State of populations of some rare medicinal plants in the basin of the Kozhym river (Subpolar Urals)
Data on the population state of three medicinal plant species growing in the northern part of the Yugyd va national park are given: Paeonia anomala L., Pentaphylloides fruticosa (L.) O. Schwarz and Thymus talijevii Klok. Et Schost. s.l. The data on Paeonia anomala number and dynamics of the population ontogenetic structure are obtained. Due to the low number (100-300 adult individuals), hampered seed renewal and uncontrolled harvesting of plants as medicinal raw materials, this population is very vulnerable and requires constant monitoring. The state of relic Pentaphylloides fruticosa populations in the Kozhym river basin indicates the decrease in number and size of coenopopulations of this rare species, changes in their ontogenetic structure and ways of self-reproduction in comparison with the undisturbed populations. At the same time, the population of Thymus talijevii is characterized by low competitive ability in natural communities and positive reaction on disturbances. Having high rates of seed productivity, Thymus talijevii invades the heaps of waste placers and generates normal full populations in these ecotopes. It should be noted that P. anomala, P. fruticosa and T. talijevii are included in the lists of protected plants, and their procurement as a medicinal raw material under natural conditions is strictly prohibited. An active public awareness-raising is recommended as one of the measures of protection. To obtain raw materials for medicinal products, it is necessary to conduct studies on the introduction and creation of artificial plantations of these valuable plants.