TERRESTRIAL MOLLUSKS OF MIDDLE TAIGA (BOLSHAYA POROZHAYA RIVER BASIN,
PECHORA-ILYCH BIOSPHERE RESERVE)

Stoiko Tamara Grigor'evna, Candidate of biological sciences, professor, sub-department of zoology and ecology, Penza State University (40 Krasnaya street, Penza, Russia), tgsojko@mail.ru
Mazei Yuri Aleksandrovich, Doctor of biological sciences, professor, sub-department of zoology and ecology,
Penza State University, (40 Krasnaya street, Penza, Russia), yurimazei@mail.ru

594.3 + 591.9 + 574.472

Background. Terrestrial mollusks are the major component of terrestrial ecosystems and the important object of ecological research. The fauna of terrestrial mollusks in many regions of European Russia is still poorly studied. The aim of this study is to investigate terrestrial mollusks communities in different types of middle taiga forests in Pechora-Ilych biosphere reserve.
Materials and methods. The investigation was conducted in dark coniferous forests in the basin of Bolshaya Porozhnaya river (right tributary of Pechora river), 62º n. l. and 58º e. l. The samples were taken in four types of forests: i) abies-fir-cidar pine wood with bilberry bush and green mosses; ii) abies-fir-cidar pine wood with tall grass on the top of the hill; iii) abies-fir-cidar pine wood with tall grass near the stream; iv) aspen forest.
Results and conclusions. Fifteen species of terrestrial mollusks were identified including tree boreal psychrophilic species (Vertigo modesta, Fruticicola schrencki, Zoogenetes harpa) as well as crymophylactic species Columella columella. In coniferous forests the mollusks prefer to live in dead fallen wood. The density of animals increases with the age of fallen wood. Species richness (12 species) is equal in both coniferous and aspen forests.

terrestrial mollusks, community structure, middle taiga, Pechora-Ilych reserve, Bolshaya Porozhnaya river.

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