Alpine tundras of the Southern Urals: current distribution and threat of extinction in the 21st century

Aim. Analysis of the current distribution of mountain tundra in the South Urals, determination and cataloging of areas occupied by mountain tundra communities to assess the possible threat of their extinction in the 21^st century.

Methodology. A visual search for potential locations of alpine tundra communities in the Southern Urals was conducted on satellite images from open mapping services (Yandex, Google) in maximum resolution. The principal peaks and ridges were subjected to detailed survey (Bolshoy Taganay, Urenga, Zyuratkul, Bolshaya Suka, Uvan, Zigalga, Yagodny, Mashak, Kumardak, Nary, Kuyantau, Iremel, Nurgush), and the locations of alpine tundra were identified. In a geographic information system, the obtained data were combined with a digital elevation model in order to calculate the area of alpine tundra. The species composition and the principal types of mountain tundra communities were identified through the utilisation of the route reconnaissance survey.

Results. The present study demonstrates that alpine tundra communities are pervasive in the Southern Urals mountains, spanning latitudes between 53.7 and 55.4°N across a minimum of 37 peaks (comprising 12 mountain ranges and massifs). The largest alpine tundras in terms of area are located on the Zigalga, Nurgush ridges and the Kuyantau and Iremel massifs. These areas represent 80% of the total area of mountain tundra in the Southern Urals (at least 546 ha). The areas comprising alpine tundra, which collectively encompass less than 20 ha, are situated on the ridges of Bolshoy Taganay, Zyuratkul, Urenga, Nurgush, Yagodny, Bolshaya Suka, Nary, Mashak, Kumardak, and the individual peaks of Zigalga. The total area of alpine tundra on these ridges is estimated to be at least 140 hectares, which represents approximately 20% of the total area of all alpine tundra in the Southern Urals. A comprehensive catalogue and map of the contemporary distribution of alpine tundra in the Southern Urals have been compiled. The locations where mountain tundra has undergone a significant decline over recent decades and is likely to continue this trend in future decades have been identified.

Research implications. The findings of this study can be utilized to develop models of climatogenic transformation in high-mountain ecosystems of the Southern Urals, and subsequently used to monitor their condition under a range of climate change scenarios in the future. 

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