Solving Ecological Problems and Mapping Rare Plant Species in Armenia Using the (R) Programming Language

Abstract

The current work presents the distribution patterns of rare plant species and the mapping results with the help of the R programming language. In addition, it considers the topographical features of the RA mountain meadow zone. Taking the advantages of the R program capacity and the results of environmental studies of the given area, ways of solving several environmental problems related to the preservation of rare plants and biodiversity, depending on meteorological (T_max, T_min, RH, V) and soil moisture indicators were developed. The analysis was made with the data of Kajaran (1843 m) and Jermuk (2064 m) hydrometeorological stations, based on which the assessment of moisture availability of rare plant species was conducted, and the most dangerous periods for the development of life and growth of the mentioned plants were revealed. In particular, for plants at an altitude of 1800-2000 m, it was 75-130 days, and for those at the altitude of 2000 m, it was 60-110 days. Geospatial data analysis was performed, which allows to analyze and visualize environmental data through a cartographic representation. The use of comprehensive open source code for land use change assessment, landscape monitoring, ecological trends, and environmental problem identification is considered relevant, as it enables to avoid the use of narrow professional and expensive programs.