Distribution of orchids in the upper basin of the Ural River and questions of nature conservation

Aim. Conduct a botanical and geographical analysis of the species of the fam. Orchidaceae in the upper part of the Ural River basin and provide recommendations on the organization of specially protected natural areas.

Material and Methods. The study of the distribution of orchids was carried out both on the basis of the results of our own field expeditions and on literature and herbarium collections stored in local and central herbaria (UFA, SWER, LE, MW). The coenopopulation studies were carried out in accordance with generally accepted methods.

Results. The species composition of orchids was revealed and their arealogical, ecological-coenotic, coenopopulation analysis was undertaken in the upper part of the Ural River basin. Despite the wide range, most species of the fam. Orchidaceae are characterised by a narrow ecological-coenotic confinement. The low occurrence of orchids in the conditions of the steppe and forest-steppe zones of the territories under consideration is associated with both weather-climatic and anthropogenic impacts. The coenopopulations of most species are small and the ontogenetic spectra are incomplete.

Conclusions. Species of the family Orchidaceae do not grow in economically developed territories. The remaining locations of orchids are mainly associated with landscapes that are difficult to access for anthropogenic impact. In order to preserve the steppe and forest-steppe landscapes of the Urals it is necessary to further develop the system of specially protected natural areas. The most promising for this purpose are the Krykty and Irendyk ranges, which are distinguished by their unique landscape and biological diversity.

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