New and rare plant species in the Right-bank Northern Steppe Dnieper region

The article presents the results of floristic research conducted in the Right-Bank Northern Steppe Dnieper region from 2019 to 2024. The study area, characterized by significant geological heterogeneity and relief features formed during the Dnieper glaciation, encompasses the basins of several rivers including Mokra Sura, Samotkan, Domotkan, and Omelnyk. As a result of field research, the author discovered 132 new locations of rare vascular plant species. The number of species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine that were found directly by the author is 22, the number of regionally rare species for the Dnipropetrovs'k region that were found directly by the author is 110. One species, Polygala sibirica L., was recorded for the first time in Dnipropetrovsk region, while three species (Anacamptis morio (L.) R.M. Bateman, Pridgeon et M.W. Chase, Taeniopetalum arenarium (Waldst. et Kit.) V.N. Tichomirov and Crambe tataria Sebeók (the last one in 114 years in natural ecosystems) were newly documented for the Right-Bank area. The study revealed the largest known population of Asplenium trichomanes L. in the Dnipropetrovsk region, comprising over 250 individuals. The research suggests that long-term natural fragmentation of sandy habitats in the Right-Bank Steppe Dnieper region plays a crucial role in forming and preserving populations of rare plant species. A special group of 47 vascular plant species adapted to specific ecological conditions of fragmented sandy, petrophytic, and calcareous habitats was identified. The findings demonstrate significant species diversity of Polypodiopsida class in the study area and contribute to understanding biodiversity conservation strategies in anthropogenically transformed ecosystems. The research results have attracted public attention, highlighting the potential of citizen science in regional biodiversity studies.