FLORISTIC AND ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE SAMARA FOREST COMPLEX IN THE STEPPE ZONE OF UKRAINE
The article explores the ecological significance of the Samara Forest – a unique forested natural complex in the steppe zone of Northern Prydniprovia, Ukraine. This study assesses the floristic diversity, conservation value, and ecological integrity of the area based on field surveys, historical data, and remote sensing. The flora of the Samara Forest comprises a wide range of native plant species, totaling 1.154 vascular plant species across approximately 451 km², among which a significant number are rare or regionally protected.