KHOMUTOVSKI STEPPE NATURE RESERVE
Evaluation of the Reserve as a Scientific & Ecological Resource
|
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESERVE AS AN ECOSYSTEM
Steppe ecosystems have a special ability to transform solar power to stored and accumulated energy in the form of humus. As a result, they gave rise to the world's most fertile soils, the so-called "chernozems" of "black earth soils". Cultivation of these soils provides a major component of man's food supply. By the end of the nineteenth century, Ukraine's natural steppe ecosystems were almost totally destroyed and the few remnants were relicts themselves often affected by man's activities. Today only a handful of areas remain where truly natural steppe vegetation is found. Today steppe and solonchak communities occupy only 3% of the country, whereas the Steppe Zone and the Forest-Steppe Zone, as recognized by plant geographers, where these communities were once met in abundance, occupy two-thirds of the country. Plots of intact steppe have survived in places that are inconvenient to plough (steep slopes, gullies, rocky places, the size of these plots being small, sometimes up to 10 ha) or in relatively small nature reserves (from 500 to a few thousand hectares), established on grounds that previously were used as pastures by horse breeders or were under the ownership of certain landowners (the Falzfein and Kapnist families, for example), or as military training areas. In addition most of these remnants of Ukrainian steppe have suffered heavily from overgrazing. As a result, protected steppe ecosystems, such as those in the Khomutovski Steppe Nature Reserve, are of great scientific value, because they provide a measure of what true steppe ecosystems were really like.
One of the most important measures of an ecosystem's biodiversity is its range of vascular plants. As primary producers, they generate energy in the form of organic matter which is later distributed to other groups of organisms, influencing their diversity too. Mycologists, for example, estimate the ratio between numbers of vascular plant species and of fungal species in a given site to range from 1:4 to 1:6 (Hawksworth, 1992; Sytnik & Wasser, 1992a; Sytnik & Wasser, 1992b). Using such principles, the general value of an ecosystem can be assessed by evaluating the species composition of vascular plants. In the Khomutovski Steppe Nature Reserve, 604 species of vascular plants have been recorded (Tkachenko et al., 1998). That represents 12% of all species (including aliens) recorded in Ukraine. The area of the reserve, however, occupies only 0.0017% of the country, clearly indicating an extremely high level of biological diversity in the reserve. Several species of fungi and plants have, furthermore, been described as new to science based on collections made in the reserve. All this together is evidence of the exclusive value of the reserve for preservation of steppe and its biodiversity.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESERVE IN NATURE CONSERVATION
Vegetation in the reserve is truly diverse. It belongs to a particular (dry conditions) variant of the Azov Sea environs herb-feather grass steppe, which has developed on a specific thick layer of Azov Sea environs chernozem. There are 6 types, some rare or even extremely rare in Ukraine, and listed in the Green Book of Ukraine (Shelyag-Sosonko, 1987). They include endemic and locally distributed plants (Calophaca wolgarica, Caragana scythica, Genista scythica, Paeonia tenuifolia, species of Stipa etc.). The reserve is also rich in endemic, rare and declining animal and fungal species. This is the only reserve in Ukraine where the southern variant of herb-fescue-feather grass steppe is preserved as a plant community. Many transitional forms of this community are not found under protection elsewhere. It is therefore clear that the reserve should become one of the core areas of the national econetwork now being established in Ukraine. The reserve's wonderful diversity gives it a key position in not only conservation of existing steppe, but also in restoration of destroyed steppe.
The historical policy of keeping the "Khomutovski Steppe" intact as a reserve and enforcing strict protection measures has resulted in preservation of an extremely high level of biodiversity. There is, however, growing evidence that the policy of maintaining a zone of "absolute non-intervention" is causing serious and growing damage to this diversity. This is particularly problematic because, in many cases of conservation, "absolute non-intervention" and "absolute protection" are synonymous. The valuable steppe ecosystems preserved on the Khomutovski Steppe Nature Reserve are not climax vegetation. Active management is necessary to preserve them, and here "absolute non-intervention" is, unfortunately, a synonym for "absolute neglect". Special measures need to be introduced to maintain the biodiversity level of this site and, in certain cases, to reverse the deterioration resulting from previous inadequate or unbalanced management.
