Scientists from the Baikal Institute of Nature Management Siberian branch of the Russian Academy of sciences (BINM SB RAS) surveyed the southern and eastern shores of Lake Baikal during the field season of this year to identify the locations of populations of the almost-shaggy skullcap.
Following the summer expedition, employees of BINM SB RAS obtained data on the ecology, abundance, ontogenetic structure, spatial distribution, and status of the endemic plant populations, as well as conducted aerial photography of the species’ habitats using a quadcopter.
What is known about the almost-shaggy skullcap?
This plant is endemic to Lake Baikal, and it grows in limited areas on the shores of the lake in strips ranging from 6 to 50 meters. Despite its small population, the almost-shaggy skullcap has survived to our time from the Tertiary period. The almost-shaggy skullcap was first described by John Lehman in 1818 based on collections from 1772 by Peter Simon Pallas. This herbarium was sold in 1808 in London and now belongs to the British Museum.
The plant received its name due to the similarity of the seeds’ shape to a skull. It grows on sandy shores, wave ridges, and beaches, as well as sparsely forested shores and rarely on pebble beaches. It blooms one of the first at Lake Baikal – by the end of June, fruits are formed and quickly fall off.
How did BINM SB RAS employees conduct the research?
The coast was surveyed within the boundaries of the Kabansky and Pribaikalsky districts of the Republic of Buryatia. Methods developed for rare species were used during the study. The area, number, density, age, and spatial structure of populations were determined. A total of 270 km of shoreline was surveyed, 20 aerial photographs were taken using a quadcopter, and field mapping of sample plots measuring 5 sq.m was conducted at 5 key sites.
How many individuals are found along the shores of Baikal?
In the vicinity of the villages of Gremyachinsk, Goryachinsk, Posolskoye, Turka and the Katkovo area, 5 locations of the endemic species have been identified. Moreover, in the last 3 mentioned locations, such a survey was conducted for the first time. In total for this season, scientists have identified 22 cenopopulations and more than 70,000 individuals. The count was painstakingly conducted – large plants and small individuals up to 1 cm can grow in a few square meters.
What are the future plans?
The obtained data is the basis for further monitoring and the development of protective measures. Despite the seemingly impressive number of identified individuals, this species is still at risk, as it has limited habitat and is vulnerable to various risks: from tourists to natural hazards.
Based on this research, a digital geospatial database has been created, which will be available to specialists from nature conservation organizations to develop conservation strategies and programs for the restoration of rare species. The project’s results can also be used to update information in the Red Book of the Republic of Buryatia. Currently, scientists are working on filling in the geoinformation system and spectral library.