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Mountain Communities During A Time Of War: A Case Study Of The Hutsul Region In The Carpathian Mountains Of Ukraine, Pavlo Rybaruk

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the ethno-ecological technologies employed by the Hutsul people within the highland agrarian economy of the Carpathian Mountains. Over centuries, the Hutsuls have developed ethno-ecological technologies that maintain ecological integrity while supporting community livelihoods.

The study addresses three primary research questions: What are the most important ethno-ecological technologies of the Hutsul highland economy? How might these traditional ethno-ecological practices be applied to economic, agricultural, and tourism development in the Hutsul region? How might these traditional ethno-ecological practices be combined with contemporary approaches to encourage sustainable development in the region?

The research explores the devastating impact of the Russian …

Snake Spirits, Fishermen And Water Birds On Lake Victoria: A Case Study Of Cultural Conservation In The Musambwa Islands, Uganda, And Prospects For Tourism To Improve Local Livelihoods, Joel T. Heinen, Henry Batenda

Journal of Ecological Anthropology

Abstract.

Using a combination of site visits, document reviews, focus group and key informant surveys of fishermen, we explore the cultural beliefs, taboos and norms that protect Musambwa Islands, Uganda. The islands form part of a large protected wetland with nesting habitat for thousands of water birds and a large population of highly-venomous forest cobras that coexist in and around fishermen dwellings. There are strong taboos against cutting trees, allowing women on the island, and harming cobras. We present some of our ideas on how to improve the economic situation of fishermen through the promotion of nature-based and cultural tourism …

Living Heritage, Resilience And Ethically Informed Infrastructures In Malawi, Martha B. Lerski, Frank Puluputu Mwale

Publications and Research

Rooted in a rural community’s needs, this paper explores how historically, and ethically informed infrastructures can support community engagement towards identification, documentation, and dissemination of local, traditional, and indigenous knowledge relating to climate change. The paper examines climate adaptation and sustainability issues through the lenses of community organizing and Library & Information Science best practices. It draws on a growing body of literature identifying a role for expanded epistemological and subject discipline perspectives. While the impacts of climate on material culture are increasingly recognized, intangible, and biocultural heritage have not received as much attention. Living heritage traditions and knowledge systems …

Arts-Based Sustainability: From New York To Malawi, Martha B. Lerski

Publications and Research

Recognizing that libraries serve multiple constituencies and subject areas, this chapter documents and advocates for development of transdisciplinary arts-based research (ABR) and culture-related projects linked to environmental challenges. Libraries contribute collections and spaces, as well as the research of library and information scientists. Libraries are currently among invisible contributors to sustainability planning and services. The chapter will link this invisibility to the value of what visual arts refer to as negative space elements in subjects ranging from traditional ecological knowledge to environmental science. Library collections, projects, and research contribute to education for sustainable development (ESD) as required to achieve the …

Adaptation For Whom? Understanding The Impacts Of Dyke Policies On Small-Scale Farmers In Ca Mau Province Of Vietnam, Nguyen Minh Quang, Nguyen Van Minh, Nguyen Vo Chau Ngan, Martha B. Lerski

Publications and Research

Low-lying deltas worldwide are extremely vulnerable to sea-level rise. As the risks of climate-induced flooding become increasingly clear, the thirst for infrastructure-driven adaptation increases. This highlights a patent need to understand the impacts of engineering adaptation solutions, especially those targeting built structures such as dykes and sluices, on farmers from a bottom-up, farmer-centred perspective. The study addresses this call by examining cases where dyke policies, while successful in some dimensions, have undermined small-scale farmer livelihoods in Ca Mau ― Vietnam’s southernmost rural province. It identifies areas in need of attention and adds empirical data related to this group of farmers. …

Identifying Intangible And Biocultural Heritage Elements Toward Environmental Understanding: Engaging Stakeholders Through Art, Martha B. Lerski

Publications and Research

Grounded in a case study in Barbuda in the Caribbean, this research examines sustainability from the perspective of what arts and heritage can contribute to community engagement and local and broader understandings about the environment. This article documents a growing body of literature recognizing the role of arts and culture, including local knowledge and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), in climate change endeavors. Art and TEK present expansive world views. Contextual information situates research done on the island of Barbuda pre- and post-Hurricane Irma. Visual arts workshops engaged community members in mixed methods research. Results documented cultural elements, particularly intangible and …

