GRID MAP OF POLTAVA REGION AS A BASIS FOR BIODIVERSITY MONITORING IN THE REGION

The biodiversity preservation is a crucial task of modern ecology, as it reflects the state of ecosystems and natural processes. Effective monitoring of biodiversity requires the application of innovative approaches, particularly grid mapping. This method allows the systematization and analysis of spatial information on species diversity, facilitating more precise planning of conservation measures.Poltava Region, located in the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine, is characterized by diverse natural landscapes significantly impacted by anthropogenic activities. Despite the relatively comprehensive study of biodiversity in the region, challenges persist due to the limitations of mapping methods and the absence of a unified system for chorological data analysis.To create a grid map of Poltava Region, MapInfo and QGIS software was employed, applying electronic multi-layered maps at a scale of 1:200,000. Within the UTM grid system of the “Atlas Florae Europaeae” (1972), the region was divided into 50×50 km squares, which were further subdivided into smaller 5×5 km units for greater accuracy. Each square was assigned a unique identifier (ID), enabling the storage and analysis of attribute data on species.The resulting grid map identifies biodiversity “hotspots” – areas with the highest concentration of rare and endangered species. This methodology aids in evaluating the effectiveness of natural area conservation, analyzing the dynamics of species distribution and abundance, and planning measures for their study and preservation. Identifying such areas ensures the rational allocation of conservation resources and improves ecological monitoring efficiency.The application of grid mapping in Poltava Region is a significant step toward developing a systematic database on the flora and fauna of the region, contributing to ecosystem conservation and future research planning. The proposed methodology can be adapted for other regions to enhance natural resource monitoring across Ukraine.