Mongolia (Mongolian People's Republic). The many faces of Mongolia Are there forests in Mongolia?
Mongolia is located in central Asia. This state has no access to the seas and oceans. Mongolia borders Russia and China.
Mongolia is not a tourist country. People go there who want to see unusual things, plunge into the colorful life of the Mongolian peoples and visit local attractions. One of the attractions is Ulaanbaatar - the coldest capital in the world. Mongolia is also home to the world's tallest equestrian statue - Genghis Khan on horseback. While in Mongolia in July, it is worth visiting the Nadom festival, where various fighting competitions are held.
Flora of Mongolia
The territory of Mongolia combines taiga regions and deserts, so the natural system of these places is quite unusual. Here you can find forests, mountains, steppes, semi-deserts and taiga areas.
Forests do not occupy most Mongolian land. You can see in them Siberian larch, cedar, less often spruce and fir. The soil of river valleys is favorable for the growth of poplars, birches, aspens, and ash. The following shrubs are found there: willow, wild rosemary, bird cherry, hawthorn and common willow.
The cover of the steppes is quite diverse. Grass-wormwood plants occupy most of these territories - feather grass, chamomile, wheatgrass, thinlegs, snake grass, wheatgrass and fescue. Also in the Mongolian steppe you can see the caragana shrub, as well as derisun, Mongolian feather grass, solyanka and others.
Deserts are not distinguished by the diversity of vegetation; here you can only find shrubs and grasses - saxaul and squat elm.
Medicinal and berry plants. Bird cherry, rowan, barberry, hawthorn, currant, rose hip are just some of the fruit and berry plants. Representatives of medicinal species are: juniper, buckwheat, celandine, sea buckthorn, Adonis Mongolian and radiola rosea.
Fauna of Mongolia
Mongolia has all the conditions for the life of a variety of animals - soil, landscape and climate. Here you can meet both representatives of the taiga, steppes and deserts.
The inhabitants of the forests are: lynx, deer, deer, elk and roe deer. In the steppes you can find tarbagans, wolves, foxes and antelopes. And in desert areas there is a kulan, wild cat, wild camel and antelopes.
The mountains of Mongolia have become a haven for argali sheep, goats and the predatory leopard. Speaking about the snow leopard, it is worth noting that their numbers have greatly decreased, as has the snow leopard.
There are a lot of birds in Mongolia, and the most common and familiar species is the demoiselle crane.
Also in these places you can see geese, ducks, sandpipers and cormorants. Seagulls and herons are observed in coastal areas.
Many animals in Mongolia are under special protection. For example, wild camel, Asian kulan, sheep mountain sheep Gobi, Mazalay bear, ibex and black-tailed gazelles.
Also on the verge of extinction are wolves, otters and antelopes.
Regions of Mongolia
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Mongolia is an amazing country that amazes tourists with its uniqueness and originality. Located in Central Asia, this country borders only Russia and China and is landlocked. Therefore, the climate of Mongolia is sharply continental. And Ulaanbaatar is considered But still, Mongolia is popular among tourists all over the planet.
General information
Mongolia still preserves its traditions; it has managed to carry its cultural heritage through the centuries. Great Mongol Empire had a huge impact on world history; the famous leader Genghis Khan was born on the territory of this particular country.
Today, this unique place on the planet attracts primarily those who want to take a break from the noise of big cities and usual resorts and immerse themselves in a special world of pristine natural beauty. Geographical location climate, plants, animals - all this is unusual and unique. High mountains, endless steppes, blue skies, unique world flora and fauna cannot but attract tourists from all over the world to this country.
Geographical position
Mongolia, whose relief and climate are naturally interconnected, combines on its territory the Gobi Desert and such mountain ranges as the Gobi and Mongolian Altai, Khangai. Thus, Mongolia contains both high mountains and vast plains.
The country is located at an average altitude of 1580 meters above sea level. Mongolia is landlocked and shares borders with Russia and China. The area of the country is 1,566,000 square meters. km. The largest rivers flowing in Mongolia are the Selenga, Kerulen, Khalkhin Gol and others. The capital of the state, Ulaanbaatar, has a long and interesting history.
Population of the country
Today, about 3 million people live in the country. The population density is approximately 1.8 people per square meter. m. territory. The population is distributed unevenly; in the capital the population density is very high, but the southern regions and desert areas are less populated.
Ethnic composition The population is very diverse:
- 82% - Mongols;
- 4% - Kazakhs;
- 2% are Buryats and other nationalities.
