Journal of Siberian Federal University. Biology / Dynamics of Species Diversity and Structure of Bird Communities in the Bolshezemelskaya Tundra

Full text (.pdf)
Issue
Journal of Siberian Federal University. Biology. 2026 19 (3)
Authors
Kochanov, Sergey K.; Mineev, Oleg Yu.
Contact information
Kochanov, Sergey K.: Institute of Biology of Komi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Syktyvkar, Russian Federation); ; ORCID: 0000-0002-5810-6452; Mineev, Oleg Yu. : Institute of Biology of Komi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Syktyvkar, Russian Federation); ORCID: 0000-0002-6587-8653
Keywords
Bolshezemelskaya Tundra; birds; diversity dynamics; community structure; anthropogenic impact
Abstract

The article consolidates literature data covering the period since the late 19th century and the results of the authors’ original field research across 23 key areas of the Bolshezemelskaya Tundra, the Yugorsky Peninsula and the European part of the Polar Urals, all located north of the Arctic Circle. A total of 198 bird species have been recorded in this region, including 117 breeding species. At the community level, we analysed the composition of bird species by origin, foraging and nesting strata, and food sources. In undisturbed habitats, the bird community is dominated by Siberian (45 % of the total) and Arctic (24 %) species; species feeding and nesting in the ground layer (49 %); primarily carnivorous or insectivorous species (>70 %). Major changes in the avifauna and community structure are attributed to climatic factors, anthropogenic impacts and natural fluctuations in species ranges. Climate change has been associated with increased species diversity and shifts in species distribution ranges. Conversely, anthropogenic transformation of habitats triggered a clear trend towards decreased species diversity within communities, with a decline in Arctic and Siberian species and an increase in widespread Palearctic species. Regarding feeding habits, we observed a decline in species that forage in tree canopies, shrubs, water and aerially. Furthermore, alongside hydrocarbon extraction and urbanisation, reindeer herding causes significant damage to bird communities by destroying nests and chicks during the breeding season. However, birds have evolved specific adaptations to mitigate these impacts, such as exploiting areas unsuitable for grazing and laying replacement clutches

Pages
522–538
EDN
FVLLTT
Paper at repository of SibFU
https://elib.sfu-kras.ru/handle/2311/160153

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