Dmytrash-Vatseba I. Rare species of vascular plants in Southern Opillya: population state, threats and conservation perspectives

The thesis is devoted to the study of distribution and population state of rare plant species in Southern Opillya. Rare component of the flora includes 269 species. The structure of the rare fraction was analyzed. There were found 2062 populations of rare species. Size of these populations was evaluated. Structure of coenopopulations of six model species was investigated. Main drivers of rare phytodiversity decrease in different habitat types were defined. The effect of patch area decrease and pastoral digression intensification on rare component of meadow steppes was studied. There was built a scenario of extinction of rare species populations at different stages of meadow steppe degradation. The action plan for conservation of rare plant populations was recommended.