuvensis. Using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, researchers distinguished these taxa based on morphological differences, ecological preferences, and host plant associations. This work resolves long-standing taxonomic confusion in the genus, providing a foundation for future integrative studies combining morphology, ecology, and molecular data.
New Data on Molluscan Fauna of the Ubsunur Hollow Reserve (the Republic of Tyva, Russia)
A significant discovery of the bivalve species Odhneripisidium stewarti (Preston, 1909) within the Ubsunur Hollow Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Republic of Tuva, Russia, marks its first recorded presence in both Russia and Mongolia. This finding expands the known molluscan fauna of the region, contributing valuable data to biodiversity studies. The research likely involved field surveys and taxonomic analysis, though specific methods are not detailed in the abstract.
Soil conditions and vegetation cover of the «Oruku-Shynaa» cluster of the «Ubsunurskaya Hollow» reserve (southern part of the Republic of Tyva)
A study of the Oruku-Shynaa cluster within the Ubsunur Hollow Biosphere Reserve reveals significant insights into soil dynamics and vegetation cover, crucial for its potential UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The research highlights complex soil interactions, including neutral meadow-peaty soils with high humus content (9.24%) and strongly alkaline solonchak soils with negligible humus (0.42%). Saline soils exhibit high magnesium levels (up to 29 mmol/100 g), while nitrogen is abundant in meadow-peat-humus soils (1.10%), though phosphorus remains scarce across all soil types. The cluster's vegetation cover, a mix of glycophytic, halophytic, and woody shrub communities, reflects arid Central Asian floodplain-channel dynamics. Long-term environmental monitoring under protected conditions shows signs of waterlogging, peat accumulation, increased dead plant mass, and active soil salinization. These findings underscore the cluster's ecological significance and the need for sustained conservation efforts.
The Properties of Agriculture-Related Objects in Arid Regions in Northwest Mongolia and the Tyva Border Areas
Research in the Uvs Nuur Basin, Northwest Mongolia, reveals evidence of a previously unrecognized ancient agricultural civilization thriving in arid regions. Contrary to prior assumptions, the study identifies extensive irrigation systems, settlement traces, and distinct agricultural landscapes, suggesting significant anthropogenic impact on the environment. Using satellite imagery analysis, landscape observations, archaeological, geological, and historical methods, along with paleogeographic assessments, the research highlights wheat caryopses in peat soils, indicating past agricultural activity. The findings underscore the need for further investigation into the region's ancient history and environmental transformation, particularly regarding deforestation, overgrazing, and landscape desertification.
Coprophilous Fungi as an Indicator of Grazing Pressure and Population Density in the Uvs Nuur Basin (Mongolia) over the Past Three Millennia
A groundbreaking study reveals that spores of coprophilous fungi, preserved in lake sediments, serve as a reliable indicator for reconstructing human population density and grazing pressure over millennia, independent of climate fluctuations. Researchers analyzed spore concentrations from Lake Bayan Nuur in Mongolia's Uvs Nuur Basin, focusing on two fungal genera: Sporormiella and Sordaria. The findings demonstrate a strong correlation between historical population records and spore abundance, suggesting these fungi as robust proxies for tracking livestock-based societies. No link was found between spore levels and climate change, reinforcing their utility as standalone indicators. This approach offers a novel method for paleoecological reconstructions in regions with limited historical data.
Gobi Altai, Khangai and Khentii Mountains mapped by a mixed-method cartographic approach for comparative geophysical analysis
A novel mixed-method cartographic approach reveals strong correlations between gravity anomalies, topography, geological units, and geomorphological landforms across Mongolia's Gobi Altai, Khangai, and Khentii Mountains. The study identified distinct gravity anomaly patterns: the highest values (<80 mGal) correspond to the Altai and Khangai Mountain ranges, while negative values (<-80 mGal) dominate the Uvs Nuur and Khyargas Nuur basins. NE- to NNE-oriented faulting and rift basins were clearly visible in geophysical grids and geological maps. The methodology integrated high-resolution datasets (GEBCO, gravity raster, USGS geological data, SRTM-90 DEM) with tools like GMT, R programming ('raster' and 'tmap' libraries), and QGIS to produce nine new maps. This approach advances cartographic methods for regional geological studies in Mongolia.
The effect of temperature fields on soil and plant cover formation in arid ecosystems of the Uvs Nuur basin
Research in the Uvs Nuur Basin reveals that temperature fields, analyzed through combined surface and satellite data, can effectively identify structural and functional boundaries of soil cover in arid ecosystems. The study quantifies temperature regimes in psammophytic soils, demonstrating their influence on hydrophysical properties and phytomass stocks in the sand massif Zuger-Els. By integrating field and remote monitoring, scientists established functional relationships between energy flux, matter circulation, and plant productivity, providing a methodological foundation for future ecological studies.