There are also Russians and Chinese in the country. Among the religions here, Buddhism predominates. In addition, a small percentage of the population professes Islam, and there are many adherents of Christianity.
Mongolia: climate and its features
This place is called "the country blue sky", since it is sunny most of the year. Located in a temperate climate zone, Mongolia has a sharply continental climate. This means that it is characterized by sudden changes in temperature and a large number of precipitation.
The cold but practically snowless winter in Mongolia (temperatures can drop to -45˚C) gives way to spring with its strong gusts of wind, sometimes reaching hurricane force, and then warm and sunny summers. This country is often the site of sandstorms.
If we briefly describe the climate of Mongolia, it is enough to mention large temperature fluctuations even within a day. Here harsh winter, hot summer and increased dry air. The coldest month is January, the warmest is June.
Why is there such a climate in Mongolia?
Sudden temperature changes, dry air and large amounts of sunny days make this place special. We can conclude what are the reasons for the sharp continental climate of Mongolia:
- distance from the seas;
- obstacles to the flow of moist air currents from the oceans are the mountain ranges that surround the country;
- formation high pressure combined with low temperatures in winter.
Such sharp temperature fluctuations and low rainfall make this country special. Familiarization with the reasons for the sharp continental climate of Mongolia will help to better understand the relationship between the topography, geographical location and climate of this country.
Seasons
The best time to visit Mongolia is from May to September. Despite the fact that there are many sunny days here, the temperature range is very large across the seasons. The monthly climate of Mongolia has very characteristic features.
Vegetable world
Mongolia, whose climate is sharply continental, has a rich and unusual flora. On its territory there are various natural areas: highlands, taiga zone, forest-steppe and steppe, desert and semi-desert zones.
In Mongolia you can see mountains covered with deciduous, cedar and pine forests. In the valleys they are replaced by deciduous trees (birch, aspen, ash) and shrubs (honeysuckle, bird cherry, wild rosemary and others). In general, forests occupy about 15% of Mongolia's vegetation.
The vegetation cover of the steppes of Mongolia is also very diverse. It includes plants such as feather grass, wheatgrass and others. Saxaul predominates in semi-deserts. This type of vegetation makes up about 30% of the total flora of Mongolia.
Among the medicinal plants greatest distribution have juniper, celandine, sea buckthorn.
Animal world
Mongolia has several very rare species mammals such as Snow Leopard, Przewalski's horse, Mongolian kulan, wild camel and many others (about 130 species in total). There are also many (over 450) different different types birds - eagles, owls, hawks. In the desert there are wild cats, gazelle, and saiga, and in the forests there are deer, sable, and roe deer.
Some of them, unfortunately, need protection, as they are in danger of extinction. The Mongolian government is concerned about preserving the existing rich fund of flora and fauna. For this purpose, numerous reserves and national parks were organized here.
This country is unique. Therefore, it attracts many tourists who want to learn more about Mongolia. There are several features that characterize it:
- Mongolia, whose climate is quite harsh, is the country with the coldest capital in the world.
- It has the lowest population density of any country in the world.
- If you translate the name of the capital Ulaanbaatar from, you get the phrase “red hero”.
- Another name for Mongolia is “Land of the Blue Sky”.
Not all tourists heading to these regions know what the climate is like in Mongolia. But even a detailed acquaintance with its features does not frighten lovers of exotic and wild nature.
Mongolia is located in Central Asia. The country has an area of 1,564,116 km2, three times the size of France. Basically it is a plateau, elevated to a height of 900-1500 m above sea level. A series of mountain ranges and ridges rise above this plateau. The highest of them is the Mongolian Altai, which stretches in the west and southwest of the country for a distance of 900 km. Its continuation are lower ridges that do not form a single massif, collectively called the Gobi Altai.
Along the border with Siberia in the north-west of Mongolia there are several ranges that do not form a single massif: Khan Huhei, Ulan Taiga, Eastern Sayan, in the north-east - the Khentei mountain range, in the central part of Mongolia - the Khangai massif, which is divided into several independent ranges.
To the east and south of Ulaanbaatar towards the border with China, the height of the Mongolian plateau gradually decreases, and it turns into plains - flat and level in the east, hilly in the south. The south, southwest and southeast of Mongolia are occupied by the Gobi Desert, which continues into north-central China. In terms of landscape features, the Gobi desert is by no means homogeneous; it consists of areas of sandy, rocky, covered with small fragments of stones, flat for many kilometers and hilly, different in color - the Mongols especially distinguish the Yellow, Red and Black Gobi. Land-based water sources are very rare here, but the level groundwater high.
