MOSCOW, October, 10. /TASS/. During a summer expedition, organized by the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch, experts found near Nornickel’s production facilities in the Murmansk Region two plant species, which are on the Red Data Book, scientists said in a report, obtained by TASS.
"According to preliminary data, the floral diversity in studied communities is represented by 85 species of vascular plants," the report reads. "Among them there are species listed in the Murmansk Region’s Red Data Book: heath spotted-orchid, chalk fragrant orchid."
Scientists of the Central Siberian Botanical Garden (the Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch) conducted studies at 13 areas in Monchegorsk, near Nickel and Zapolyarny towns. During the expedition, they made 65 geo-botanical descriptions. The descriptions were made at test areas of 200 square meters for forest communities and of 100 square meters for northern forests, tundra and swamps. Additionally, the scientists studied soils, water ecosystems, recorded hydro-chemical data and collected hydro-biological and ichthyologic samples from a dozen basins.
The Red Data Book plants will require additional protective measures around industrial facilities, the expedition’s press service told TASS.
The basic biodiversity survey continues the work, which the Norilsk Nickel Company (Nornickel) and the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch began in 2020. Since the Great Norilsk Expedition this work has extended into another three regions. The survey’s purpose is to identify Nornickel’s impact zones and to assess biodiversity in areas of Nornickel’s operations. The research results will be used in building out a corporate biodiversity management system and biodiversity monitoring and conservation programs.