DYNAMICS OF FOREST ECOSYSTEM COMPONENTS IN THE BLACK SEA COAST OF THE CAUCASUS AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF BOXWOOD DESTRUCTION AS A RESULT OF <i>CYDALIMA PERSPECTALIS</i> WALKER (LEPIDOPTERA, CRAMBIDAE) INVASION

Abstract

The situation when the invasion of one species indirectly leads to ecosystem consequences of a larger scale is considered. The work was carried out in the relict ecosystem of Colchis, the flora and fauna of which was formed more than 15 million years ago. Disappearance of boxwood, the edifier of Colchian ecosystems, in the short term has not led to a significant change in soil characteristics. The succession of plant communities was expressed by an increase in vegetation cover of native plant species under the active introduction of alien species. The rates of seed regeneration of boxwood decreased, especially in the areas with low density of tree canopy. The study of the distribution of earthworms showed the general topical preferences of boxwood and most species of large soil oligochaetes that prefer shaded stations and moistened habitats.