The human impact on the transformation of juniper forest landscape in the western part of the Pamir-Alay range (Tajikistan)

Abstract

Detailed analyses were conducted of human impact on juniper forest landscapes occurring within the Zarafshan Range (Pamir-Alay). Juniperus seravschanica and J. semiglobosa belong to forest-forming species in Central Asia. At present, juniper forests all over Tajikistan are seriously threatened as a result of excessive logging and cattle grazing. The aim of this paper is to present juniper forest transformation as a result of human activities as well as the diversity of soil properties in the organic and humus horizons in the altitudinal system of soil zonation. Three groups of phytocoenoses were distinguished: those with a dominant share of Juniperus seravschanica; those with a dominant share of J. semiglobosa; and mixed. Associations with Juniperus seravschanica and J. semiglobosa feature several variants of phytocoenoses with dominant species: Artemisia lehmanniana, A. dracunculus, Eremurus olgae,

Last 1100 yr of precipitation variability in western central Asia as revealed by tree-ring data from the Pamir-Alay

“…Average annual totals of precipitation on the mountainous ranges and slopes at altitudes of 3000–3400 m asl reach 400–500 mm. In the valleys, these values drop to 250–300 mm (Rahmonov et al, 2017). Most precipitation occurs in the spring.…”

“…Juniper forest communities grow at relatively low elevations (1900 m asl) and reach up to 3500 m asl. Three groups of phytocoenoses can be distinguished in this area: Juniperus seravschanica , which prefers relatively lower altitudes; Juniperus semiglobosa ; and mixed, combining both species (Rahmonov et al, 2017). Because of human pressure, the oldest trees and the largest forest areas have survived in the subalpine and alpine landscapes at the upper limit of juniper occurrence (Opała et al, 2017; Opała-Owczarek et al, 2018).…”

“…Juniperus semiglobosa , 6 to 8 m high, forms here an open forest (Fig. 2C and D), with poorly developed undergrowth in which shrubs occur individually as low or deciduous species because of unfavourable climatic conditions (Rahmonov et al, 2017).…”

Dry and Humid Periods Reconstructed from Tree Rings in the Former Territory of Sogdiana (Central Asia) and Their Socio-economic Consequences over the Last Millennium

“…9.3). At the highest peak, Chimtarga, the mean annual temperature is estimated at about −15°C (Rahmonov et al 2017b).…”

The Human Impact on Changes in the Forest Range of the Silesian Beskids (Western Carpathians)

“…The rate of this degradation is different in each climate zone and depends on types of land use [2][3][4][5]. In the temperate zone, changes in forest areas in mountain areas were historically connected with sheep grazing and pastoral and agricultural purposes [6][7][8][9]. Investigations into the changes in forest ranges have begun within the past 40 years [10][11][12].…”