The link between climate change and biodiversity of lacustrine inhabitants and terrestrial plant communities of the Uvs Nuur Basin (Mongolia) during the last three millennia
A three-millennia reconstruction of biodiversity and climate in the Uvs Nuur Basin (Mongolia) reveals that the region's plant, chironomid, and Cladocera communities responded strongly to shifts in precipitation and temperature. The study found that the most humid period occurred between 1400–1800 CE during the Little Ice Age, with higher biodiversity, while the Medieval Warm Period (650–1350 CE) was marked by aridity and lower diversity. Unlike other taxa, diatoms showed no direct correlation with climate factors. The research also found that dung fungi in lake sediments did not align with historical human presence or climate changes, suggesting their potential use in assessing herbivore density. This work highlights the vulnerability of high-biodiversity regions to climate change and provides a baseline for understanding long-term ecological dynamics.
The vegetation cover of the «Aryskannyg» cluster of the «Ubsunurskaya Kotlovina» Reserve (Ubsunur hollow) (the southern slopes of the East Tannu-Ola Mountain Range, Republic of Tyva)
A complex vegetation cover, shaped by mountain relief and sharply continental climate, characterizes the Aryskannyg cluster within the Ubsunurskaya Kotlovina Reserve. The study reveals a diverse range of plant communities, from dry-steppe to mountain-tundra, influenced by slope exposure and terrain height. Key findings include the identification of unique steppe coenoses such as resurrection (Selaginella sanguinolenta) and eastern feather grass (Stipa orientalis), alongside high-altitude forest-steppes dominated by larch and Daurian rhododendron. The research employed ecological profiling, phytocoenotic mapping, and large-scale vegetation surveys to elucidate these patterns. This diversity underscores the region's ecological significance, shaped by latitudinal and local abiotic factors.
Analysis of Changes in Vegetation Cover for Northern Part of Uvs Nuur Basin
A significant 80% reduction in cultivated land area has been observed in the northern part of the Uvs Nuur Basin over the past three decades, with steppe vegetation encroaching upon abandoned arable lands. This transformation, driven by desertification processes, is characterized by a decline in meadows and an expansion of dry and desert steppes, marked by increased shrub presence, notably Caragana Bunge. The study utilized Landsat-5 and Landsat-8 satellite imagery from 1988 and 2019, processed with the SMAP classification method in GRASS GIS, to analyze vegetation changes across nine identified land units within the Russian part of the basin, covering approximately 19,500 km². The findings highlight ongoing ecological shifts in this arid, continental climate region, bordering Tuva and Mongolia.
The first data on the lichens of the Mongun-Taiga cluster of the Ubsunur Hollow Biosphere Reserve: epigeic macrolichens
A groundbreaking study identifies 34 species of soil macrolichens, previously unreported in the Ubsunur Hollow Biosphere Reserve. These species belong to 15 genera and 6 families, with Parmeliaceae being the most prominent family represented. The lichen diversity includes notable genera such as Peltigera, Cladonia, Stereocaulon, and Cetraria, predominantly inhabiting mountain tundras, alpine meadows, and sparse larch forests. The study highlights that these macrolichens exhibit two main growth forms: fruticose (19 species) and foliose (15 species), with some species also thriving on mosses or plant debris. This research significantly contributes to the understanding of lichen biodiversity in this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing critical data for conservation efforts.
The problem of salinization activation in soils of the south of Eastern Siberia and Mongolia in connection with climate aridization
Climate aridization in the Uvs Nuur Basin and surrounding regions of Eastern Siberia and Mongolia is linked to increased soil salinization, particularly under hydromorphic conditions. Over 50 years, air temperature rises in Tuva (2.5–3.7°C), Minusinsk depression (1.7–2.8°C), and Buryatia (1.5–1.8°C) were significantly higher than global averages, with varying trends in aridity. While most areas remained in arid or subarid categories, some, like the Eravnensky and Barguzinsky basins in Buryatia and the Ubsunur basin in Tuva, transitioned to more arid conditions. The study found that climate aridization intensifies salt accumulation in hydromorphic landscapes, even when parent rocks are non-saline, as seen in Mongolia's Gobi deserts. This suggests a growing risk of soil salinization in regions experiencing increased aridity.
Chemical Composition of the Oils as an Indicator of Ecosystem Development: a Case Study of Tannu-Ola Ranges
The rise of the Tannu-Ola Range during the Pliocene (5.3–3.6 million years ago) marked a significant shift in substance migration mechanisms within the Uvs Nuur Basin, transitioning from dominant water migration to enhanced biogenic processes due to Cenozoic aridization and cooling. This geological event divided Tuva into two distinct basins—Central Tuvan and Uvs-Nuur—each with unique accumulation and transformation patterns. The study analyzed oil chemical composition as an indicator of ecosystem development, revealing that the Tannu-Ola Range, a block-structured horst-anticlinorium uplift, acted as a major climate barrier, altering regional hydrological and biogenic cycles. The research integrates geological, tectonic, and geochemical data to reconstruct past environmental dynamics in Central Asia.
