Distribution, ecological and biological features and the state of cenopopulations of species of the genus Cephalanthera Rich. (Republic of Adygea)

The issue of the conservation status of Euphorbia glareosa Pall. ex Bieb. (Euphorbiaceae Juss.) on the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan is considered in the article. In the second edition of the Red Data Book of the Republic of Bashkortostan [2011] this species was included in the regional list of rare species that need biomonitoring – «List of objects of flora and fungi that are not included in the Red Data Book of the Republic of Bashkortostan, but need special attention on the territory of the republic to their state in the natural environment and monitoring». The article provides the following information about the species: morphological description with an indication of the main diagnostic features; modern data on the distribution of the species in the republic; brief ecological and phytocenotic characteristics; features of biology (according to data from literature sources); modern data on the number and state of local population; limiting factors; adopted and recommended protection measures, data on the possibility of preserving the species in culture. On the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan, the species E. glareosa достоверно is known only from one point – the southern shore of Lake Aslikul in the Davlekanovsky district (the territory of the Asly-Kul natural park). In the republic, E. glareosa is a poorly studied species and is located at the edge of the range (at the eastern and northern limits of distribution). The known population is small 50-80 generative individuals). The population is subject to negative anthropogenic and natural influences. The species is poorly resistant to these influences. The species is on the verge of extinction. The data presented in the article fully justify the possibility of excluding the species Euphorbia glareosa Pall. ex Bieb. from the regional list of rare species «List of objects of flora and fungi that are not included in the Red Data Book of the Republic of Bashkortostan, but need special attention on the territory of the republic to their state in the natural environment and monitoring» and including it in «List of objects of flora and fungi listed in the Red Data Book of the Republic of Bashkortostan» (third edition, 2021) (category and status: 1 – endangered species).

The issue of the conservation status of Trifolium alpestre L. (Fabaceae) on the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan is considered in the article. The species was included in the first edition (2001) and the second edition (2011) of the Red Data Book of the Republic of Bashkortostan (category and status: 3 – rare species). The article provides the following information about the species: morphological description with an indication of the main diagnostic features; modern data on the distribution of the species in the republic, new finds of the species in the Bashkir Cis-Ural; brief ecological and phytocenotic characteristics; features of biology (according to data from literature sources); modern data on the number and state of local populations; limiting factors; adopted and recommended protection measures, data on the possibility of preserving the species in culture. Currently, the state of Trifolium alpestre on the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan can be considered satisfactory. There are no direct threats to the species. It has been established that the species is distributed much more widely in the Republic of Bashkortostan (the species is known from more than 30 points in 16 administrative districts) than previously assumed (it was known in 16 points in 12 administrative districts during the preparation and publication of the Red Book of the Republic of Bashkortostan in 2011). The species shows significant tolerance to adverse factors and tends to increase in number. It is satisfactorily provided with territorial security The data presented in the article fully justify the possibility of excluding the species Trifolium alpestre from the list of the Red Data Book of the Republic of Bashkortostan and including it in the regional list of species that need biomonitoring – «List of flora and fungi objects that are not included in the Red Book of the Republic of Bashkortostan, but need special attention on the territory of the republic to their state in the natural environment and monitoring».

The issue of the conservation status of the species Cephalaria uralensis (Murr.) Schrad. ex Roem. et Schult. (Dipsacaceae Juss.) в) on the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan is considered in the article. The species was included in the first edition (2001) and the second edition (2011) of the Red Data Book of the Republic of Bashkortostan (category and status: 3 – rare species, the species is located on the territory of the republic at the northern and eastern borders of the range). The article provides the following information about the species: morphological description with an indication of the main diagnostic features; modern data on the distribution of the species in the republic, new finds of the species in the Bashkir Cis-Ural и South Ural (western macroslope); brief ecological and phytocenotic characteristics; features of biology (according to data from literature sources); modern data on the number and state of local populations; limiting factors; adopted and recommended protection measures, data on the possibility of preserving the species in culture. The state of the species Cephalaria uralensis at the present time on the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan can be considered satisfactory. The species shows significant resistance to adverse factors. It was found that the species is widespread in the republic much wider than previously thought. The species is satisfactorily provided with territorial protection, a significant part of its known populations are located within the boundaries of existing or projected specially protected natural areas. The data presented in the article substantiate the reasons for the exclusion of the species Cephalaria uralensis from the list of the Red Data Book of the Republic of Bashkortostan and its subsequent inclusion in the regional list of observed species – «List of flora and fungi that need special attention to their state in the natural environment and monitoring (observed species)» [Red Data Book..., 2021].

