Arguments for the Establishment of the Regional Nature Monument “Mires at the Lake Alla-Akkajarvi” (Murmansk Region)

Abstract

The Murmansk Region Concept for the development of the network of nature protected areas (NPAs) until 2018 and further until 2038 years envisages establishment of the regional nature monument “Mires at the Lake Alla-Akkajarvi”. The discovery of the nationally redlisted bird Limicola falcinellus in a breeding ground was the basis for establishment of the nature monument. No other information was available until recently about the ecosystems of the planned protected area (apart from the forest management data), their condition and anthropogenic pressures. In this regard, the full-scale study of the area was carried out in 2016 and revealed the high conservation value of the territory. The territory is situated at the northern limit of the northernmost expanse of unfragmented old-growth forest in the Murmansk region. Eight red-listed species have been recorded on the area, including the plants Buxbaumia aphylla, Carex laxa, Crossocalyx hellerianus, Kurzia pauciflora and Psilopilum laevigatum, and the fungi Flaviporus cf. citrinellus and Leptoporus mollis. Current anthropogenic pressure on the area is minimal, limited to extensive recreation, which does not interfere with the goals of the planned nature monument. Meanwhile, threat is formed by dumps of Allarechensky sulfide copper-nickel ore deposit situated in the adjacent territory. The results of the studies allow to conclude that the “Mires at the Lake Alla-Akkajarvi” meets the criteria for regional protected areas and the regional nature monument should be established.