Condition of the Paeonia Lactiflora Pall. populations in Bastak Reserve

Conservation of biological diversity is one of the most urgent and complex problems of our time that requires an interdisciplinary approach. Special attention should be paid to the state of rare and endangered species cenopopulations playing a key role in maintaining the ecosystems functional integrity at both the biosphere and regional levels. Cenopopulations (CP) of rare species reflect ecological well-being and biodiversity, showing the interaction dynamics between organisms and their habitat. CP research makes it possible to identify vulnerable links in ecosystem chains, to assess the effects of anthropogenic impact and develop effective strategies for protection and restoration of natural communities. The study of rare and endangered local cenopopulations plant species state is an integral part of the strategy aimed at preserving biological diversity and maintaining ecological balance. The paper describes two local cenopopulations of the perennial herbaceous plant Paeonia lactiflora Pall. – a rare species included in Red Books of the Russian Federation and the Jewish Autonomous region. Seven rare species of vascular plants are annually monitored in the Bastak Nature Reserve. This article shows comparative characteristics of two peony cenopopulations growing on the Bastak Nature Reserve Zabelovsky cluster site. The study shows that peony cenopopulations, having differences in morphometric indicators, develop well in different plant communities. Most likely, this is due to both favorable environmental conditions that promote sustainable growth and reproduction of cenopopulations, and the absence of natural pressure on this species habitat in the region.