This article presents the results of a forensic biological examination of skeletal muscle tissue from wild game animals (maral, elk, reindeer, and Siberian roe deer), conducted using comparative micromorphology within criminal cases concerning illegal hunting (Article 258 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) in the Nazarovsky, Uzhursky, and Uyarsky districts of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Microstructural studies represent one of the probative methods for species identification of animals, alongside anatomical-topographical, organoleptic, physicochemical, immunological, and genetic research methods. The aim of this study was to identify the microstructural features of skeletal muscle tissues in wild game animals for the purpose of establishing their species and age identification. It was determined that the microstructural features of the gluteus medius muscle tissue in wild game animals include the ratio of muscle to connective tissues, the presence or absence of fat cells in intermuscular spaces, the size of muscle fibers, and the number and area of nuclei per unit area of muscle fiber.

The study demonstrates the ongoing deterioration of fish habitats in the Northern Caspian Sea and the Volga River delta. An analysis was conducted on the factors influencing the conservation of Wels catfish stocks in these regions. In recent years, the reproduction of catfish in the Volga River delta has occurred under an unstable hydrological regime, characterized by habitat contraction and the degradation of spawning and foraging conditions, particularly for younger age groups. It was established that catfish yields significantly depend on abiotic factors, such as fluctuations in the Caspian Sea level, Volga River flood volumes, and the timing of spring floods and water warming. Furthermore, a decline in the abundance and condition factor of the catfish's food chain components has negatively impacted its nutritional status and the growth rate of juveniles. An analysis revealed a decrease in the mean length and weight of individuals aged 3–5 years. The study also evaluates Russian Federation legislation regarding the conservation of aquatic biological resources and fishery regulations as applied to Wels catfish in the Volga River Delta and the Northern Caspian Sea. Given the predicted decline in catfish stocks within the Southern Fisheries District of the Volga-Caspian basin, additional conservation measures are proposed: increasing spring water discharge; expanding the Volga pre-estuary prohibited zone while establishing a differentiated fishing regime for major seasons; raising the minimum commercial size to at least 70 cm to ensure 100% maturation of first-time spawners; reducing the percentage of undersized bycatch in traps and seines; and intensifying anti-poaching efforts at overwintering pits and spawning grounds.

Accurate assessment of the role of urban vegetation in the carbon cycle is limited by the inapplicability of standard forest models (e.g., 3-PG) to the conditions of a megacity. The primary source of error stems from the uncertainty in the relationship between gross primary production (GPP) and net primary production (NPP) under anthropogenic stress. This study aims to verify Waring’s hypothesis regarding the constancy of the NPP/GPP ratio (approximately 0.47±0.04) in urban environments. Confirming the stability of this ratio could simplify carbon balance modeling without requiring complex direct measurements. The study was conducted in Moscow, utilizing species with contrasting strategies: the resilient native Siberian larch, Larix sibirica, and the aggressive invasive box elder, Acer negundo. A comparative analysis of their productivity will facilitate the calibration of regional models and assess the contribution of invasive species to urban ecosystem services.

This article provides a retrospective overview of the organization of fish science before the establishment of the Department of Aquaculture. It presents brief biographical information about the department heads—leading scientists in fisheries and aquaculture: Feodosiy G. Martyshev, Yuriy A. Privezentsev, and Valentin A. Vlasov—as well as about doctors, associate professors, and staff who taught at the department: V.V. Lavrovsky, A.S. Vavilkin, T.Kh. Plieva, S.B. Mustaev, A.P. Zavyalov, E.A. Zaznatnova, Yu.I. Esavkin, and A.V. Zhigin. The article outlines the main areas of scientific activity of the department, published monographs, textbooks, patents, and research directions in aquaculture, as well as the work of department faculty on grants. Additionally, a comprehensive list of graduates is provided, many of whom have become prominent scientists and educators at the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, occupy leading positions, manage research institutes, and lead enterprises and structural units related to aquaculture. The article is dedicated to the 110th anniversary of the country's first Fish Science Department and the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Department of Pond Fish Farming at the Timiryazev Academy.