New Development Plans Posing A Threat To Great Gobi A Spa And Its Ecological Integrity, Reinhard Schnidrig, Petra Kaczensky, Ganbaatar Oyunsaikhan, Baast Oyungerel, Ganbold Dovchindorj, Bolor Radnaabazar, Bayanmunkh Dashnyam, Batsukh Jamiyandorj, Usukhjargal Dorj, Bulgan Odmaa, Jens Wunderlich, Hans Dieter Knapp

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

The Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area (SPA), Mongolia's largest protected area (size: 46,333 km²) is of high national and international importance for biodiversity conservation. It is home of several critically endangered species, including the Wild Bactrian Camel, the Gobi Bear, and various other threatened and migratory large mammal species. Established in 1975 and designated as a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve in 1991, the SPA plays a vital role, both nationally and globally, in preserving wildlife and maintaining ecological integrity. Additionally, the area provides essential ecosystem services, including water and soil retention, as well as carbon sequestration. Since …

The Tachinidae (Diptera) Of Mongolia, With The Description Of Seven New Species, Theo Zeegers, André P. W. Van Eck, Gerard W. A. Pennards, Paul H. Hoekstra

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

We provide a checklist for the Tachinidae of Mongolia, based on nearly a thousand specimens collected of the last ten years and the literature. In total, we list 381 species of Tachinidae for Mongolia, of which 67 are recorded for the first time. Five of those are described as new species (Nanoplagia hertingi, Gymnophryxe breviseta, Lydella bucephala, Catharosia elongata, and Gymnoglossa rufula) as well as one from Kazakhstan (Billaea argentata) and one from Kyrgyzstan (Estheria estherae) that might occur in Mongolia as well. The fauna consists of species characteristic for …

Die Fledermausfauna In Den Nördlichen Regionen Der Mongolei (Taiga, Waldsteppe Und Galeriewälder): Eine Auswertung Von Untersuchungen Zwischen 2002 Und 2024, Beatrix Wuntke, Klaus Thiele, Dietrich Dolch

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

The bat fauna in northern Mongolia was studied on several expeditions between 2002 and 2024 using mist netting and bat recording devices. This paper presents the results of these expeditions for three habitat types (taiga, forest steppe and gallery forest). The species range was highest in the gallery forests and lowest in the forest steppe. It included several species of the genus Myotis as well as representatives of the genera Eptesicus, Vespertilio and Plecotus. The most frequently captured species were Myotis davidii, Eptesicus nilssonii and Plecotus ognevi. The genus Myotis also dominated the recordings, although species …

Verdienter Lehrer Des Volkes Professor Khorloogijn Munkhbayar (1940-2025), Khayankhyarvaa Terbisch, Ravčigijn Samjaa, Michael Stubbe, Annegret Stubbe

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

In memoriam for Khorloogijn Munkhbayar (1940-2025).

Six Decennia Of Mongolian–German Biological Co-Operation, Michael Stubbe, R Samjaa, N. Batsajchan, D. Lchagvasuren, Annegret Stubbe

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

Introduction to band 15 (2025) of Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei.

The Eastern Mongolian Steppes: Nominated To The Unesco World Heritage List, Chimed-Ochir Bazarsad, Purev-Ochir Gankhuyag, Tilman Jäger, Hans Dieter Knapp, Nika Malazonia, Bulgan Odmaa

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

Temperate grasslands are one of the major biomes of the global biosphere, but underrepresented in the global protected area network. They are complex ecosystem, which adapted in co-evolution of vegetation and migratory large herbivores in interactions with small mammals like rodents, with predatory mammals and divers birdlife, with insects and soil organisms to extreme climate conditions in continental, semi-arid regions. The original distribution covered large territories in South- America (“pampa”), in North-America (“prairie”), and in Eurasia (“steppe”).

