Diversity of Birch and Alder Forests in the Kostanay Region of Kazakhstan

Comments 1: Introduction should to be formulated generally, if possible, without any concerete meaning of any country. Please, concetrate on inland conditions as observed in central parts of all continents. Consequently, remove all mentions about Kazakhstan or any concrete region from the Introdution. It belongs to Material section, where you should define area investigated.

Response 1: Thank you very much for your comments. This sample has been removed.

Comments 2: Material and methods require separated introductory paragraph to provide generalizing view on whole data processing. Authors should describe general approach on relations among experimental design, data collection, processing and statistics. Now, we can see only particular methods witout relations. Methods also requires definition about environmental characteristic of plots including bedrock types and soil conditions.

Response 2: Thank you very much for your comments. This section has been revised.

Comments 3: Please, add physical map with clear position of particular plots and all regions studied.

Response 3: The map has been added.

Comments 4: Line 29: What about precipitation as well as about evaporation (or evapotranspiration)? Hydrological regime in terestrial environments usually depends on balance between precipitation and evaporation. Of course, forest and soil covers consequently modify hydrology in catchments though differentation of runoff to specific hydric functions.

Response 4: Thank you very much for your comments. This sample has been removed.

Comments 5: Line 141: Please, replace information about Kostancy region to geographical position of the catchment, for example to mountain catchment.

Response 5: Thank you very much for your comments. This section has been revised.

Comments 6: Line 149: The study did not mention any data about forest naturalness, age or development (grow) stage. How did authors distinguish origin of the forest stands by natural or artifitial regeneration? The study requires presentation of data about ecosystem stability detection through regeneration, aging, structute and relation with potential natural vegetation.

Response 6: Thank you very much for your comments. This section has been revised.

Comments 7: Line 159: Environmental characteristics should to be based on specific references. On te other hand, methods require addition of reference about soil description because authors characterised soil conditions on each plot in result section.

Response 7:  Thank you very much for your comments. This section has been revised.

Comments 8: Table 2: What about altitudes, bedrock types and soil conditions on each plot?

Response 8:  Thank you very much for your comments. This section has been revised.

Comments 1: What specific ecological characteristics of the Kostanay region influenced the selection of study sites, and how do these sites represent the broader region?

Response 1: The Kostanay region has specific ecological features that influence the selection of sites for birch research. First, this moderately sharp continental climate with cold winters and warm summers creates biotopes for Betula pubescens and Betula pendula. Soil features and their diversity (chernozems, sandy loams, peat and solonetzic) affect the distribution and health of birches. The presence of rivers and lakes, as well as the relief, including hills and plains, create different microclimates and conditions conducive to the growth of birches. Anthropogenic factors, such as agriculture and logging, contribute to the change in natural ecosystems and the deterioration of the living conditions of birch forests. The sites for the study of the birch family were selected in such a way that they represent the entire spectrum of these ecological features. For example, selecting areas near water bodies, on different types of soil and with varying landscape characteristics will allow us to draw conclusions about the influence of these conditions on the diversity and condition of birch trees in the region as a whole and develop recommendations for their conservation and restoration.

Comments 2: Can you provide a more detailed rationale for the sample size and distribution across the selected districts? How does this ensure representativeness of the study?

Response 2: Selecting the sample size and allocating sites for the birch forest study in the Kostanay region are vital steps to ensure the study is representative. We determined the sample sizes related to soil, climate and anthropogenic activity. The sites took into account differences in birch forest types depending on proximity to water bodies and soil types. Anthropogenic load was considered in protected and unprotected areas, which allowed us to assess the impact of human activity on birch forests. Covering various conditions provides more accurate recommendations for birch forest resource management.

Comments 3: How do your findings on species diversity compare with similar studies in other regions of Kazakhstan or globally?