The article presents information about the introduction of the species Leucaena pulverulenta Benth., belonging to the genus Leucaena Benth., in the conditions of Absheron, bioecological features, reproduction, a comprehensive study of growth and development, research work and results. It is important to study the changes that occur at all stages of ontogeny, the study of growth and developmental characteristics of plants under the conditions of introduction, reproductive characteristics such as flowering and fruiting. Methods for assessing the main bioecological characteristics of plants provide obtaining the main bioecological characteristics of the species, its growth and reproduction. The choice of plants for landscaping, along with their biological and ecological characteristics, is closely related to the soil and climatic conditions of the region. For the stability and durability of the planted greenery, it is advisable to use plants that have more valuable decorative properties. When choosing plants for landscaping, it should be borne in mind that they are more decorative, resistant to diseases and pests. Leucaena pulverulenta Benth., when analyzing the results of the study in terms of its ecological and biological characteristics, the species has a dry subtropical character, is recognized as drought-resistant, heat-resistant, photophilous and less demanding on the soil. The relatively low and high alkalinity of organic and inorganic substances in the gray-brown soils of the study area has a negative impact on the vegetative and generative organs of plants at certain stages of the seasonal development rhythms of these plants. However, this effect is not decisive in completing the life cycle of the studied plants. Thus, it can be concluded from the research that in the conditions of Absheron plants can fully complete the rhythms of development, which is expedient in terms of their widespread use in the landscaping of the Absheron Peninsula.

The article presents a review of data on a rare endemic species of the flora of the Republic of Bashkortostan (RB) – Pimpinella tomiophylla (Woronow) Stank. (Apiaceae). The species is included in the third edition of the Red Data Book of the RB [2021] in the following status: category 2 – a species that is declining in abundance and/or distribution; vulnerable species (VU); II priority (Bashkir Cis-Urals). The article provides the following information about the species: conservation status; nomenclature reference; morphological description; distribution in the republic; brief ecological and phytocenotic characteristics; features of biology; modern data on condition of the local population; limiting factors; measures for the protection. The species was first described for science in 1931 from Mount Tratau (RB, Ishimbai district) according to herbarium collections in 1915 and 1926 (LE) [Voronov, 1931; Flora of the USSR, 1950]. In the republic, P. tomiophylla is a poorly studied species and is located within a narrow local range. At present, the species is reliably known only from one point – the territory of the natural monument «Mount Tratau» (UFA) [The Red Data Book…, 2021]. The species occurs in plant communities with typical petrophytic species. It grows mainly in the lower part of the western and southwestern slopes of the mountain. The known population of the species is numerous. In recent years, the recreational load on the populations of rare species on Mount Tratau, including the species P. tomiophylla, has increased, which will inevitably lead to a reduction in the area and number of its population. The necessity of a set of additional measures for the protection of P. tomiophylla in situ and ex situ is substantiated.

The fish fauna of the Gilmimliveem River (the Bering Sea basin) includes five taxa of species and subspecies ranks: Arctic grayling Thymallus arcticus signifer, resident (landlocked) dwarf Dolly Varden trout Salvelinus malma, relict three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus cf. aculeatus, the nine-spined stickleback Pungitius pungitius, and the western slimy sculpin Cottus cognatus cognatus. Arctic grayling and nine-spined stickleback were found for the first time. Two rare Beringian subspecies are recorded (T. arcticus signifier and C. cognatus cognatus) and a local endemic of Northeast Asia (G. cf. aculeatus). A morphological description, some features of the biology and current state of populations of freshwater fish of a unique ecosystem of thermal mineral springs of the Gilmimliveem River are presented for the first time. The linear growth of these fish on the Chukchi Peninsula of the Russian Arctic (the northeastern edge of the Asian continent) is discussed.