Mountains of Mongolia
Ridge Mongolian Altai. The highest mountain range in Mongolia, located in the northwest of the country. The main part of the ridge is elevated 3000-4000 meters above sea level and stretches to the southeast of the country from the western border with Russia to the eastern regions of the Gobi. The Altai Range is conventionally divided into the Mongolian and Gobi Altai (Gobi-Altai). The area of the Altai mountain region is huge - about 248,940 square kilometers.
Tavan-Bogdo-Ula. Highest point Mongolian Altai. The height above sea level of the peak of Mount Nairamdal is 4374 meters. This mountain range is located at the junction of the borders of Mongolia, Russia and China. The name Tavan-Bogdo-Ula is translated from Mongolian as “five sacred peaks”. For a long time, the white glacial peaks of the Tavan-Bogdo-Ula mountain range have been revered as sacred by the Mongols, Altaians and Kazakhs. The mountain consists of five snowy peaks, with the largest area of glaciation in the Mongolian Altai. Three large glaciers Potanin, Przhevalsky, Grane and many small glaciers feed water to the rivers going to China - the Kanas River and the Aksu River, and the tributary of the Khovd River - Tsagaan-Gol - going to Mongolia.
The Khukh-Serekh ridge is a mountain range on the border of the Bayan-Ulgiy and Khovd aimags. The ridge forms a mountain junction connecting the main ridge of the Mongolian Altai with its mountain spurs - the peaks of Tsast (4208 m) and Tsambagarav (4149 m). The snow line runs at an altitude of 3700-3800 meters. The ridge is surrounded by the Buyant River, emerging from numerous springs at the eastern foot.
Khan-Khukhii ridge - mountains separating the most large lake UVs in the basin of the Great Lakes from the lakes of the Khyargas system (lakes Khyargas, Khar-Us, Khar, Durgun). The northern slopes of the Khan-Khuhi ridge are covered with forest, in contrast to the southern mountain-steppe slopes. The most high peak Duulga-Ul lies at an altitude of 2928 meters above sea level. The mountain range is young and growing rapidly. A huge 120-kilometer seismic crack runs next to it - the result of an 11-magnitude earthquake. Bursts of earth waves rise one after another along the crack to a height of about 3 meters.
Statistical indicators of Mongolia
(as of 2012)
Mount Tsambagarav. A powerful mountain range with a maximum height of 4206 meters above sea level (Tsast peak). Near the foot of the mountain is the valley of the Khovd River, not far from its confluence with Lake Khar-Us. The territory of the somon, located at the foot of Mount Tsambagarav, is inhabited mainly by Olet Mongols, descendants of numerous once Dzungar tribes. According to Olet legend, once upon a time a man named Tsamba climbed to the top of the mountain and disappeared. Now they call the mountain Tsambagarav, which translated into Russian: “Tsamba came out, ascended.”
Rivers and lakes of Mongolia
The rivers of Mongolia are born in the mountains. Most of them are the headwaters of the great rivers of Siberia and the Far East, carrying their waters towards the Arctic and Pacific oceans. The largest rivers in the country are the Selenga (within the borders of Mongolia - 600 km), Kerulen (1100 km), Tesiin-Gol (568 km), Onon (300 km), Khalkhin-Gol, Kobdo-Gol, etc. The deepest is the Selenga. It originates from one of the Khangai ridges and receives several large tributaries - Orkhon, Khanui-gol, Chulutyn-gol, Delger-Muren, etc. Its flow speed is from 1.5 to 3 m per second. In any weather, its fast, cold waters, flowing in the clay-sandy shores, and therefore always muddy, have a dark gray color. The Selenga freezes for six months, the average ice thickness is from 1 to 1.5 m. It has two floods a year: spring (snow) and summer (rain). The average depth at the lowest water level is at least 2 m. Having left Mongolia, the Selenga flows through the territory of Buryatia and flows into Baikal.
Rivers in the western and southwestern parts of the country, flowing from the mountains, end up in intermountain basins, have no outlet to the ocean and, as a rule, end their journey in one of the lakes.
In Mongolia, there are over a thousand permanent lakes and a much larger number of temporary lakes that form during the rainy season and disappear during the dry season. In the early Quaternary period, a significant part of the territory of Mongolia was an inland sea, which was later divided into several large bodies of water. The current lakes are what remains of them. The largest of them are located in the basin of the Great Lakes in the north-west of the country - Uvsu-nur, Khara-Us-nur, Khirgis-nur, their depth does not exceed several meters. In the east of the country there are lakes Buyr-nur and Khukh-nur. In a giant tectonic depression in the north of Khangai there is Lake Khubsugul (depth up to 238 m), similar to Baikal in water composition, relict flora and fauna.
