Endemic Plants of the Altai Mountain Country

Under its Living Planet Campaign, the World Wildlife Fund has identified 200 of the Earth's most biologically outstanding habitats. One of these is the Altai-Sayan Montane Forests Ecoregion, an extraordinary mosaic of coniferous forests, intermontane steppe, and alpine meadows that lies on the borders of Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and China, and where half the flora of Siberia can be found. The team of authors responsible for producing this remarkable book has surveyed more than 300 endemic plants, many of which are important for medicine or food, to plug a gap in the knowledge of a poorly studied region. The book contains the first photographs published of many of the species and is a testament to international scientific collaboration. The first guide to the flora of this region, which lies on the borders of Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and China. This is the first detailed and comprehensive account of the 288 endemic and subendemic plants of the Altai Mountain range, over 30 of which were found and named by the authors. It features illustrated profiles of 100 of the endemic plants, with detailed information on taxonomy, key identification features, flowering times, distribution, habitat preferences, conservation status, threats, and cultivation. It offers over 180 stunning photographs of habitats and plants, including many species photographed for the first time during recent expeditions. Introductory chapters provide general information on the environmental and socioeconomic conditions of the region, together with details of the main habitat types, the Altai flora and its features, and the endemic flora. Information is also provided about the main protected areas in the region, and when and how to visit.