Most of them are destroyed by conversion or degraded by overgrazing. Mongolia is the worldwide only country, where temperate grasslands survived in large …

Letter To The President Of Mongolia And The Chairman Of The State Great Khural, Michael Succow, Hans Dieter Knapp

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

Letter to the President of Mongolia and the Chairman of the State Great Khural, Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, from Michael Succow and Hans Dieter Knapp of Succow Stiftung about their opposition to the planned opening of the Naran Sevstei border crossing in the Great Gobi SPA.

How The Wwf Came To Mongolia, Hartmut Jungius, Chimed-Ochir Bazarsad, Hans Dieter Knapp

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

Three leading actors and eyewitnesses describe how WWF came to Mongolia in 1992 and supported the development and implementation of a comprehensive protected area system.

A New Species Of Pherbellia From Mongolia (Diptera, Sciomyzidae), Jonas Mortelmans

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

Pherbellia debreei spec. nov. is described based on one male. The new species is described from Mongolia. High-resolution pictures of male habitus are provided, together with details of the male terminalia to facilitate identification of the new species.

Ergänzungen Zur Vorläufigen Checkliste Der Laufkäfer (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Der Mongolei, 4: Beitrag Zur Carabidenfauna Der Mongolei = Supplements To The Preliminary Checklist Of The Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Of Mongolia, 4: Contribution To The Ground Beetle Fauna Of Mongolia, Peer Schnitter, Davaa Lkhagvasuren

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

Until now 451 species and subspecies of ground beetles were reported for Mongolia (SCHNITTER 2016). In the last years were found 15 species new for the fauna: Asaphidion cupreum ANDREWES, 1925 ; Bembidion (Melomalus) altaicum GEBLER, 1833; Bembidion (Trichoplataphus) deplanatum A. MORAWITZ, 1862; Bembidion (Plataphus) fellmanni (MANNERHEIM, 1823); Bembidion (Testediolum) kokandicum SOLSKY, 1874; Bembidion (Trichoplataphus) parconaturaviva TOLEDANO, 2010; Bembidion (Peryphus) poppii eugenes JEDLIČKA, 1933; Bembidion (Terminophanes) sjoelanderi JEDLIČKA, 1965; Bembidion (Eurytrachelus) vitiosum GEMMINGER & HAROLD, 1868; Dyschirius (Dyschiriodes) longicollis MOTSCHULSKY, 1844; Platidiolus …

Genetic Insights Into The Diversity Of Mongolian Oedipodinae: A Multi-Gene Approach, Lara-Sophie Dey, Davaa Lkhagvasuren, Martin Husemann

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

This study presents an examination of the genetic diversity of Oedipodinae, a subfamily of grasshoppers, with focus on their distribution and variation in Mongolia. Utilizing a multi-gene approach, we analyze genetic data from various Oedipodinae species from Mongolia, aiming to improve our understanding of their phylogenetic relationships. This research not only enhances our knowledge of Oedipodinae diversity in Mongolia, but also underscores the importance of genetic studies in unraveling the complexities of sequence and potentially species evolution. Despite the implementation of a multi-gene approach in this study, the results indicate a lack of clear phylogenetic differentiation within the tribes Sphingonotini …

Seasonal Variations In Vocal Frequency And Volume Of Mongolian Marmots (Marmota Sibirica Radde, 1862): Insights From Cooperative Breeding In Songinokhairkhan Mountain, Sainzorigt Munkh-Orgil, Nyamsuren Batsaikhan, Gerelt Gan-Ochir, Amarsanaa Zolzaya, Altangerel Tsogtsaikhan Dursahinhan

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

In the Songinokhairkhan Mountain region of Mongolia, we examined the vocal patterns of Mongolian marmots, Marmota sibirica (RADDE, 1862), across two seasons. The study aimed to understand how cooperative breeding, a system where certain individual marmots assist others in reproduction, influences their vocalization. Our acoustic data revealed differences in vocal frequency and volume between the post-mating period in April and May, and pup emergence time in July. Specifically, marmots vocalized more frequently during early mornings, with variations observed in call patterns and volume between the two study periods. These findings provide crucial insights into how marmots adjust their communication strategies …

New Record Of Gvosdevilepis Fragmentata (Gvosdev, 1948) (Cestoda: Hymenolepidinae) From Lepus Tolai (Lagomorpha: Leporidae) In Mongolia, Allison R. Hearty, Nyamsuren Batsaikhan, Gábor R. Rácz, Scott L. Gardner

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

Three individuals of Lepus tolai (Lagomorpha: Leporidae) were collected from southern Mongolia between 2009 and 2010 and examined for endoparasites. Gvosdevilepis fragmentata (GVOSDEV, 1948) (Cestoda: Hymenolepidinae) was identified from one male hare. Gvosdevilepis fragmentata is a known parasite of Leporidae in Europe and Asia. This is the first record of Gvosdevilepis fragmentata from Mongolia.