The reserve is well-protected from and resistant to external influence. The main threat is now degradation of ecosystems deprived of natural factors, such as grazing and fires. When steppe was much more extensive, fire were a positive factor. Now, however, it constitute a potential but serious threat to the reserves biodiversity because of its small size, isolation and absence of a backup of its genetic resources in Ukraine or indeed anywhere else in the world. For this reason special measures should be undertaken to prevent the reserve from uncontrolled fire. Carefully controlled burning, however, may be a useful tool for destroying certain degraded patches of vegetation.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC EVALUATION
Aesthetic, cultural and historic value
The aesthetic value of "Khomutovski Steppe" is extremely great. Its landscapes are of beauty at any time of the year. The reserve has long been a source of inspiration for poets and painters, and has been featured in several films. Many beautiful flowering plants are found in the reserve, among them Paeonia teniufolia, Crocus reticulatus Steven ex Adams, Tulipa schrenkii Regel, Crambe tatarica Sebeok, Iris pumila L., Hyacinthella pallasiana (Steven) Losinsk., Amygdalus nana, a number of Stipa L. and Centaurea L. species, and many others. There are many attractive birds and insects in the reserve. The nighttime noise of crickets is unforgettable.
Ukraine's steppe cradled many Indo-European nations and forms an important component of the nation's psyche. Archaeological find in the reserve have revealed that the area was peopled thousands of years ago. The reserve has several Scythian burial mounds (so-called "kurgans"), and stone statues (also known as "stone images") from the Scythian and Polovets cultures. Steppe was an important natural and geographical factor in development of Ukraine's nomadic stock-raising and agricultural ancestors. The wide open spaces of the steppe were places where traditional trades and crafts were established, where cultural traditions and habits evolved, and where the nation's world view was formed. All this has contributed to the Ukraine's heritage and has become a part of the civilized world's achievements.
The possibility to commune with steppe in its natural state, the aesthetic values of its landscape, the diverse appearance of its physical and geographical environment: all of these are true values which place "Khomutovski Steppe" in a unique position. The reserve is closely related to issues of cultural wealth and history, reflected in folklore and songs (the "thoughts" of the three brothers escaping from Azov and Turkish imprisonment is a famous example in folklore, known to every Ukrainian). Steppe is uniquely and exclusively associated with the free life of the Zaporozhski Cossacks. No civilized person would want to see the steppe's unique nature, which gave rise to all of this, disappear forever. The inspiration it provides creates a force driving preservation of the few ramaining intact areas steppe, rescuing it from degradation and saving its remaining treasures.
Economic resources
Ukrainian legislation prohibits large-scale economic use (agriculture, mining etc.) within protected areas. The primary goal of the Khomutovski Steppe Nature Reserve is to preserve rare steppe ecosystems and accumulate scientific knowledge about processes taking place in the reserve. The reserve cannot therefore be viewed as an economic resource. To maintain steppe ecosystems correctly, however, some interference is necessary (for instance mowing and grazing). The reserve may therefore generate a certain amount of income resulting from implementation of management measures.
Hay. The reserve's protection régime makes provision for an annual mowing of 250-350 ha of grassland. This produces 250-500 tons of high-quality hay, depending on the size of that year's mowed area and on weather conditions.
Animals. Undoubtedly the best way to stabilize steppe plant communities is to graze them with horses. On an area of 700 ha (outside of the zone of "absolute non-intervention") has the potential to support 50 horses at a grazing pressure of 1 animal per 14 ha. Any horses maintained in this way will reduce levels of mowing and subsequent income from hay.
Dung. A by-produce of horses is dung, easily accumulated especially during winter. This is a valuable organic fertilizer and an important component of compost for growing mushrooms, giving it, perhaps, some economic value.
Caragana frutex as a raw material for producing certain local goods. The reserve has a continuous rolling programme for clearing Caragana frutex shrubs. This provides a supply of materials suitable for making brooms, which are traditionally produced in rural areas of Ukraine. Horse grazing may exclude this resource or considerably reduce it.
Phytogenetic resources. Within the reserve are many rare steppe plant species. Some (for instance Paeonia tenuifolia, species of Stipa L. etc.) produce considerables amount of seeds. A portion of these seeds, as well as seeds from other suitable plant species, are potentially an important genetic resource for restoring steppe elsewhere. If steppe restoration is taken seriously in future, the "Khomutovski Steppe" would be of international significance.
Visits by the public. Because only a handful of typical steppe sites remain, the Khomutovski Steppe Nature Reserve is of great interest to people interested in the natural world. At present, up to 70 excursions are made in the reserve annually (a total of about 600-800 visitors). This figure could be raised without inflicting damage to the reserve to 100 excursions (1,000-1,600 visitors) per year. The potential of the reserve to make money from visitors is low due to national law limiting access to the site. Visitors can therefore not be relied upon to produce a regular source of income for the reserve, although even that limited potential has been insufficiently exploited.
