Nature and Environment

The territory of Mongolia lies in the center of Asia and has a total area of 1564.1 thousand sq/km, located between the meridian of 87o47’ and 119o57’ eastern longitude and in latitudes 41o35’ and 52o06’ north, neighboring with Russia long 3485 km in the north and with China long 4676.9 km in the south. The distance between the country’s westernmost and easternmost points is 2392 km and 1259 km between its northernmost southernmost points. The country has an average altitude of 1.580 meters above sea level. Mongolia is one of the world’s 27 countries without any outlet to the sea. Since time immemorial travelers used to admire Mongolia as the country with clear sunny skies. In Mongolia , all natural zones such as high mountains, valleys between the mountain ranges, wide steppes, Gobi desert and semi-desert zones are combined.

Climate

There are four ell-defined seasons. Sunshine days make up over 200 days out of the year’s 365 in Mongolia . The temperature values fluctuate greatly not only within the year but also diurnally. The climate is harsh continental with low precipitation. According to the last 60 years meteorological observation, average annual temperatures are around 8.5 C in the Gobi and ‘7.8 C in the mountainous areas. The extreme minimum temperature is ‘31.1 C to ‘52.9 C in January and the extreme maximum temperature is +28 C to +43.1 C in July. The annual precipitation amount is low, averaging 200-220 millimeters and ranging from less than 50 millimeters per year in the extreme south ( Gobi and desert region) to 400 millimeters per year in limited areas in the north. Most precipitation occurs in June, July and August. The driest months are from November to March.

The duration of season with snow covering was shorter, and the process of soil erosion is activating in recent years. The number of days with a dust storm has increased three times within the country in the last 40 years.

Since 1999-2002, more than 50 per cent of the territories of Mongolia was occupied by drought, it was an occasion in the last 60 years. Those were coupled with an increase in the frequently of natural disasters. This unfavorable climatic condition on of the factors, exerting an adverse effect on Mongolian social and economic development.

Geography

Mongolia is a mountainous country. Its topography consists of mountains, hummocks and high denudation plains, forming three major regional stages on its surface. Eighty per cent of all Mongolian territory is situated about 1000 meters above sea level.

The surface of Mongolia comprises the biggest parts of the Mongol Altai Mountains, Great Lakes Depression, mountains surrounding lake Khuvsgul, the Khangai mountain range, Orkhon-Selenge river basin, Khentii mountain, Dornod steppe and Great Khyangan mountain eastwards.

The Mongol Altai Mountains are situated in the western part of Mongolia stretching for 600-650 kilometers and were structured by thin hills, hollows and straight precipitous crags, which have a height of more than 4000 meters. There is the Khuiten peak of the Altai Tavan Bogd Mountain , which is the highest point of Mongolia. The peak is with height of 4374 meters. There are glaciers in the more height of Mongol Altai, and the humps and hollows of the ice-age period were kept open in Khuvsgul, Khangai, Khentii and Altai Mountains .

The Great Lakes Depression is situated in the eastern part of the Mongol Altai and consisted of a few hollows with bigger lakes.

The Mountains surrounding Khuvsgul are analogous with the Lake Baikal by their origin. The mountains were formed along cracks between mountains and created by lakes, which are situated along the longitude surroundings of the Khuvsgul and Darkhad depressions.

The Khuvsgul Lake was formed in the Khuvsgul Depression and lake-origin steppe, small lake and river valleys predominate in the Darkhad Depression.

The Khuvsgul Mountains are situated at the northern side of the Khangai mountain range and were formed by lakes Ulaan Taiga and Khoridol Saridag, lifted 3491 meters of height above sea level.

A wide range of the Khangai mountains is situated in the center of Mongolia . The highest peak of the Khangai mountain range is the Otgontenger Mountain , which is situated in the western part of the mountain range and was elevated 4021 meters above sea level.