A unifying conceptual model is constructed for the major effects of alternating periods of global warming and cooling and sea-level changes on the geographical distributions and the ecological and genetic characteristics of species and ecological communities. The main results found are: The species in the interior of continuous global latitude and altitude temperature gradients are expected to follow the moving temperature zones without any major extinctions or any major changes in their physiological and ecological characteristics and adaptive roles during both global warming and global cooling periods, with competitive replacement of resident species by zonally dispersing pre-adapted species. Many or all of the existing species at all the global cold boundary zones of both latitude and altitude temperature gradients are expected to become extinct during periods of global warming, which would be caused by competitive displacement by immigrating pre-adapted species from adjacent warmer zones. Most existing species in the warm boundary zones of all the global temperature gradients are predicted to persist and adapt without competition to the increased temperature during periods of global warming, and to diversify by adaptations to newly created ecological opportunities. Periods of global cooling are predicted to cause analogous opposite effects to the effects of global warming in the cold and warm boundaries of temperature gradients: that is, extinctions at the warm boundaries and persistence and adaptations at the cold boundaries: Existing species in all islands and island-like isolated areas are predicted to persist in the absence of competitive displacement by immigrating pre-adapted species, and gradually adapt to the changing temperatures during periods of both global warming and global cooling. During periods of global cooling, many more diverse opportunities for new adaptations and for invasions by pre-adapted species are expected and predicted in the large diversity of the newly open heterogeneous coldest and highest altitude zones of all the global altitude temperature gradients. Long-term sequences of alternating periods of global warming and global cooling are expected to cancel and eliminate most of the ecological and adaptive changes which have occurred during the previous periods at all the latitude and altitude boundary zones. The species at the interior of continuous temperature gradients are expected to persist unchanged over long evolutionary time during repeated sequences of alternating periods of global warming and global cooling. The effects of higher and lower global sea levels on the sea shore and intertidal species and communities during periods of global warming or cooling are expected to be analogous to the bio-geographical, ecological and genetic changes caused or predicted by global warming or cooling in the species and communities in terrestrial or marine temperature gradients. Global sea-level changes which cause higher or lower shifting of the levels of the ecological zones in continuous sea shore gradients are expected therefore to cause continuous tracking and moving of the populations of the unchanged zonally adapted species. On the other hand, zonally adapted sea shore species are expected to be displaced or become extinct during periods of sea-level changes at the higher or lower boundary zones of the sea-level gradients in semi-isolated marine basins, and in locally discontinuous, fragmented or truncated sea shore ecological gradients.

In order to determine the resource potential of the natural phytocenoses of the Republic of Abkhazia, the study of medicinal plants of the flora of the Ritsa Relict National Park - a unique natural complex that occupies an important place all over the Caucasus and the entire chain of mountains of Eurasia, part of Colchis. The diversity of the geological structure, topography, soils, climate and hydrological conditions caused the formation of a unique natural complex with endemic and relict (West Abkhazian) plant species and their communities on the territory. Today, the RRNP flora includes 1201 species, among which 179 plant species from 64 families are classified in various categories of rarity. Medicinal plants used in official and folk medicine are represented by 115 species from 93 genera and 48 families, which is 10% of the species diversity of the park. Among the medicinal plant of the RRNP, there are 17 relicts and endemic species ( Alnus barbata C.A. Mey., Chiastophyllum oppositifolium (Ledeb.) Berger, Convallaria transcaucasica Utkin, Cyclamen abchasicum (Medw.) Kolak., Daphne pontica L., Digitalis schischkinii Ivanina, Dioscorea caucasica Lipsky, Erythronium caucasicum Woronow, Hedera colchica (K. Koch) K. Koch, Hypericum xylosteifolium (Spach) N. Robson, Ilex colchica Pojark., Laurocerasus officinalis Roem., Sanicula europaea L., Solanum persicum Willd., Swertia iberica Fisch. & Mey., Tamus communis L., Tilia caucasica Rupr.). This report provides their ecological and biological characteristics, morphological description and medicinal use.

