In the second half of 2013 (August, October) monitoring activities were continued on the territory of the Rosa Khutor ski complex located on the northern slope of the Aibga mountain . At the end of February-early March of 2013 the annual winter recording of wild animals was organized, with the results pointing to a general reduction in the populations of the roofed and some predatory animals in the Adler rayon and, in particular, in the area of the Rosa Khutor ski complex.

The negative dynamics in the mammals populations in this area, as in the previous years, is primarily caused by continuing development of the area. As a result of destruction of forest biotopes, the territory suitable for living of some theriofauna species was reduced, their migratory paths were disturbed and food resources declined. All this had a negative impact on major biological processes in large and medium mammals and led to their movement to more suitable neighboring territories.

Wild boar - Sus scrofa attila Tomas, 1912.

The observed low population of wild boar in the Adler rayon as a whole, and in the area of the Roza Khutor mountain ski complex in particular is, most likely, due to the past outbreak of African swine fever. By the winter track recording data the average population density is 0.6 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Maral – Cervus elaphus maral Ogilby, 1840.

During the survey of the northern slope of the Aibga ridge no signs and vestiges of maral were identified on the territory of the Roza Khutor ski complex. On a whole, according to the winter track recording, the population of this animal in the Adler rayon was not more than 150 individuals, the average density being 2.8 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Roe deer - Capreolus capreolus Lin., 1758

Roe deer is a prevalent and numerous species among the roofed animals on this area. Footprints of two roe deers were detected during the survey. Though in general the roe deer population has decreased slightly in the Adler rayon and around the Roza Khutor ski complex, in particular. Based on the winter track recording, the total number of animals in the area has decreased by 20 individuals and the average population density is 3.2 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Brown bear - Ursus arctos caucasicus Smirnov, 1916

When the survey was conducted of the northern slope of the Aibga ridge, no signs and vestiges of brown bear were detected on the ski complex territory or in its immediate vicinity.

Wolf - Canis lupus Lin., 1758

Wolf vestiges are observed frequently, both in the vicinity and on the territory of the ski complex, which is explained by high motor activity and ecological flexibility of this predator. Based on the winter track recording, the average population density of wolf in the Adler rayon is 0.3 animals per 1000 hectares.

Jackal - Canis aureus Lin., 1758

Jackal’s vestiges occur ubiquitously in the immediate vicinity of the ski complex and on its territory. Being a true synanthrope, this predator can get adjusted to an increasing anthropogenic burden on this area. By the winter track recording data, the total jackal population in the Adler rayon is about 60 individuals, and the average density is 1 individual per 1000 hectares.

Fox - Vulpes vulpes caucasicus Dinnik, 1914

The total number of foxes in the area did not change noticeably. Based on the winter track recording, the average density is not more than 1 individual per 1000 hectares.

Raccoon - Procyon lotor Lin., 1758

By the winter track recording, the total number of raccoons in the Adler rayon is no more than 60 animals, and the average density is 1.1 individual per 1000 ha. However, considering the raccoon biological features (dormancy), some of the animals may be left unaccounted.

Badger - Meles meles Lin., 1758

Badger is not abundant on the area and seems to occur primarily in the forest belt. Due to the biological features of badger (dormancy), the average population density of the species is not possible to determine using the winter track recording method.

Marten (Common marten - Martes martes Linnaeus, 1758, Rock marten - Martes foina Exleben, 1777).

Marten is a prevalent species on this territory. Marten’s vestiges can be found ubiquitously on the ski complex territory and beyond. By the winter track recording data the total number of martens in the Adler area is about 100 animals and the average density is up to 2 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Caucasian wild cat - Felis silvestris caucasica Satunin, 1905

By the winter track recording data, the total population of wild cat in the Adler area and in the vicinity of Roza Khutor ski complex has not changed much. The average density of the population is 1.7 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Caucasian otter - Lutra lutra meridionalis Ognev, 1931

Caucasian otter, being a rare species, can be encountered mainly on the floodplain of the river Mzymta.

With the development of the territory, reduction and degradation of the theriofauna biotopes is noted leading to a decrease in the populations of some mammal species and even extinction of the largest species (deer, bear).

In the first half of 2013 (end of May- early June) monitoring activities were conducted in the area around the Roza Khutor ski facilities located on the northern slope of the Aibga mountain. Also, in February-early March the annual winter recording of wild animals was organized the results of which show a general reduction in the populations of the roofed and some predatory animals in the Adler rayon and in particular in the area of the Roza Khutor ski complex.

As before, the negative dynamics in the mammals populations in this area is primarily caused by the destruction of forest biotopes. As a result of destruction of forest biotopes of theriofauna, the territory suitable for living of some species was reduced, thir migratory paths were disturbed and food resources decreased. All this had a negative impact on major biological processes in large and medium mammals and led to their movement to more suitable neighboring territories.

