Assessing the conservation potential of damaged peat bog networks in Central and Northern Meshera (Central Russia)

Peat bogs are one of the most characteristic ecosystems of Central Russian landscape. Because of peat mining and transformation of peat bogs into agricultural land after drainage, suitable habitats for several characteristic species now show a very fragmented pattern. The potentials for viable populations of characteristic species were assessed using a decision support system Landscape ecological Analysis and Rules for the Configuration of Habitat (LARCH). Two butterfly species (C. hero, P. optilete) and three bird species (L. excubitor, P. trydactylus, G. grus) show low potential for viable populations and four butterfly species (A. melanaria, C. palaeno, E. maturna, A. laodice) and one bird species (T. nebularia) medium potential. For the other seven species (butterflies: C. tullia, P. idas, B. euphrosyne; birds: T. urogallus, T. tetrix, M. citreola, L. canus) the potential for viable populations is ensured under almost all conditions. To maintain and increase potential for viable populations of characteristic species of peat bogs both protection and restoration are important measures. To identify sites where restoration will be most effective, all moderately damaged peat bogs were changed to undisturbed. The results of the analysis with LARCH showed a significant increase of the potential for viable populations for many species, especially butterflies. With these results it is indicated which peat bogs also needed protection.