The Lakes Valley is situated in the thin depression between the mountains at the southward point of the head of the Khangai mountain range. The mountains of Gobi Altai continue 600 kilometers at the southward end of the Lakes Valley and were formed by several separate mountains. The highest point of the Gobi Altai mountains is the Great Bogd Mountain , the highest of which is 3597 meters. The state special protected area of the Mongol Altai mountain is made up of the protected area of Khuch Serkh mountain and the natural complex of the Altai Tavan Bogd.
Mongolian central, southern and Dornod province’s wide steppes continue over 1200 kilometers to the east of the head of the Khangai mountain range, Lakes Valley and Gobi Altai mountain.

The zenith of the Khentii Mountain range is the Asralt Khairkhan Mountain , which is 2800 meters high. The mountains, formed by basalt plateau and granite massif, are located in the basin of River Khalkh-Gol , an east edge of Mongolia . The valley of the River Khalkh-Gol and its tributary rivers and steppe with fertile brown and black soil are very suitable to carry on agricultural and farming works and an important ecosystematic reserve area, which keeps native in its relatively original conditions.

Special Protected Areas

A policy to protect all mountains, relief features and ecosystem of Mongolia and propelyr exploit minerals has been carried out in tile country. In addition, the country is paying more attention to take a zone, which is different to other zones for its biosphere, to thle state special protection and preserve biological varieties in its distribution areas and environments. This is important to protect this zone, which is included in the rare and delicate nature of theworld biosphere. There are the Mongol Daguur, Dornod Mongol and Kllalkll Numrug reserves with tile ecosystem's original nature, which are valuable in the world standard, and are in the eastern part of Mongolia .

Currently, a total of 20.6 million hectare areas in 127 places near Ulaanbaatar , 19 aimags and 50 places of soums have been taken under the state special protection. The special protected areas occupy 13.2 per cent - of total territory, 17.3 per cent of Mongolia 's forest reserve, 55 per cent of the hydrosphere and about 40 per cent of the distribution area of rare animals and plants.

Also projects and policy on involving 2 million hectares of area in the special protected areas' network, which has a special influence to provide for Mongolian natural and ecological equilibrium and improving the. Living condition of residents in those areas are being carried out. In 2002, a total of 140.000 hectares of land including the area near the Tujiin Nars Pine forest, which is situated on the boundary of Selenge aimag's Altanbulag and Shaamar soums, and some parts of the Myangan-Ugalzat Mountain range in the area of Tsetseg soum of Khovd aimag was taken under the state special protection.

The Ministry of Nature and Environment has declared an additional 280 thousand hectares for special protection, twice as much as in 2002. Mongolia's four areas: the ecosystem of the Bogd Khan Mountain, the basin of Lake Uvs, the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan, a part of the Great Gobi Reserve and the natural complex of Khustai Mountain range have been involved in the World Biosphere network. The Mongol Daguur protected area, the Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan, the Lakes U g, Taats, Buuntsagaan, Adgiin Tsagaan and Airag, the Lake Orog in the Lakes Depression, as well as the national park of Lake Khar-Us have been registered in the World Ramsar Convention. Also the Mongol Daguur reserve has been involved in the Northeast Asian international network to protect crane. The Lakes Terkh and Ugii have been involved in the international network to preserve birds of the goose and duck groups.

Water

Mongolia is a continental country, which is situated on the three biggest watersheds. The country's water resource is dependent mostly on most river flow outside from the country's border.

Mongolia has comparatively high levels of surface and ground water resources. The rivers of Mongolia belong to the inland catchments basins of the Arctic Ocean , the Pacific Ocean and Central Asia Inland Basin . The higher and middle of the Selenge, the biggest river in the country and parts of the Yenissei river belong to the Arctic Ocean drainage basin.

