Nature conservation value of rich grass steppes of the Cis-Urals

Rich grass steppes in The South Ural are poorly remained ecosystems. Today an urgent task is inventory and conservation of a biodiversity of the remained steppe communities. Authors set the object to estimate nature conservation value of rich grass steppes of the Cis-Urals (Republic of Bashkortostan, Orenburg oblast) and to identify the most valuable types of communities. Assessment was carried out using 8 optimized criteria which were proposed for the project of The Green Book of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Communities of steppes with Stipa pulcherrima on light rocky soils in the southern part of forest-steppe zone (ass. Astragalo austriacae-Stipetum pulcherrimae) is estimated with maximum values of «Nature conservation category" criteria as the most rare and protection needed. Coenoflora of these communities combines species of the typical and meadow steppes. The number of rare species (Fritillaria ruthenica, Hedysarum grandiflorum, Iris pumila, etc.) are present. Reducing of the area are noted as a result of the high antropogenic pressure. Rich grass steppes of northern (асс. Leucanthemo vulgaris-Stipetum pennatae) and southern (асс. Poo angustifoliae-Stipetum pennatae) part of forest-steppe zone are estimated with high values of "Nature conservation category" criteria. Some of these communities are located on the existing protected areas, but it is still necessary to develop a system for their conservation and rational using.