The Year of Ecology has officially started at ASU

The university has developed a number of events dedicated to the Year of Ecology. Thus, two scientific conferences will be held at ASU. One of the conferences will touch upon the role of Altai Krai in the ecology of Russia, another one will bring up the issue of green ecosystems, which reduce negative impact on the urban environment. Throughout the year Altai State University will take an active part in various youth scientific and educational forums, schools, campaigns, competitions and exhibitions dedicated to ecological matters.

Officially the Year of Ecology at Altai State University has started with the presentation of Altai Krai Red Book, where rare and endangered plant, animal and fungal species are listed. It was mostly created by the scientists of Altai State University with the support of Novosibirsk State University, Moscow Pedagogical University, Omsk State Pedagogical University, Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals of SB RAS, Botanical Institute of RAS, Central Siberian Botanic Garden of SB RAS and so on. Moreover, teachers of biology and geography of Altai schools and representatives of different ecological organizations participated in collecting and spreading the data on protected animal, plant and fungal species.

Altai Krai Red Book consists of two volumes. The first one comprises 202 plant and fungal species needing special protection, including mosses, lichens, fungi, ferns and flowerings. The second one contains description of 164 endangered animal species, including 46 invertebrate species and 118 vertebrate species. Every article within a book contains species description, distribution area, population, ecology, threats and measures required for their preservation. The book also includes distribution maps and color photographs for the majority of species.

“Altai Krai Red Book presented by Altai State University comprises 88 taxonomic units out of 4,000 inhabiting our nature reserve according to the inventory. These are plants, animals, lichens and fungi. In the course of flora and fauna research within the territory of the reserve, scientists found some singular samples of animals and plants, which were included into the new edition of the Red Book,” stated Director of Tigireksky Nature Reserve Pavel V. Golyakov. “We have been cooperating with Altai State University for a long time already. What is more, ASU scientists participated in organization of the reserve itself. 15 out of 20 employees in our reserve are ASU graduates.”

Currently, Altai Krai Red Book exists in electronic form. The paperback edition will be issued later this year.