Landscape Diversity Cores and Zones

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4.2. Landscape Diversity Cores and Zones

 

The cores and strips examined above were singled out due to the fact that their biological diversity (fauna, flora and cenoses) is richer than the ambient diversity levels. Besides these cores and zones, the natural cores of the interregional and regional eco-networks of the Dnipro Basin should include cores characterized by rich landscape diversity (See Table 2 for the landscape diversity criterion for identifying areas as natural cores – L-d). To reveal these cores we compiled a map showing landscape diversity across Ukraine (See Fig. 4.2.1).

 

 

Fig. 4.2.1. Landscape Diversity in Ukraine (contour curves indicate the number of landscape types encountered in the circles 30 km in diameter)

 

The landscape diversity map demonstrates that the richest diversity is found in the areas encompassing landscapes that belong to different natural zones and have different morphotectonic structure. Here one comes across not only landscapes that differ only by type but also diametrically different landscapes. This further enhances the role of these areas as landscape cores of the interregional eco-network. The transboundary Dnipro Basin accommodates 8 such cores. These in turn make up 2 enhanced landscape diversity zones, which extend in the latitudinal direction.