Magdalena LAUERMANN, Catholic University Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Applied Physical Geography, Germany
Florian BETZ, Catholic University Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Applied Physical Geography, Germany
Bernd CYFFKA, Catholic University Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Applied Physical Geography, Germany
In the semiarid climate of Central Asia the rivers and their associated floodplain ecosystems have a high relevance as regional hotspots of biodiversity and for the provision of ecosystem services. One of these rivers is the Naryn River in Kyrgyzstan. Upstream of the Toktogul Reservoir, which is the first barrier in the river course, the Naryn is still in a nearly natural state. The floodplain forests in its corridor depend directly on the disturbance regime of this river. Despite their ecological relevance they have not been investigated yet in detail. In particular the role of natural processes and anthropogenic effects on forest succession trajectories are not yet understood. This is a crucial issue for biodiversity conservation as ongoing plans for dam construction is likely to lead to heavy modification of the natural ecosystems.
In this study, we contribute to fill this knowledge gap and develop a conceptual succession model for this semiarid floodplain forest explaining the recent shape and distribution of habitat patterns. For this purpose, we use detailed ecological information derived from field data collected on 44 plots in the floodplain forest of the central Naryn basin as well as remote sensing analysis. This conceptual model explains the complex structure and heterogenous distribution of the floodplain forests along the longitudinal and lateral profile of the Naryn river. It helps to better understand the natural processes and potential effects of anthropogenic activities to support forest and biodiversity conservation. In addition, it provides a basis for further research in other semiarid floodplain ecosystems.
Mots clés : floodplain forest|conceptual succession model|disturbance regime|anthropogenic threats|Central Asia
A105221ML