Scientific and educational significance. Most of the area of the reserve is closed to visitors. At the reserve headquarters, however, there is a small museum of natural history and, nearby, a nature trail, open to 16 visitors per day. This number could be increased without causing damage to the reserve. Apart from the museum, the reserve has no other premises in which to receive the public. Most experience of the reserve provided to the public therefore takes place outdoors. The reserve recognizes a need to reach the public (through TV and radio programmes, special publications, CDs etc.) and to provide more information about the reserve. At present, however, the reserve has no money for this. The reserve is an excellent place for students and post-graduates to do their work. Photo- and video material may also be generated here for educational purposes.
Scientific significance. The scientific significance of "Khomutovski Steppe" may be summarized as follows.
| 1.
|
The reserve is a significant remnant of virgin steppe. In the past it has suffered from considerable inappropriate management (neglect, incorrect grazing). Since attaining protected status, it has been the object of thorough study of processes involving self-regulation and restoration of steppe, and has also functioned in part as a testing site for gaining experience in management of steppe.
|
| 2.
|
The reserve functions as a field station for many expeditions and for permanent studies conducted by an array of scientists, particularly botanists, mycologists, soil scientists and zoologists. An enormous amount of information has been gathered in the reserve's records ("Chronicles of Nature") compiled by reserve staff. Some has also been published in numerous scientific papers.
|
| 3.
|
Methods tested in the reserve, principally those concerning geobotany, are applied in other steppe reserves and may be used in scientific design of new protected areas. Experience gained by both the reserve staff and scientists in the field of using horses to graze and manage ecosystems may be applied in management plans for other steppe and forest-steppe protected areas.
|
PROBLEMS IN MANAGING THE RESERVE
The problem of present day steppe phytosystems
Steppe as a vegetation type developed under the influence of specific climatic conditions linked principally with location, and by interaction between the carbonate bedrock and steppe biota consisting of an array of animals, fungi and plants. One permanent and extremely important component of steppe biota was ungulates (Alekhin, 1934; Reimers, 1978; Osychniuk, 1979).
The stability of any ecosystem greatly depends on integrity of its components and on how they are balanced. The complexity of natural steppe is so great that many factors and interrelationships are still neither known nor understood, making them in practice impossible to control. The general picture is, however, clear. A régime of "absolute non-intervention" initially favours recovery of impacted sites but, if grazing animals are absent, development eventually leads beyond recovery to different problems: loss of steppe, evolution to meadow and eventually scrub encroachment. In the case of "Khomutovski Steppe", establishment of a zone of "absolute non-intervention" led to cardinal changes: first of all a greater presence of rhizome grasses, particularly Poa angustifolia L. and Bromopsis inermis (Leyss.) Holub., then strong growth of Caragana frutex and Elytrigia repens (Gryn, 1956). The spread of rhizome grasses was particularly noticeable in the zone of "absolute non-intervention". This marked the start of a radical transformation of the steppe into some kind of meadow. Indicators of this process (Osychniuk, 1966) included: fewer colours in the vegetation; decline in herb-bunch grass ecosystem components as they were replaced by meadow-steppe species; decreasing abundance of ephemerous and ephemeroid species. On most plots occupied by fescue-feather grass plant communities, loss of the silvery feather grass aspect was noticeable. Areas occupied by these communities became smaller, while wheat grass and related communities quickly spread.
This kind of transformation is not a matter of chance, but is a general reflection of what happens to steppe under a régime of "absolute non-intervention". Long-term research (Bilyk & Tkachenko, 1971) demonstrated that when human interference (and hence grazing) stops, the steppe vegetation restores itself to native assemblages centred around Festuca valesiaca + Stipa lessingiana + herbs (Medicago romanica, Inula germanica, Salvia nutans etc.). Further accummulation of dead material results in directional change: association Festuca valesiaca + Poa angustifolia + herbs à a association Poa angustifolia + herbs à a association Poa angustifolia + Elytrigia trichophora
à a association Poa angustifolia + Bromopsis inermis à a association Poa angustifolia + Elytrigia repens à a association Elytrigietum repentis purum à
a association Caragana frutex + Bromopsis inermis.
Non-interference in processes of steppe transformation (and the consequent absence of the key factor of grazing) eventually leads to loss of the "typical" bunch grass plant communities for which protection was established in the first place. This loss is accompanied by sharply worsening conditions for populations of many rare steppe plant, including those listed in the Ukrainian Red Data Book (1996). As a result of these transformations, the main dominants of "Khomutovski Steppe" (Stipa lessingiana Trin. & Rupr., S. capillata L. and Festuca valesiaca Gaudin), which provide the special dry-land character of this variant of herb-fescue-feather grass steppe (Kleopov, 1933; Lavrenko & Dokhman, 1933) have today in much of the reserve become secondary components of other communities. Many northern steppe and forest-steppe plants have taken their place, becoming common in all parts of the micro- and mesorelief. In the zone of "absolute non-intervention" (the so-called "absolutely protected" plot) of the reserve, new plant communities have started to develop (Tkachenko et al., 1998).
