Rock Dam Structures (RDS) are increasingly recognized as effective nature-based solutions for restoring degraded Arid ecosystems. This study presents the first effort to construct and evaluate RDS in the dry steppe, with the objective of assessing their impacts on vegetation composition, cover, and the spatial–temporal dynamics of vegetation productivity. A total of 44 plant species representing 38 genera and 18 families were recorded, with perennial species comprising the dominant life-form (88.6%). The families Poaceae and Rosaceae exhibited the highest species richness, and Artemisia frigida and Leymus chinensis were identified as dominant and co-dominant species across all RDS zones. Species richness was greatest in areas above the RDS, whereas relative species abundance and canopy cover peaked within the RDS. Fractional vegetation cover differed significantly among RDS zones, with a marked increase in vegetation cover observed during the first two years following RDS installation. Additionally, the presence of a newly formed Mongolian marmot (Marmota sibirica) burrow within the rock structures suggests improved habitat conditions. NDVI analysis revealed strong spatial heterogeneity and pronounced temporal variability in vegetation productivity across the basin, with higher NDVI values associated with favorable climatic conditions. Overall, the findings demonstrate that RDS enhance soil moisture retention by capturing snowmelt and rainfall, promote perennial plant growth, and support biodiversity. These results highlight the potential of RDS as a cost-effective and sustainable restoration strategy for improving ecosystem services, strengthening landscape resilience, and mitigating climate change impacts in dryland ecosystems.
Air pollution in urban areas, especially particulate matter (PM), is harmful to human health. PM pollution is one of the urgent environmental problems in Ulaanbaatar city. Woody plants play an important improving environmental air quality because they filter out potentially high amounts of PM. We investigated the PM accumulation and physiological traits of Pinus sylvestris L. across four contrasting urban sites. The accumulated particulate matter (PM), chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, pH of needles, relative water content (RWC), and air pollution tolerance index (APTI) were compared across four contrasting urban sites. We observed substantial variations in PM and chlorophyll pigment concentrations across the four urban sites. We observed a significant positive correlation between the amount of PM and the chlorophyll pigment concentrations of the needles at all sites, except Beijing. Ascorbic acid (AA) was significantly positively correlated with the amount of PM, but pH was significantly negatively correlated with the amount of PM. The amount of accumulated PM on the needles of P. sylvestris differed significantly at the studied sites. Likewise, the chlorophyll pigment concentrations varied considerably at the studied sites.
In this study, the drought tolerance of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. propagated by seed was evaluated under experimental conditions, using a range of morphological and physiological parameters in responce to 10%, 20%, and 40% concentrations of the artificial drought inducing agent, polyethylene glycol (PEG). The morphological parameters of leaves (leaf length, area and thickness), water regime parameters, such as actual water (AW), absolute water content (AWC), relative water content (RWC), and water deficit (WD), the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, such as maximum quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm), optimal quantum yield (QY), and ratio fluorescence decrease (Rfd) of photosystem II, were determined. The results of the study showed that the leaf length and area in plants treated with 10% PEG increased similarly to the control plants, at 20% PEG; morphological parameters remained relatively normal, but physiological parameters decreased. For example, in plants treated with 20% PEG, QY, and Rfd, the values were 0.68±0.02 and 2.13±0.23, respectively, and although photosynthetic activity decreased, the plants retained their ability to withstand stress, recover, and grow. However, in plants treated with 40% PEG, the morphological and physiological parameters decreased significantly. With the QY being 0.51±0.05 and the Rfd being 1.05±0.24, the function of photosynthetic organs was insufficient, and recovery did not occur. This showed that L. ruthenicum propagated by seed was unable to tolerate drought at 40% PEG concentration.
Habitat use and food habits of Mongolian livestock remain poorly studied, despite their importance for adequate grassland management. We studied the habitat use and food habits of horses, cattle, and sheep/goats at four sites in the forest-steppe zone in northern Mongolia. Dropping densities, as an indicator of habitat use, were higher on more level terrain for horses and cattle, while those of sheep/goats were higher on slopes. Fecal compositions of horses and cattle were dominated by Carex duriuscula, while those on sheep/goats differed among sites, including Stipa krylovii, Leymus chinensis, and Artemisia frigida. Local nomad people explained that horses move widely because they are freely grazed, while cows were grazed during the day but returned to "gers" or yurts (tent houses) twice a day to lactate their calves. Sheep/goats stayed more frequently on slopes partly because they are guided by nomad people in the morning. The nomad people were familiar with the names of grasses, calling “nariin övs” (thin plants) and considering them good forage. They said that grass height had declined over time. Their traditional ecological knowledge generally corresponded well with the results of this study.
The Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) is assessed as globally “Near Threatened” and regionally “Vulnerable” in Mongolia. Previous studies have described the species as occurring in western Mongolia during migration and the breeding season. Research from other countries indicates that the Ferruginous Duck breeds in lakes with dense vegetation. Waterbirds and shorebirds at Chukh Lake have been monitored since 2019, and in 2021 and 2023, the Ferruginous Duck was recorded breeding at this location. These records represent the first documented instances of the species breeding in Mongolia, specifically in the eastern part of the country. Given its regular occurrence in large numbers, it is likely that Ferruginous Ducks are breeding at other lakes with similar environmental conditions to Chukh Lake. Additionally, hybridisation with Baer’s Pochard (Aythya baeri) has been observed in the area, raising concerns about potential impacts on the conservation of both species. Further biological and ecological research is essential to determine the full extent of the species' breeding range within Mongolia.
