Vascular plants of old cemeteries of Lower Dnipro region (Southern Ukraine)

Recent studies (2008–2021) have demonstrated the high importance of old cemeteries for the preservation of steppe ecosystems and red-listed steppe species. The flora of 13 old cemeteries of the Kherson region includes 2104 occurrence of vascular plants. The study of the flora of 10 old cemeteries of Kherson region (rural cemeteries) was conducted during 2008–2017 and 3 old cemeteries of city Kherson was during 2020-2021. The area of the old cemeteries of the Kherson region varies from 0.43 ha to 10.45 ha. Total area of all old cemeteries is 51,2752 ha. In old cemeteries of the studied region, rare steppe species have survived, although steppe vegetation is preserved where there are fragments of virgin and unploughed steppes around the cemeteries, near old villages or cities. The preservation of the natural vegetation cover in cemeteries is supported by the sacred status of cemeteries that are places where economic activities are not allowed.