The vascular plant diversity of dzungarian gobi in western Mongolia, with an annotated checklist

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Shukherdorj Baasanmunkh - , Changwon National University (Author)
  • Batlai Oyuntsetseg - , National University of Mongolia (Author)
  • Chuluunkhuyag Oyundari - , National University of Mongolia, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (Author)
  • Khurelpurev Oyundelger - , International Institute Zittau, Chair of Biodiversity of Higher Plants, Chair of Ecosystem Services, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (Author)
  • Magsar Urgamal - , Mongolian Academy of Sciences (Author)
  • Davaajav Darikhand - , National University of Mongolia (Author)
  • Nergui Soninkhishig - , National University of Mongolia (Author)
  • Dashzeveg Nyambayar - , National University of Mongolia (Author)
  • Khurelbaatar Khaliunaa - , National University of Mongolia (Author)
  • Zagarjav Tsegmed - , Mongolian Academy of Sciences (Author)
  • Alexey A. Kechaykin - , Altai State University (Author)
  • Alexander I. Shmakov - , Altai State University (Author)
  • Andrey S. Erst - , RAS - Central Siberian Botanical Garden, Siberian Branch (Author)
  • Nikolai Friesen - , University Osnabruck, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Author)
  • Christiane M. Ritz - , TUD Dresden University of Technology, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (Author)
  • Karsten Wesche - , International Institute Zittau, Chair of Biodiversity of Higher Plants, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle—Jena—Leipzig (Author)
  • Hyeok Jae Choi - , Changwon National University (Author)

Abstract

The Dzungarian Gobi (DzG), one of 16 phytogeographical regions in the country, is located in the southwestern part of Khovd province in western Mongolia. It comprises some of Mongolia's largest reserves, namely the Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area and the National Park Bulgan gol-Ikh Ongog. We conducted a comprehensive survey of the area's floristic diversity between 2009 and 2019 by collecting vascular plants from different vegetation types in various seasons. In addition, we critically checked relevant published literature and material from the herbaria ALTB, GLM, GWF, HAL, KHU, LE, MW, NS, OSBU, UBA, and UBU to determine the occurrence of vascular plant species in the DzG region. Based on our collection data, a comprehensive checklist of DzG's flora was compiled, representing 913 vascular plant taxa (including 34 subspecies and one variety) belonging to 329 genera and 70 families. Twenty-one taxa were newly found in the DzG region. We also investigated the conservation status of all species noted, and 19 endemic plants and 96 threatened species, including six critically endangered, 26 endangered, 57 vulnerable, and seven near threatened plants were recognized in this region. Eight rare species were newly assessed according to regional conservation status based on GeoCat and IUCN. The richest plant families found were Asteraceae (153 species), Fabaceae (77 species), Amaranthaceae (69 species), and Poaceae (68 species). Several uncertain endemic and non-endemic plants remain still discussion, such as Papaver baitagense and Rosa baitagensis; thus, further studies are needed on their taxonomic and conservation status. For each taxon, we provide its distribution in the region, elevation range, voucher number, and additional references. Finally, we analyzed species hotspots of DzG, based on three different plant species richness criteria: i. all recorded species, ii. endemic species, and iii. threatened species using our georeferenced records. The most diverse hotspot area in DzG is the Baitag Bogd Mountain area, which comprises the highest species number of all three richness criteria.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-55
Number of pages55
JournalPhytotaxa
Volume501
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 19 May 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Keywords

  • Conservation status, Dzungarian gobi, Endemism, Floristic diversity, Hotspot analysis