Ecological risk assessment using RAPD and distribution pattern of a rare and endangered species

Studying the ecological and biological features and water regime of plants of the mountainous semidesert of Uzbekistan to determine their stability in these conditions, we concluded to use an integrated approach to solve the problem of adaptation. Functional, structural or other biological features can equally determine the resistance of a species to extreme factors, such as, for example, the rhythm of development. The purpose of the work is to identify a complex of elements of plant adaptation to arid zone to xerothermic conditions and to characterize ecological groups by the generality of adaptation systems. Based on the system analysis, the biological and structural-functional adaptive features of plants were analyzed, and the studied species were classified into ecological groups as adaptive systems and according to the generality of adaptations to the experience of the dry period. The original data obtained, which relate to the characteristics of the elements of biomorphological adaptation and adaptation of the water regime, the remaining adaptive elements were identified based on the analysis of literary data. Along with structural and behavioral signs, we focus on those features of the water regime that ensure a positive water balance among representatives of various environmental groups. Each of the selected ecological groups of plants is characterized by a certain combination of adaptive features of a physiological and biomorphological plan. With a variety of adaptive features in different plant species to drought and the absence of an integral indicator of drought resistance, it is impossible to focus on any one of them, of course, it is necessary to take into account the whole complex of signs. The complex of features will allow determining more accurately the nature of a particular combination of biomorphological and functional features peculiar to a particular ecological group

This article presents the list of fungal species recommended for inclusion in the new edition of the Red Data Book of the Komi Republic, and information about changes sincethe previous edition. During 2008-2018, we inventoried the mycobiota and the status of the populations of rare species of fungi in previously unexplored areas and received new data on their distribution, ecological and biological features. Based on the results, we can suggest 65 species for protection: 35 of them should be transferred from the previous Red Data Book edition (2009) with the same status, and the 30 new species of macromycetes are Trichoderma nybergianum, Verpa conica, Microstoma protractum, Bovista paludosa, Echinoderma echinaceum, Entoloma incanum, Chrysomphalina chrysophylla, Cuphophyllus cinerellus, Hygrophorus inocybiformis, Phaeocollybia festiva, Baeospora myriadophylla, Clitocybula lignicola, Crinipellis piceae, Tectella patellaris, Pluteus umbrosus, Leucocortinarius bulbiger, Omphaliaster borealis, Ripartites tricholoma, Boletinus asiaticus, B. spectabilis, Suillus acidus, S. americanus, Geastrum pectinatum, Ramaria fennica, R. karstenii, R. rubella, Polyporus umbellatus, Lactarius alpinus, L. brunneoviolaceus, and L. dryadophilus . Six species ( Pluteus umbrosus, Leucocortinarius bulbiger, Geastrum pectinatum, Polyporus umbellatus, Ramaria fennica, R. karstenii ) are reported for the first time for the region. Four species ( Ganoderma lucidum, Polyporus umbellatus, Sarcosoma globosum, Sparassis crispa ) are included in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation (2008). We suggest seven species of fungi to be excluded from the new edition of the Red Data Book. Some of them are common in disturbed sites (Gyromitra infula, Lepista nuda and Phaeolepiota aurea ). Others should be delisted due to a significant number of new findings in recent years (Ptychoverpa bohemica and Tricholomopsis decora ). Two species were misidentified (Macrolepiota procera and Grifola frondosa ) and so should also be excluded from the red list.

В статье приведено описание эколого-биологических особенностей, фитоценотической структуры и сезонного ритма развития популяций Paeonia anomala L. на территории Казахстанского Алтая в Восточно-Казахстанской области. По результатам исследований выявлены закономерности приуроченности вида к экологическим и геоморфологическим условиям среды обитания, выявлены лимитирующие факторы, обусловливающие редкость вида, и даны рекомендации по сохранению естественных популяций вида. Установлено, что P. anomala в исследуемом регионе растет по крутым лесным икустарниковым склонам северной экспозиции, зарастающим курумам, днищам межгорных логов, долинам рек в высотном диапазоне700–1850 м над ур. м. Наиболее оптимальные условия обитания для P. anomala— кедрово-лиственничные разреженные леса. Возрастной спектр популяций пиона уклоняющегося характеризуется абсолютным максимумом генеративных особей. Популяции в загущенных лесных и кустарниковых местах обитания на юго-западных микросклонах находятся в неблагоприятных для вида экологических условиях. Лимитирующими факторами, обусловливающими редкость вида, являются сбор букетов, заготовка лекарственного сырья, выпас скота и низкая конкурентная способность сеянцев на ранних этапах развития, а также массовое уничтожение семян грызунами. Для сохранения естественных популяций пиона уклоняющегося на Западном Алтае необходимы строгая охрана вида от обрывания на букеты, запрет на заготовки лекарственного сырья, а также разработка промышленных технологий выращивания вида в культуре.