In the northern and western mountainous parts of Mongolia , the water network is of high density. The southern, central and southeastern parts of the country have a few rivers and other water resources and they are usually situated in depressions without any outflows. Mongolia has 3811 rivers and streams with a total length of 67000 km, over 3000 big and small lakes with a total volume of 500 cubic kilometers, about 6900 springs with steady flows, over 190 glaciers with a total size of about 540 square kilometers and over 250 mineral water springs, which are from specific water ecosystems.

Rain, ground water, snow and glaciers are the main water sources of rivers. It is common that in the north south and east -west directions, rain is the more important source for the rivers, while the amount of flow decreases. The ground water resources in the country are spread unevenly and from north to south the chemical components of the water change and mineralization increases. It is caused by the changes in climate, as a decrease in precipitation from north to south, increases the air temperature and evaporation.

Tile Arctic Ocean Basin . The basin of Arctic Ocean occupies 20,4 percent of Mongolia 's territory. The river Selenge and Khuremtei with its tributary rivers Ider, Delgermurun, Eg and Shishkhed are included in the basin.

Selenge River . The River Selenge begins from the confluence of the rivers Delger murun and Ider and this is the main tributary of Lake Baigali in Russia . The Selenge has a drainage area of 425.245 square kilometers and of which Aa. 282.050 square kilometers or 66 percent flows in Mongolia 's territory. The Selenge's length is 1024 kilometers.

Orkhon River . This is the biggest right hand tributary of the Selenge. The river has a drainage area of 132.855 square kilometers and it occupies 47 per cent of the basin of River Selenge . The Orkhon is 1124 kilometers long and the longest river in Mongolia . Source of the river's basin is the northwestern side of the Khangai Mountain . The Mongolia 's biggest waterfall Ulaan Tsutgalan is situated there. The rivers Tuul and Kharaa drain into the Orkhon. The total length of the rivers with permanent flow is about 2000 kilometers and if rivers with irregular growth were added, the total length would be about 8,000 kilometers.

The Pacific Ocean Basin . Onon River takes its source from the hot mineral water of the Khentii Mountains . Its drainage area square is 94.010 kilometers; total length is 808 kilometers, of which 298 kilometers flow through the territory of Mongolia . This 298-kilometer flow originates the river Shilca, which is a tributary of the rivers Onon and Amar. The river Onon flows through mountainous areas with more forests.

Kherlen River takes its source from the southern side of a mountain, which is one of the major ranges of the Khentii Mountains and situated 1750 meters high above sea level. It gradually flows to the east, then it flows to the south and joins the Lake Dalai in China . The Kherlen is 1264 kilometers long and 1090 kilometers flow through Mongolian territory. This river flows between mountains with dense forests, turns to the east and flows on to the wooded steppe.

Ulz River . It takes its source from mountains, situated in the eastern side of the Khentii Mountain range, and flows between rivers anon and Kherlen. The Ulz drains into the Lake Tooroi in Russia .

Khalkh River . This river flows from the Ikh Khyangan Mountains and branches into two parts near the Lake Buir . Its left branch drains into Lake Buir and its right branch - into the river Orshuun. The length of the river is 233 kilometers and its drainage area is 30.465 square kilometers, of which 12.77 5 square kilometers are on Mongolia 's territory.

Central Asian Inland Basin Bulgan River . The rivers Bulgan, Ueneh and Bodonch, which take its sources from the southern face of the Mongol Altai Mountains, are included in the blind drainage basin of the Central Asia . Other rivers Buyant, Khovd, Tsenkher, Sagsai and Sogoog with its tributary rivers, which rise from the north of the Mongol Altai Mountains, are included in the Central Asian blind drainage basin.

Khovd River . It takes its source from the northern side of the Mongol Altai Mountains and runs into the Lakes Khoton and Khorgon. Its largest tributaries are Tsagaan Khovd and Khar Khovd and it is 593 kilometers long.