Response 3: These results are consistent with similar studies of forest ecosystems worldwide, where hydrological regimes and soil conditions are crucial in shaping forest composition and biodiversity. For example, studies in boreal regions such as northern Europe and Siberia also highlight the influence of moisture on species diversity and the resilience of pioneer species such as Betula pendula and Alnus glutinosa to ecosystem recovery after disturbances. Globally, forests with high moisture levels, as in your study, show higher species diversity, especially in sites with favourable moisture conditions, where the highest species diversity was recorded. In addition, identifying boreal relict species that contribute to ecological stability mirrors the results of studies in Scandinavian forests, where relict species help maintain biodiversity in the face of climate change. Research from different regions of the world shows that the composition of the understory and herbage cover, as seen in birch forests, significantly affects the overall resilience of ecosystems, confirmed when comparing different sites and conditions.

Comments 4: Could you elaborate on the potential impacts of climate change on the Betulaceae forests in the Kostanay region, based on your findings?

Response 4: Climate change, especially in recent years, has significantly impacted the growth and development of birch forests in the Kostanay region. The average annual air temperature increases annually, which affects the phenology of birch, which can disrupt the harmony of their life cycles and associated organisms, and also leads to a decrease in the water content of the river and lake and, consequently, to a limitation of the hydrological regime, namely their shallowing. An increase in the duration of hot periods leads to thermal stress and instability of birches, which affects forest productivity. Due to succession, soil degradation occurs in some study areas. Inconsistent emissions lead to droughts that negatively affect birch growth, especially on depleted soils. Heavy rains cause soil erosion to reduce the birch's root system and slow the spread of water and nutrients. Climate change leads to the poisoning or transfer of species from birch forests. Contribute to pests and diseases, as well as dangerous birches. Rapid changes make adapting difficult, and low genetic change affects the adaptability degree, making template measures for forest restoration difficult. Changes in ecosystems lead to economic losses in forestry due to resource availability. Climate change poses significant ecosystem, environmental and social challenges to birch forests in the Kostanay region.

Comments 5: What are the primary limitations of your study, and how might they affect the generalizability of your results?

Response 5: The main limitation of this study is the low forest cover in the vast steppe zone of indigenous relict birch forests (the populations are not significant), which mostly grow in small groves. In the last few decades, they have reduced their areas due to anthropogenic factors and a sharp change in climatic factors (precipitation, temperature, groundwater, etc.). The age of Indigenous birch forests in the Northern areas of the study is also sharply reduced, and they do not live their entire life cycle. (observations of employees of the Forestry District). The work provides a modern description of communities, highlighting rare and endangered species, which, on the contrary, allows timely assistance in their conservation.

Comments 6: How do you suggest that your findings be integrated into current forest management practices in the Kostanay region?

Response 6:

Integration of findings on the impact of climate change on birch forests in the Kostanay region into forestry requires a systematic approach.

Based on the data obtained, forestry enterprises in the study area can monitor the condition of birch forests, including assessing their biodiversity and resistance to climate stress, and plan conservation measures for their conservation and restoration. Creating multi-species forest plantations will increase the ecosystem's resilience to climate change. Estimation of permissible volumes of timber harvesting, considering expected climate change to prevent overexploitation of forests. Implement methods that improve soil structure and water retention capacity for birch's total growth: forecasting and risk management. Create crisis management plans to minimise damage from pests or tree diseases. Adopt legal acts to protect and preserve forest ecosystems while considering climate change. An integrated approach to managing birch forests in the context of climate change can contribute to their sustainability and development.

Comments 7: Can you clarify the significance of the hydrological regime in relation to other environmental factors, such as soil type and elevation, in shaping forest structure?