Climate of Mongolia
The high ridges of Central Asia, encircling Mongolia on almost all sides with powerful barriers, isolate it from moist air currents of both the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, which creates sharply on its territory continental climate. It is characterized by a predominance of sunny days, especially in winter, significant dry air, low precipitation, sharp temperature fluctuations, not only annual, but also daily. Temperatures during the day can sometimes fluctuate between 20–30 degrees Celsius.
The coldest month of the year is January. In some areas of the country the temperature drops to –45...50°C.
The hottest month is July. The average air temperature during this period in most of the territory is +20°C, in the south up to +25°C. Maximum temperatures in the Gobi Desert during this period can reach +45...58°C.
Average annual precipitation is 200–250 mm. 80–90% of the total annual precipitation falls within five months, from May to September. The maximum amount of precipitation (up to 600 mm) falls in the aimags of Khentii, Altai and near Lake Khuvsgul. The minimum precipitation (about 100 mm per year) occurs in the Gobi.
The winds reach their strongest in spring. In the Gobi regions, winds often lead to the formation of storms and reach enormous destructive power - 15–25 m/s. A wind of such strength can tear down yurts and carry them several kilometers away, tearing tents to shreds.
Mongolia is characterized by a number of exceptional physical and geographical phenomena; within its borders are:
- center of world maximum winter atmospheric pressure
- the world's southernmost distribution belt permafrost on flat terrain (47° N).
- in Western Mongolia in the Great Lakes basin there is the northernmost globe desert zone (50.5° N)
- The Gobi Desert is the most extreme continental place on the planet. In summer, the air temperature can rise to +58 °C, in winter it can drop to -45 °C.
Spring is coming in Mongolia after a very cold winter. The days became longer and the nights became shorter. Spring is the time for the snow to melt and animals to come out. hibernation. Spring begins in mid-March, usually lasting about 60 days, although it can be as long as 70 days or as long as 45 days in some areas of the country. For people and livestock, this is also the driest and windiest season. In spring, dust storms are common, not only in the south, but also in the central regions of the country. When leaving home, residents try to close the windows, as dust storms arrive suddenly (and pass just as quickly).
Summer is the warmest season in Mongolia. Best season for traveling around Mongolia. There is more precipitation than in spring and autumn. Rivers and lakes are the deepest. However, if the summer is very dry, then closer to autumn the rivers become very shallow. The beginning of summer is the most beautiful time of the year. The steppe is green (the grass has not yet burned out from the sun), livestock is gaining weight and fat. In Mongolia, summer lasts approximately 110 days from late May to September. The hottest month is July. The average air temperature during this period in most of the territory is +20°C, in the south up to +25°C. Maximum temperatures in the Gobi Desert during this period can reach +45...58°C.
Autumn in Mongolia is the season of transition from hot summer to cold and dry winter. There is less rain in autumn. Gradually it becomes cooler and vegetables and grains are harvested at this time. The grassland and forests turn yellow. Flies are dying and livestock are fat and unclear in preparation for the winter. Autumn is an important season in Mongolia to prepare for winter; collecting grains, vegetables and fodder; preparation in the size of their sheds cattle and awnings; preparing firewood and heating it at home and so on. Autumn lasts approximately 60 days from early September to early November. The end of summer and the beginning of autumn is a very favorable season for travel. However, we must take into account that snow may fall at the beginning of September, but within 1-2 months it will completely melt.
In Mongolia, winter is the coldest and longest season. In winter, the temperature drops so much that all rivers, lakes, streams and reservoirs freeze. Many rivers freeze almost to the bottom. It snows all over the country, but the cover is not very significant. Winter begins in early November and lasts approximately 110 days until March. It snows occasionally in September and November, but heavy snow usually falls in early November (December). In general, compared to Russia, there is very little snow. Winter in Ulaanbaatar is more dusty than snowy. Although, with climate change on the planet, it is noted that more snow began to fall in winter in Mongolia. And heavy snowfalls are a real natural disaster for cattle breeders (dzud).
The coldest month of the year is January. In some areas of the country the temperature drops to –45...50 (C.). It should be noted that the cold in Mongolia is much easier to bear due to the dry air. For example: a temperature of -20°C in Ulaanbaatar is tolerated the same as -10°C in the central part of Russia.
