Current state of mountain steppes in Sverdlovsk oblast

The current state and phytodiversity of mountain steppes in Sverdlovsk oblast have been evaluated, involving an inventory of several botanical and botanical-geomorphological natural landmarks in the steppe landscape. New growth localities of rare plant species have been discovered. Scientific and natureconservation significance of the surveyed mountain steppe areas has been demonstrated. A set of informative indices has been used to identify the key protection sites of steppe vegetation. Four sites are recommended for inclusion in the system of specially protected areas with the status of natural landmarks.