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210 Горбняк-Юліна Л.Т.

Gorbnyak-Yulina L.
Crocus heuffelianus Herb. on the territories of the National nature park «Podilski Tovtry»
Within the territory of the «Podilski Tovtry» national nature park, in the landscape reserve of
national importance «Tsykivskyi», a population of saffron Heifel (Crocus heuffelianus Herb.) was
investigated. A critical review of relevant literature and examination of herbarium specimens preserved
in local collections were conducted to assess the potential distribution of the species in Ukraine and,
specifically, within the boundaries of the «Podilski Tovtry» national nature park. The ecological and
coenotic conditions of the species were characterized, and its biological traits were analyzed.
Geobotanical surveys were performed within the «Tsykivskyi» reserve, identifying habitats in
accordance with Resolution No. 4 of the Bern Convention, Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive, as
well as plant communities listed in the Green Book of Ukraine, with the participation of C. heuffelianus.
Other plant species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine, which were recorded during the research
in the «Tsykivskyi» reserve, were also noted. Morphometric parameters of C. heuffelianus individuals
were statistically processed and analyzed. The studied population was found to be largely
homogeneous. Morphometric traits of generative individuals were generally characterized by low to
moderate coefficients of variation, reflecting the biological specificity of the species. Factors
influencing the population in the «Tsykivskyi» landscape reserve were identified. Conservation
measures for the restoration and long-term preservation of this rare species at the eastern margin of
its range in Ukraine were proposed. These include ex situ propagation of C. heuffelianus in collection
plots, followed by reintroduction into natural habitats within the «Tsykivskyi» reserve. It was concluded
that the effective conservation of C. heuffelianus in the «Podilski Tovtry» national nature park requires
an integrated strategy, including strict protection of natural habitats, regulation of uncontrolled
collection, ex situ cultivation, and enhanced public awareness.
Keywords: Crocus heuffelianus, «Podilski Tovtry» national nature park, ecological and coenotic
conditions, morphometry, conservation strategies.