Structural organization and ecology of birds of the High-Mountinous Dagestan

This paper analyzes the data of bird counts conducted in 1998–2021 province High-Mountainous Dagestan. For first time, information was obtained on modern average abundance birds, their conservation status, residence species and faunistic composition. Of 117 recorded High-Mountain Dagestan, European, widespread, Mediterranean Tibetan representatives faunal complexes dominate its humid northwestern central parts, which is due to prevalence forests shrubby subalpine meadows with large-scale rocky outcrops. In southeastern, more aridized treeless part highlands, where alpine local rock inclusions dominate, Mongolian types fauna are already taking leading positions. Studies have shown that mountains a blurred altitudinal-belt gradient associated inversion vegetation belts, avifauna subdivided not according altitudinal differences, but habitats corresponding ecological communities. Using original classification, structure study area determined, including 11 ornithocomplexes differentiated same type an indication total abundance. Each habitat ornithocomplex characterized specifics, indicating 5 terms It has been established, specific appearance High-Mountinous Dagestan given only by resident communities typically mountain also adapted populations migratory birds plains nesting highlands. The empirical make it possible use them for spatial research purposes, monitoring state protection, as well organizing rational hunting commercial resources.