Features of the spatial structure of the cenopopulations of the Russian grouse (Fritillaria ruthenica Wikstr.) in the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain

DOI: 10.34736/FNC.2026.133.2.002.16-26 ___  ____ ____

Maltsev Mikhail Vasilyevich, Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor, Department of Biology and Bioengineering, Volgograd State University; 400062, Volgograd, 100 Universitetsky Ave.; ORCID: 0000-0002-3205-6493.

e-mail: maltsev@volsu.ru

Solodovnikov Denis Anatolyevich, Candidate of Geographical Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Geography and Cartography, Volgograd State University, 400062, Volgograd, 100 Universitetsky Ave., Russian Federation, ORCID: 0000-0002-7635-912Х.

e-mail: densolodovnikov@mail.ru

Ivantsova Elena Anatolyevna, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor, Director of the Institute of Natural Sciences, Volgograd State University, 400062, Volgograd, 100 Universitetsky Ave., Russian Federation, ORCID: 0000-0003-4265-9703.

e-mail: ivantsova@volsu.ru.

Abstract. The problem of conservation of biological diversity is particularly relevant in areas of conservation significance that are experiencing significant anthropogenic stress as a result of the construction, reconstruction and operation of linear facilities. As a result of the research, the information contained in the design documentation for the project "Construction of the second, third and fourth launch complexes of the bridge crossing over the Volga River in Volgograd", as well as data on the distribution and current state of cenopopulations of a rare plant species (Fritillaria ruthenica Wikstr.) on the territory and in the zone of influence of the facility within a specially protected natural area of federal significance – the Volga-Akhtuba Floodplain Nature Park. When studying the population of the Russian grouse, classical methods of geobotanical research were used; the assessment of the number of plants on the site consisted in describing test sites laid at equal distances within the boundaries of the surveyed territory. A route method was used with the counting of all plant specimens found in two categories: generative plants (G); virginal plants (V). Spatial analysis and visualization of data on the distribution of the species were carried out using geoinformation technologies and electronic mapping tools using QGIS 3.30.2 and Google Earth Pro. Accurate positioning of surveillance objects on the ground was provided by Garmin E-trex 30x GPS/GLONASS receivers. As a result of the research, information was obtained on confirmed and identified habitats of the Russian grouse, the number of locations was indicated, the coordinates of the turning points of the polygon (coordinate system Pulkovo_1942_GK_Zone_8N) were presented, bounding two sites with a total area of 24,500 m2, with an increased concentration of the species within an undisturbed old-growth oak grove, the number of plants in the right-of-way and in the zone of influence of the linear object was established. 1,192 specimens of the Russian grouse have been recorded at 90 geobotanical sites (with an area of 100 m2). Recommendations for the conservation and restoration of the species' abundance are given. Further monitoring of changes in the distribution area and abundance of the Russian grouse will allow timely identification of possible negative trends in population dynamics, and planning measures to protect rare and endangered species in the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain.

Keywords. Rare plant species; Fritillaria ruthenica; population structure; linear object; ecological monitoring; Volga-Akhtuba Floodplain Nature Park.

For citation. Maltsev M. V., Solodovnikov D. A., Ivantsova E. A. Features of the spatial structure of cenopulations of the Russian grouse (Fritillaria ruthenica Wikstr.) in the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain // Scientific Agronomy Journal. 2026; 2(133):16-26. DOI: 10.34736/FNC.2026.133.2.002.16-26.

Funding. There is no external financing.

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