In conditions of intensified agriculture, assessing the ecological status of soils, especially in vulnerable agrolandscapes such as slope vineyards, is becoming increasingly important. This study aimed to perform an agroecological assessment of the functional state of soils in an intensive vineyard and adjacent areas within slope catenas in the mountain landscape of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Republic of Serbia, based on basal soil respiration. Basal respiration rate was determined by gas chromatography, soil organic matter content was measured by spectrophotometry, and correlation analysis was used to identify relationships between the studied parameters. The agroecological state of the vineyard soil, the wheel track soil, and the fallow soil under meadow vegetation was characterized by significant spatial heterogeneity, determined by a complex of multidirectional factors: position in the mesorelief, agroclimatic factors, and the intensity of agrogenic load. Signs of long-term periodic erosion-accumulative redistribution of the topsoil (loamy fine earth) under vineyards along the catena slopes were identified. This leads to the depletion of organic matter in the surface horizons down to 15 cm depth and its accumulation in the 15–30 cm horizon. The highest basal respiration rate was found in the post-agrogenic (fallow) soil (0.893 μg CO₂-C·g⁻¹·h⁻¹), with a a 1.2–2.0-fold decrease in vineyard soils. The basal respiration rate on the south-facing slope was 1.2–1.5 times higher than on the north-facing one, probably due to the partial compensation of the negative impact of sheet erosion by a more favorable thermal-moisture regime. The most stressful conditions for soil microbiota functioning were found in the wheel tracks, where the basal respiration rate (0.219 μg CO₂-C·g⁻¹·h⁻¹) was 4.1 times lower compared to the fallow soil. Thus, the obtained data indicate a significant depression of soil microbiota in the most disturbed elements of the agrolandscape and underscore the need to adapt applied agrotechnologies for slope lands. Determining soil biological activity, assessed via basal respiration rate, is useful as an integrative diagnostic parameter for both evaluating the current functional state of the soil ecosystem and for forecasting potential environmental problems resulting from the long-term use of slope agrolandscapes in the future.

The assessment of fisheries statistics data on the Azov-Black Sea fisheries regulation department during the period 2018-2024 was performed. The species structure of commercial fisheries in the Don River in conditions of anthropogenic transformation, related to construction of the cascade of hydroelectric power plants in the past period and the start of construction in 2018 of the new Bagaevsky hydroelectric power plant, was presented. During the research period the significant reduction in annual catch of all anadromous and semi-anadromous fish species was underlined. The most significant annual catch reduction was detected for sea roach. Significant changes in the species differentiation of the commercial fisheries was underlined, as a result of changes in the hydrological regime of the Don River. In recent years, there was a significant increases in annual catch of Prussian carp and «other species» group detected, which had previously been out of interest to the commercial  fisheries.

The relevance of this study stems from the need for regular monitoring of the food supply and ecological status of important fishery water bodies, such as the Pestovskoe Reservoir within Moscow's water supply system. The study aimed to analyze the qualitative and quantitative composition of benthic macroinvertebrates (macrozobenthos) in the Pestovskoe Reservoir during the summer period to assess its forage potential. The study included a field stage for sampling zoobenthos at five stations with different bottom sediment types and degrees of overgrowth, using a grab sampler, followed by a laboratory stage involving species identification and calculation of quantitative indicators (abundance and biomass). The article presents data on the current state of the benthic fauna in the Pestovskoe Reservoir. Samples were collected at five locations located at different depths. A systematic characterization of the benthic fauna is provided, comprising 10 taxa belonging to three phyla (Mollusca, Arthropoda, Annelida). It was established that the abundance and biomass indicators of the benthos depend on the sediment type: abundance was higher in silty sediments than in sandy ones. The dominant group in terms of forage benthos abundance was oligochaetes, while in terms of biomass it was caddisfly larvae. The average biomass of the forage zoobenthos was 12.90 g/m². The Pestovskoe Reservoir is characterized as a highly productive water body with a favorable food supply for benthophagous fish.

