Lycopodiella inundata (L.) Holub (Lycopodium inundatum L.) in the Red Book of Perm Krai

Abstract

Lycopodium inundatum L. (Lycopodiella inundata (L.) Holub) is the only representative of the Lycopodiopsida phylum listed in the Perm Krai Red Data Book. It is classified as a category I rarity (critically endangered). Until 2008, the species was known from only one locality in the Perm Krai. During monitoring and additional route surveys from 2008 to 2025, new locations of this species were discovered. Currently, seven confirmed locations are known in the Perm Krai. All new locations are observed either in secondary wetland biotopes or in anthropogenically disturbed areas of natural raised bogs and transitional bogs. Currently, Lycopodiella inundata is spreading across the region through young man-made biotopes. Most known cenopopulations are characterized by high abundance (with slight fluctuations from year to year). Small populations are relatively stable. Highest abundance is observed in young, species-poor communities, while overgrowth significantly reduces the species' abundance. In small local populations, it is recommended to maintain abundance by deliberately damaging the topsoil at the edges of the habitats to create small, bare patches of substrate. Long-term observations show no decline in population or range, an increase in the number of localities, and the species' tolerance to minor anthropogenic disturbances. Therefore, we propose changing the rarity category of Lycopodiella inundata in the Perm Krai Red Data Book from Category I (critically endangered) to Category III (rare).