Geographical distribution and population status of Astragalus dasyanthus Pall. in the Сherkasy Region

The article presents information about new findings of a rare species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine – Astragalus dasyanthus Pall. Based on the study of herbarium collections, literary sources, and our own expeditions, we have summarized data on its distribution in the Cherkasy Region. A detailed list of the species’ localities by administrative districts of the region is provided. A new location was discovered near the village of Bereznyaky in the Cherkasy District, near a railway embankment. The botanical and geographical characteristics of the localities, the species composition of the background vegetation, the size and condition of the population are given. The ecological and coenotic conditions in which the population grows are described, and the age groups of individuals are classified. An assessment of the anthropogenic impact on the community was made. The study is based on the processing of more than 150 herbarium sheets (including about 20 related to the Cherkasy Region) from leading scientific institutions in Ukraine (KW, KWNA, KWU, PW), as well as on the results of our own field surveys with GPS fixation of localities in 2024–2025. Mapping was performed using Google Earth Pro, and data on new populations were entered into the iNaturalist social network. The historical and modern administrative division of the region was used for accurate interpretation of data on the distribution of Astragalus dasyanthus. A total of 23 localities of the species were identified, three of which are newly discovered, in particular in the village of Bereznyaky, Cherkasy District. Geobotanical descriptions and analysis of the ontogenetic spectra of populations were carried out. The finding expands the data on the current range of the species in Ukraine and is important for the formation of recommendations for its protection, especially in the context of ongoing transformation of natural ecosystems. Thus, the results obtained emphasize the need to grant conservation status to the discovered populations and to introduce regional monitoring. Additionally, attention is drawn to the fact that for effective conservation of the species, it is necessary to periodically monitor the status of its populations. It is recommended to develop and implement local conservation plans, involve the public, and inform the population about the importance of this rare species. It is also important to ensure the support of existing biotopes and prevent their degradation, especially in the steppe and meadow-steppe zones of the Cherkasy Region.