Legal Problems Of Mongolian Natural Plant Collection, Ts. Tselmeg, Michael Walther

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

Addressing the illegal activities contributing to the decline of rare and extremely rare natural plants in Mongolia requires a multifaceted approach that combines law enforcement, community engagement, and sustainable resource management. Various measures to improve the current unsatisfactory legal situation and to strengthen public participation and legal implementation for state organization (e.g. environmental police) are being discussed. The integration of national Mongolian laws into an international legal framework is of great importance.

A Remarkable Find Of Synneuron Annulipes Lundström, New To Mongolia (Diptera, Canthyloscelidae), Elias De Bree

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

The discovery of Synneuron annulipes Lundström, 1910 (Diptera, Canthyloscelidae) at Tsenkher, Mongolia, the southernmost record of the species in the Palaearctic and 4,000 km eastwards from its closest observation is a species and family new for the fauna of Mongolia.

Weather And Climate In Ulaanbaatar (Central Mongolia) Between 1980 And 2024, Michael Walther

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

In a 40-year comparison, 2024 was not a record temperature year as stated for Central Europe (Tagesschau 2024). It was 0.5°C warmer than the 40-year average. While winter temperatures were slightly colder, summer temperatures were significantly warmer. The number of days with extreme coldness (< -25°C) increased, while the number of days with temperatures warmer than -25°C decreased. Precipitation was again very high in 2024 and was many times higher than in the years 1981-2021. Extreme rainfall events in particular increased in 2023 and 2024.

Precipitation of more than 30 mm fell in 24 hours, which led to catastrophic economic damage. Precipitation has risen continuously since 2021. Between 1995 and 2011, very negative forecasts for the drinking water supply were made during a period of prolonged negative water precipitation.

The reasons for the extremely sharp increase in precipitation are a …

New Records Of Limoniidae And Pediciidae (Diptera: Tipuloidea) From Mongolia, Micha D'Oliveira, André Van Eck

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

Limoniidae and Pediciidae (Diptera: Tipuloidea), collected during entomological expeditions in Mongolia between 2014 and 2023 are presented. The result, to this date, is a list of 42 species. Some taxa require further examination, six others are published for the Mongolian fauna for the first time. Sampled habitat types are shown and remarks are added to a selection of species.

Physico-Geographical Factors Affecting The Characteristics Of Vegetation Zones In Mongolia And Surrounding Northern Central Asia, Michael Klinge, Tungalag Munkhzul, Davaadorj Saindovdon, Uudus Bayarsaikhan, Choimaa Dulamsuren

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

Due to its location in Central Asia, Mongolia's vegetation zones are predominantly influenced by three climatic factors. At first, there is a latitudinal zoning from the cold and humid North to the arid South, corresponding to a transition from the Siberian taiga along the forest steppe and steppe landscapes to the deserts of the Gobi. This sequence is then modified by altitudinal zoning in the mountain ranges (Altai, Khangai, Khentei, Gobi Altai), with mountain steppes, mountain forests and nival vegetation gradually occurring. Finally, the mountain ranges, especially the Altai and Sayan Mountains, cause the Central Asian dry belt to extend …

First Results Of Research On Restoration Of Garlic Onion (Allium Obliquum L.) By Seeds And Bulbs, Ulikpan Beket, M. Jukan, C. Caken, S. Talgat, M. Ergalim

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

Allium obliquum L. is a subendemic endangerd plant species distributed in parts of the Bayan-Ulgii aimag in the Northwest of Mongolia. The plant with its bulbs and seeds was harvested by local people over the centuries and so it is very rare today. To protect this species and to organize a sensible and careful use by men a pilot project of cultivating in a research plot was started in 2024 with support of WWF Mongolia, NGOs, local administrations and schools. The education of children for a better understanding of their natural environment is one of the main goals of this …

