RARE PLANT SPECIES OF LAKE KRAVTSOVO AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

Abstract

A prerequisite for the sustainable development of the biosphere is the preservation of
the biodiversity of flora and fauna. The monitoring of plant populations in their natural
habitats (in situ) is one of the priorities in the work of botanical gardens. Lake Kravtsovo is a
nature reserve of regional significance and a unique object of the Stavropol Upland. There are
139 species of vascular plants which are registered in this territory. 11 of them are protected.
The coordinates of the habitat of the following species which are listed in the Red Data Book
of the Stavropol Territory were identified: Astragalus calycinus Bieb., A. bungeanus Boiss.,
A. sytinii V. Belous et A. Laktionov, Colchicum laetum Steven, Tulipa biebersteiniana Schult.
& Schult. F., Jurinea ciscaucasica Iljin., Iris taurica Lodd., Paeonia tenuifolia L., P.
biebersteiniana Rupr., Iris halophila Pall., I. notha Bieb. Cladium mariscus (L.) Pohl. (a
presumed extinct species) has been discovered during monitoring. It is in the generative phase
in a unique copy and covers an area of approximately 1.5 m². The absence of juvenile and
vegetative individuals indicates that the population is in danger of extinction. Utricularia
vulgaris L. is a rare species which grows in shallow water at the flowering stage. Cyperus
fuscus L. and Carex pseudocyperus L. can be observed in the coastal zone at the fruiting
stage. Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (threatened species) is at the flowering stage.
Thelypteris palustris Schott is at the vegetative stage. Rare species – Paeonia tenuifolia L., P.
biebersteiniana Rupr., Iris halophila Pall., I. notha Bieb. grow on the western slope of Lake
Kravtsovo. Populations are viable, without senile individuals. Projective cover is up to 90%.
There is no tendency for extinction of these species, since individuals of all life forms are
present.