Characteristics and species composition of the subalpine and alpine grasslands of Goygol National Park

By the order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated April 1, 2008, Goygol National Park was established in the administrative territories of Goygol, Dashkasan and Goranboy districts from 6739 hectares to 12755 hectares. The grassland vegetation of Goygol National Park and the lake ecosystem it surrounds is one of the floristically rich regions of the Caucasus. The richness and diversity of flora is related to the geomorphological complexity of the area. On the other hand, the reserve regime allows the protection of vegetation. Modern subalpine vegetation has changed dramatically as a result of mowing and grazing. Thus, short (13-15 cm) grass or grass-steppe plant groups have formed in the place of relatively tall plants that existed earlier in many pasture areas. The flora composition of subalpine meadows is much richer than the meadow associations of other mountain zones. 70-80 (100) flowering plants were recorded in many vegetation groups. The climate of the Alpine belt is distinguished by its harshness. Short summer (2.0-2.5 months), low air and soil temperature, abundance of atmospheric precipitation, etc. are characteristic features of the alpine zone.