Response 7: The hydrological regime is one of the key factors influencing the system's structure depending on other environmental conditions. The hydrological regime of the region is represented by the river network of the basin of 2 rivers - Tobol and Ishim, their tributaries, and large lakes. The hydrological regime determines the soil moisture level, which is especially important for alder forests produced on moist soils. Well-moistened lands provide the necessary amount of water for plant growth, contributing to more prosperous and stable forest ecosystems. Water from the river network by lake streams transfers nutrients and minerals to the soil. This influence, in turn, forms the type of vegetation. For example, ordinary alder forests grow in areas enriched with humus and nutrients due to regular river floods. The altitude above sea level affects climatic conditions, such as temperature and the amount of additives. As a rule, moisture accumulates in the lower rooms, which ensures the creation of appropriate conditions for moisture-intensive forests. The diversity of flora and fauna also varies at different altitudes. Hydrological effects create conditions for forming distinctive forest ecosystems depending on the area's altitude. Microclimate influences may be observed at higher elevations, affecting water availability and, therefore, forest structure. For example, a combination of good hydrology and soils rich in organic matter will promote higher and healthier tree cover. It is essential to consider these interactions when developing strategies for protecting and restoring forest ecosystems such as alder forests, especially in the context of changing climate conditions and the management of water impacts.

Comments 8: What are the implications of your study for the conservation of rare or endemic species within the Betulaceae family?

Response 8: These studies are the basis for optimising the use of natural resources in the Kostanay region. The studied rare, endemic, and endangered plant species that are part of the unique communities of these relict forests can serve as a basis for creating strategies such as protective zones, designing new botanical reserves and natural monuments, or raising the status of existing ones. The creation of monitoring systems will help identify changes and respond promptly. The results will help develop strategies for reproducing and reintroducing rare species.

Comments 9: How do you address potential biases in your sampling methodology, particularly in relation to the accessibility of study sites?

Response 9: The sampling method was based on the growth of these forests with different ecological conditions (steppe and forest-steppe factors). Since the forest growth areas include Betulaceae in a limited area, all areas were available for the study.

Comments 10: Could you discuss the role of anthropogenic factors in more detail, particularly in relation to forest degradation in the Kostanay region?

Response 10: Anthropogenic factors cause critical threats to birch forests. Global population growth, deforestation for agricultural expansion, pastoralism (grazing and haymaking), and man-made influences—road networks, pipelines, power lines, clearing of trees and shrubs, fires of anthropogenic and natural origin, and recreation—remain the main drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, which leads to a significant loss of forest biodiversity.

Today, land degradation affects more than 3 billion people worldwide, and 40% of the least protected populations live in areas classified as degraded. This directly impacts human well-being and threatens the widespread biodiversity of flora and fauna. In the Kostanay region, the situation is also a concern. The agricultural sector in the Kostanay region is actively developing agriculture, which leads to significant deforestation in the creation of agricultural land. The transition to intensive farming methods hurts forest ecosystems, leading to a decrease in biodiversity and disruption of the natural balance.

In addition, the recreational impact on forest ecosystems is becoming one of the significant factors influencing forest degradation in the study region. As a result of these anthropogenic impacts, the area of ​​forests in the Kostanay region is decreasing; their species composition and phytocenotic structure are changing, which is accompanied by a decrease in the number of individual species and the disappearance of the most vulnerable, including rare plants.

The construction of residential and commercial facilities, as well as infrastructure, is designed to meet the needs of a growing population, which leads to the loss of forests and deterioration of the quality of the environment.

Illegal and unsustainable logging is becoming a severe problem. Incorrect timber harvesting methods not only reduce the number of trees but also worsen the condition of the remaining forests, contributing to their degradation and increasing the risk of fires. In the last five years alone, frequent forest fires have destroyed more than 50 hectares of forests, leading to a sharp reduction in relict birch forests and associated species. This hurts the state of the ecosystem and leads to a loss of genetic diversity.

Using chemical fertilisers and pesticides in agriculture leads to soil and water pollution, significantly affecting forest ecosystems' health. An increase in the concentration of toxic substances in the soil and water decreases the viability of many plants and disrupts their growth.

Anthropogenic impacts, such as emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, lead to climate change, which, in turn, puts the forests of the Kostanay region at risk.

Comments 11: How does your study contribute to the global understanding of Betulaceae forest dynamics, particularly in temperate regions?

