Mountain mires of South Siberia: biological diversity and environmental functions

Abstract

One of the most interesting natural phenomena in the mountains of Siberia is the peat‐forming wetlands – mires. Mountain mires act as natural filters, reservoirs, and sources of clean water as well as providing a significant contribution to biodiversity. This paper considers matters of the biological diversity, present state of mountain mires, ecosystems stability under anthropogenic impact, and role in the sustainable development of the region under investigation (Southern Siberian mountains, Altai region).

Keywords:

• Mire
• Peatland
• Western Siberia
• Altai mountains

Acknowledgements

This research was partially supported by RFBR 08‐04‐92496‐CNRS_a and 08‐04‐90708 mob_st grants.