Zavkhan River . It takes its source from the southern face of the Otgontenger Mountain-Highest peak of the Khangai Mountain range. The river begins to flow from the confluence of rivers Buyant and Shar Us. The Zavkhan flows by the western side of the Khangai Mountain and flows into the Lake Airag , which is connected with the Lake Khyargas . Its running water is 808 kilometers long and provides most part of the tributary flow of the Lake Khyargas .

Biggest Lakes of Mongolia

Lakes are one of the important geographical elements of Mongolia . The mineral and chemical mixture of Mongolia ’s lakes mainly depends on geological formation of surface and underground water and physical and geographical conditions of drainage areas. The mineral and the chemical compound of lakes are determined by the lakes and salt balance, water exchange and outside flow.

Khuvsgu[ Lake . The most notable mountain lake in Mongolia is Khuvsgul, the deepest lake not just in Mongolia , but also in Central Asia . It is 136 kilometers long, its great width is 36.5 kilometers and the depth in the middle of the lake is 262 meters. Its area is 2760 square kilometers. Khuvsgul has fresh water and less mineralization /140-240 milligrams in a liter/, ion variation and water hardness II, 1-2,9 milligram equivalent liter/. There is a weak alkaline with variable 7.4-8.2 in the Khuvsgul. More than ninety rivers flow into the Khuvsgul and the Eg river flows out of it.

Khar -Us Lake . This lake lies at an altitude of 1157 meters, covering an area of 1852 square kilometers, with a maximum length of72 kilometers, a width of 27 kilometers and a depth of only 4 meters. This is a fresh-water lake and has fewer minerals, which varies 180-330 milligram liter in the cool season and 110-260 milligram liter in the warm season.

Uvs Lake . The lake is situated at an altitude of 759 meters above sea level and it covers an area of 3350 square kilometers. Its maximum length is 84 kilometers, the length of its shoreline 425 kilometers and average depth is 12 meters. This is a salt-water lake, without outside flow, and with minerals of more than 7,000 milligram/ liter. The chloride and sodium ions are dominant in the lake's water.

Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake . The lake is situated at an altitude of 206 meters above sea level and it covers an area of 61 square kilometers. Its maximum length is 16 kilometers, the length of its shoreline 6 kilometers and average depth is 6 meters.
This is a fresh and soft water lake. This lake is less mineralized; it varies from 160 to 210 milligram liter in the winter and from 100 to 180 milligram liter in the summer.

Buir Lake . The area of its water plane is 615 square kilometers, its length is 40 kilometers, its width is 21 kilometers, and its maximum depth is 10.5 meters. This is a soft and fresh water lake.

Khyargas Lake . The area of its water plane is 1407 square kilometers. There are more minerals /1,000 milligram! liter! in the lake water. The water minerals and salt ions are unstable. The Khyargas is without an outside flow. This is a salt and alkaline water lake.
The direct influences of Iakes of the blind drainage basin in the Central Asia on the ecosystem are relatively few. Nevertheless, the ecological condition declines in the period with less water due to a flow variation of the lakes' tributary rivers and a cycle variation of the climate. The cycle with less water continued for a long term in rivers of the Lakes Valley in recent twenty years. As a result of the continuation, the water level of the Lake Buuntsagaan has dropped and the Lakes Taastsiin Tsagaan, Orog and Ulaan have dried up.

Biodiversity

Fauna. Animals of all kinds of zones such as forest, steppe, desert, alpine, tundra, talus, and water surrounding grove, have settled down in Mongolia . Many animals, which are frequently spread throughout the Siberian taiga, European-type forests, western Asia and Turan desert, are included in the aforementioned animals. As well as this, there are many endemics, which are in only deserts and steppes of Central and East Asia , in the country. Mongolia is the native place of ancient extinct animals and takes the leading place in the World by its more precious finds.

