February 8 is the Day of Russian Science. In honor of the professional holiday, the scientific department of the Kronotsky State Nature Reserve, one of the oldest and most important environmental institutions in Russia, reveals the details of its plans for the upcoming field season.
According to the press service of the reserve, this year scientists will continue to implement a large-scale environmental monitoring program, as well as conduct a number of studies aimed at studying rare and endangered species of vertebrates living in the unique territory of the Kamchatka Peninsula.
Dmitry Pilipenko, Deputy Director for Science at the Kronotsky State Nature Reserve, reports that the environmental monitoring program includes several key areas. The first of them is studying the problem of climate change. Within the framework of this block, the reserve’s specialists collect meteorological data, study the state of glaciers, carry out remote observations of the structure of vegetation cover and conduct phenological observations of plants. These data are crucial for understanding long-term trends and assessing the impact of global warming on the reserve’s ecosystems.
The second area, according to Dmitry Pilipenko, is dedicated to rare and unique ecosystems. First of all, it is monitoring volcanic and seismic activity, which is extremely relevant for the entire Kamchatka region, known for its high geodynamic activity. Secondly, it is the study of the geothermal complex, which is represented in the reserve by a unique Uzon Geyser area. A whole range of activities is planned here, including accounting for small mammals, monitoring the regime of geysers and other important studies to monitor the condition of this fragile and dynamic natural object.
The press service of the reserve also informs that comprehensive route surveys of birds and descriptions of local avifauna will be continued in the central part of the reserve. One of the most important areas of work remains winter route surveys of animals, which are planned to be held in February-March. These records provide valuable data on the abundance and distribution of various animal species in harsh winter conditions.
Special attention in the upcoming season will be paid to the study of key animal species found in both the Kronotsky Nature Reserve and the South Kamchatka Federal Reserve. These include the resident sockeye salmon in Kronotsky Lake, the passing sockeye salmon in Kuril Lake, as well as charismatic and rare species such as the white-shouldered eagle and other birds of prey, the Kamchatka tern, brown bear, bighorn sheep and wild reindeer. In addition, studies of the black-capped marmot, Beringian ground squirrel, sable, cetaceans, true seals, sea lion, sea otter, Pacific gull and marine colonial bird species are planned. The study of these species makes it possible to monitor the state of their populations and develop measures for their conservation.
In recent years, the scientific department of the reserve has been actively developing another important area – the study of recreational effects on natural complexes. The reserve staff has been conducting such research on the territory of the Kronotsky Nature Reserve and the South Kamchatka Nature Reserve for several years. The data obtained make it possible not only to assess the degree of recreational stress on vulnerable ecosystems, but also to develop scientifically sound recommendations for reducing anthropogenic impact on nature, ensuring a balance between the development of tourism and the preservation of Kamchatka’s unique natural heritage.