The productivity of lichen communities of the Zavyalov island (Magadan region)

In connection with the expert assessment of the pasture suitability of the territory for breeding musk oxen (Ovibos moschatus Zimm.), in the summer of 2018, an express assessment of the productivity of lichen communities of Zavyalov island, located in the sea of Okhotsk, not far from Magadan, was carried out. The site of depression of the low mountain slope in the middle course of the Rassvet Stream was subject to examination. The stock of above-ground phytomass of fruticose lichens belonging to the group of «reindeer moss» was determined by the cut method on the sites of 1/16 (0.0625) m². In total, 5 cuts were taken on this site. The cuts were weighed in laboratory under air-dry condition. In the studied area, the dominant role is played by Cladonia stellaris (Opiz.) Pouzar et Vezda, C. arbuscula (Wallr.) Flot. s.l., C. rangiferina (L.) F. H. Wigg., Flavocetraria nivalis (L.) Karnefelt et Thell. and Cetraria laevigata Rass. Coverage of lichens averages 80 %, sometimes up to 100 %. The average height of lichens is 5–6 cm, sometimes 10 cm. The highest reserves of the top phytomass are those comprising the fragments of lichen tundra with the predominance of Cladonia stellaris (1228 – 2507 g/m²). In polydominant communities, the stock varies from 770.7 (in the fragments of lichen tundra with the predominance of Flavocetraria nivalis) to 843.5 g/m² (in the fragments with the predominance of Cladonia rangiferina). We obtained only primary data on the productivity of lichen communities at the Zavyalov island. In connection with the breeding of musk oxen here and the planned breeding of snow sheep (Ovis nivicola Eschsholtz), which will certainly lead to an increase in the pasture load, the study of the productivity of lichen communities should be expanded, and monitoring of changes in the stock of reindeer moss should be organized.

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