Distribution and habitat features of rare orchid species (Orchidaceae Juss.) in the National Park "Nizhnyaya Kama"

Abstract

The orchid species protected in the Republic of Tatarstan are sensitive to certain environmental conditions, therefore, when they are disturbed, they can disappear. As a result of studies carried out in 1998-2022 on the territory of the National Park "Nizhnyaya Kama" (Tatarstan, Russia), maps of the distribution of orchid species were built. It was revealed that only 7 species of orchids are found on the territory of the national park, which is 23% of the total number of orchids in Tatarstan, there are practically no meadow and wet-meadow orchids in the vast areas of meadowlands of the Nizhnekamsk reservoir. The background species is the unprotected Epipactis helleborine, which is noted in 61% of the descriptions with orchid species. The 4 species are noted in the conservation zone, 6 - in the specially protected zone, and 3 - in the recreational area. In dynamics, an increase in the distribution of P. bifolia and P. cucullata was noted. In 2019-2021, 2 habitats of Goodyera repens were found in the conservation zone. However, since 2010, the area of spruce-birch and pine-birch sphagnum communities has sharply decreased, where large populations of P. bifolia were noted. In recent years, D. incarnata has not been recorded since swampy meadows have practically disappeared. Forest species of orchids mainly grow in spruce-pine, coniferous-broad-leaved and coniferous-birch forests with a good moss cover.

Forest Community Spatial Modeling Using Machine Learning and Remote Sensing Data

“…Based on the obtained model and data on the sequestration potential of various types of forest communities, future studies are planned to determine the carbon stock of ecosystems of the Republic of Tatarstan. The vegetation changes over time and space as a result of ecological processes acting on plant populations and communities at different temporal and spatial scales, making it one of the integral indicators of the ecosystem as a whole [117]. This is because the vegetation component of ecosystems is formed depending on both abiotic factors (moisture, light, and soil fertility), landscape characteristics (e.g., topography and drainage) [118,119], and anthropogenic influences.…”

Forest Communities Spatial Modeling as a Basis for Assessing the Sequestration Potential of Ecosystems (Republic of Tatarstan, Russia)

“…Thus, one of the "cornerstones" in creating carbon balance models is the classification of objects for extrapolation of field observations. Vegetation changes over time and space as a result of ecological processes acting on plant populations and communities at different temporal and spatial scales, making it one of the integral indicators of the ecosystem as a whole [4]. This is because the vegetation component of ecosystems is formed depending on both abiotic factors (moisture, light, soil fertility) and anthropogenic influences.…”