On Ancient Agriculture in Arid Regions of Central Asia: The Case of the Uvs Nuur Basin
A groundbreaking discovery reveals that the Uvs Nuur Basin, a vast arid region in southern Siberia and Central Asia, once supported extensive agriculture during the High Middle Ages. Satellite imagery uncovered dense irrigation networks and previously unknown ancient settlements, including what appears to be an ancient city surrounded by canals on the west coast of Lake Uvs Nuur. Field studies confirmed these findings, documenting remnants of irrigation systems, ruins, and settlements. Paleobotanical analysis of buried soils and peatlands identified Triticum sp. seeds, suggesting that the basin's current arid landscape was once a milder forest-steppe environment conducive to agriculture. Radiocarbon dating tentatively places the city's existence in this period, indicating a significant historical shift from pastoralism to agriculture.
Floristic findings in southern nature regions of Tuva Republic and in conservation zone of Ubsunur Hollow Biosphere Reserve
A recent botanical survey in southern Tuva, Russia, has uncovered four aquatic plant species previously undocumented in the region: Najas marina, Ranunculus subrigidus, Sparganium angustifolium, and Utricularia macrorhiza. Additionally, 24 vascular plant species were recorded for the first time across five southern nature regions, including Erzin, Mongun-Tayga, Sangilen, Ubsunur, and Ulug-Khem. The study also identified several new species within the conservation zone of the Uvs Nuur Basin Biosphere Reserve. This research contributes to the floristic documentation of Tuva, providing critical data for biodiversity assessments and conservation efforts in this ecologically significant region.
Grasshoppers of the genus Podismopsis (Orthoptera, Acrididae) in Altay and description of acoustic signals of Podismopsis altaica from cluster Mongun-Taiga of the State Nature Biosphere Reserve «Uvs Nuur Basin»
Research reveals distinct acoustic signals and habitat preferences between two grasshopper species, Podismopsis altaica and P. poppiusi, in the Altai Mountains of Russia's Uvs Nuur Basin UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study describes for the first time the calling signal of P. altaica, highlighting that its repetition period shortens under lower temperatures compared to P. poppiusi. Additionally, the species inhabit different elevations: P. altaica thrives in alpine zones, while P. poppiusi favors meadows and meadow-steppes. These differences prevent close contact between their populations, suggesting ecological segregation. The findings were derived from field observations within the Mongun-Taiga cluster of the Uvs Nuur Basin Biosphere Reserve.
The Natural Environment of the Ubsunur Hollow and its Anthropogenic Conditionality
Ancient human activities in the Uvs Nuur Basin, one of Central Asia's largest arid basins, significantly altered its ecosystem dynamics and climate conditions. Research using remote sensing (Google Earth imagery) and landscape observations identified extensive traces of irrigation agriculture near the Aga-Dag ridge, suggesting past wetter climates with forested landscapes that sustained groundwater levels. Paleobotanical studies further confirmed the presence of forest-steppe environments in the recent past, particularly around Lake Shara-Nur. The study attributes the basin's current desertification primarily to deforestation, driven by human demand for fuel and construction materials, as well as historical conflicts between civilizations. This finding underscores the profound impact of anthropogenic activities on the region's environmental degradation, a pattern observed across broader Asian steppe zones.
Results of Long-Term (2006-2016) Avian Influenza Surveillance in Wild Birds of Uvs Nuur Lake
Long-term avian influenza surveillance at Lake Uvs Nuur, a key Northern Eurasian site, reveals its critical role as a reservoir for the preservation and evolution of influenza A virus in wild bird populations. The study, spanning 2006-2016, analyzed highly pathogenic H5N1 circulation and molecular epidemiology using phylogenetic analysis (MEGA 5.2 software) to construct genetic distance matrices via the Kimura two-parameter method. Findings highlight the biogeocoenose's significance for viral dynamics, emphasizing the need for continued ecological and virological monitoring to assess epidemic and pandemic potential of novel strains.
Introduced semiaquatic mammals in the Uvs Nuur Hollow (Current distribution and ecological vectors of naturalization)
Research reveals that the success of introduced semiaquatic mammals—muskrat, American mink, and Eurasian beaver—in the Uvs Nuur Basin hinges on trophic niche availability rather than postintroduction history or abiotic factors. Herbivorous species like the beaver, with access to stable food resources, exhibit greater adaptive success in this harsh, continental climate compared to carnivorous counterparts. The study highlights behavioral adaptations, such as the evolutionary stability of the beaver's building instinct, which facilitates colonization. While all three species occupy similar geographic ranges, their population trends and ecological impacts vary significantly, underscoring the critical role of trophic niche diversity in naturalization processes.
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