Retrospective analysis and current state for Pinus sylvestris l. Var. cretacea kalen. in the “kreidova flora” branch of Ukrainian steppe nature reserve

Abstract

The “Kreidova Flora” (Cretaceous Flora) branch of Ukrainian Steppe Nature Reserve was created to protect unique cretaceous vegetation, including the tertiary relict – pine forests on chalk. In 2018, the Standing Committee of the Berne Convention added these forests to the list of endangered habitats. The main objective of our research was to assess the current state of Pinus sylvestris L. var. cretacea Kalen. habitat based on field observation and Landsat time series retrospective analysis. Satellite remote sensing data (Landsat archive) was used to analyze the distribution patterns and disturbances over a 40-year period. The obtained results show that the area covered with pine trees has doubled, but there are considerable threats of invasive plants, periodical fires and other losses as a result of military actions in the region since 2014. The assessment of the stability and risks in this habitat shows its rareness, narrow prevalence, poor reproduction, very high danger of destruction, and strong sensitivity to the environmental changes. A special set of monitoring and conservation measures are considered to provide successful protection of the habitat as a part of Emerald network.