Flora of Mongolia
The vegetation of Mongolia is very variegated and is a mixture of mountain, steppe and desert with inclusions of the Siberian taiga in the northern regions. Under the influence of mountainous terrain, the latitudinal zonation of the vegetation cover is replaced by a vertical one, so deserts can be found next to forests. Forests on the mountain slopes are located far in the south, adjacent to dry steppes, and deserts and semi-deserts are found along plains and basins far in the north. Mongolia's natural vegetation matches the local climatic conditions. The mountains in the northwestern part of the country are covered with forests of larch, pine, cedar, and various deciduous tree species. In the wide intermountain basins there are magnificent pastures. The river valleys have fertile soil, and the rivers themselves abound in fish.
As you move to the southeast, with decreasing altitude, the density of vegetation cover gradually decreases and reaches the level of the Gobi desert region, where only in spring and early summer some types of grasses and shrubs appear. The vegetation of the north and northeast of Mongolia is incomparably richer, since these areas with higher mountains receive more precipitation. In general, the composition of the flora and fauna of Mongolia is very diverse. The nature of Mongolia is beautiful and diverse. In the direction from north to south there are successively replaced by six natural zones and zones. The high-mountain belt is located north and west of Lake Khubsugul, on the Khentei and Khangai ridges, in the Mongolian Altai mountains. The mountain taiga belt passes in the same place, below alpine meadows. The zone of mountain steppes and forests in the Khangai-Khentei mountain region is the most favorable for human life and the most developed in terms of agricultural development. The largest in size is the steppe zone with its variety of grasses and wild cereals, most suitable for cattle breeding. Water meadows are common in river floodplains.
Currently, 2823 species of vascular plants from 662 genera and 128 families, 445 species of bryophytes, 930 species of lichens (133 genera, 39 families), 900 species of fungi (136 genera, 28 families), 1236 species of algae (221 genera, 60 families). Among them are 845 species medicinal herbs used in Mongolian medicine, 68 types of soil strengthening and 120 types edible plants. There are now 128 species of herbs listed as endangered and endangered in the Red Book of Mongolia.
The Mongolian fora can be roughly divided into three ecosystems: - grass and shrubs (52% of the earth's surface), forests (15%) and desert vegetation (32%). Cultivated crops account for less than 1% of Mongolia's territory. The flora of Mongolia is very rich in medicinal and fruit plants. Through the valleys and in the undergrowth deciduous forests a lot of bird cherry, rowan, barberry, hawthorn, currant, rose hip. Such valuable medicinal plants, like juniper, gentian, celandine, sea buckthorn. Particularly prized are Adonis mongolian (Altan hundag) and Radiola rosea (golden ginseng). In 2009, a record harvest of sea buckthorn was harvested. Today in Mongolia, berries are grown by private companies on an area of one and a half thousand hectares.
Fauna of Mongolia
Huge territory, diversity of landscape, soils, flora And climatic zones create favorable conditions for the habitat of a wide variety of animals. Rich and varied animal world Mongolia. Like its vegetation, Mongolia's fauna represents a mixture of species from the northern taiga of Siberia, the steppe and deserts of Central Asia.
The fauna includes 138 species of mammals, 436 birds, 8 amphibians, 22 reptiles, 13,000 species of insects, 75 species of fish and numerous invertebrates. Mongolia has a wide variety and abundance of game animals, including many valuable fur-bearing and other animals. In the forests there are sable, lynx, deer, maral, musk deer, elk, and roe deer; in the steppes - tarbagan, wolf, fox and gazelle antelope; in the deserts - kulan, wild cat, goitered gazelle and saiga antelope, wild camel. Argali mountain sheep, goats and large predatory leopards are common in the Gobi Mountains. Irbis, a snow leopard in the recent past was widespread in the mountains of Mongolia, now it mainly lives in the Gobi Altai, and its numbers have decreased to up to a thousand individuals. Mongolia is a country of birds. Demoiselle crane is here common bird. Large flocks of cranes often gather right on asphalt roads. Close to the road you can often see scoters, eagles, and vultures. Geese, ducks, waders, cormorants, various herons and gigantic colonies of different species of gulls - herring gull, black-headed gull (which is included in the Red Book in Russia), lake gulls, several species of terns - all this biodiversity amazes even experienced ornithologist-researchers.
