The role of Shaitan-Tau reserve in conservation of rare flora and fauna of Orenburg region

The article provides an annotated list of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna identified by researchers in Shaitan-Tau State Reserve. It reviews the latest findings of rare species recorded in recent decades. As a result, the inventory identified 35 species of rare plant species with 34 species listed in the Red Data Book of the Orenburg Region. The species Stipa zalesskii was unreasonably excluded from the Red Data Book while being listed among the rare species for Russia. The Reserve counts 17 species of rare birds, which is more than 25% of all species listed in the Red Data Book of the Orenburg region. Mammals included in the Red Data Book of the region were not registered in the study area but recommendations were made to consider adding rare Ursus arctos and Lynx lynx that are situated at the border of their breeding range and are vulnerable species in the Orenburg region.