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Peer-reviewedCC BYDiversity

Riparian Tugai Forest Ecosystems of Azerbaijan: Vegetation Structure, Classification and Ecological Characteristics

  • ЭЛЬШАД ГУРБАНОВ1
  • Tariel Talibov2
  • Vagif Novruzov3
  • Aynur Bayramova3
  • Nigar Ahmadova1
  • Ulkar Bayramova3
  • Sanubar Aslanova1
  1. 1Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Baku State University, Baku AZ1148, Azerbaijan
  2. 2Institute of Bio-Resources, Nakhchivan Branch of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Nakhchivan AZ7000, Azerbaijan
  3. 3Department of Botany, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, Ganja State University, Heydar Aliyev Avenue 157, Ganja AZ2000, Azerbaijan
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Abstract

Tugai forests are intrazonal riparian ecosystems formed along river valleys in arid and semi-arid regions and characterized by high biodiversity and complex vegetation structure. The aim of this study was to assess the phytocenological structure, species composition, and ecological characteristics of tugai forests distributed within the Kura River basin and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. The study was conducted using classical geobotanical and phytocenological methods based on the Braun—Blanquet approach. The results revealed clear ecological differentiation among tugai forest formations depending on hydrological regime, groundwater conditions, and soil salinity. High species diversity and a multi-layered vegetation structure were identified within the Populeta—Salicetum—Ulmosum, Ulmeta, Populeta, Saliceta—Alnueta—Populeta, and Tamariceta formation groups, which develop mainly on alluvial soils under conditions of elevated moisture. In the Nakhchivan region, tugai forests adapted to more arid environments are distributed mainly along the Araz River and are dominated by Tamarix ramosissima, Populus euphratica, Populus nigra, and Salix species. Anthropogenic impacts, including grazing, deforestation, and hydrological alterations, were identified as major factors contributing to ecosystem degradation and reduction in vegetation cover. The obtained results confirm the high ecological and conservation significance of tugai forests and emphasize the necessity of their protection, restoration, and sustainable management.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{гурбанов2026riparian,
  title = {{Riparian Tugai Forest Ecosystems of Azerbaijan: Vegetation Structure, Classification and Ecological Characteristics}},
  author = {ЭЛЬШАД ГУРБАНОВ and Tariel Talibov and Vagif Novruzov and Aynur Bayramova and Nigar Ahmadova and Ulkar Bayramova and Sanubar Aslanova},
  journal = {Diversity},
  year = {2026},
  month = jul,
  doi = {10.3390/d18070441},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.3390/d18070441},
  note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Riparian Tugai Forest Ecosystems of Azerbaijan: Vegetation Structure, Classification and Ecological Characteristics
AU  - ЭЛЬШАД ГУРБАНОВ
AU  - Tariel Talibov
AU  - Vagif Novruzov
AU  - Aynur Bayramova
AU  - Nigar Ahmadova
AU  - Ulkar Bayramova
AU  - Sanubar Aslanova
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/07/21
JO  - Diversity
DO  - 10.3390/d18070441
UR  - https://doi.org/10.3390/d18070441
AB  - Tugai forests are intrazonal riparian ecosystems formed along river valleys in arid and semi-arid regions and characterized by high biodiversity and complex vegetation structure. The aim of this study was to assess the phytocenological structure, species composition, and ecological characteristics of tugai forests distributed within the Kura River basin and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. The study was conducted using classical geobotanical and phytocenological methods based on the Braun—Blanquet approach. The results revealed clear ecological differentiation among tugai forest formations depending on hydrological regime, groundwater conditions, and soil salinity. High species diversity and a multi-layered vegetation structure were identified within the Populeta—Salicetum—Ulmosum, Ulmeta, Populeta, Saliceta—Alnueta—Populeta, and Tamariceta formation groups, which develop mainly on alluvial soils under conditions of elevated moisture. In the Nakhchivan region, tugai forests adapted to more arid environments are distributed mainly along the Araz River and are dominated by Tamarix ramosissima, Populus euphratica, Populus nigra, and Salix species. Anthropogenic impacts, including grazing, deforestation, and hydrological alterations, were identified as major factors contributing to ecosystem degradation and reduction in vegetation cover. The obtained results confirm the high ecological and conservation significance of tugai forests and emphasize the necessity of their protection, restoration, and sustainable management.
SN  - 1424-2818
ER  -