IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON LEGUME-DOMINATED PHYTOCENOSES IN THE ALPINE GRASSLANDS AND MEADOWS OF AZERBAIJAN

This study investigates the impact of climate change on legume-dominated phytocenoses in the alpine grasslands and meadows of Azerbaijan. Research was conducted from 2019-2023 in the Shahdag mountain range, Nakhchivan highlands, and the Qalaaltı region of the Greater Caucasus. Results indicate that rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns cause transformations in the distribution areas, species composition, and phytocenosis structure of leguminous plants. On average, the total coverage of leguminous plants decreased by 28%, upward altitudinal migration reached 142 meters, and flowering periods advanced by 7-12 days. These changes lead to a decline in forage quality and threaten biodiversity conservation in these ecosystems.