Ecological conditions and vegetation of subalpine zone of Kaz Mountain

Abstract

Kaz Mountain (Mount Ida) is located in the south of the Biga Peninsula in the northwest of Turkey. The mountain lies along the southwest-northeast direction and its summit has an elevation of 1774 m. Ecological conditions of the subalpine zone around the summit of this high mountainous area and vegetation features were investigated. The vegetation in the fieldwork area consists of three groups: (a) degraded coniferous plants, (b) woody shrubs and polster plants, and (c) herbaceous species. Climate, elevation, and the bedrock are the main elements, which have an impact on the plant diversity. There are differences between the features of the north and south slopes. Black pines around the summit are interesting in that they are shorter and deformed. It is accompanied by the woody juniper species. Herbaceous and geophytic species are common in the subalpine zone. The latter includes several endemics and endangered species. The potential impact of climate change on the floristic diversity of this mountain could be significant. The subalpine zone will disappear due to the global warming. The cold and humid climate species like Fagus orientalis (oriental beech), Abies nordmanniana ssp. equi-trojani (Kazdagi fir), and Pinus nigra (black pine) found on this mountain will have to migrate or will get extinct. The lower limit of the forest zone will move higher, and its area will get narrower. The vegetation on the northern slopes will lose its hygrophilous characteristics, and the flora will be deprived of its richness.