New Data On The Lagomorphs From The Zaysan Basin (Eastern Kazakhstan), Margarita A. Erbajeva, Robert Emry, Alisa J. Winkler, Spencer G. Lucas, L. A. Tyutkova

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

Middle Eocene through Late Miocene lagomorphs are reported from more than 40 localities of the Zaysan Basin, Kazakhstan. The lagomorph fauna includes 21 taxa of 12 genera. Eight genera are central Asian endemics, two genera are European forms, and one genus (Alloptox) has a Eurasian distribution. These data allow correlation of the lagomorph faunas of the Zaysan Basin with contemporaneous faunas of Mongolia, Northern China and some European regions.

The Current Status Of The Red Deer (Cervus Elaphus Sibiricus) Population In Mongolia, R. Samiya, Davaa Lkhagvasuren, S. Shar, D. Usukhjargal, N. Battogtokh, N. Tseveenmyadag, E. Magsarjav

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

One of the most commonly portrayed animals in the petroglyphs, rock carvings, and cave paintings found throughout Mongolia's vast steppes is the red deer. It’s population in Mongolia declined precipitously in the early years of the 20th century. For the first time, a nationwide comprehensive census of the red deer population was conducted, covering all known habitats across Mongolia. A combination of methods was employed to estimate population size, including line transect surveys, point counts, rutting call responses, and the recording of indirect signs such as tracks and scat pellets. Using habitat suitability modeling on a province-by-province basis, the distribution …

First Record Of Pseudangularia Europaea Georgiev And Murai, 1993 (Cestoda: Dilepididae) From The Pacific Swift, Apus Pacificus Latham, 1801 (Aves: Apodidae) In Mongolia, Allison R. Hearty, Gábor R. Rácz, Nyamsuren Batsaikhan, Scott L. Gardner

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

Pseudangularia europaea GEORGIEV AND MURAI, 1993 (Cestoda: Dilepididae), is reported for the first time from the Pacific swift, Apus pacificus LATHAM, 1801 (Aves: Apodidae), from Mongolia. A single individual of Apus pacificus and ten individuals of the common swift, Apus apus LINNAEUS, 1758 (Aves: Apodidae) were collected, examined, and found to be infected with Pseudangularia europaea. Three additional species of helminths were identified from Apus apus, including: Notopentorchis vesiculigera (KRABBE, 1882) (Cestoda: Paruterinidae), Brachydistomum olssoni (RAILLIET, 1900) (Trematoda: Dicrocoelidae), and Plagiorchis maculosus (RUDOLPHI, 1802) (Trematoda: Plagiorchiidae). This paper rectifies the lack of available data on swifts in Mongolia …

Dichotomous Key For The Identification Of Bat Species In Mongolia, Dietrich Dolch

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

Research into the Mongolian bat fauna is not complete yet. The discovery of further species is to be expected. Probably these species have already been identified in neighboring areas. The more detailed study of the species described until now will lead to the identification of further cryptic species. The dichotomous identification key presented here is intended to simplify the recognition of the currently in Mongolia known twenty bat species from seven genera.

Zusammenfassung

Die Erforschung der mongolischen Fledermausfauna ist nicht abgeschlossen. Mit der Entdeckung weiterer Arten, die in angrenzenden Gebieten schon nachgewiesen werden konnten, ist zu rechnen. Die genauere Untersuchung …

Bat Ectoparasites Of Mongolia, Part 4, Ingo Scheffler, Dietrich Dolch, Klaus Thiele, Dalannast Munkhnast, Jargalsaikhan Ariunbold, I. Bolorchimeg, B. Gärtner

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

The field excursions of 2019 and 2023 provided new data on ectoparasites of 14 bat species from different habitats of the taiga, steppes and deserts. A total of 27 species of ectoparasites were found on these bats, whose abundances and host preferences are described. This results in genus- and species-specific combinations of the ectoparasites present on the respective host species. The infestation with ectoparasites (P-load) differs considerably between bat species. Within a species, the infestation is much more dependent on the parasite load of the respective maternity roost than on factors such as sex, age or body constitution.