Rhododendron species richness patterns and impacts of global warming on its distribution in Central Himalayas, Nepal (original) (raw)
Related papers
Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2016
Climate change is affecting the forest ecosystems worldwide. Impacts of climate change are more perceptible at higher altitudes and can be easily detected along the elevational gradient. The main aim is to study the impact of elevation on the population structure of Rhododendron campanulatum D. Don and associated trees species at Manaslu Conservation Area, central Nepal. A total of 30 quadrats were sampled from 3600-4100 meter above sea level (m asl.) at altitudinal difference of 100 m with 5 quadrates in each altitude. The present study showed that R. campanulatum, Betula utilis, Abies spectabilis and Sorbus microphylla are the treeline species. R. campanulatum was the most dominant species with highest importance value index (IVI) along the altitudinal gradient. At 4000 m asl. S. microphylla was the codominant species. B. utilis was the codominant species at 3600-3900 m asl followed by S. microphylla and A. spectabilis. R. campanulatum and A. spectabilis showed a sustainable regeneration. No seedling of B. utilis was found along the altitudinal gradient indicating that the regeneration of this species might be affected by unfavourable micohabitat (eg. deep shade). R. campanulatum and S. microphylla were found above the treeline indicating that the climatic conditions were favourable for their growth. The height, diameter and density of the species differed along the elevational gradient and showed a species specific trend.
2012
Rhododendron species serve an important ecological and economic role in the mountains of the Eastern Himalayas. Recent changes in this once-pristine landscape have resulted in the classification of many Rhododendron species as threatened or endangered. This study used field surveys and ecological niche modeling to expand existing knowledge about Rhododendron species' distributions in the region, with a view to helping develop strategies for conservation action and possible reintroductions.
2013
The present paper deals with a newly recorded Rhododendron species from Eastern Himalayas, India, which is categorized as a critically endangered species. Rhododendrons act as keystone species and maintain biological communities in the fragile higher altitudinal region of the Eastern Himalayas. However, due to various anthropological disturbances, which is further exacerbating by climate change impact, results in shrinkage of natural habitat of rhododendrons. This brings an urgent need of assessing the population status of the Rhododendron species in Eastern Himalayas. Keeping this in view, an attempt had been made to evaluate the population status of Rhododendron mechukae. The study revealed that the species have a very small population size with scattered individuals and shows a reverse J-shaped population structure. As a result of deforestation for fuel wood, as well as massive destruction of the habitats, the survival of this species is threatening. Therefore, effective conservation and management initiatives should be taken to protect this newly recorded Rhododendron species in its natural habitat.
2017
The increase in temperature due to global warming is affecting forest ecosystems worldwide. At the treeline ecotone growth is usually restricted by low temperatures. Recently, the impacts of climate change have been visible with the upward shift of the Himalaya fir (Abies spectabilis) in Nepal. Rhododendron campanulatum D. Don grows at the treeline ecotone and subalpine forest. Hardly any studies have been carried on this species in Nepal. The local people have reported that this species has been seen colonizing upper altitude in recent years, however, these needs to be verified with dendroecological studies. The study aims to assess the response of R. campanulatum to climatic variability and to evaluate the relationship of its basal diameter (Groundline) and age using dendroecological methods. Results reveal that the basal diameter was found to be significantly correlated with age (r2= 0.824, p<0.00001). Using the basal diameter age equations, attempts were made to study the age...
Threats to Rhododendron Biodiversity in Indian Himalayan Regions
International Journal of Research -GRANTHAALAYAH
The variety in biodiversity is a boon to human civilization by Mother Nature. Every aspect of this biodiversity from unicellular organisms to multicellular plants are important. India subcontinent being a land of diversity, has a rich resource of flora and fauna. The richness is also contributed by arising of great Himalayan Mountains. In this study, we are presenting a case where increasing human interference is effecting growth and development of a significant species called Rhododendron arboretum. The plant parts of Rhododendron arboretum is useful to mankind medicinally which is very well depicted in ancient and recent literatures.
Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2018
Sikkim Himalaya, India is part of one of the richest global biodiversity hotspots, exhibiting a significant amount of native flora including Rhododendron (Ericaceae) species, which are particularly well represented with 37 species, 11 subspecies, seven varieties and two natural hybrids occurring along the rolling mountains between 1,500m to 6,000m. Most of the habitats of rhododendrons in Sikkim Himalaya have not only been threatened by climate change but also by emerging eco-tourism and economic activities vis-à-vis trekking corridors. In recent decades, it has been observed that the climate-governed phenology of rhododendrons of eastern Himalaya is shifting; further the urbanization, tourism influx, and clearances for the footpaths have adversely impacted the diversity of many forest areas. To better understand the effects of trekking corridors on Rhododendron species for the tourist destinations, we performed a pilot survey along the Kusong-Panch Pokhari transect in relatively...
Species, 2023
This research article presents a comprehensive analysis of the distribution patterns of Rhododendron arboreum in Nepal, encompassing the current distribution and future projections. We employed an ensemble approach by combining eight selected models with AUC > 0.8. Resulting ensemble model demonstrated remarkable predictive accuracy, achieving an AUC value of 0.97 and a TSS value of 0.77. Our analysis unveiled that within total land area of Nepal, approximately 115,317.1 km2 were deemed unsuitable for Rhododendron arboreum, while 32,198.89 km2 were identified as suitable habitats. Future projections for 2050 and 2070 under the SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios showed significant changes in habitat suitability. By 2050, under SSP2-4.5, 10,710.39 km2 were projected to be lost, while 4,792.78 km2 were gained. Under SSP5-8.5, more significant loss of 14,237.64 km2 and a smaller gain of 5,696.41 km2 were anticipated. In 2070, further losses in suitable habitat were projected under both scenarios. A consistent upward movement in the suitable habitat elevation range was observed from the current period to the projected years of 2050 and 2070. These findings underscore the urgency of implementing proactive conservation measures to safeguard Rhododendron arboreum in the face of climate change. The research provides valuable insights for informing conservation strategies and emphasizes the ecological significance of this species in Nepal. Considering distribution patterns and elevation shifts, our study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the species dynamics and supports effective conservation planning.
Rhododendrons in Indian Himalayan Region: Diversity and Conservation
American Journal of Plant Sciences, 2010
The genus Rhododendron of Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) has been enumerated in the present paper. A total of 87 species, 12 subspecies and 8 varieties of Rhododendrons recorded in IHR, among these 6 species and one subspecies are reported from Western Himalaya. The maximum concentration of 86% observed in Arunachal Pradesh (75 species). The species of Rhododendrons exhibit significant diversity in habit and broad range of distribution from the altitude of 800-6000 m. and the best range is observed in 3001-3500 m altitudes. In analysis revealed 20 taxa are endemic, 30 are rare, 24 are threatened / endangered, 3 are vulnerable and 47 taxa have to be assessed. The major threats to rhododendrons are deforestation and unsustainable extraction for firewood and incense by local people has been discussed.