In the second half of 2013 (August, October) monitoring activities were continued on the territory of the Psehako mountain ski complex.

At the end of February-early March of 2013 the annual winter recording of wild animals was organized, with the results pointing to a general reduction in the populations of the roofed and some predatory animals in the Adler rayon and, in particular, in the area of the Psehako mountain ski complex.

This negative dynamics in the mammals populations on this area is primarily caused by the destruction of forest biotopes. As a result of clear cutting of the forest-forming species and destruction of the undergrowth and understory the territory suitable for living of some species was reduced, the migratory paths were disturbed and food resources decreased. All this had a negative impact on major biological processes in large and medium mammals and led to their movement to more suitable neighboring territories.

Wild boar - Sus scrofa attila

The observed low population of wild boar in the Adler rayon, and in particular in the area of the Psehako mountain ski complex is still associated with to the past outbreak of African swine fever. By the winter track recording data the average population density is 0.6 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Maral – Cervus elaphus maral

During the survey footprints of maral were identified near the mountain ski complex. Generally, the population of this animal in the Adler rayon, according to the winter track recording, is not more than 150 individuals, the average density being 2.8 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Roe deer - Capreolus capreolus

Roe deer is a prevalent and numerous species among the roofed animals in this area. Generally, the roe deer population is decreasing slightly in the Adler rayon and, in particular, in the vicinity of the Psehako ski complex. Based on the winter track recording, the total number of animals in the area has decreased by 20 individuals and the average population density is 3.1 animals per 1000 hectares.

Brown bear - Ursus arctos caucasicus

When the survey was conducted in the area of the Psehako ski facilities, no signs and vestiges of brown bear were detected on the ski complex territory or in its immediate vicinity.

Wolf - Canis lupus

Wolf vestiges are observed frequently, both in the vicinity and on the territory of the ski complex, which is explained by high motor activity and ecological flexibility of this predator. During the survey footprints of a couple of wolves were detected in the neighborhood of the ski complex. Based on the winter track recording, the average population density is 0.3 animals per 1000 hectares.

Jackal - Canis aureus Linnaeus

Jackal’s vestiges occur ubiquitously in the immediate vicinity of the Psehako ski infrastructure. By the winter track recording data, the total jackal population in the Adler rayon is about 60 individuals, and the average density is 1 animal per 1000 hectares.

Fox - Vulpes vulpes caucasicus

The total number of foxes in the area does not change. Based on the winter track recording the average density is not more than 1 individual per 1000 hectares.

Raccoon - Procyon lotor

By the winter track recording the total number of raccoons in the Adler rayon is no more than 50-60 animals, the average density being 1.1 individual per 1000 ha. However, considering the raccoon biological features (dormancy), some of the animals may be unaccounted.

Badger - Meles meles

Badger is not abundant on this area and seems to occur primarily in the forest belt. Due to the biological features of badger (dormancy) the average population density is not possible to determine by the winter track recording method.

Marten (Common marten - Martes martes, Rock marten - Martes foina).

Marten’s vestiges can be found ubiquitously on the ski complex territory and beyond. By the winter track recording data the total number of martens in the Adler area is about 100 animals and the average density is up to 2 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Caucasian wild cat - Felis silvestris caucasica

By the winter track recording data the total population of wild cat in the Adler area and in the vicinity of Psehako ski complex has not changed much. The average density of the population is 1.7 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Caucasian otter - Lutra lutra meridionalis

Caucasian otter, being a rare species, can be encountered mainly on the floodplain of the river Mzymta.

With the development of the territory, reduction and degradation of theriofauna biotopes is noted leading to a decrease in the populations of some mammal species and even extinction of some species (brown bear).

In the first half of 2013 (early June) monitoring activities were conducted on the territory of the Psehako mountain ski complex.

Also, in February-early March the annual winter recording of wild animals was organized the results of which show a general reduction in the populations of the roofed and some predatory animals in the Adler rayon and in particular in the area of the Psehako mountain ski complex.

This negative dynamics in the mammals populations in this area is primarily caused by the destruction of forest biotopes. As a result of clear cutting of the forest-forming species and destruction of the undergrowth and understory the territory suitable for living of some species was reduced, the migratory paths were disturbed and food resources decreased. All this had a negative impact on major biological processes in large and medium mammals and led to their movement to more suitable neighboring territories.

Wild boar - Sus scrofa attila Tomas, 1912

The observed low population of wild boar in the Adler rayon, and in particular in the area of the Psehako mountain ski complex is most likely due to the past outbreak of African swine fever. By the winter track recording data the average population density is 0.6 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Maral – Cervus elaphus maral

During the survey no signs and vestiges of maral were identified near the mountain ski complex and on its territory. According to the winter track recording, the population of this animal in the Adler rayon is not more than 150 individuals, the average density being 2.8 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Roe deer - Capreolus capreolus Lin., 1758

Roe deer is a common and quite numerous species among the roofed animals in this area. Generally, the roe deer population is decreasing slightly in the Adler rayon and, in particular, in the vicinity of the Psehako ski complex. Based on the winter track recording, the total number of animals in the area has decreased by 20 individuals and the average population density is 3.1 animals per 1000 hectares.

