Mongolian flora and fauna

Plants of Mongolia
Mongolia has approximately 4000 species of plants. There are over 150 species of endemic plants (i.e. species found in Mongolia but nowhere else in the World) Forests make up 9, 6 % (15 million hectares) of Mongolian territory, with 72% of the forests being dominated by Siberian Larch. Species of birth trees and species of willow trees are common in the valleys of the largest rivers. In the arid Gobi region, occur groves of the unusual small Saxaul tree. Permanent pasture covers a huge area, 1.2 million sq. km is devoted to hay making. Herbs are common and widespread throughout entire the country. According to recent data, 80% of the World, sHippophae rhammoides is confined to Mongolia.

Animals of Mongolia
Mongolia has a rich fauna: 136 species of mammals, 436 species of birds, about 22 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibians, 75 species of fish, and over 15000 species of insects. The largest numbers of large wild mammals are made up by White tailed Gazelles (1 million heads). Mongolia has vertebrate species endemic to Central Asia (i.e. found nowhere else.) Most are in the Gobi Desert Zone including the Mongolian subspecies of the Saiga Antelope, four species of nocturnal jerboas (Long -eared Jerboa, Pygmy Jerboa Mongolian Jerboa etc.) and Brandt's Vole. Endemic birds (i.e. found nowhere else on Earth) include Altai Snowcock and Kozlov's Accentor. Endemic reptiles are eight species. Endemic fish include Altai Osman and Mongolian Grayling.