Anthropogenic impacts on habitat structure and species richness in the west Siberian Arctic

Abstract

Intensive technogenous invasion in the West Siberian Arctic during the last two decades in connection with gas and oil exploration, along with the constant growth of domestic reindeer herds, has caused dramatic changes in arctic ecosystems. Loss of biodiversity on the species level has not yet been documented in the region on a whole, but changes in ecosystems in intensively exploited areas are obvious. The absence of some plant species and the disappearance of rare bird species surrounding the Bovanenkovo Gas Field in central Yamal is likely the result of technogenous destruction of their habitats. Length of recovery for different habitats varies greatly. Only about 40 percent of local flora can colonize anthropogenic habitats. Habitats such as well-drained southern slopes occupied by herbaceous meadows, willow copses in the flood plains, coastal marshes, and isolated outposts of trees contain the largest amount of rare species. These are mainly relics of the past, while at the same time are the most vulnerable to disturbance. They should be of special concern. Nature reserves in the region are not representative enough and are not practical in function.

Parent Publication

• Wilderness in the Circumpolar North: searching for compatibility in ecological, traditional, and ecotourism values; 2001 May 15-16; Anchorage, AK

Citation

Khitun, Olga; Rebristaya, Olga. 2002. Anthropogenic impacts on habitat structure and species richness in the west Siberian Arctic. In: Watson, Alan E.; Alessa, Lilian; Sproull, Janet, comps. Wilderness in the Circumpolar North: searching for compatibility in ecological, traditional, and ecotourism values; 2001 May 15-16; Anchorage, AK. Proceedings RMRS-P-26. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 85-95.