A significant botanical discovery occurred during a spring expedition in the Bystrinsky Nature Park in Kamchatka: scientists discovered a carved bone. This elegant plant, which had not previously been recorded in this area, has a high conservation status – it is listed in the Red Book of Kamchatka as an endangered species. Information about this important event was provided by the press service of the Volcanoes of Kamchatka network of natural parks.
The success of the expedition was the result of joint efforts and painstaking work of the scientific staff of the Volcanoes of Kamchatka network of natural parks and the Pacific Institute of Geography. In addition to the discovery of the cut-out boneset, the researchers paid attention to the state of populations of other rare plants. Of particular interest are the species that are endemic to the Bystrica River Valley – that is, found only in this particular area of Kamchatka and nowhere else on the planet.
During the fieldwork, scientists also recorded important phenological data: the time of the appearance of the first spring flowers and characteristic mushrooms – morel caps, which are considered one of the early indicators of the awakening of nature after the winter period. These observations contribute to the long-term chronicle of the study and preservation of the unique ecosystem of Kamchatka, which has been working on for decades.
Such significant research and regular monitoring of the state of natural complexes became possible due to the presence of the Bolgit research hospital in the village of Esso. This base, which has been in operation since 1988, serves as a reliable base for scientists, providing conditions for field work and primary processing of materials, contributing to the continuity of scientific research in Kamchatka.