VEGETATION COVER OF THE NATURAL MONUMENT "MALY ZHEMCHUZHNY ISLAND"

Litvinova Nаtalia.V.  -  Senior Researcher, Federal State Budgetary Institution “Astrakhan State Reserve”, Russia, 414021, Astrakhan, Naberejnaya reki Tsarev, 119, litvinova.mama@yandex.ru

This article presents the results of a 2025 study of the vegetation cover of the Maly Zhemchuzhny Island natural monument of federal significance. Ten species of higher vegetation were found on the island, its spits, and in the coastal zone, as well as four additional species of aquatic flora in the surf zone. A list and description of the status of plant species on the island and the spits located to the south are provided. A brief retrospective analysis of the island's vegetation data is provided. The current distribution of vegetation is characterized in relation to the topographic features of the island and spits, and the role of vegetation in the formation of habitats for avifauna is assessed.

Key words: Maly Zhemchuzhny Island, natural monument, flora, vegetation, reed beds, spits, phenological phases, lands, avifauna.