A total of 138 species of mammals, 449 species of birds, 75 species offish, 6 species of amphibians and 22 species of reptiles have been registered on the animal kingdom list of Mongolia . Besides these, there are more than 13.000 species of Invertebrates, including 516 species of insects, worms, fresh water and terrestrial mollusks, etc., in Mongolia . Of the above mentioned animals 24 mammals are basic hunting animals, 32 hunted by just a few and four are not to be hunted. A total of 30 species and sub-species mammals were written in the rare and very rare classifications of the Mongolian Red Book, which was revised in 1997.

Distribution areas of the Gobi bear (Ursus pruinosis), wild camel (Camalus bactrianus), Equus przewalskii, Elk, Scrofa nigripes, and Asian beaver have been complete taken to the state special protection. Also over 70 percent of distribution areas of snow leopard, Equus hemionus, river otter, haze musk deer, Ovis amman and Capra Sibrica have been involved in the State Special Protection area's network. Works of newly acclimatizing and re-acclimatizing valuable hunting animals muskrat, stoat, raccoon dog, pro capra fulturosa, moschus moschiferus, wild horse, Asian beaver, and capra sibrica are being cariied out in the country.

Takhi. The Takhi are the last remaining wild horses worldwide. It is also known as the Przewalski horse (named after the Russian explorer who first discovered the horse in 1878 in Mongolian territory) is probably the most recognized and successful symbol of the preservation and protection of Mongolia's diverse and unique wildlife.

The last wild Mongolian Takhi was spotted in the western Gobi in 1966. However, the Mongolian Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment and the Dutch Foundation Reserve of Przewalski Horses reintroduced the first horses in 1992. Mongolian Takhi populations located in Khustai Nuruu in Tov aimag and Bugat soum of Govi-Altai aimag have reached around 200 over the last decade.

In 2004 the 20 Takhi horses will be re-introduced in Khomiin Tal bufferzone of Khar-Us Nuur National Park, with finance from Association: TAKHI, France and WWF Mongolia. Research conducted from 1998-2000 concluded that the reintroduction of Takhi to Khomiin Tal was possible due to its low population density and potential to contain up to 500 horses.

Gobi Bear. (Ursus Pruinosis) According to a comparative survey on breeding and generation of bear and Gobi bear, the Gobi bear's fecundity and rearing of the young beasts are 14-90 and 10-24 percents below ther bears. The male Gobi bear begins to breed from five years and the female starts from four years. So, scientific effective measures of protecting the Gobi bear's genetic resources are required. An observation was undertaken in the Gobi bear's location such as the Khukh Ders,
Khatuu Bulag, Altan Tevsh, Suuj Bulag,Mukhar Zadgai, Tsagaan Burgas, Khushoot and Sharkhuls oasis. As a result of the observation, new footprints of the Gobi bear were revealed at the source of Khajuu Bulag (spring) of the Segs Tsagaan Bogd Mountain, as well as photo shooting and video recording of the fully grown Gobi bear, which was eating fodder. Also new footprint of one and two gobi bears at the Tsagaan Tokhoi fodder point and near the spring Khajuu Bulag were measured and recorded.

Bird. Registered so far are 434 species of birds, which is belonging to 193 genera, 56 families and 17 orders, which have been observed so far in Mongolia . More than 330 species from this are migratory and the remaining 104 species inhabit Mongolia year-round. Approximately 50 species migrate through Mongolia and 20 species are observed here occasionally. The Mongolian Red Book contains a register of 30 bird species, which are not only rare worldwide but also rare in Mongolia . As an important act of conservation, parts of big lakes and rivers, which are densely inhabited by birds, lakes: Khuvsgul, Uvs, KharUs,Dayan, Khorgo, Terkhiin_Tsagaan, were protected.

The Daguur, Dornod and Numrug Strictly Protected Areas were established in order to protect the Siberian Crane Grus leucogeranus, White-naped Crane Grus vipio, Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata, Black Stock Ciconia nigra, Dalamatian Pelican Pelicanus crispus, White Spoonbill Plate lea Leucorodia, Baikal Teal Anas formosa , Asiatic Dowitcher Limnodromus semiplamatus and Relict Gull Lams relictus.

