The Vegetation of North-Western Mongolia: Floristic Checklist and Conservation Status of Mongolian Grassland Flora

Abstract

Mongolia´s grassland (steppe) is reported to be vulnerable to climate change, degradation, and densifi cation. The traditional Mongolian pastoral herding system is currently transforming due to changes in market relations and economic developments, and this transformation has an impact on species composition and biodiversity. For this study, we observed the current situation of the fl ora in the north-western Mongolian territories to provide data on plant species occurrence in this remote area. A vegetation assessment was conducted for 15 locations in June and July 2016. Indicator plant species were determined to assess the level of grazing and degradation, as well as the respective steppe sub-type. The conservation status of all recorded plant species was assessed in accordance with the IUCN Red List. In total, 106 vascular plant species belonging to 73 genera and 26 families were recorded. Four endemic plant species were observed. All locations were classifi ed into three steppe sub-types: Desert-steppe, dry-steppe and mountain-steppe. A large number of degradation indicator plant species were observed in almost all locations. No endangered species in the Mongolian IUCN Red List were observed. The observation indicates that the vegetation in the north-western area of Mongolia is partly showing tendencies towards overgrazing and degradation. The conservation status of the most recorded species is currently unknown, and more studies on Mongolian vegetation will need to be conducted to assess these species' status. We emphasize the urgent need for further studies on the vegetation and plant species composition, and indicators in north

Socio-ecological Interactions in a Changing Climate: A Review of the Mongolian Pastoral System

“…Covers of shrubs are relatively large in desert steppe, and some tree species can be found in mountain forest steppe [16]. Diversity of plant species is higher in the mountain steppe than in the steppe and desert steppe [17]. The main vegetation types differ among regions: mountain forest steppe in the northern region, mountain steppe in the western region, steppe in the central and eastern regions and desert steppe in the Gobi region ( Figure 3).…”

“…Covers of shrubs are relatively large in desert steppe, and some tree species can be found in mountain forest steppe [16]. Diversity of plant species is higher in the mountain steppe than in the steppe and desert steppe [17].…”

Transcriptome Analysis of Chloris virgata, Which Shows the Fastest Germination and Growth in the Major Mongolian Grassland Plant

“…The main Mongolian rangeland plants include 26 families and 73 genera, among which the Compositae and Gramineae families are the most abundant, both easily distributed by wind (Lapin et al, 2017). Agropyron cristatum is one of well eatable plant for animal husbandry in Mongolia and is also widely distributed in European and Asian grasslands.…”