Euglenophyta of the Salair National Park (Altai Krai)

Abstract

One of the most important environmental challenges today is preserving biodiversity and maintaining the flora and fauna unique to each natural region. Specially protected natural areas (SPNAs) play a key role in this regard. In July 2025, phytoplankton studies of rivers and reservoirs were conducted for the first time in the Togul section of Salair National Park, the largest SPNA in the Altai Krai. The surveyed water bodies form a single hydrological network, including the Uksunai, Srednyaya and Malaya Ionikha rivers, Lake Chertovo, Podsopkinsky Pond, and the backwater of the Malaya Ionikha River. Euglenophyta are recognized indicators of the ecological state of water bodies and are widely used in biomonitoring. As a result of these studies, 67 species and intraspecific taxa (SIT) of Euglenophyta were identified in the plankton of these water bodies, including the taxonomic rank of the species. Data on the distribution and occurrence of euglenids found in water bodies is presented. It is established that the highest species richness of euglenids is found in stagnant water bodies, while their occurrence and abundance are low in rivers. The ecological and geographical description is provided, and rare species of euglenoid algae for the region are identified.