In Astrakhan Reserve research activities are carried out in a number of subject areas. Most research has been conducted regularly, beginning with the reserve’s establishment. Observation and monitoring have taken place over several decades and have been of great scientific value in the study and documentation of natural processes.
Geomorphological, hydrobiological, parasitological and theriological studies in the reserve have been conducted since the 1930s; regular hydrobiological observations – since 1947; ichthyological monitoring – since the 1950s; entomological studies – since the 1960s; and ornithological observations – since 1961.
Priority research topics include:
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Geomorphological structure of the Volga delta and its determining factors;
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Biology and ecology of certain plant species;
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Forest and meadow succession;
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Effects of fluctuations in the volume of Volga waters on fish reproduction, timing and places of spawning as habitat characteristics change under the influence of the changing hydrological regime;
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Biology and ecology of waterfowl and shorebirds;
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Avifauna dynamics and the state of bird habitats, especially in wetlands;
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Individual ecological research on specific species;
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Composition of plant groups, continuously monitored to identify changes in plant communities under the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors;
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Monitoring of the hydrological regime;
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Biology of wild boars and other carnivorous mammals;
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Timing and specifics of bird migration;
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Population status monitoring of marine rodents.
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