Protected and in need of protection forest species of the eastern part of the Russian Caucasus

The rarity of a species is determined by two main factors: natural rarity caused by the biological characteristics of the species (low abundance, small or fragmented range, reduced reproductive capacity). This category includes the most vulnerable species (endemic, relict, stenobiontic); anthropogenically caused rarity, leading to a reduction in the number of a species and its range due to human activity. The most important mechanisms for the conservation of rare and endangered species that are subject to protection are their inclusion in the Red Data Books at the federal and regional levels, and the establishment of a system of Protected Areas designed in situ to preserve populations of these species. The article provides information about protected and recommended for protection forest plant species in the eastern part of the Russian Caucasus, as well as historical information about the creation of regional Red Data Books. The forest flora under study includes 83 plant species, the problem of extinction of which is very urgent. For all species, protection categories and population status are indicated; 75 species of them are protected, and 8 species need protection and are recommended for inclusion in the regional Red Data Books.