CLIMATE CHANGE AS THREAT TO PLANT DIVERSITY OF ARMENIA

Abstract

The article discusses the forecasted climate change of Armenia as one of the major threats for plant diversity of the country. The possible changes of main ecosystems of Armenia were assessed due to climate change forecasts. On this basis, was carried out the vulnerability of rare plant species included in the Red Book of plants of Armenia. According to the results of this evaluation it was indicated that for 239 plant species from 452 included in the Red Book of plants of Armenia (Tamanyan et al., 2010) the expected climate change will not be a serious threat to their existence. These are species with relatively wide ecological amplitude and adapted to ecosystems, which can be changed to a minor extent. For 139 species the climate change could be a positive factor, they can even extend their areals on the territory of Armenia. They are mostly heat-loving species growing in the ecosystems of the lower and middle mountain belts. For 74 species the climate change could be a very serious threat, as the changed conditions do not allow them to adapt and fi nd suitable habitat in the country. These are mainly mesophilous species of sub-alpine and alpine belts.