Grouses of Yakutia: Fauna number and protection

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A P Isaev

North-East Federal University, Russia

: Expert Opin Environ Biol

Abstract

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Features of the grouses distribution in Yakutia are largely determined by the latitudinal zonation: Willow and Rock Ptarmigans inhabit tundra; these species both and vagrant Black-billed Capercaillie occur in forest-tundra zone; north taiga subzone inhabited with Ptarmigans both, Black-billed Capercaillie, Hazel Grouse, Northern Black Grouse in southwestern part; and middle taiga zone includes 7 species: Ptarmigans both, Black-billed and Western Capercaillies, Hazel Grouse, Northern Black Grouse and Siberian Spruce Grouse. Average long-term number of Willow Ptarmigan is 1400 thousands individuals, Rock Ptarmigan 210 - 350, Black-billed Capercaillie 228, Western Capercaillies 16, Hazel Grouse 527, Northern Black Grouse 108. 7, Siberian Spruce Grouse 8-10 thousands birds. Studies of long-term changes in population number of grouses in Yakutia have shown that several common species (Willow and Rock Ptarmigans, Black-billed Capercaillie, Hazel Grouse and Northern Black Grouse) are characterized by recurrent significant fluctuations in their numbers coinciding in time and area. The number of grouses in Yakutia, mainly in the taiga part has been reduced as the result of mining, construction industry and agriculture. Spruce grouse was found the most vulnerable to anthropogenic pressure and its number is drastically reduced in recent decades, and in some places the species was completely disappeared. The more reliable counts and not only protective but also biotechnical events should be hold for rational use, conservation and restoration of grouses. One of the key actions for the grouse species number restoration should be the breeding of them.

Biography

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A P Isaev has completed his PhD from Petrozavodski State University at the age of 35 and conducts his research in Institute for Biological Problem of Cryolithozone under Siberian Department of Russian Academy for Sciences and in North-East Federal University. He is Chief of Laboratory of Mount and Subarctic System of the Institute, published and more than 100 papers including 12 papers in well-known journals.

Email: isaev_ark@rambler.ru