On the issue of expanding the boundaries of the Natural Monument “Steppes near the Melovoe village” (Saratov Region, Russia)

Conservation of plants species is an integral part of conserving biodiversity in general. Establishing the natural monuments is an efficient method of conserving plant diversity. The aim of this study is to substantiate the need of expanding the boundaries of the natural monument “Steppes near the Melovoe village” in the Saratov Region, Russia. Standard methods of studying plant communities and coenopopulations were applied. The study of the plant communities needing protection was based on the criteria adopted by the Saratov Region Green Data Book. The description of unique communities and plant species needing in territorial protection is given. Currently, two plant communities unique for the region and several significant reference steppe communities bearing large populations of protected plant species ( Iris pumila , Convolvulus lineatus , Stipa pennata , Adonis volgensis , Hedysarum grandiflorum ) are still beyond the boundaries of this natural monument.