Spatial structure of vegetation in Lake Gusinoe (Republic Byriatia)

Abstract

Abstract Lake Gusinoe is the second largest lake in the Baikal Natural Area (after Lake Baikal). The conducted research presents current water flora and the spatial pattern of vegetation at Lake Gusinoe mainly depend on the littoral structure and anthropogenic stressors. Macrophytes grow up to the depth of 13.0 m on the southwestern shore of the lake. In the other part of the lake, the plants are observed at 8.5-11.0 m. The littoral zone to the depth of 11 m occupies 50.7 per cent of total area of the lake. At present, the reduced areas of Ph. australis are detected with small groups of P. crispus, P. pectinatus on the western shore at the depth of 1.5 m. P. praelongus communities are only found in the littoral opposite the Tobkhor River. Generally, Charophyte and Bryophyta remain predominant in the lake as registered in the previous years. Presumably, the benthic vegetation complex contributes to a stable ecological status. Overgrowing Charophyta and Bryophyta maintain the self-purification of the ecosystem.