Preliminary results of the study of the flora of the Nerchugansky reserve (Zabaikalsky krai)

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to study the species composition and analysis of the flora of the «Nerchugansky» reserve. The Nerchugansky State Nature Reserve of regional significance was created in the Tungokochensky District of Zabaikalsky Krai, part of the Far Eastern Federal District, with the support of WWF Russia to preserve its natural heritage. This large protected area is situated in the basin of the Amur River – in the valley of the Nercha River and its most important tributary, the Nerchugan. The importance of this PA in terms of environmental safety is explained by the fact that several large placer gold mines operate in the region, which has a significant negative impact on natural systems. The article presents the data of field studies of the terrestrial ecosystem of the reserve. As a result of the collected material, a systematic register of plant flora has been compiled with the allocation of leading families. The results of the chorological analysis are presented and the features of the formation of vegetation cover in this territory are revealed. The zonal and ecological classifications of the vegetation cover are distributed. The phytosozological analysis of the flora of the reserve was carried out. A number of rare and needy plant species have been identified. The analysis of the flora of the first stage of the study showed the presence of 167 species from 112 genera belonging to 40 families, with the selection of the leading ones. Of these, 10 species belonging to 9 genera from 6 families are included in the Red Book of the Zabaikalsky (Trans-Baikal) Krai. This area is characterized by a diversity of forest communities as well as isolated relict areas of mountain steppes with high species diversity. Preservation of intact natural communities and development of mechanisms of sustainable nature management will preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services of the territory.