Classification of urban habitats of towns of the Udmurt Republic (Russia)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to discover the species composition of urban floras through studying and comparing certain partial floras. The object of our research is flora of small towns in Udmurtia. We have developed methodological approaches for analysis of different urban habitats. These approaches are significant for identifying of plants species composition in cities. This study is based on the method of partial floras. The term “partial flora” is understood in the interpretation of Boris A. Yurtsev. This method is widely used in Russia (Yurtsev, 1982). We’ve created the classification of habitats groups based on examination of cartographic material, aerial and satellite photography, primary analysis of the flora habitats. We have distinguished two types, 16 classes and 43 habitats kinds. The Type of natural and semi-natural habitats with little disturbance of vegetation is divided into 7 classes of habitats: meadow, forest, forest-steppe, swamp, water, coastal, naturally bare habitats. The type of anthropogenically – transformed habitats includes 9 classes: communicationly-tape, erosion, slotted, agricultural, water, artificial tree plantation, landfills, landscape gardenings, cemeteries Preliminary lists of kinds of partial flora habitats are made. Both native and alien species of plants are allocated there. Alien flora fraction was divided into groups according to the degree of danger for biodiversity. Typical species were pointed out for all habitats.