Present status of orchid populations in the Vyshnevolotsko-Novotorzhsky val, Tver region

Data on species habitats, distribution and cenopopulation conditions are given. The Vyshnevolotsko-Novotorzhsky Val is 110 km long. Since the end of XIX century 22 orchid species have been found there (68% of the total number of orchid species in Tver Region). Among them Сypripedium calceolus, Dactylorhiza baltica, D. cruenta, Epipactis atrorubens, E. palustris, Gymnadenia conopsea, G. densiflora, Herminium monorchis, Ophrys insectifera, Orchis ustulata and others. Albino form of E. helleborine and the hybrid E. atrorubens x E. palustris were observed in this territory in 1997 and 2001 respectively. Significant orchid diversity in the Vyshnevolotsko-Novotorzhsky Val is connected with calcareous soils. Most populations occur in non-protected areas and experience heavy disturbance caused by pasturage, agriculture and vehicle passage.