Rare species of natural steppe flora – on prospects for their conservation in Samara region in situ and ex situ

Abstract

The virgin steppes survived only in inappropriate for plowing places or in natural reserves are valuable natural heritage due to significant number of world’s flora protected species. This article is devoted to comparison of passive and active measures of biological diversity preservation for regional flora rarities. A spatial analysis in the Arc View GIS3.2 system was used for distribution study of protected areas and rare plant species according to the municipal districts of Samara region. The results of the Botanical Garden activities native flora preservation are given using data of its flora department and 2011-2020 delectuses. The number of higher plants species included in regional Red Data Book found in municipal districts varies from 23 to 115, whereas protected areas percentage there does not reach 5%, only in two slightly exceeds it. The natural monuments have low efficiency as natural reserves for highly fragmented steppe ecosystems. The passive measures for the biodiversity conservation need to be supplemented by active ones. Over 10 years, the Botanical Garden of Samara University provides ex situ conservation for 39 flowering plants species included in regional Red Book as permanent populations. The fund of ex situ plants is successfully used for reintroduction.