The article examines the status and conservation of the Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) – the largest predator of the Far Eastern taiga and a key ecosystem species. It presents population data and achievements from 2010 to 2024. Special attention is given to the role of the State Reserve Bastak as one of the northernmost tiger habitats and a site of a successful reintroduction program. Population monitoring methods are described including camera trapping, winter track surveys, and geographic information systems (GIS). Ecological interactions with other predators and features of the food base are reviewed, emphasizing the tiger population's dependence on wild boars, Siberian red deer, and Western roe deer. Siberian roe deer, and musk deer. The importance of reserve protection, patrolling, and environmental education efforts is highlighted. These efforts contribute to the formation of a stable local group of Amur tigers and increased public environmental awareness. The work is of a review nature.

The effect of the biologically active substance (BAS) Baikal EM-2 was studied on Manchurian quails. The control group received the basal diet. The birds in the experimental groups were daily administered 3 ml of Baikal EM-2 solution at the following concentrations: experimental group 1 – 0.25%, experimental group 2 – 0.50%, experimental group 3 – 0.75%, and experimental group 4 – 1.0%. The study was carried out from 4 to 147 days of age. Upon completion of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Quails in the control group exhibited high AST and ALT activities and low albumin levels. In the experimental groups, biochemical parameters remained within the physiological norm. A decrease in bilirubin (by 14% in experimental group 4) and AST (by 10–13%) was observed in the treated quails. Total protein, albumin, and glucose levels increased. The most pronounced differences were recorded in experimental group 4. The supplementation of Baikal EM-2 improved weight gain by 0.04–1.8% in a dose-dependent manner. The maximum increase was observed in experimental group 3 (0.75%): +1.7 g absolute (+0.45% relative to total weight gain). It was concluded that the Baikal EM-2 exerts a positive effect on quails, which is manifested in the normalization of liver function and the stimulation of protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Kidney function remained unimpaired.

A comparative study was conducted on the peripheral blood cellular composition of two mass clupeid species in the Central-Eastern Atlantic: pilchard sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and the round sardinella (Sardinella aurita). Both species are of high commercial importance but differ in their ecological preferences: S. pilchardus is a temperate-warm-water species inhabiting shelf zones and performing seasonal migrations, while S. aurita is a more thermophilic species inhabiting stable oceanic waters. The research material consisted of blood samples collected from 18 individuals during a research cruise off the coasts of Morocco and Mauritania in 2017. Hematological analysis was performed using standard protocols on stained blood smears followed by differential cell assessment. Statistically significant interspecific differences were established. A more active erythropoiesis was identified in the pilchard sardine, as evidenced by a substantially higher proportion of normoblasts (6.0±0.5% vs. 3.1±0.7% in the sardinella). This feature likely represents an adaptation to seasonal migrations on the shelf, which require efficient oxygen supply. In the leukocyte formula of the round sardinella, a significantly higher content of band neutrophils (3.9±0.3%) and segmented neutrophils (5.1±0.4%) was recorded; this may indicate enhanced innate cellular immunity, potentially associated with inhabiting warmer waters with higher microbial loads. The absence of eosinophils in both species suggests a low level of parasitic invasion in their habitats. The identified hematological differences reflect the ecological characteristics and adaptive strategies of the studied species. The obtained reference data on blood cell composition provide a basis for the bioindication of the physiological state of these key commercial fish species under changing environmental conditions.

This article presents the results of a study on the periodicity and duration of molting in the crested newt (Triturus cristatus (Laurenti, 1768)) under artificial conditions. Observations were conducted over 259 days (from February 11 to September 30, 2022) on 11 pairs of adult individuals maintained under laboratory conditions following artificial wintering. It was established that the highest molting intensity occurs during the breeding season (April–May), with females molting statistically significantly more frequently and for longer periods than males. Outside the reproductive season, both molting frequency and duration decrease. The obtained data suggest that changes in the molting rhythm are associated with the physiological necessity of maintaining efficient cutaneous respiration during the aquatic phase of life, as well as with hormonal and energetic expenditures related to reproduction. These results expand our understanding of the skin physiology of caudate amphibians and their adaptation to seasonal changes in their life cycle