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Synthesis Of The Local Knowledge And Ecology Of Vansemberuu (Saussurea Dorogostaiskii Palib.) For Conservation, Darkhad Valley, Khuvsgul, Mongolia, Joscelyn Norris, Nyamgerel Nudkhuu, Tumursukh Jal, Lhagvajau Davaajii, Davaatseren Buyanjargal, Nyam-Ochir Dvvjii, Byaamba Ornobish, Batzaya Erdenebat, Tsoogo Ornobish

UVM Patrick Leahy Honors College Senior Theses

Vansemberuu, Saussurea dorogostaiskii Palib., is a Critically Endangered plant endemic to northern Mongolia and central southern Russia. A poor competitor species growing in alpine talus, it is listed as threatened by climate change, medicinal harvest, and overgrazing, and its cultural significance and ecology is minimally documented. In Mongolia, this species is primarily found in the conserved area surrounding the Darkhad Valley, overseen by the Ulaan Taiga Protected Areas Administration (UTPAA), but management plans are absent. As requested by the UTPAA, I studied the uses, value, local knowledge, and habitat of this species through both Traditional and Scientific Ecological Knowledge of …