Neotinea Ustulata (L.) R.M. Bateman, Pridgeon Et M.W. Chase (Orchidaceae Juss.) as the Object of Educational and Cognitive Activities of Chernivtsi National University Students

The stages of organizing students’ educational and research activities during the summer training practice in botany in the village of Dolishniy Shepit, Vyzhnytskyi district, using Neotinea ustulata (L.) R.M. Bateman, Pridgeon et M.W. Chase as one of the model species are highlighted. The methodology of this activity includes searching information on the distribution of the selected species based on the Chernivtsi National University Herbarium funds (CHER), geobotanical descriptions and biotopic characteristic of plant communities, population studies. The implementation of these tasks helps students to acquire practical skills in botany, methods of phytocenotic and population studies, and also improves their theoretical knowledge in plant morphology and taxonomy of higher plants, motivates students to carry out environmental protection activity. For the territory of Shurdyn Central Highlands, 9 localities of N. ustulata are noted (CHER); however, only two localities have been confirmed by latest finds («Shepit» biobase and Mountain Fruntia). The largest by area population is on the slopes of Mountain Fruntia. Over the years of observations, the number of this population has ranged from 24 to 39 individuals, mostly generative. We have noted a tendency to reduce the area of this population due to the antropogenic impact and sylvatization of plants communities with the participation of N. ustulata. The population on the territory of «Shepit» biobase is small in number, representes mostly by generative individuals, and occupies a small area. Multispecies mesophilis meadow communities with the participation of N. ustulata according to the «National habitat catalogue of Ukraine» (2018) represent the biotope «Т2.3.1 Low and medium altitude hay meadows» which corresponds to the habitat 6510 Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis) from Annex I of the Habitat Directive and to the habitat E2.2: Low and medium altitude hay meadows from the Resolution 4 of Bern Convention. Research into phytocenotic and population characteristics of plants listed tin the Red Book of Ukraine contributes to the formation of a holistic understanding among the students of the importance of preserving rare species and their habitats, the development of professional competencies in the field of biology and ecology, and increased motivation for scientific activity and biodiversity conservation. The considered meadow complexes require the implementation of active protection measures (regulated grazing, regular mowing, thinning of tree and shrub vegetation). The populations of N. ustulata require further monitoring studies.