Quantitative Investigations on Bird Communities in Different Habitats in the Orkhon-Selenge-Valley in Northern Mongolia

Authors

Tobias Stenzel, Martin-Luther-UniversitätFollow
Michael Stubbe, Martin-Luther-UniversitätFollow
Ravčigijn Samjaa, National University of MongoliaFollow
Sundev Gombobaatar, National University of MongoliaFollow

Date of this Version

2005

Document Type

Article

Citation

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei (2005) 9: 121-131.

Proceedings of the symposium ”Ecosystem Research in the Arid Environments of Central Asia: Results, Challenges, and Perspectives,” Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 23-24, 2004.

Results of the Mongolian-German Biological Expedition since 1962, No. 245.

Comments

Copyright 2005, Martin-Luther-Universität. Used by permission.

Abstract

In the breeding seasons 2001 to 2003, the avifauna of a study area of about 80 km² in the Selenge Aymag was studied.

The area is characterized by loose groves of elms (Ulmus pumila) and pine trees (Pinus sylvestris), and a chain of barchan dunes which separate the Orkhon valley from the up to 70 m higher situated forest steppe. Steppe species (Stipa spp.) dominate in the south; the northern steppe part is characterized by Caragana bushes (Caragana microphylla, locally C. stenophylla). Between Orkhon Gol and the eastern dunes, dry steppe areas alternate with moist places along former river courses and riverine plains. Pine woods and burnt areas form the southern edge of the study area.

Breeding birds were primarily identified during territory mapping. For several species all nests in the area were registered, for example, for raptors, crows, Common Hoopoe (Upupa epops), and other troglodytes. Data were complemented by captures with standardized net catches in the Salix-stands in 2002–2003.

In the period 2000–2003, 250 bird species were recorded in the study area and its surroundings. Of these, 145 species probably hatch there. Detailed information on distribution, abundance, and breeding ecology is available for 111 breeding species. Altogether, about 70,000 individual position records were taken during three years of fieldwork.