Brown bear - Ursus arctos caucasicus, Smirnov, 1916

When the survey was conducted in the area of the Psehako ski facilities, no signs and vestiges of brown bear were detected on the ski complex territory or in its immediate vicinity.

Wolf - Canis lupus Lin., 1758

Wolf vestiges are observed frequently, both in the vicinity and on the territory of the ski complex, which is explained by high motor activity and ecological flexibility of this predator. Based on the winter track recording, the average population density is 0.3 animals per 1000 hectares.

Jackal - Canis aureus Lin., 1758

Jackal’s vestiges occur in the immediate vicinity of the Psehako ski infrastructure. By the winter track recording data, the total jackal population in the Adler rayon is about 60 individuals, and the average density is 1 animal per 1000 hectares.

Fox - Vulpes vulpes caucasicus Dinnik, 1914

The total number of foxes in the area did not change. Based on the winter track recording the average density is not more than 1 individual per 1000 hectares.

Raccoon - Procyon lotor Lin., 1758

By the winter track recording the total number of raccoons in the Adler rayon is no more than 50-60 animals, the average density being 1.1 individual per 1000 ha. However, considering the raccoon biological features (dormancy), some of the animals may be unaccounted.

Badger - Meles meles Lin., 1758

Due to the biological features of badger (dormancy) the average population density cannot be determined by the winter track recording technique for this animal.

Marten (Common marten - Martes martes Lin.,1758, Rock marten - Martes foina Exleben, 1777)

Marten’s vestiges can be found everywhere on the ski complex territory and beyond. By the winter track recording data the total number of martens in the Adler area is about 100 animals and the average density is up to 2 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Caucasian wild cat - Felis silvestris caucasica

By the winter track recording data the total population of wild cat in the Adler area and in the vicinity of Psehako ski complex has not changed much and is equal to 68 individuals. The average density of the population is 1.7 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Caucasian otter - Lutra lutra meridionalis Ognev, 1931

Caucasian otter, being a rare species, can be encountered mainly on the floodplain of the river Mzymta.

With the development of the territory, reduction and degradation of theriofauna biotopes is noted leading to a decrease in the populations of some mammal species. For further assessment of the impact of the territory development on the state of the populations of large and medium-sized mammals long-term monitoring is required.

In spring-winter 2012 ecological monitoring was carried out in the area of the Psehako mountain skiing facilities. Coordination of the integrated ecological monitoring is the responsibility of Sochi national park.

At the end of march 2012 annual winter census of wild animals was performed, its results showing an overall decrease in the populations of the roofed and some predatory animals in the Adler rayon and in particular in the area of the Psehako mountain skiing complex.

This negative dynamics in the mammals populations in this area was primarily caused by destruction of forest biotopes. A s a result of clear cutting of forest-forming species and destruction of undergrowth and understory the valuable habitat stations of forest animals decreased in number. The disturbance of the migratory paths and communication areas established over centuries (fawning grounds, rutting pits, marking trees, temporary refuges, dens) had a negative impact on major biological processes in large and medium mammals and as a result their movement to more suitable neighboring territories.

Wild boar - Sus scrofa attila Tomas, 1912

As of today, the population of wild boar in the Sochi National Park (SNP) is at a critically low level. By the winter track recording of 2012 the total population was 65 animals, of which 30 individuals were censured in the Adler rayon., where the average density was 0.6 individuals per 1000 hectares. Yet, not that long ago, in the early 2009, the population of wild boars in the park was more than 2000 animals. A sharp decrease in the population is explained by the outbreak of African swine fever at the end of 2009 and by migration of surviving animals to adjacent territories (Tuapse and Apsheron rayons).

Caucasus red deer – Cervus elaphus maral Ogil

Among all roofed animals on the territory under development the red deer is the most vulnerable species due to its biological features. During the survey signs and vestiges of red deer were not identified near the mountain ski complex and on its territory. According to the winter track recording the population of this animal in the Adler rayon decreased from 200 to 140 individuals, as compared to the last year, the average density being 2.8 animals per 1000 hectares. Most likely, the animals redistribute over the park territory due to increasing anthropogenic impacts in this area.

Roe deer - Capreolus capreolus Lin., 1758

Roe deer is a common and numerous species among the roofed animals in this area. Generally, the roe deer population is decreasing in the Adler rayon and in particular in the vicinity of the Psehako ski complex. Based on the winter track recording, the total number of the animals in the area has decreased by 100 individuals and the average density is 3.2 animals per 1000 hectares.

