Forest fires as a factor in the spread of alien plant species in protected areas
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15511280Keywords:
fire-damaged forests, invasive plants, protected area, Republic of Mordovia, vascular plantsAbstract
In the context of contemporary climate and weather changes, protected areas are increasingly vulnerable to catastrophic wildfires. This study examines the impact of the 2010 and 2021 fires on the spread of alien vascular plant species within the Mordovia State Nature Reserve. Floristic research has revealed a consistent annual increase in both the number of species and occurrences of alien vascular plants in pyrogenic communities, with notable colonization by invasive species such as Juncus tenuis, Epilobium pseudorubescens, Erigeron canadensis, Erigeron strigosus, Bidens frondosa, and Solidago canadensis. Over the period from 2011 to 2024, the dispersal of alien vascular plants has been observed not only in pyrogenic communities but also along roadsides within the not-unburned forested areas of the reserve. This spread has been facilitated by post-fire management activities, including fire suppression, vehicle patrolling of the protected area, clearing and plowing of firebreaks and service roads, and the creation of mineralized strips using a disc harrow. It is recommended to revert to using a plow for firebreak construction and the establishment of mineralized strips within the protected area. In the future, further colonization of pyrogenic communities of the Mordovia State Nature Reserve by invasive species such as Amelanchier spicata (Lam.) K.Koch, Acer negundo L., and Sorbaronia × fallax (C.K.Schneid.) C.K. Schneid. from adjacent areas is anticipated.
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