Natural recovery of man-made disturbances in the west Siberian arctic and recommended species for rehabilitation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15626/Eco-Tech.2003.005Abstract
Vast areas in the Arctic are faced with widespread threats ranging from gas and oil
development to tourism (Sippola et al., 1995; Crawford, 1997; Forbes et al., 2001). East
European and West Siberian parts of Russian Arctic have important resources of gas and
oil and, thus, experience intensive mechanical impacts. By the mid-1990s, off-road
transportation connected with geological prospecting had already resulted in severe
damage of parts of the Y amal Peninsula. Y amal ecosystems are characterised by extreme
vulnerability and low restoration potential. The rate and patterns of their natural recovery
depend on the severity of the disturbance, latitudinal position and habitat type. Though
only 4.5% of the local flora species in surroundings of Bovanenkovo gas field (central
Yamal) can be considered as active colonizers, natural recovery is conducted only by
aboriginal species. Adventitious element, wh ich is common at disturbed sites in the
Boreal zone, was not found. The main problem of recultivation in the northern parts of
Y amal is the absence of appropriate seed material. The planted seeds of southern grasses
get completely extinct after 1 or 2 winters. Only local species (Deschampsia glauca, Poa
alpigena, Arctagrostis latifolia, Calamagrostis neglecta) should be used. The study of
natural recovery has showed that recommended sets of species should be site specific.
Along with grasses, sowing mixtures should include sedges and forbs (different sets for
sandy and loam soils). Transplanting seedlings or vegetatively reproduced young plants
(especially for sedges) give good survival results. Use of willow cuttings is very
promising but appropriate species (Salix lanata, S. reptans) should be chosen.
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