STUDYING OF THE CHANGE OF VEGETABLE COVER OF THE SOUTHERN SLOPE OF GREATER CAUCASUS ON THE BASIS OF SPACE IMAGES

The article is devoted to the study of the vegetation cover of the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus (within Azerbaijan territory). A study conducted in the region on the basis of satellite imagery space systems between 1976 and 2014. To clarify the influence of anthropogenic factors were noted about 10 sample areas in the territories of Ismayilli, Gusar and Guba regions. Since that time (almost 40 years), carried out regular monitoring by different forwarding grants. It has been set the dynamics of the reduction number of valuable species of trees and shrubs by carried monitoring results. However the range of the nature of the reduction in the number of tree species is different according to different areas. In this region there is Shahdag National Park, which is rich in biodiversity. However, this area stands out for its uniqueness by its naturally endemic Eldarica pine trees. Due to various environmental factors, some valuable species year in year out reduces their ranges and some are in danger zone of extinction. The investigated region has the most valuable forest ecosystems; there are numerous of rare trees and shrubs, conifers and broadleaf plants – Betula pendula Roth, Faqus orieantalis Lipsky, Tilia cordata Mill., Quercus robus L., from shrubs – Rubus seaius L., Crataegus pentaguna W. et L., Rosa cinnamomeae L., and other participants take extensive part – Caprinus caucasica, Acer lactum, Acer campetre, Ulmus suberosa, which are included in the number of rare trees. Here there are wild fruit species such as walnut, hazel, hawthorn, plum, sea buckthorn, forest pear, dogwood and many other useful plants. In connection with the above, it requires the creation of new government customers and expanded national parks in order to safe and protect the most valuable species that contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in the regions and will reduce the anthropogenic impacts on the natural environment.

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