Long-term ecology and conservation of the Kungur forest-steppe (pre-Urals, Russia): case study Spasskaya Gora

Abstract The Kungur forest-steppe is the northernmost outpost of European forest-steppe, located in western pre-Urals within boreal climatic zone. co-existence boreal, nemoral and steppe species with relicts endemics results a high plant diversity, making it an important biodiversity hotspot. Under current climate change strong agricultural impacts, rapidly degrading. In order to develop sustainable management strategies, we studied vegetation history over last 3500 years natural reserve area Spasskaya Gora. Palynological data indicate that territory Gora was largely covered by hemiboreal forests proportion elm during late Holocene. An opening strongly correlates erosion, both indicating anthropogenic activities such as lumbering, agriculture, grazing hay making. modern Pinus Betula dominated combined large areas grasses herbs appear 300 caused human activity. support ‘anthropogenic’ hypothesis development, suggesting Pleistocene replaced Steppe elements survived on exposed rocks. recent landscapes pioneer birch poplar were formed due deforestation. With respect nature conservation, our demonstrate prohibition any at will lead loss diversity assemblages mid-term. We emphasize conservation must include disturbance factors form selective prescribed burning, moderate or traditional mowing.