Wild boar - Sus scrofa attila Tomas, 1912

The observed low population of wild boar in the Adler rayon as a whole, and in the area of the Roza Khutor mountain ski complex in particular is most likely due to the past outbreak of African swine fever. By the winter track recording data the average population density is 0.6 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Maral – Cervus elaphus maral Ogilby, 1840

During the survey of the northern slope of the Aibga ridge no signs and vestiges of maral were identified on the territory of the Roza Khutor ski complex. On a whole, according to the winter track recording, the population of this animal in the Adler rayon in the first half of 2013 was not more than 150 individuals, the average density being 2.8 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Roe deer - Capreolus capreolus Lin., 1758

Roe deer is a common and quite numerous species among the roofed animals on this area. Generally, the roe deer population is decreasing slightly in the Adler rayon and around the Roza Khutor ski complex, in particular. Based on the winter track recording, the total number of animals in the area has decreased by 20 individuals and the average population density is 3.2 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Brown bear - Ursus arctos caucasicus, Smirnov, 1916

When the survey was conducted of the northern slope of the Aibga ridge, no signs and vestiges of brown bear were detected on the ski complex territory or in its immediate vicinity.

Wolf - Canis lupus Lin., 1758

Wolf vestiges are observed frequently, both in the vicinity and on the territory of the ski complex, which is explained by high motor activity and ecological flexibility of this predator. Based on the winter track recording, the average population density of wolf in the first half of 2013 is 0.3 animals per 1000 hectares.

Jackal - Canis aureus Lin., 1758

Jackal’s vestiges occur in the immediate vicinity of the ski complex and on its territory. Being a true synanthrope, this predator can get adjusted to an increasing anthropogenic burden on this area. By the winter track recording data, the total jackal population in the Adler rayon in the first half of 2013 is about 60 individuals, and the average density is 1 individual per 1000 hectares.

Fox - Vulpes vulpes caucasicus Dinnik, 1914

The total number of foxes in the area did not change noticeably. Based on the winter track recording, the average density in the first half of 2013 was not more than 1 individual per 1000 hectares.

Raccoon - Procyon lotor Lin., 1758

By the winter track recording, in the first half of 2013 the total number of raccoons in the Adler rayon was no more than 60 animals, and the average density was 1.1 individual per 1000 ha. However, considering the raccoon biological features (dormancy), some of the animals may be left unaccounted.

Badger - Meles meles Lin., 1758

Badger is not abundant on the area and seems to occur primarily in the forest belt. Due to the biological features of badger (dormancy), the average population density of the species cannot be determined by the winter track recording technique.

Marten (Common marten - Martes martes Lin.,1758, Rock marten - Martes foina Exleben, 1777)

Marten is the most common species here. Marten’s vestiges can be found everywhere on the ski complex territory and beyond. By the winter track recording data the total number of martens in the Adler area in the first half of 2013 is about 100 animals and the average density is up to 2 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Caucasian wild cat - Felis silvestris caucasica Satunin, 1905

. By the winter track recording data, the total population of wild cat in the Adler area and in the vicinity of Roza Khutor ski complex has not changed much. The average density of the population is 1.7 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Caucasian otter - Lutra lutra meridionalis Ognev, 1931

Caucasian otter, being a rare species, can be encountered mainly on the floodplain of the river Mzymta.

With the development of the territory, reduction and degradation of theriofauna biotopes is noted leading to a decrease in the populations of some mammal species. For further assessment of the impact of the territory development on the state of the populations of large and medium-sized mammals long-term monitoring is required.

In spring-winter and autumn 2012 monitoring was carried out in the area of the Roza Khutor ski facilities located on the northern slope of the Aibga mountain range.

Also, at the end of March 2012, annual winter track recording of wild animals was organized, its results showing a general decrease in the populations of the roofed and some predatory animals in the Adler rayon and in particular in the area of the Roza Khutor ski complex.

This negative dynamics in the mammals populations in this area was primarily caused by destruction of forest biotopes. As a result of clear cutting of forest-forming species and destruction of undergrowth and understory the valuable habitat stations of forest animals decreased in number. The disturbance of the migratory paths and communication areas established over centuries (fawning grounds, rutting pits, marking trees, temporary refuges, dens) had a negative impact on major biological processes in large and medium mammals and as a result their movement to more suitable neighboring territories.

Wild boar - Sus scrofa attila Tomas, 1912

As of today, the population of wild boar in the Sochi National Park (SNP) is at a critically low level. By the winter track recording of 2012 the total population was 65 animals, of which 30 individuals were censured in the Adler rayon., where the average density was 0.6 individuals per 1000 hectares. Yet, not that long ago, in the early 2009, the population of wild boars in the park was more than 2000 animals. A sharp decrease in the population is explained by the outbreak of African swine fever at the end of 2009 and by migration of surviving animals to adjacent territories (Tuapse, Apsheron rayons). Thus adverse epizootic situation with respect to African swine fever has been occurring in SNP for the last three years.

Caucasus red deer – Cervus elaphus maral Ogil

Among all roofed animals on the territory under development the red deer is the most vulnerable species due to its biological features. During the survey no signs and vestiges of red deer were identified near the mountain ski complex and on its territory. According to the winter track recording the population of this animal in the Adler rayon decreased from 200 to 140 individuals, as compared to the last year, the average density being 2.8 animals per 1000 hectares. Most likely, the animals redistribute over the park territory due to increasing anthropogenic impacts in this area.

