Age structure of populations of the genus Gentiana L. in the highlands of the Ukrainian Carpathians

Under increasing anthropogenic pressure, the issue of biodiversity conservation, restoration, and protection is becoming increasingly important.The article analyzes the age structure and population status of rare species of the genus Gentiana L. Specifically, Gentiana acaulis L. and Gentiana punctata L., Gentiana lutea L., and Gentiana laciniata Kit.ex Kanitz.The studied species grow in the highlands of the Ukrainian Carpathians and belong to vulnerable and endemic plants.They are rare and listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine as well as the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.After studying the populations of the genus Gentiana L. in the highlands of the Ukrainian Carpathians, it was found that the largest population was G. punctata, while the smallest was G. acaulis.In contrast, G. lutea is characterized by the presence of isolated populations with a relatively large area (ranging from 4 to 45 ha) and density (1.9-6.7 individuals/m).Thus, G. punctata and G. acaulis have formed so-called metapopulation structures, consisting of small populations.The age structure of Gentiana laciniata Kit.ex Kanitz is characterized by a small, isolated population, where pre-generative age groups predominate.Each year, the population size and density of the genus Gentiana L. decrease, and their structure is also disrupted.The main reasons for this decline include the use of G. lutea and G. punctata rhizomes for traditional and official medicine, cattle grazing, and trampling of trails by tourists.In addition to anthropogenic impacts, natural factors also influence population structure, such as a lack of pollinating insects, temperature variations, the presence of pests, and slope exposure.Another important factor contributing to the decline in populations is their low ecological plasticity, which makes adaptation to changing environmental conditions difficult.