Species Diversity of Plant Communities in the Rai-Iz Massif Along Tourist Routes to the Romantikov Glacier (Polar Urals, Russia)

Aim . To assess the species diversity of the Ra-Iz massif along tourist routes to the Romantikov Glacier (Polar Urals). Methodology . Flora was recorded in field routes conducted in July 2023. The species diversity of plant communities was assessed using the following indicators: species composition, floral diversity at the level of families, genera, species, the presence and proportion of an alien fraction, the presence and proportion of an endemic and rare fraction. Results . The flora along the trail to the Romantics Glacier (Polar Urals) is rich and diverse: it is represented by 82 species and subspecies of plants united in 57 genera and 28 families, which is about 7% of the flora of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District. The taxonomic structure of the flora shows the predominance of the families Cyperaceae (10 species) and Caryophyllaceae (9 species), which corresponds to the general patterns of flora of the mountain tundra of the Polar Urals. 4 species of plants growing along the trail are listed in the Red Book. There are no alien species in the modern structure of the flora, despite the active development of hiking. The trail shows signs of trampling, mechanical damage to the vegetation cover, and a disturbed moss-lichen cover. However, the active development of recreation needs to be regulated to prevent the transformation of topography, soil cover, and degradation of flora. Research implications . The results of the study can be used to develop pedestrian tourism in the Polar Urals. Despite the recorded minor changes in ecosystems under the influence of recreation, it is necessary to consider the increased interest of tourists in the route and take measures to preserve natural ecosystems. The data obtained can be used to organise recreational monitoring of tourist routes in the Polar Urals, which is especially important in the context of the development of tourism in the region.