Ecological characteristics of rare and endangered species in the Divychky Emerald Network Area (Central Ukraine)

Abstract

Introduction. The assessment of the importance of individual areas for the conservation of European biodiversity relies on various criteria, one of which is the presence of threatened species of European significance. Recent botanical surveys have confirmed the proliferation of rare plants within the Divychky Emerald Network Area. Our research aims to conduct a phytosociological analysis and assess the ecological conditions of habitats hosting rare species in the Divychky Emerald Network Area (DENA) under protection at both national and international levels. Materials and Methods. We conducted a survey of the area and compiled lists of species, identifying those that are rare and protected at the European level. We visually assessed the vitality of populations and utilized synphytoindication method to characte­rize ecological aspects of habitats. Results. We compiled a list of species found within the Divychky Emerald network area, which includes those listed in both the European Red List and the Red Data Book of Ukraine. Phytoindicative assessment helped determine the range of individual environmental factors affecting these species. Discussion. The Divychky Emerald Network Area is home to endangered species of significant importance within Europe. In particular, there are habitats of nine species under protection of the Bern Convention, and two species included in the European Red List. We have compiled a list of species with protected status and assigned them to six vegetation classes in the plant community. The largest number of plants have been assigned to three vegetation classes. Our studies demonstrate how the types of reproduction affect the distribution and number of species – species with vegetative reproduction had the largest populations. The most vulnerable species populations were described, and information on the distribution and habitat of these species was provided. Conclusion. We have gathered new chorological and phytocoenotic data concerning the growth of protected plant species within the studied area of the Divychky Emerald Network Area. Species protected at the European level, along with their populations facing varying levels of extinction threat, have been identified and thoroughly studied.