The paper investigates ecological and biological features, chemical composition and nutritional value of the aboveground phytomass of Symphytum asperum Lepech. and Symphytum caucasicum M. Bieb. within the primary range through the example of phytocenoses of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. The range of S. asperum covers the foothill and middle mountain zones up to a height of 2400 m a.s.l., and S. caucasicum covers the flat and foothill zones up to 750 m a.s.l. The limiting factors for the species of Symphytum L. are moisture, nitrogen availability and acidity of the soil. In the studied ecotopes, the realized ecological niche of S. asperum and S. caucasicum is within the limits of the fundamental one. The relationship has been established between the content of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the aboveground phytomass of comfrey plants and the content of humus, mobile phosphorus and exchangeable potassium in the soil of the species habitat. The accumulation of vitamin C in the aboveground phytomass depends on the height above sea level, the average temperature and the amount of precipitation during the growing season. The nutritional and energy value of phytomass, high yield and good regrow capacity of plants indicate the possibility of using S. asperum and S. caucasicum in fodder production. Since comfrey plants grow sparsely and in places difficult for farm animals to access, it is advisable to create plantations of S. asperum and S. caucasicum in the territory of Kabardino-Balkaria for multiple purposes (fodder, melliferous and medicinal).

<i>Syzygium</i> album is a plant species with extremely small population and endemic to Yunxiao Country Fujian Province. This supplementary study on biological and ecological characteristics further improved the morphological characteristics of leaves, flowers and fruits and some biological characteristics of <i>Syzygium</i> album, and improved the seed seedling afforestation technology and protective measures. Practice observation records of the three research results show that: The length width radio of blade is about 3:1, the tail tip accounts for 1/5 of the total length of the blade, the dorsal veins of leaves are obviously reticulated at the edge. Autumn shoots germinate every winter solstice, bronze colored annual branches grow eight new leaves, two months from new leaf to mature leaf and leaf color change more than six colors, petiole is bright yellow green. Cymose panicles terminal or axillary, inflorescence axis green tetrarhombic, three to six branches, filament white, flowering period: June-August. Fruiting period: July-November, drupe capsule, the 1000 grain weight of fresh fruit is 119g, one seed, single carpel one chamber, cotyledons two, purple red, mosaic. Seed germination time is not concentrated, seed germinate throughout the year, germinating seeds need to be placed on the plug one by one, replace the nutrient cup according to the seeding height. After careful management for one year, it will grow into strong seedlings with strong roots, after another year of field management only with earth balls can we go up the mountain for afforestation. In summary, Supplementary description of leaves, flowers and fruits of Syzygium album can be used as the basis for interspecific differentiation and identification. Seed seedling raising and afforestation technology can provide practical reference for protecting and expanding the population. Protective measures can provide reference for local protection and ex situ protection.

Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) is one of the cetacean species commonly encountered off the eastern coast of Taiwan. The species appears to occur in Taiwanese waters year-round. Many biological and ecological characteristics, including group size, habitat preference, and ages at weaning and sexual maturity, are by-and-large in accord with earlier reports for populations in other geographic regions. Morphological assessments, dietary analyses, and genetic data altogether suggest the dolphins found in Taiwanese and Japanese waters are from the same population, which exhibits high genetic diversity and a sign of recent demographic expansion. The dolphin species is endorsed a “Rare and Valuable Species (Class II)” status and is protected by the Wildlife Conservation Act in Taiwan. However, it is still vulnerable to human activities, in terms of whale-watching tourism and coastal gill-net fisheries, with a growing concern on the level of heavy metal residues found in dolphin tissues. Current knowledge for the species is mostly derived from relatively limited information. Assessments on key biological and ecological features, e.g., population size, residency, social structure, and group composition, shall be prioritised for conservation initiatives.