In the first half of 2013 (May-June) monitoring activities were conducted on the area of the JSC Krasnaya Polyana ski complex (ski jumps К-125, К-95, sports and tourist complex Gornaya Karusel).
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 Krasnaya Polyana ski complex.
As before, the negative dynamics in the mammals populations in this area is primarily caused by continuing development of the area. As a result of destruction of forest biotopes, the territory suitable for living of some species of theriofauna was reduced, their 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
Complex of ski jumps (К-125, К-95)
Wild boar - Sus scrofa attila Tomas, 1912
The observed low population of wild boar in the Adler rayon as a whole, and in particular in the area of the Krasnaya Ployana 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 Ogilby, 1840
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 JSC Krasnaya Ployana 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 JSC Krasnaya Ployana ski facilities, no signs and vestiges of brown bear were detected on the ski complex territory. When those working on the construction site were interviewed they said that saw footprints of a large bear at the end of February near the unpaved road.
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 in the Adler rayon is 0.3 animals per 1000 hectares.
Jackal - Canis aureus Lin., 1758
Jackal's vestiges occur frequently in the immediate vicinity of the Krasnaya Polyana ski complex infrastructure. Being a true synanthrope, this predator can get adjusted to an increasing anthropogenic burden on this area. By the winter track recording data, the total jackal population in the Adler rayon is about 60 individuals, and the average density is 1.1 individual per 1000 hectares .
Fox - Vulpes vulpes caucasicus Dinnik, 1914
The total number of foxes in the area did not change noticeably. Based on the winter track recording, the average density was not 1.1 individual per 1000 hectares.
Raccoon - Procyon lotor Lin., 1758
By the winter track recording, the total number of raccoons in the Adler rayon is not higher than 50 animals, and the average density is 1.1 individual per 1000 ha. However, considering the raccoon biological features (dormancy some of the animals may be left unaccounted.
Badger - Meles meles Lin., 1758
Badger is not abundant on the area and seems to occur primarily in the forest belt. Due to the biological features of badger (dormancy), the average population density of the species cannot be determined by the winter track recording technique.
Marten (Common marten - Martes martes Lin.,1758, Rock marten - Martes foina Exleben, 1777)
Marten is the most common species here. 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 1.7 individuals per 1000 hectares.
Caucasian wild cat - Felis silvestris caucasica Satunin, 1905
By the winter track recording data, the total population of wild cat in the Adler rayon as a whole and in the vicinity of ski complex has not changed much. 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.
Sports and tourist complex Gornaya Karusel
Wild boar - Sus scrofa attila Tomas, 1912
The observed low population of wild boar in the Adler rayon as a whole, and in particular in the area of the Krasnaya Ployana 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 Ogilby, 1840
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 JSC Krasnaya Ployana 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 3.2 animals per 1000 hectares.
Brown bear - Ursus arctos caucasicus, Smirnov, 1916
When the survey was conducted in the area of the JSC Krasnaya Ployana ski facilities, no signs and vestiges of brown bear were detected on the ski complex territory.
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. In the vicinity of the upper part of the cableway footprints of 2-3 wolves were detected. Based on the winter track recording, the average population density in the Adler rayon is 0.3 animals per 1000 hectares.
Jackal - Canis aureus Lin., 1758
Jackal's vestiges vestiges occur frequently in the immediate vicinity of the Krasnaya Polyana ski complex infrastructure.In the vicinity of the lower part of the cableway footprints of 3-4 jackals were detected. Being a true synanthrope, this predator can get adjusted to an increasing anthropogenic burden on this area. By the winter track recording data, the total jackal population in the Adler rayon is about 60 individuals, and the average density is 1.1 individual per 1000 hectares
Fox - Vulpes vulpes caucasicus Dinnik, 1914
The total number of foxes in the area did not change noticeably. Based on the winter track recording, the average density was not 1.1 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 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
Badger is not abundant on the area and seems to occur primarily in the forest belt. Due to the biological features of badger (dormancy), the average population density of the species cannot be determined by the winter track recording technique.
Marten (Common marten - Martes martes Lin.,1758, Rock marten - Martes foina Exleben, 1777)
Marten is the most common species here. 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 1.7 individuals per 1000 hectares.
Caucasian wild cat - Felis silvestris caucasica Satunin, 1905
By the winter track recording data, the total population of wild cat in the Adler rayon as a whole and in the vicinity of ski complex has not changed much. 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 the spring-winter and autumn 2012 monitoring was carried out in the area of the JSC “Krasnaya Polyana” ski facilities located on the northern slope of the Aibga mountain range. Coordination of the integrated ecological monitoring was the responsibility of Sochi National Park. Also, at the end of March 2012, annual winter track recording of wild animals was organized, its results showing a general decrease in the populations of the roofed and some predatory animals in the Adler rayon and in particular in the area of the JSC “Krasnaya Polyana” ski complex.
This negative dynamics in the mammals populations in this area was primarily caused by destruction of forest biotopes.
As 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, 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 no signs and vestiges of red deer 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 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. Given high ecological flexibility, roe deer can loive in the immediate vicinity of humans, which makes its presence potentially possible in the park aiming development of recreational activity and tourism as one of major priorities. Unfortunately the population dynamics in the reporting year is negative in the Adler rayon and in particular in the area of JSC “Krasnaya Polyana” 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 JSC “Krasnaya Polyana” ski facilities no signs and vestiges of brown bear were detected. On the developed territory brown bear remains the most vulnerable species. Development of this region has resulted in displacement of bears and, as a consequence, disruption of their biological seasonal rhythms.
Wolf - Canis lupus Lin., 1758
Wolf vestiges are detected fairly 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 total population of wolf in the Adler rayon was found to be no more than 15 animals and the average density is 0.3 individuals 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 and increasing number of tourists lead to emerging unauthorized dumping sites where jackals find food. By the winter track recording data, the total jackal population in the Adler rayon 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 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 the park. 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. The average population density is 1.2 individuals per 1000 hectares.
Raccoon - Procyon lotor Lin., 1758
By the winter track recording data the total number of raccoons in the Adler area is no more than 50 animals, the average density being 1.1 individual per 1000 hectares. 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 expected to be as many as 200 individuals. In the park the 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. By the winter track recording the total number of martens in the Adler area is more than 90 animals, the average density being 1.7 individuals per 1000 hectares.
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.
