Spatial analysis and integral assessment of factors of the potential dangers to the biodiversity of biogeocenoses in the catchment area of Beloye and Lippovskoye lakes (Kurgalsky peninsula, Russia)

Abstract

In the context of maintaining a constant threat of biodiversity loss, it is urgent to solve the problem of improving and creating new methods for assessing the factors of biodiversity change. Due to the complexity and multidimensity of the task, the authors are invited to use the method of analyzing and synthesizing indicators with information deficit (ASPID method). As an example of using the method, this article presents the results of studies of potential risk factors for biodiversity loss in the catchment area of two adjacent lakes on the Kurgalsky Peninsula. As objects of the assessment chosen taxa biogeocenoses of the peninsula. In accordance with the procedure for estimating the ASPID-method for each taxon, a composite indicator was calculated. The composite indicator characterizes the level of the total risk of biodiversity loss. It is formed on the basis of a system of individual indicators and taking into account their weight. The system of individual indicators reflects the effect of anthropogenic and natural anthropogenic factors. Calculations of composite indicators have formed the basis for the compilation of thematic maps of the integral assessment of hazards. Thematic maps are compiled using geographic information systems (GIS). Assessment maps allow you to identify areas of the territory with a high and low degree of danger. The analysis of the maps revealed differences in the spatial distribution of estimates, which allows to identify areas of the lake catchment with a low and high degree of risk of biodiversity loss. In particular, it is noted that the main threat comes from anthropogenic factors, since the “strong” and “most severe” degree of danger is detected in 42% of biogeocenoses, and in the case of anthropogenic-natural factors only in 21%. The threat of anthropogenic-natural factors to the biodiversity of biogeocenoses is most pronounced on the western border of the catchment area. In the eastern part of the catchment area, the influence of anthropogenic-natural factors is less noticeable. Since the solution of the problem of biodiversity conservation affects the ecology of territories and in particular catchment areas, it can be useful in determining the ecological status and ecological well-being of water bodies and their catchment areas.