Fish. Mongolia is a landlocked country and is situated in the center of the Asian continent. So there are only fishes of river and lake in the country. Mongolian rivers and lakes are classified into three basins: Arctic Ocean , Pacific Ocean and Central Asia . Animals in each basin create a specific composition. There are 75 species of fish, belonging to 36 genera and 11 families living in the Mongolian water basin.

As researchers determined, up to 700 tones of fish could be taken every year from Mongolia 's lakes and rivers at present. According to the Environment Ministry report, since 2000, the fishing quota has decreased year by year. For instance, 322 tons of fish in 2001 and 250 tons in 2002 were allowed. .

"The Mongolian Law on Hunting" adopted in 1995, supported by other laws and regulations, has played an important role in the development of fish cultures, and the conservation of fish species in this country. According to the provisions of this law, the Amur Sturgeon Acipenser shrenki and Siberian or Baikal Sturgeon Acipenser Baeri are listed as protected and the Glass (Chinese) Carp Ctenogharyngodon idella, Silver Carp Hypophthalmicthys molitrix, and Tench Tinea tinea, are registered as endangered. In addition, 6 species of fish have been included in the Mongolian Red Book and necessary measures have been taken to conserve these species. In order to preserve the fish stocks on a larger scale and to maintain favorable conditions for their breeding, several lakes, such as the Khuvsgul, Uvs, Terkhiin Tsagaan, Dayan, Khoton, Khar Us lakes and some important parts of rivers have been categorized as protected areas.

Amphibians and Reptiles. At part of the Eastern Mongolian biological variety project, a geographical and steppe surveys were made in areas along the basin of rivers Kherlen, Khalkh and Nurnrog. Judjing from the survey, four species of amphibian were registered in the Eastern Mongolia and those amphibians occupy 66,6 percent of all the country's amphibians and 36,36 percent of eight species of reptiles. A work of protecting Mongolian amphibians and reptiles is being conducted under following directions.

Two species of the Eastern Mongolian gerpetofoun, in particular, the hynobius and eastern frog were included in the Mongolian Red Book. Amphibians and reptiles are being protected in the network of special protected areas. The numerical change of amphibians and reptiles caused by such factors as climate and birds of prey, parasite disease and human negative activity.

Flora. Mongolian vegetation today presents those special features, which have developed through time because of local landscape forms, the organic environment and climate in this part of the continent. Mongolia is a site of convergence and co-existence of flora that originates both from the Great Siberian Taiga and the Central Asian Steppe and Desert. In addition, Mongolian flora has accumulated plant species from Manchuria in the east and from the Kazakhstan - Turan area in the west. The gradual transitional changes from the High Mountain Taiga through to the mountain forest steppe and flat grassy plains on to the semi-desert and true desert areas, represent the specific features of the World's three basic vegetation regions. This variety is also reflected in the change of precipitation and distribution of plants starting from the foothills to the top of the mountain ranges in vertical belts. There are 845 species of medicinal plants, over 1,000 species of fodder plants, 173 species of ornamental plants and 195 species of all kinds of significant plants in Mongolia.

