MOSSES OF THE IMPORTANT PLANT AREA IN VAIKIS LAKE VALLEY ENVIRONS (MONCHE-TUNDRA RIDGE, MURMANSK REGION)
Species diversity of mosses has been studied on the northwestern slope of the Monche-tundra Ridge near Vaikis Lake (Lapland State Nature Biosphere Reserve, Murmansk Region). Annotated list of 124 species is presented. Fifteen species are new to the reserve and 119 - to the Monche-tundra Ridge. In the rather small area many rare and basiphilic mosses were found. Of these, 7 species included in regional or federal Red Data books were revealed (Andreaea blyttii, Buxbaumia aphylla, Cyrtomnium hymenophyllum, Encalypta cf. streptocarpa, Fissidens bryoides, Or- thothecium chryseon, Tetrodontium repandum). The results show high botanical value of the study territory and confirm its status as Important Plant Areas (IPA) on European level.