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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 12 No. 4 (2025)

Assessment of populations of Lagochilus vvedenskyi (Lamiaceae) in the Kyzyl-Kum desert of Uzbekistan under drying climate

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.8756
Submitted
8 April 2025
Published
17-11-2025 — Updated on 04-12-2025
Versions

Abstract

The desert ecosystems of Central Asia, particularly Uzbekistan, feature rich biodiversity and distinctive plant communities. Global warming and drought have led to habitat destruction in Central Asia, resulting in increase in the number of endangered species. Intense human activity and prolonged droughts driven by climate change have resulted in habitat destruction and a corresponding vegetation cover crisis in these regions. This study aimed to assess the current five populations of L. vvedenskyi, which are primarily distributed in the Kyzyl-Kum desert of Uzbekistan. This species has been affected by climatic changes and human pressure in Uzbekistan. Lagochilus vvedenskyi populations show strong ecological sensitivity to increasing drought conditions in arid regions. The present study describes five populations of L. vvedenskyi in Uzbekistan. The populations were estimated, measured and the population spectrum was determined for all five groups. The plant communities comprise 42 species, including one species of semi-shrub, two species of dwarf-shrubs, seven species of shrubs, 26 species of perennial herbs and six species of annual herbs. The ontogenetic structure of these communities is incomplete, meaning that not all age groups are represented due to biological characteristics and the dry climate. Across all sites, the population density is low, with most populations classified as mature ontogenetic structures. Significant changes in δ13C indicate that the response to reduced precipitation is linked to drought stress. Given the expected drier and hotter climate in Uzbekistan in the upcoming decades, these findings enhance our understanding of the current state of L. vvedenskyi, suggesting that this species may soon face extinction in the wild. Consequently, establishing conservation and protection areas for this species is essential.

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