New perspective objects for inclusion in the nature reserve network of the Kharkov region

Abstract

The paper deals with the necessity of creating new nature protected areas in the valley of Seversky Donets river to protect and preserve the vegetation cover of reservoirs and to increase the representativeness of the region's biodiversity. The research is based on the results of field investigations of higher aquatic vegetation in the valley of Seversky Donets river that have been made by the author during 2010–2016. А brief description of the current state of Nature Conservation Fund of the valley of Seversky Donets river in Kharkov region has been given. The author points out the publications of other authors devoted to botanical researches of these territories. As new nature protected objects, there are proposed: botanical reserve of national importance “Ozero Zymnje” (Zymnje Lake) and hydrological reserve of national importance “Ust'e reki Mzha” (Estuary of Mzha river). This paper provides information about the location of the objects with GPS coordinates, a brief description of hydrological, geological, climatic conditions, the soil cover, and vegetation. In this paper, the type and category of proposed objects have been determined. Separately, the author notes the presence of rare species and rare plant communities, included in the relevant documents on environmental and vegetable world protection. The main threats to the normal functioning of nature ecosystems have been indicated. Location maps and schematic maps of vegetation with indicating the habitats of rare plants species accompany the materials about the proposed new nature protected areas.