Roe deer - Capreolus capreolus Lin., 1758

Roe deer is a common and numerous species among the roofed animals in this area. Generally, the roe deer population is decreasing in the Adler rayon and in particular in the vicinity of the Roza Khutor ski complex. Based on the winter track recording, the total number of the animals in the area has decreased by 100 individuals and the average density is 3.2 animals per 1000 hectares.

Brown bear - Ursus arctos caucasicus, Smirnov, 1916

When the survey was conducted in the area of the ski facilities no signs and vestiges of brown bear were detected. On the developed territory brown bear remains to be the most vulnerable species. Development of this region has resulted in displacement of bears and, as a consequence, disruption of their biological seasonal rhythms.

Wolf - Canis lupus Lin., 1758

Wolf vestiges are observed frequently, both in the vicinity and on the territory of the ski facilities which is explained by high motor activity and ecological flexibility of this predator. During the survey in the beech forest the footprints of two wolves were identified 100 m from the motorway. Based on the winter track recording, the average density is 0.28 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Jackal - Canis aureus Lin., 1758

Jackal is the most abundant predator among the dog family in the Sochi National Park. Its vestiges occur in the immediate vicinity of the mountain ski infrastructure. Continuing development of the territory lead to emerging unauthorized dumping sites where jackals find food. By the winter track recording data, the total jackal population in the Adler area is 50 individuals, the average density being 1.1 animals per 1000 hectares. However, the obtained data may not be reflecting adequately the species population dynamics, as the tracks recorded during the survey lie in the depth of the SNP, while the highest concentration of this predator occurs on the park borders near settlements.

Fox - Vulpes vulpes caucasicus Dinnik, 1914

Being a common species in SNP, fox occurs throughout the territory of SNP. The total number of foxes based on the winter track recording, in the Adler area is 54 individuals and has not changed significantly as compared to the past years. The average population density is 1.2 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Raccoon - Procyon lotor Lin., 1758

By the winter track recording the total number of raccoons in the Adler area is no more than 50 animals, the average density being 1.1 individual per 1000 hectares. However, considering the raccoon biological features (dormancy), some of the animals probably remained unaccounted.

Badger - Meles meles Lin., 1758

Being a scarce species, badger is likely to occur primarily in the forest belt of this region. The total number in SNP is predicted to be as many as 200 individuals. In the park badges start hibernating in January, or may stay awake throughout the winter in case of warm winter with little snow.

Marten (Common marten - Martes martes Lin.,1758, Rock marten - Martes foina Exleben, 1777)

On the territory of SNP two kinds of marten occur: common and rock martens. By the winter track recording the total number of martens in the Adler area is more than 90 animals, the average density being 1.7 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Caucasian wild cat - Felis silvestris caucasica Satunin, 1905

Being a rare species, occurring on limited territory, the Caucasian wild cat is included in the Red Book of Russian Federation. By the winter track recording data the total population of the wild cat in the Adler area has not changed much and is equal to 68 individuals. The average density of the population is 1.7 individuals per 1000 hectares.

Caucasian otter - Lutra lutra meridionalis Ognev, 1931

Caucasian otter is included as a rare species in the Red Book of Russian Federation. It may be encountered mainly on the floodplain of the river Mzymta.

The development of the northern slope of the Aibga mountain range resulted in the movement of large and medium-sized mammals over significant distance toward the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range and more to the east.

Over the time period of interest, because wild animals were not man hunted in the area they got adapted to human intervention. As of today, the population of large and medium-sized mammals here is primarily dependent on their biological cycles.

In addition to the biological cycles, the number of encounters of wild animals vestiges depends on monitoring frequency in the area.

It is recommended that further development of the ski complex should allow for the migratory paths on this area and measures be taken to ensure unobstructed passage of wild animals ( solid fences are undesirable).

To continue studies of how territory development influences the populations of large and medium-sized mammals long-term monitoring and inventory taking of small mammals are required.

Comparison of occurrence of selected wild mammals in the area of constructing the Roza Khutor ski complex:
1-st bar – January-June 2010, 2-nd bar – July-December 2010,
3-d bar – January-May 2011., 4-th bar – June-November 2011

The development of the northern slope of the Aibga mountain range resulted in the movement of large and medium-sized mammals over significant distance toward Greater Caucasus Mountain Range and more to the east. Over the time period of interest, because wild animals were not man hunted in the area they got adapted to human intervention. As of today, the population of large and medium-sized mammals here is primarily dependent on their biological cycles.

In addition to the biological cycles, the number of encounters of wild animals vestiges depends on monitoring frequency in the area.

It is recommended that further development of the ski complex should allow for the migratory paths on this area and measures be taken to ensure unobstructed passage of wild animals (solid fences are undesirable).

To continue studies of how territory development influences the populations of large and medium-sized mammals long-term monitoring and inventory taking of small mammals are required.

Comparison of occurrence of selected wild mammals in the area of constructing the Roza Khutor ski complex:
1-st bar – September-December 2009, 2-nd bar – January-April 2009, 3-d bar – July-December 2010