Kozak O. Natural biotopes of Latorica river basin: classification, comparative analysis and assessment of change

Dissertation for the candidate of biological sciences in speciality 03.00.16 - ecology. - State Ecological Academy of Postgraduate Education and Management of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine, Kyiv, 2016. The thesis is devoted to classification, assessment and comparative analysis of different biotopes types of Latirica river basin. The complex classification and assessment of diversity of biotopes of Latorica river basin was conducted based on EUNIS classification in accordance with other classifications, their characteristics, distribution and conservation value, and comparison on the bases of ecological indicator value was given. The 57 types of biotopes were described. The biotopes distribution along altitude gradient and their amplitudes was established. The most powerful man-made factors affecting the biotopes structure in Latorica river basin is cutting, fire, recreation, ruderalization, grazing, which are threats to the existence of natural ecosystems. The scheme of succession stages and types of habitat degradation was developed, their quantitative ecological indicators were calculated, their floristic and structural changes was analyzed. The ecological niche of invasive species was estimated. The niche of invasive species is overlap by leading ecological factors (81%). The assessment of stability and risks of loss of different types of ecosystems was conducted, their environmental significance was reviewed. It was established that 28 of the 57 biotopes types (?50%) are need protection, which indicate the high sozological value of the region.