Developments in the valley of the Gruzkiy Yelanchyk river and on its slopes have been particularly unfavourable with the loss of rare plant species listed in the Ukrainian Red Data Book (1996) (Crocus reticulatus, Genista scythica, Tulipa ophiophylla Klokov & Zoz, etc.). In other places mesophytous vegetation is replacing bunch grasses (Festuca L. and Stipa L. species) and steppe herbs (various species of Salvia L., Crambe L., Centaurea L., Coronilla L., Thymus L., Medicago L., Onobrychis Mill., and many others). Ephemeroids have almost vanished, with rhizome grasses (species of Elytrigia Desv., Poa L., Bromopsis (Dumort) Four., Calamagrostis Adans, etc.) rapidly taking their place. Mesophytous herbs with long rhizomes and, of course, shrubs are expanding (Osychniuk, 1973; Didukh et al., 1998; Tkachenko, 1984;Tkachenko, 1992; Tkachenko et al., 1998). Between 1983 and 1989 the average annual rate of shrub expansion increased from 0.136 to 1.183 ha/year.
Today, therefore, if the ecosystems for which the reserve was set up are to be preserved, human intervention is required. "Khomutovski Steppe" in this respect is no exception. Mowing and active removal of shrubs (to stabilize plant communities, impede change, and protect the characteristic soil and scenery) are currently maintaining these special steppe ecosystems (but only outside the "absolutely protected" plot). However, such human interference in processes taking place within the reserve is not optimal because it is a poor and artificial imitation of natural factors that operated on steppe for thousands of years. An important reason for the present plan is to reorganize reserve management to minimize man's negative impact and re-instate a powerful natural steppe-forming factor: grazing by ungulates.
Problems related to the current system of reserve protection
Ukrainian law requires nature reserves to have "projects for organization of their territory" developed by specialized project design organizations and approved by the Ministry for Ecology and Resources of Ukraine. Such projects cannot predict all natural and semi-natural changes occurring in the reserves and consequently cannot prescribe adequate measures for coping with them. In emergencies requiring measures not covered by these "projects", the reserve needs to make amendments. In practice, however, this is very difficult. Getting permission from the Ministry may also be a long drawn out process. Establishment of an area of the Khomutovski Steppe Nature Reserve for urgently needed trials in controlled grazing is therefore likely to be problematic. The question of controlled fires to clear degraded plots may also be difficult.
Another problem concerns the zone of "absolute non-intervention" that occupies today some 261 ha, or about one fourth of the reserve. Pseudo-natural processes taking place there are leading to considerable changes in the plant communities by depleting and simplifying them. "Typical" steppe is characterized by dominance of bunch grasses and an array of herb species. Its stability can only be maintained by the permanent influence of a moderate degree of exploitation (grazing, mowing, occasional burning). This is being replaced by a new assemblage which includes steppe, meadow-steppe, shrub and forest meadow components but which does not constitute the "typical" condition of steppe which the reserve was set up to protect in the first place.
There is a danger that developments in the zone of "absolute non-intervention" may be irreversible. If so, that plot, which comprised the finest part of the steppe and which formerly set a standard, may be lost forever. From being a standard of pre-agricultural steppe, it is becoming an experimental plot demonstrating what happens to steppe when vital factors (grazing, mowing and burning) are excluded, providing doubtless valuable scientific information about destruction of steppe. The current system of protection in the reserve, where 25% of its area is occupied by a zone of "absolute non-intervention", is thus in fact in contradiction of the law of Ukraine "On Protection of the Natural Environment", particularly article 15.
There is therefore an urgent need to recognize that on the Khomutovski Steppe Nature Reserve "absolute non-intervention" does not mean "absolute protection", and to review the area of "absolute non-intervention", reducing it and making room for the active management proposed in this plan. As things currently stand, active management to conserve the reserve's ecological treasures can be accomplished only outside the "absolutely protected plot". Despite the reserve's financial difficulties, controlled grazing should be introduced where already permissible as soon as possible.
Possible resource problems in implementing management plan
The reserve is currently under-funded and cannot even maintain the existing infrastructure, not to mention any further development. This plan for grazing necessitates four new members of staff (a watchman and three herdsmen) and, consequently, additional funding. An estimate of how much would be needed to implement this measure, and possible sources of funding can be found in Plans for Attaining the Reserve's Objectives.