According to defenders natural resources, 28 species of mammals are at risk. The more commonly known species are wild bum, wild camel, Gobi sheep, gobi bear(mazalay), ibex and black-tailed gazelle; others include otters, wolves, antelope and tarbagans. There are 59 species of endangered birds, including many species of hawk, falcon, buzzard, eagles and owls. Despite the Mongolian belief that it is bad luck to kill an eagle, some species of eagles are endangered. Border Service Mongolia has consistently thwarted attempts to export falcons from Mongolia to the Gulf countries, where they are used for sport.
But there are also positive aspects. The herd has finally been restored wild horses. Takhi - known in Russia as the Przewalski's horse - was virtually wiped out in the 1960s. It was successfully reintroduced into two national parks after an extensive breeding program overseas. IN mountainous areas, approximately 1000 remain snow leopards. They are hunted for their skin (which is also part of some shamanic rituals).
Every year the government sells licenses to hunt protected animals. Per year, licenses are sold to shoot 300 wild goats and 40 mountain sheep (resulting in up to half a million dollars in the treasury. This money is used to restore wild animal populations in Mongolia).
Population of Mongolia
According to preliminary results of the population and housing census, held on November 11-17, 2010 nationwide, there are 714,784 families in Mongolia, that is, two million 650 thousand 673 people. This does not include the number of citizens who registered via the Internet and through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia (i.e., those living outside the country), and also does not take into account the number of military personnel, suspects and prisoners under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Defense.
Population density – 1.7 people/sq.km. Ethnic composition: 85% of the country is Mongols, 7% are Kazakhs, 4.6% are Durwoods, 3.4% are representatives of other ethnic groups. According to the forecast of the National Statistical Office of Mongolia, the country's population will reach 3 million people by 2018.
Source - http://ru.wikipedia.org/
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MONGOLIAN FLORA
Mongolia is located at the junction of the taiga regions of Siberia and the deserts of Central Asia, which leads to the formation of specific natural ecosystems. Based on the totality of all environmental conditions Mongolia is very unique: this is due to its inland position, the history of the formation of the territory, the high hypsometric level and the bizarre combination of mountains, plains and intermountain depressions. There is a significant contrast natural factors in various parts of the country. The territory of Mongolia is vast: the length from north to south is more than 1200 kilometers, from west to east - 2368 km. The variety of landscapes includes highlands, mountain-taiga belt, forest-steppe zone, steppe zone, semi-desert and desert zones.
Mountains occupy almost 2/3 of the country, and some peaks are covered with eternal snow and exceed 4000 m above sea level; there are glaciers. In the intermountain basins and valleys there are more than 3,000 permanent lakes with fresh and salt water. In the north, in the Khentei Mountains and in the Khubsugol region, mountain taiga dominates, located on southern border taiga zone of Eastern Siberia. Vast mountainous spaces of the ridge. Khangai, Mongolian Altai, the western slope of Khingan and the southern periphery of Khentei are occupied by mountain steppe and forest-steppe in lower areas. These landscapes, which generally have a zonal extent, are located at an altitude of over 1000 m above sea level. seas. An intermediate position is occupied by the high plains of Eastern Mongolia, occupied by steppe vegetation. And finally, the southern regions of the country should be classified as a zone of desert steppes, which merge in the extreme south with the zone of sharply continental deserts of Central Asia.
The territory of Mongolia is dominated by a temperate sharply continental climate with precipitation of 100 mm or less in deserts, 100–200 mm in semi-deserts and up to 600 mm in the mountains of Khentei and Altai. Average temperatures in July are relatively low – +20–25°С, in January – 8... 30°С. Over the past 60 years, the average annual air temperature across the country has increased by 1.56°. According to calculations by the Institute of Meteorology MAN, it will increase further, by 2020 – by 1.4°, by 2050 – by 3.0° and by 2080 – by 5.1°.
A global watershed passes through Mongolia: in the south lies the region of drainless basins and lakes of Central Asia. Mongolia, representing a transitional region from the Siberian taiga to the deserts of Central Asia, demonstrates all the signs of such a transition in both flora and fauna, with Daurian elements predominating in the north of the country, Central Asian elements in the south, and a noticeable influence of Manchurian species in the east. Forests occupy only 8.1% of the country's total area and are located on the southern border of the Siberian taiga region. They protect soils from dryness and erosion, regulate water runoff. The tree flora includes over 140 species of trees and shrubs.
