Anthropogenic Transformation of Vegetation and the Effectiveness of its Protection in the System of Protected Natural Territories on the Example of the Altai Krai

Abstract

The plant cover of the Altai Krai experiences significant anthropogenic pressures. The main factors of anthropogenic transformation of ecosystems are land plowing, grazing, haying, felling, recreation, fires, etc. All of them lead to the decreased species diversity, decreased biological productivity, and degradation of biocenoses. Phytoecological mapping of vegetation degradation makes it possible to assess the environmental consequences of anthropogenic activities at local and regional levels. The results of the study can be used to determine and predict the status of biogeocenoses. Ecological monitoring will allow for planning activities for the rational use and protection of natural resources. We have mapped the Altai Krai and identified four territorial complexes with varying degrees of the transformation of vegetation cover – weak, moderate, healthy, and very strong. We assessed the effectiveness of vegetation protection in the system of protected areas. In areas with an extreme degree of transformation, the location of protected areas is 2.6%. The types of landscapes for the creation of protected areas are proposed.