Photo by: Ivan Sotnikov
The station's wide range of scientific work focuses on the following:
1. Study of biological diversity along the Yenisei meridional transect. Comprehensive long-term monitoring. Primary research focused on faunal and floristic aspects, as well as biogeographical aspects. Particular attention was paid to the phenomenon of the Yenisei biogeographic boundary, which is the most important meridional biogeographic boundary of the Palearctic. Special attention was given to the study of rare animal species and bird migrations in the Central Palearctic migration region. One of the main theoretical directions of soil-botanical research is the development of methods for the comprehensive monitoring of disturbed ecosystems. The goal of such monitoring studies is to assess the timing, possibilities, and prospects for the restoration of disturbed communities as integral natural systems.
2. Scientific foundations of taiga and tundra nature management. Research developed in terms of general and specific problems and practical aspects of taiga nature management in the Yenisei North. The scientific basis for general taiga nature management was the integrated concept of biogeoeconomics (Syroechkovsky et al., 1982), which organically combines biological, economic, geographical, and social aspects. Among the most important specific issues of taiga nature management, developed at the Yenisei Station, is the study of the ecology, rational use, and protection of key commercial taiga species: sable, brown bear, reindeer, and wood grouse.
3. Ecosystem protection and the scientific foundations of nature reserve management. Clearly, expeditionary work is insufficient for a thorough study of ecosystems and the development of a scientific foundation for their protection. This requires long-term, stationary research, which can be conducted at nature reserves and biological stations. Thus, the idea of organizing a meridional Yenisei system of protected areas was born. Over the following decades, this idea was consistently implemented. While in 1956, there was only one nature reserve on the Yenisei, Stolby, by 2000, a fairly representative system of 10 nature reserves, two biological stations, and a number of state sanctuaries had been established, reflecting the zonal natural and biological diversity: from arctic deserts in the north to dry steppes and semi-deserts in the south of the transect.
4. Population and ecological research. This is perhaps the most traditional focus for biological research stations. At Mirnoye, ornithological studies have been conducted throughout its existence: studying the landscape structure of bird populations, studying the spatial and temporal dynamics of bird populations in the Yenisei River floodplain, studying interannual population dynamics, feeding behavior, and ecomorphology of related bird species, and monitoring the structure and dynamics of bird distribution. Small mammals are a second focus of this research. A long-term study of small mammal population dynamics has revealed a distinct four-year cycle. Furthermore, the decisive factor enabling the Micromammalia population to maintain such a distinct population cycle in the conditions of the Yenisei River basin in Central Siberia is the stable and high snow cover, which shelters the animals from adverse external influences in winter.
5. Ethnoecological research. The Yenisei transect is also of great interest from an ethnoecological perspective. In addition to the Russian population, eight indigenous peoples of the North live here in the northern regions of Krasnoyarsk Krai and two autonomous districts (Taimyr and Evenki): the Kets, Selkups, Evenks, Yakuts, Enets, Nenets, Dolgans, and Nganasans. Particular attention is paid to the Kets living in the station area. The ethnoecological aspects of the Kets' traditional nature management are being studied, including a study of individual ethnic groups of this people (the Yelogui Kets, the Sulomai Kets, and the Kurei Kets). Recommendations have been developed for rationalizing traditional nature management, contributing to the survival of the Kets as a whole, including the creation of a special type of ethnoecological protected area. This type of specially protected area is enshrined in Russian legislation (Federal Law on Specially Protected Areas, 1995). In 1987, Russia's first state ecological and ethnographic reserve, "Eloguysky," was established in the Yelogui River basin. Another aspect of the work is addressing the survival needs of indigenous peoples within biosphere reserve sites. These issues were explored using the Central Siberian Biosphere Reserve as an example.