Grazing moderates shrub communities in the low mountains of the semi-desert steppe of Mongolia

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Enkhtuvshin Dechinperlii and Dariimaa Shagdar, Biology, Mongolian National University of Education, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Ariuntsetseg LKhagva and Batsaikhan Nyamsuren, Biology, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Byambagerel Suran, Biology, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Background/Question/Methods
In arid ecosystems, grazing by livestock and wild ungulates affect vegetation. The study aimed to identify grazing effects on herbaceous and shrub communities' diversity, species richness, and some morphological variables (height, canopy, basal covers, and horizontal annual growth) of the dominant shrub; Amygdalus pedunculata Pall (A. pedunculata), in Ikh Nart Nature Reserve located at semi-desert steppe of Mongolia.
Results/Conclusions
Our findings revealed that high grazing intensity negatively affects the species richness, diversity, and evenness of herbaceous plants, more profoundly in shrub communities. Few annuals and A. pedunculata dominate in grazed communities. As part of grazing avoidance, the height and canopy cover of A. pedunculata decreases along the grazing gradient. Significant relationships between growing season rainfall, air temperature, and ring-width of A. pedunculata were not observed. It might indicate this shrubs' adaptation to use deep soil water, which is not easily affected by rainfall and temperature. The average age of the individuals of A. pedunculata does not differ along the grazing gradient. The density of A. pedunculata diminishes with grazing. The results suggested a need for well-managed pasture management, which covers the conservation of shrub communities alongside other species in the semi-desert region.