📄 Abstract
Purpose of the study. To assess the current status of rare and invasive plant species in Southern Tajikistan and to substantiate priority directions for their conservation and management. Material and methods. The study was based on long-term field monitoring conducted in Southern Tajikistan in 2015-2024. The reliability of the obtained results was supported by revision of herbarium collections, more than 400 geobotanical descriptions, and more than 600 validated geobotanical records used for comparative ecological assessment. The work included route-field surveys, geobotanical analysis, floristic revision, monitoring of rare taxa, and identification of invasive species spreading in natural communities, pastures, and agricultural landscapes.. Research results. The study identified 87 rare plant species belonging to 74 genera and 44 families included in the Red Book of the Republic of Tajikistan. At the same time, active spread of invasive taxa was recorded, including Thermopsis dolichocarpa, Cyanus depressus, Artemisia dracunculus, Artemisia scoparia, Phlomis bucharica, Rumex paulsenianus, and Silybum marianum. A key driver of invasion was the long-term seasonal movement of livestock between winter and summer pastures. Based on monitoring data, the exclusion of Crocus korolkovii from the next edition of the Red Book was proposed due to population recovery, while three additional rare and endemic taxa were recommended for inclusion in updated conservation lists. Practical measures include the establishment of micro-reserves, creation of introduction centers and nurseries for threatened plants, restriction of excessive soil-vegetation cover removal, reclamation of disturbed lands, and forest-meliorative measures using native species. Conclusions. Southern Tajikistan is characterized by simultaneous concentration of rare floristic elements and increasing pressure from invasive species. Effective conservation requires regular monitoring, adaptive revision of protection lists, local protection of vulnerable habitats, and restoration of disturbed ecosystems.
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📚 How to Cite:
Davlatzoda Sayfiddin Khayriddin , Bobokalonzoda Jamoliddin Murodali, Khalimova F.T , RARE AND INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES OF SOUTHERN TAJIKISTAN: MONITORING RESULTS AND PRIORITIES FOR CONSERVATION , Volume 11 , Issue 3, March 2026, EPRA International Journal of Research & Development (IJRD) , DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra26569