The Living Desert, in collaboration with the Mongolian Conservation Initiative, is conducting vegetation plot sampling at the Ikh Nart Nature Reserve. This annual survey involves examining 250 plots twice a year to assess species richness, density, cover percentage, dry weight, and grazing impact. The research aims to understand how grazing patterns and climate change affect ecosystems within the reserve.
Baltasar Pimentel from The Living Desert noted that "2024 is the first year that The Living Desert has sent staff to the Ikh Nart Nature Reserve specifically for vegetation sampling since our partnership began in 2023." He expressed enthusiasm about being part of this research initiative and working alongside Dr. Mandakh, a botanical ecologist who co-authored a field text used during the study.
The survey process involves small teams spending five days to complete sampling across fifty sites. Each site consists of five plots marked by GPS coordinates. During their recent expedition, Pimentel's team completed surveys of 49 sites in four days due to improved efficiency.
Pimentel shared his experience of meeting Dr. Mandakh: "For me, meeting the author of a botanical collection was like meeting a rockstar." He learned valuable insights from her expertise in identifying plant communities based on ecology rather than individual species identification.
Among notable plants observed were Ephedra sinica and Thymus gobicus. Pimentel highlighted Ephedra's historical medicinal use and its unique classification within Gnetophytes. He also appreciated the aromatic quality of Thymus gobicus.
Common species identified during surveys include Convolvulus amanii, Carex duriuscula, Artemisia frigida, Artemisia rutifolia, Neopallasia pectinata, Allium polyrhizum, and Stipa tianschanica subsp. gobica. Overgrazing concerns have led to an increase in less desirable forage plants like Artemisia and Neopallasia compared to more sought-after species such as Allium and Stipa.
Ikh Nart remains home to nomadic herders whose presence influences conservation efforts aimed at balancing ecological preservation with community needs. Pimentel emphasized that ongoing damage impacts natural resources vital for both wildlife habitats at Ikh Nart and those maintained by The Living Desert zoo.
Reflecting on his experience abroad informs future habitat planning strategies back home: "Our next step is to consider functionality...and which plants will be resilient," said Pimentel regarding potential improvements inspired by insights gained through collaboration with Mongolian partners.