Population Demographic Characteristics of Haloxylon ammodendron (C.A. Mey.) Bunge ex Fenzl in Gobi Desert of Mongolia

Abstract

We measured the basal diameter, height and crown size of saxaul trees, and used survival curve and static life table in defining population structure and dynamics of H. ammodendron. The static life-table proved that population size in the first three age classes had high range of variation, seedlings, juveniles and small trees, and had a high rate of mortality. Because, considerable number of individuals was in the early life stage of H. ammodendron, the deficit of seedlings and high mortality of seedlings and juveniles are most considerable problems. The results suggest that studied populations of H. ammodendron are depleted, and efforts are required to minimize uncontrolled exploitation and overgrazing.

Keywords

• saxaul
• haloxylon
• demography
• population