Forest vegetation structure of the Bogd Khan Mountain: A strictly protected area in Mongolia

Abstract

Bogd Khan Mountain is a strictly protected area located in the Khentei mountain range. It lies in the transitional zone of the Siberian coniferous taiga and the Asian steppe and has a unique ecosystem. The present study was conducted with the objective of identifying the plant community type, forest structure, and the changes in forest stands of the Bogd Khan Mountain. Sampling was done at 155 plots randomly along the gradients of the entire forest. Differences in species composition, biological spectrum, species diversity, and importance value were analyzed in each community. This study revealed the occurrence of six plant community types comparing of Larix sibirica, Picea obovata , Pinus sibirica , Betula pendula subsp. mandshurica , Pinus sylvestris and Populus tremula . These communities were different in species richness, diversity, and their distribution correlated to the altitudinal gradient (score 0.71735; p value 0.001). An upsurge in Picea obovata, and Betula pendula subsp. mandshurica community was found, indicating changes in the ecosystem such as permafrost melting, caused by anthropogenic influences. We suggest preserving the main dominant tree species in the native communities and reduction of the anthropogenic impacts urgently for the effective management of the biodiversity of the Bogd Khan Mountain.