The vegetation of Mongolia is very variegated and is a mixture of mountain, steppe and desert with inclusions of the Siberian taiga in the northern regions. Under the influence of mountainous terrain, the latitudinal zonation of the vegetation cover is replaced by a vertical one, so deserts can be found next to forests. Forests on the mountain slopes are located far in the south, adjacent to dry steppes, and deserts and semi-deserts are found along plains and basins far in the north.
The natural vegetation of Mongolia corresponds to local climatic conditions. The mountains in the northwestern part of the country are covered with forests of larch, pine, cedar, and various deciduous tree species. In the wide intermountain basins there are magnificent pastures. The river valleys have fertile soil, and the rivers themselves abound in fish. As you move to the southeast, with decreasing altitude, the density of vegetation cover gradually decreases and reaches the level of the Gobi desert region, where only in spring and early summer some types of grasses and shrubs appear. The vegetation of the north and northeast of Mongolia is incomparably richer, since these areas with higher mountains receive more precipitation. In general, the composition of the flora and fauna of Mongolia is very diverse. The nature of Mongolia is beautiful and diverse. In the direction from north to south, six natural belts and zones successively change here. The high-mountain belt is located north and west of Lake Khubsugul, on the Khentei and Khangai ridges, in the Mongolian Altai mountains. The mountain-taiga belt passes in the same place, below the alpine meadows. The zone of mountain steppes and forests in the Khangai-Khentei mountain region is the most favorable for human life and the most developed in terms of agricultural development. The largest in size is the steppe zone with its variety of grasses and wild cereals, most suitable for cattle breeding. Water meadows are common in river floodplains.
Currently, 2823 species of vascular plants from 662 genera and 128 families, 445 species of bryophytes, 930 species of lichens (133 genera, 39 families), 900 species of fungi (136 genera, 28 families), 1236 species of algae (221 genera, 60 families). Among them, 845 types of medicinal herbs are used in Mongolian medicine, 68 types of soil strengthening plants and 120 types of edible plants. There are now 128 species of herbs listed as endangered and endangered in the Red Book of Mongolia.
The Mongolian fora can be divided into three ecosystems: - grass and shrubs(52% of the earth's surface), forests(15%) and desert vegetation(32%). Cultivated crops account for less than 1% of Mongolia's territory.
FORESTS
About 8-10% of the territory of Mongolia is covered with forests, the total area of which reaches 120-150 thousand sq. km. Forests grow, as a rule, on the northern and northwestern slopes of the mountains. In the north of Khentei and lake. Khubsugul there are areas of real mountain taiga. The forests contain about 140 varieties of trees, bushes and tree-like plants. Of the tree species, more than 70% of the total reserves are Siberian larch and 12% are cedar; spruce and fir are less common. Pine forests are concentrated mainly near Selenga. Deciduous trees grow in the river valleys: poplar, birch, aspen, ash, and shrubs - willow, wild rosemary, bird cherry, hawthorn, honeysuckle, and willow. Above the forest boundary there is an alpine zone with mixed-grass meadows and creeping forms of juniper, birch, and willow.
Natural regeneration of Mongolian forests is slow, and forests are often destroyed by fire, insects and human activities. Wood is mainly used as a source of fuel (larch, pine, birch, saxaul). In the north of the country, trees are cut down for construction purposes. There are entire illegal groups specializing in the supply of young tree trunks (up to 10 cm in diameter) for use in casting floors in construction. These groups operate mainly as follows: during the day, separate groups of citizens cut down wood, cut it into small logs (about 2 meters long) and store it. At night, under the cover of darkness, small trucks transport timber. As a rule, cars are covered with a tarpaulin so that the cargo being transported is not visible.
STEPPE
The steppe regions of Eastern Mongolia and the western part of the country provide excellent pastures. The herbaceous cover is extremely varied; The leading place belongs to feather grass-cereal and grass-wormwood plants (feather grass, chamomile, wheatgrass, tonkonogo, serpentine, wheatgrass, fescue). Caragana shrubs are often found in the steppe zone. For steppe zone Characterized by the presence of salt marsh areas, with typical plants for them: derisun, Mongolian feather grass, late snake grass, saltpeter and saltwort. The presence of derisun means the presence of water.
DESERT
Gobi - special kind desert steppes, the border of which begins 500 kilometers south of Ulaanbaatar and is characterized by the appearance of shrubs, brown soils and the disappearance of steppe animals - voles and tarbagans.
