Ranunculus lateriflorus (Ranunculaceae) within the Prytysianska lowland (Ukraine): distribution, ecology, and conservation assessment

The transformation of landscapes and changes in the hydrological regime of the Tisza River basin amid climate change have led to the decline or even local extinction of many hydro- and hygrophilous vascular plant species due to the destruction or deterioration of their habitats from the lowlands to the subalpine zone of the Eastern Carpathians. One of these species, Ranunculus lateriflorus (Buschia lateriflora), a rare species known only from five areas within southern and western Ukraine, was for a long time considered extinct from the territory of Zakarpattia (Transcarpathian) Region of Ukraine. We analysed the distribution pattern of the species based on our study of herbarium specimens deposited in public herbarium collections, supported with intensive field surveys in seasons of 2022–2025. The species is locally distributed between Uzhhorod, Chop, and Batovo and occupies field depressions with temporary water bodies where salts accumulate, and small saline marshes. We provide here a list of locations and their characteristics, as well as the species' response to the leading environmental factors. Based on our analysis of the collected data, we determined the conservation status of the species in Ukraine and, in accordance with the IUCN methodology, classified it as Endangered (EN). To preserve Ranunculus lateriflorus in our region, we consider it necessary to expand the area of the existing Prytysiansky Regional Landscape Park to include the identified locations.