Mapping of Rare Plant Species in the Mountain Meadow Zone of Kotayk and Gegharkunik Regions in the GIS Environment

Abstract

Throughout the current research 20 rare plant species of the RA mountain meadow zone has been studied and the botanical, topographical, cartographical and graphical descriptions have been compiled based on the existing spatial database.
At the first research phase, three rare plants growing in the regions of Kotayk and Gegharkunik were mapped in the ArcGIS
environment: Inula acaulis Schott & Kotschy ex Boiss., Acanthus dioscoridis and Draba araratica Rupr. For mapping, first their distribution per communities, settlements, operational significance and soil type was studied and identified, then digital mapping and analysis were performed in the GIS (Geographic Information Systems) environment. Based on theresults, it was recommended to take appropriate measures for their preservation.
Further changes in the ecological condition of rare plants growing in the selected regions were studied, maps of the given areas were drawn up in the GIS environment, and analysis of plant location, growth density, distance from the settlement, functional significance of the land, threats of extinction as a rare plant species, and conservation measures was performed.
The received digital maps and analysis of mapping results justify the need for the development of additional measures (legal, economic, environmental). In order to map the mentioned plant species in ArcGIS environment, sequence of actions has been developed based on which it is possible to update, adjust and complete the database of rare plant species in the mountain meadow zone of Armenia and enrich the global biodiversity repository through the GBIF system.