Peatland ecosystems in Kyrgyzstan: Distribution, peat characteristics and a preliminary assessment of carbon storage

Abstract The peatland ecosystems of Central Asia have received little attention from scientific research to date. In the continental, predominantly semi-arid to arid climate of Kyrgyzstan they represent rare biotopes that are crucial for maintaining special ecosystem functions within the vulnerable mountain areas. In this study, we present an assessment of the distribution and total area of peatlands in Kyrgyzstan derived from Soviet topographic maps. About 64,500 ha of peatlands were detected after digitizing special wetland signatures from maps at a scale of 1:100,000. The relevance of these signatures was tested with ground truth data and in most cases these signatures matched with peatlands. Ground truth data were collected for 13 peatlands, and brief descriptions of the vegetation and soil characteristics for these peatlands are provided. A gradient from plains to high mountains was detected with regard to peat thickness, each associated with their own distinct plant communities. Greatest peat (average 64 cm thick) accumulation occurred at low altitudes ( c. 16.4 Mt for the entire country.