Response 11: Research on birch forests in the Kostanay region deepens our understanding of the local ecosystem and global forest-related processes. These forests support biodiversity, provide habitats for numerous species, and participate in the carbon cycle. They also show how birch trees adapt to climate change, which is essential for predicting future ecosystem changes (Kvashin, 2014).

Birch forests absorb carbon, which helps us understand their impact on carbon balance and climate change. Studying their growth dynamics and response to stress factors allows us to develop forest management strategies to maintain their health (Pavlov, Mikhailov, 2018; Zaitsev, 2020). Data from the Kostanay region can be used for comparative analysis with other areas, identifying common trends and differences.

In recent years, the forest area has declined: in 2020, the tropics lost more than 12 million hectares of tree cover. Birch also has cultural and economic significance for local communities, opening up new prospects for sustainable development.

Comments 12: What specific conservation strategies do you recommend based on the biodiversity indices you calculated?

Response 12: - the restoration of forest ecosystems in the region by the artificial renewal

-Creation of protected areas in areas with a high concentration of diversity

-Environmental education

Comments 13: Could you provide more information on the taxonomic verification process for the species identified in your study?

Response 13: 1) To study the phytocenotic composition of forest ecosystems and the dynamics of growth and development to develop measures to restore forest cover in the Kostanay region.

2) Preservation of plant diversity. (Rare and Red Book species)

Taxonomic verification of species is a necessary process that includes classifying and identifying plants discovered during research. It consists of several key stages:

During field research, plant samples are collected in various ecosystems of the Kostanay region. Samples are carefully documented, indicating the location and conditions of their location. Based on species identification, it is possible to determine taxonomic categories. The status of species is determined in the context of rarity and inclusion in the Red Book. This allows you to assess the degree of threat to specific species and their status in the ecosystem.

The phytocenotic composition of forest ecosystems is studied, which allows you to determine the ratio of species, their diversity and habitats. This is important for understanding the sustainability of the ecosystem and its ability to recover.

All data are recorded and processed for further use in scientific research and the development of measures to restore forest cover and preserve plant diversity.

For the first time, the features of the birch forest flora in the systematic, phytocenotic, ecological and geographical aspects have been identified for the territory. Endemics and relics have been identified and described in the flora, and the main coenoelements of the regular, meadow and steppe cenogenetic groups have been considered, reflecting the electrogenesis and current state of the birch forest flora in the region.

For the first time, an ecological and phytocenotic classification of the birch forest formation of the Turgai Depression has been developed with a holistic geobotanical characteristic of the associations.

Response to Reviewer 1 Comments

1. Summary

We, the team of authors, value your comments and suggestions. We tried to take everything into account. Thank you!

2. Questions for General Evaluation

Reviewer’s Evaluation

Response and Revisions

Does the introduction provide sufficient background and include all relevant references?

Must be improved

This section has been improved. Thank you!

Is the research design appropriate?

Yes

Thank you!

Are the methods adequately described?

Yes

Thank you!

Are the results clearly presented?

Yes

Thank you!

Are the conclusions supported by the results?

Yes

Thank you!

3. Point-by-point response to Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Comments 1: 1) Please, be more detail in keywords. For example, you can present "boreal forests" instead forests or phytodiversity (biodiversity) instead unclear diversity etc. What about mountain catchment?

Response 1: This section has been improved.

Comments 2: 2) Line 40: Birch forests can play crucial role only in boreal conditions. The paragraph needs definition about role for succession processes as primary forests after disturbances in temperate zones. Thus, I recommend separation of the birch forest roles between temperate and boreal zones.

Response 2: This section has been improved.

Comments 3: 3) Lines 46-48: Make shorter the sentense to: "...it is necessary to conduct sustainable forest management."

Response 3: This proposal has been changed.

Comments 4: 4) Lines 48-49: Remove the sentense "Conductioning scientific research..." as redundant.

Response 4: This proposal has been removed.

Comments 5: 5) Lines 236-237: Again, remove the sentense "Thus, the table is an essential tool for ecologists and botanists...".

Response 5: This proposal has been removed.