The role of biodiversity in the functioning of ecosystems. Message1. General principles of ecosystems monitoring

Ecosystem change is the everyday reality and assessment of its ability to provide men with ecosystem products and services (fresh water, climate, soil fertility, etc.), whch are nesessory for humans’ welfare is an urgent applied issue. The question “if changes in the loss of biological diversity affect the functioning of local ecosystems” is attracting increasing attention. In the first communication, we consider modern approaches to ecosystem monitoring. The concept of historical and novel ecosystems, ecosystem resilience, threshold effects, theory-driven restoration, and social-ecological considerations are reviewed. The principles of indication, requirements for indicators, possibilities and perspectives for the use of small mammals as indicators of the dynamics of local ecosystems are considered.