Brown bear - Ursus arctos caucasicus, Smirnov, 1916

When the survey was conducted in the area of the mountain ski facilities no signs and vestiges of brown bear were detected. On the developed territory brown bear remains to be the most vulnerable species. The sides of the Psehako range have always been transit routes for part of the population migrating from the Caucasus to the Mzymta river valley. Development of this area has resulted in displacement of bears and, as a consequence, disruption of their biological seasonal rhythms.

Wolf - Canis lupus Lin., 1758

Wolf vestiges are observed frequently, both in the vicinity and on the territory of the ski facilities which is explained by high motor activity and ecological flexibility of this predator. Based on the winter track recording the overall population of wolf in the Adler area is not more than 15 animals, the average density being 0.3 animals per 1000 hectares.

Jackal - Canis aureus Lin., 1758

Jackal is the most abundant predator among the dog family in the Sochi National Park. Its vestiges occur in the immediate vicinity of the mountain ski infrastructure. Continuing development of the territory lead to emerging unauthorized dumping sites where jackals find food. By the winter track recording data, the total jackal population in the Adler area is 50 individuals, the average density being 1.1 animals per 1000 hectares. However, the obtained data may not be reflecting adequately the species population dynamics, as the tracks recorded during the survey lie in the depth of the SNP, while the highest concentration of this predator occurs on the park borders near settlements.

Fox - Vulpes vulpes caucasicus Dinnik, 1914

Being a common species in SNP, fox occurs throughout the territory of SNP. The total number of foxes based on the winter track recording, in the Adler area is 54 individuals and has not changed significantly as compared to the past years.

Raccoon - Procyon lotor Lin., 1758

By the winter track recording the total number of raccoons in the Adler area is no more than 50 animals, the average density being 1.1 individual per 1000 ha. However, considering the raccoon biological features (dormancy), some of the animals probably remained unaccounted.

Badger - Meles meles Lin., 1758

Being a scarce species, badger is likely to occur primarily in the forest belt of this region. The total number in SNP is predicted to be as many as 200 individuals. In the park badges start hibernating in January, or may stay awake throughout the winter in case of warm winter with little snow.

Marten (Common marten - Martes martes Lin.,1758, Rock marten - Martes foina Exleben, 1777)

On the territory of SNP two kinds of marten occur: common and rock martens. Their vestiges can be found everywhere on the ski complex territory. By the winter track recording data the total number of martens in the Adler area is more than 90 animals.

Caucasian wild cat - Felis silvestris caucasica Satunin, 1905

Being a rare species, occurring on limited territory, the Caucasian wild cat is included in the Red Book of Russian Federation. By the winter track recording data the total population of the wild cat in the Adler area has not changed much and is equal to 68 individuals. The average density of the population is 1.7 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Caucasian otter - Lutra lutra meridionalis Ognev, 1931

Caucasian otter is included as a rare species in the Red Book of Russian Federation. It may be encountered mainly on the floodplain of the river Mzymta.

The development of the Psehako mountain resulted in the movement of large and medium-sized mammals to the Caucasian state reserve in which anthropogenic impacts are practically absent. By the end of three years, because wild animals were not man hunted in the area they got adapted to human intervention. As of today, the population of large and medium-sized mammals here is primarily dependent on their biological cycles. In addition to the biological cycles, the number of encounters of wild animals vestiges depends on monitoring frequency in the area.

It is recommended that when developing the ski complex, the migratory paths on this area be taken into account and measures be taken to ensure unobstructed passage of wild animals (no solid fences).

To study further how territory development influences the populations of large and medium-sized mammals long-term monitoring is required.

Comparison of occurrence for selected wild mammals in the area of Psehako:
1-st bar – September-December 2009, 2-nd bar – January-April 2009,
3-d bar – July-December 2010, 4-th bar – June-November 2011

The development of the Psehako mountain resulted in movement of large and medium-size mammals to the Caucasian state reserve in which anthropogenic impacts are practically absent. By the end of three years, because wild animals are not man hunted in the area they get adapted to the anthropogenic impact. As of today, the population of large and medium-size mammals here is primarily dependent on their biological cycles. In addition to the biological cycles, the number of encounters of wild animals footprints depends on the monitoring frequency in the area.

It is recommended that when developing the skiing complex, the migratory paths on this area are taken into account and measures are taken to ensure unobstructed passage of wild animals (no solid fences).

To study further how territory development influences the populations of large and medium-size mammals long-term monitoring is required.

Comparison of occurrence for selected wild mammals in the area of Psehako:
1-st bar – September-December 2009, 2-nd bar – January-April 2009, 3-d bar – July-December 2010