Implications of population size, structure, and soil parameters for the conservation of Allochrusa gypsophiloides in Kazakhstan
Tastanbekova A. Kulymbet K. Kurmanbayeva M. Höhn M. Zhumagul M. Abduraimov O. Issayev G.I. Alshynbayev O. Toktar M. Smanov Z.
2025Society for Indonesian Biodiversity
Biodiversitas
2025#26Issue 52051 - 2064 pp.
The study examines the distribution, population size, and ecological conditions of Allochrusa gypsophiloides in the Karatau Mountain Range, Kazakhstan. This rare species, listed in the Red Data Book, was found in four populations (P1-P4): Sayasu Gorge (P1), Kuyuk Pass (P2), and The Vicinity of Birlik (P3) and Kenestobe Villages (P4). Geobotanical research assessed species composition, plant communities, and ontogenetic structure using Uranov’s classification. Soil properties, including humus content, nutrient levels, and pH, were analyzed. The total number of A. gypsophiloides individuals across all sites was 91, with low population densities (0.15-0.29 individuals/m²). Age structure analysis revealed no senile individuals, with generative individuals predominating in two populations. Generative (g1) individuals accounted for 20.0% in P1 and 18.52%, 24.14%, and 33.34% in P2-P4, respectively. Post-generative (sub-senile) individuals were rare (0-13.34%). Despite a relatively stable age composition, low population density remains a concern. Soils across populations shared similar characteristics: low humus and nutrient content, moderately to strongly alkaline pH, and sandy loam to medium loam textures. The species restricted distribution, low density, and specific soil requirements make it highly vulnerable to environmental changes and human activities. Conservation efforts of A. gypsophiloides should be aimed at protecting key habitats (Sayasu Gorge, Kuyuk Pass, and The Vicinity of Birlik and Kenestobe) with limited economic activity, introducing a system for long-term monitoring of the number and age structure of populations using standardized techniques, as well as assessing opportunities for reintroduction of the species to suitable sites. Further research on reproductive biology and ecological interactions is essential for ensuring the species long-term survival in the Syrdarya Karatau Mountain Range.
Caryophyllaceae , conservation , endemic species , Karatau , population ecology
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Department of Biodiversity and Bioresources, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Al-Farabi Ave 71, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Department of Soil Ecology, U.U. Uspanov Kazakh Research Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry, Al-Farabi Ave 75B, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Department of Botany, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Pater Karoly Str. 1, Godollo, 2100, Hungary
Astana International University, Kabanbay Batyr 8, Astana, 020000, Kazakhstan
Astana Botanical Garden, Orynbor Str. 16, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Institute of Botany, Academy Sciences Republic of Uzbekistan, Durmon yuli Str. 32, Tashkent, 100047, Uzbekistan
Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, Bekzat Sattarhanov Str. 29, Turkestan, 161200, Kazakhstan
Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan Research University, Tauke khan Ave 5, Shymkent, 160012, Kazakhstan
Space Technologies and Remote Sensing Center, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Al-Farabi Ave 71, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Department of Biodiversity and Bioresources
Department of Soil Ecology
Department of Botany
Astana International University
Astana Botanical Garden
Institute of Botany
Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University
Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan Research University
Space Technologies and Remote Sensing Center
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