In the Mongolian language, the word “Gobi” is a common noun denoting semi-desert steppes with saline vegetation. It is incorrect to identify the Gobi with a desert, since only small areas of the Gobi are covered with sand and are not at all similar to the Kazakh steppes, the Karakum, and even less so to the Sahara. The Gobi is not a lifeless desert, but a grassy steppe intersected by hills, ravines and ridges. The vegetation of the Gobi is poor, saxaul grows in the semi-desert zone, and squat elm grows along the banks of dry riverbeds.
MEDICINAL PLANTS
The flora of Mongolia is very rich in medicinal and fruit plants. Along the valleys and in the undergrowth of deciduous forests there are a lot of bird cherry, rowan, barberry, hawthorn, currant, and rose hips. Valuable medicinal plants such as juniper, gentian, celandine, and sea buckthorn are widespread. Particularly prized are Adonis mongolian (Altan hundag) and Radiola rosea (golden ginseng).
In 2009, a record harvest of sea buckthorn was harvested. Today in Mongolia, berries are grown by private companies on an area of one and a half thousand hectares.
RESERVES (NATIONAL PARKS)
Mongolia is rightfully considered one of the few countries that have preserved the purity and virginity of the environment. Since 1995, after the Great Khural of Mongolia adopted the law on specially protected natural areas, a clear distinction was introduced in the country between nature reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and natural monuments. New environmental protection areas were created, the area of existing ones was expanded, the boundaries of specially protected areas were approved and their protection was strengthened. Today in Mongolia there are 11 nature reserves, 7 national parks, 13 reserves. Most large nature reserve Mongolia – Great Gobi (5300 thousand hectares), included in the international network biosphere reserves UNESCO, and is the largest in Asia. The oldest is Bogd-Khanulsky (near Ulaanbaatar), organized in 1965, but the environmental regime has been observed since 1778, from the time when the Bogd-Uul mountain range was declared sacred.
Today the Ministry of Nature and Environment operates the national park system with a tiny annual budget of approximately US$100,000 per year. It is clear that this amount is not enough to protect all protected areas. Unfortunately, in many national parks and specially protected areas, protection regimes are not observed. But if the Mongols turn a blind eye to the violation of rules by their citizens, then if they catch a foreigner violating the rules of specially protected areas, do not hesitate to charge you such a fine...
The Ministry of Nature and Environment divides all protected areas into four categories, which, in order of importance, are:
- Strictly Protected Areas- Very fragile very important areas; hunting, logging and development is strictly prohibited and there is no established human influence.
- National parks historical and educational interest; fishing and grazing by nomadic people is allowed, and parts of the park are developed for ecotourism.
- Reserves- Less important areas protecting rare species of flora and fauna and archaeological sites; some development is allowed within certain guidelines.
- Natural & Historical Monuments- Important places of historical and cultural interest; development is allowed within the guidelines.
In 2000, the government created five new national parks and one new nature reserve. The 48 protected areas now make up more than 13% of Mongolia's territory. The government aims to secure the status of natural protected lands to 30% of the country's territory, which will make Mongolia the largest nature reserve on the planet.
RESERVES
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Great Gobi |
5311.7 thousand hectares |
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East Mongolian |
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Mongol-Dagursky |
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Namregsky |
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Otgon-Tengersky |
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Khan-Henteisky |
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Khokh-Serkhiinnursky |
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Khasagt-Khairkhanulsky |
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Ubsunur basin |
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Small Gobi |
NATIONAL PARKS
RESERVES
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Nagalkhanulsky |
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Bat-Hanulsky |
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Lhachinvandad |
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Bulgangolsky |
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Bulganulsky |
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Ugtamul |
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Sharga-Mankhansky |
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Zagiinussky |
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Alaghairkhansky |
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Burganbuudaisky |
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Ergeli |
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Ikhnartsky |
National park fees
To visit national park- as a rule, you need to buy an entrance ticket or obtain (for a fee) permission to stay in national park(either from a park ranger or local office). Income from the entrance fee goes to the development of infrastructure and wages park workers.
Travel fees to the national park vary. They can charge from 1000 to 3000 tugris (per person) for entry into the national park. They can take an additional 300 to 3000 tugris from vehicle. Moreover, if you are a foreign citizen, the fee is higher than what they charge local residents. In some parks, the guide and driver do not pay for entry into the park (payment is taken ONLY from the tourist)
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
- Information about Mongolia 2000. Da. Handbold. ADMOND Co.Ltd., Mongolia.
- Guide "Mongolia". Le Petit Fute. Ed. Vanguard 2005
- State and prospects of nature conservation in Mongolia. B. Oyuungerel
Institute of Geography of the Academy of Sciences of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar.