Latest Articles from Silva Balcanica Latest 3 Articles from Silva Balcanica https://silvabalcanica.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:41:05 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://silvabalcanica.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Silva Balcanica https://silvabalcanica.pensoft.net/ Assessment and cultural ecosystem service mapping in mountain protected areas – “Pirin” National park https://silvabalcanica.pensoft.net/article/106658/ Silva Balcanica 24(2): 45-57

DOI: 10.3897/silvabalcanica.24.e106658

Authors: Maria Glushkova, Miglena Zhiyanski, Rositsa Yaneva

Abstract: The assessment and mapping of ecosystems and their services is considered an important action that effectively contributes to proper understanding of how ecosystems support human well-being, and furthermore – to promote the sustainable use of natural resources. The diversity of cultural landscapes, especially in mountain areas, is a significant prerequisite for a variety of cultural ecosystem services that are valuable for the society. This evaluation is the basis for environmental management practices and policymaking. The study presents an approach for assessment and mapping of cultural ecosystem service (CES) “Cultural heritage” that is recognised as important and is provided by mountain protected areas (PAs) in “Pirin” National Park. The data from the Management Plan of “Pirin” NP were used for characterization and biophysical assessment of the condition of forest ecosystems and their potential to provide CESs. The analysis of the results revealed that the conservation regime allowed the territories to preserve a high degree of naturalness and a very good ecological condition as 94.80% of forest ecosystems are assessed with score 4 –“good” condition and 0.44% are with “very good” condition – score 5. The majority of forest ecosystems with “very good” ecological condition are Pinus peuce forests, located mainly on the territory of the reserves “Bayuvi Dupki- Dzhindzhiritsa” and “Yulen”, proving the importance of the protective regime of the territories. Forest ecosystems with average and high capacity to provide ES "Cultural heritage" prevailed, which is consistent with well-preserved and unique nature, the diversity of landscapes, and species richness. Considerable areas were assessed with score 5 – very high capacity, mostly on the territory of the reserves “Bayuvi Dupki- Dzhindzhiritsa” and “Yulen”, and at the foothill of the huts.

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Research Article Tue, 29 Aug 2023 08:36:00 +0300
Acute toxicity of Galium odoratum to the freshwater cladoceran Moina macrocopa https://silvabalcanica.pensoft.net/article/77816/ Silva Balcanica 22(3): 49-55

DOI: 10.3897/silvabalcanica.22.e77816

Authors: Mariam Bozhilova

Abstract: Galium odoratum (L.) is a medicinal plant with a number of health benefits, used in traditional and modern medicine. The toxicity of the coumarin in Galium odoratum is classified as high, however, no experimental data or data on toxic effects in humans following intake of Galium odoratum are available. The potential toxic effect can be estimated based on the content of coumarin and knowledge of its toxicity.The aim of the current study is to evaluate the acute toxicity effects of a range of concentrations of Galium odoratum water extract on Moina macrocopa and calculate the LC50 within 24 hours. In order to compare the toxicity with those of other, well-known and widely used medicinal plants, extracts of Matricaria chamomilla and Tribulus terrestris are also tested. The results show that LC50 value of Galium odoratum is comparable with those of Matricaria chamomilla and Tribulus terrestris, and Galium odoratum has intermediate toxicity between the two other studied species.

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Research Article Wed, 29 Dec 2021 08:43:00 +0200
Challenges of assessment and mapping of ecosystem services in Bulgarian (Rhodope) and Russian (Altai) mountain protected areas in the context of post-socialist transformations and new conservation paradigms https://silvabalcanica.pensoft.net/article/69861/ Silva Balcanica 22(2): 43-68

DOI: 10.3897/silvabalcanica.22.e69861

Authors: Dmitry V. Chernykh, Maria Glushkova, Dmitry K. Pershin, Miglena Zhiyanski, Alina E. Zinovieva, Dmitry V. Zolotov, Lilia F. Lubenets, Roman Yu. Biryukov

Abstract: The overarching goal of this survey was to identify the challenges of ecosystem services assessment and mapping in Russian and Bulgarian mountain protected areas in the context of post-socialist transformations, new conservation paradigms and climate change. The Altai Mountains in Russia and the Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria were selected as key mountain territories for comparison due to their similar characteristics: agriculture, forest exploitation, tourism activities, etc. Both in Bulgaria and in Russia, perceptions of the protected areas functioning have been changing, facilitated by global shifts. Thus, the concept of ecosystem services has now been actively introduced in nature and biodiversity conservation policies. Based on WDPA data the emergence of different types of protected areas in Russia and Bulgaria was determined. Key problems of assessment and mapping of ecosystem services in Russian and Bulgarian mountain protected areas were recognised, mainly related to the shortage and quality of baseline data. At the same time, there were also some specifics for the two countries due to their size and national legislation. Like many other mountainous regions in the world, the Rhodopes in Bulgaria and the Altai Mountains in Russia are flagships in the improvement of nature conservation strategies. These regions often participate in a variety of international conservation programmes and are constantly expanding the range of protected areas. It is generally accepted that the Altai Mountains and the Rhodopes are not only centres of biodiversity richness in their countries, but also hotspots of a variety of ecosystem services.

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Research Article Wed, 20 Oct 2021 07:23:00 +0300