At present, the seed plant of Mongolia comprises 2095 species of herbaceous plant and 348 species of woody and shrubby plants. From the woody and shrubby plants, 17 species of big trees, 40 species of short trees and gig shrub, 146 species of shrub, 48 species of sub-shrubs, 91 species of partial sub-shrubs, 6 species of fodder and herbaceous, 1765 species of longevity plant, 330 species of one and two age vascular plant, 21 families of flat moss, 38 families of leafy moss, 53 families of lichen, 1236 species and subspecies of algae and 900 species of mushroom were registered, respectively. There are relics from prehistoric deserts, forests, tertiary lakes, savannahs and the Ice Age, in particular. Many plant relics are native to Mongolia . There are about 150 endemic vascular and lower plants such as Stipa mongolorum, Adonis mongoIica, Betula mongolica, Atraphaxis bracteata, Calligonum gobicum, Nanophyton mongolicum, Gymnocarpus przewalskii, Silene mongolica, Potaninia mongoIica, Chesneya mongoIica, Astragalus gobicus, Oxytropis ulzii-chutagii and Armisia gobica. The Khangai, Gobi . Altai and Mongolian Altai regions are the most abundant regions, species wise. 86 plant species were registered as endangered and threatened in the first edition of the Mongolian Red Book, in the second edition (1997), the number was already 128. This group includes 75 medicinal species, 11 fro food, 16 species used in industry, 55 decorative species and 15 species used in the soil fixing process and in controlling pests. This group includes Nitraria sibirica ,Amygdalus mongolica, Populus diversifolia, Caragana bungei, Artemisia caespitosa, Sophora alopecuroides, Allium altai cum, Adonis mongolica, Saussurea involucrate, Agriophyllum pungens, elaeagnes moorcroftii, Aves sibirica, Gemnocvarpus przewalskii, Rodiola rosea, Allium oliquum etc.

Parliament passed a Law on the International Trading of Animal and Plants, and related items last year. The law is in line with its membership of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). Failing to meet convention standards would have resulted in an embargo on the country's exports and imports as well as financial assistance and support by other member countries. The convention was approved in 1975 with aims to protect and regulate the use of animals and plants. Mongolia joined the convention in 1996 and earns 1.5 billion tugrugs from the international trading of endangered species of native flora and fauna.

Mongolia has 14 kind of mammals, 71 birds, eight plants and two fish on the convention's protected list. Among the animals prohibited from commercial sale are the Takhi, Mazaalai /Gobi bear/, snow leopard, ass, Siberian crane, White-Naped crane, Dalmatian pelican, Macqueen's or Houbara Bustard, Relict gull, Japanese crane and the oriental white Mongolian stork. However the Grey wolf, lynx, musk deer, Argali, Saker falcon, Apollo butterfly, European wild cat, Eurasian otter, elk, moose, Tatar sand boa, Siberian sturgeon, Amur Sturgeon can be traded with permission from CITES.

A coordination Council set up by the Environmental Ministry regulates trading permissions.

Forest

The forests, which occupy 18921.8 thousands hectares or only 8.1 percent of the whole territory of Mongolia , are situated along the watershed of the three big basins. The forest is very important, and rich in natural and ecological wealth, which keeps rivers' water resources, protects soil from erosion, softens the climate, absorbs greenhouse gas, establishes a favorable living environment for animals, plant and microorganisms, and holds down the permafrost. The forest reserve is made up of about 140 varieties of trees and shrubs.

Coniferous and broad-leaved forests occupy 84 percent of the forest reserve, and Haloxylon Ammodendron accounts for 16 percent. 70.4 percent of woodland are covered by the forest and 20.8 percent occupied by the net forest area, respectively. Coniferous and broadleaved forests are in 10465.3 thousand hectares and Haloxylon Ammodendron are in 2040.9 thousand hectares of the woodland. Larch accounts for 58.8 per cent. Cembra pine 5,2 percent, birch 8,8 percent, pine 7,7 percent and Haloxylon 16 per cent of all woods. Spruce, fir, poplar, aspen and willow grow on small scale.

Mongolian forests grow under the Central Asian condition with an extreme climate. So the woods are very susceptible to fire, harmful insects and the influences of adverse human activity.

Forest fires have burnt about 70 percent of the famous Tujiin nars (Pine forest) in the territory of Selenge aimag since 1996. The reforestation campaign was started in 2002, and the Mongolian government pays for the protection of Tujiin nars. In 2002, pine trees were replanted in over 900 hectares there and 85 per cent of those were able to grow. Mongolia will replant 150 hectares of pine trees in 2004, and 200 hectares in 2005.