PATTERNS OF DISTRIBUTION AND ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF RARE FLORA SPECIES IN THE TERRITORY OF KOKSHETAU STATE NATIONAL NATURAL PARK

Authors

DOI:

10.26577/EJE872202612

Abstract

The article examines the distribution patterns and ecological characteristics of rare flora species within the territory of the Kokshetau State National Natural Park. The relevance of the study is justified by the need to assess the population status of plant species included in the Red Data Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan and to preserve biodiversity.

The aim of this study is to identify the spatial distribution patterns of rare plant species within the territory of the park’s five branches, analyze their ecological groups, and assess the level of floristic similarity between the territories.

The scientific significance of the work lies in specifying the distribution areas of rare species at the levels of forestry units, quarters, and plots, as well as in providing a comprehensive assessment of the structure of rare flora.

As a result of the study, 13 rare species were identified, including 11 species of higher plants, one lichen, and one moss. The distribution areas of the rare species were specified at the level of forest management quarters and plots and were mapped using cartographic materials. In assessing floristic similarity, the highest similarity was found between the Zerendi and Arykbalyk branches (J = 0.75), while the lowest similarity was characteristic of the Shalkar and Aiyrtau branches (J = 0.17). The ecological analysis showed that the majority of species belong to hygrophytes, mesophytes, and xeromesophytes, indicating the widespread presence of forest-steppe and wetland ecosystems within the park. All the studied species belong to Category III of the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan. The results of the study make an important contribution to the conservation of rare flora species, the implementation of monitoring, and the scientifically based management of specially protected natural areas.

Keywords: Red Book, Kokshetau National Park, flora, rare plants, floristic similarity, ecological groups.

Author Biographies

  • Gulzhaіna Onerkhan, K. Kulazhanov Kazakh University of Technology and Business, Astana, Kazakhstan

    Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor at K. Kulazhanov Kazakh University of Technology and Business (Astana, KazakhstanҚ

  • Shynar Durmekbayeva, Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, Kokshetau, Kazakhstan

    Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of “Biology and Teaching Methods” at Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University (Kokshetau, Kazakhstan)

  • Yerlan Zhumay, Kokshetau State National Natural Park, Kokshetau, Kazakhstan

    PhD, Researcher at “Kokshetau” State National Nature Park (Kokshetau, Kazakhstan)

  • Sansyzbay Memeshov, Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, Kokshetau, Kazakhstan

    Candidate of Agricultural Sciences, Professor, Director of the S. Sadvakasov Agrotechnical Institute of Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University (Kokshetau, Kazakhstan)

  • Gulmira Kyzdarbekova, Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, Kokshetau, Kazakhstan

    PhD, Associate Professor at Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University (Kokshetau, Kazakhstan)

  • Gulnaz Rakymzhan, Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, Kokshetau, Kazakhstan

    Laboratory assistant at Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University (Kokshetau, Kazakhstan)

Published

2026-06-30

Issue

Vol. 87 No. 2 (2026): Eurasian Journal of Ecology

Section

CURRENT PROBLEMS OF CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

How to Cite

PATTERNS OF DISTRIBUTION AND ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF RARE FLORA SPECIES IN THE TERRITORY OF KOKSHETAU STATE NATIONAL NATURAL PARK. (2026). Eurasian Journal of Ecology, 87(2). https://doi.org/10.26577/EJE872202612