Impact of wild herbivorous mammals and birds on the altitudinal and northern treeline ecotones

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 ◽  
pp. 1-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Friedrich-Karl Holtmeier
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Tree Regeneration ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Tree Seedlings ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Herbivorous Mammals ◽  
High Elevation Forests

Wild herbivorous mammals may damage treeline vegetation an cause soil erosion at a local scale. In many high mountain areas of Europe and North America, large numbers of red deer have become a threat to the maintenance of high-elevation forests and attempts to restore the climatic treeline. In northern Fennoscandia, overgrazing by reindeer in combination with mass outbreaks of the autumnal moth are influencing treeline dynamics. Moose are also increasingly involved damaging treeline forest. In the Alps, the re-introduction of ibex is causing local damage to subalpine forests and tree establishment above the forest limit as well as aggravating soil erosion. High-elevation forests and treeline in Europe are susceptible to the deleterious impact of wild ungulate populations because of former extensive pastoral use. Rodents may damage tree seedlings and saplings by girdling, root cutting, bark stripping and burrowing. Hares damage young trees by gnawing. Large numbers of small rodents may occasionally impede tree regeneration by depleting the seed sources. Rodents do not contribute to forest expansion beyond the current treeline. Among birds, nutcrackers are highly effective in influencing tree distribution patterns and treeline dynamics. Without the nutcracker caching of stone pine seeds any upward advance of the trees in response to climatic warming would be impossible. Some bird species such as black grouse, willow grouse and ptarmigan can impair tree growth by feeding on buds, catkins and fresh terminal shoots.

Description of two new species of Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Western Ghats of Kerala, India

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4459 (1) ◽  
pp. 85 ◽  
Author(s):  
VIVEK PHILIP CYRIAC ◽  
ALEX JOHNY ◽  
P. K. UMESH ◽  
MUHAMED JAFER PALOT
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Western Ghats ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Mountain Ranges ◽  
Two New Species ◽  
Southern Western Ghats ◽  
High Elevation Forests ◽  
The Western Ghats

Two new species of geckos of the genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 are described from the southern Western Ghats of Kerala. Both species are medium to large sized Cnemaspis and can be differentiated from all other Indian congeners by a suite of distinct morphological characters. Both species are found in the high elevation forests of the two major massifs—       Anaimalai Hills and Agasthyamalai Hills and are presently known to have very restricted distributional ranges. The discovery of these novel species highlights the understudied diversity of reptiles in the high mountain ranges of the Western Ghats. 

scholarly journals Negative effects of mass tourism on high mountain fauna: the case of the Tatra chamoisRupicapra rupicapra tatrica

Oryx ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 500-505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Łukasz Pęksa ◽  
Michał Ciach
Keyword(s):  
High Mountain ◽  
Sudden Increase ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Rupicapra Rupicapra ◽  
Mass Tourism ◽  
Hiking Trails ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Tourist Infrastructure ◽  
The Tatra Mountains

AbstractUntil recently animals inhabiting mountain areas were relatively free from disturbance by people but they are now coming under increasing pressure. Tourism, especially that involving large numbers of people, is having an ever more detrimental effect on the natural resources of high mountains, even in protected areas. We analyse the effect of tourist pressure on the population of the Tatra chamoisRupicapra rupicapra tatrica, which inhabits the strictly protected high-altitude habitats of the Tatra mountains (Carpathians, Poland). The Kasprowy Wierch cable car system, in operation since 1936, was modernized in 2007; as a consequence 50% more people can now be carried into the chamois’ habitat. The effect of this sudden increase in tourist pressure has been to reduce the size of herds (3.9 vs 5.3 individuals) and to increase the distance between the animals and the cable car station (1,664.0 vs 693.0 m), the cable car infrastructure (1,415.0 vs 467.8 m) and adjacent ski-lifts and ski pistes (1,214.2 vs 494.3 m). The distance to the marked hiking trails has not changed, however. Following the modernization of the cable cars, larger herds of chamois have been seen at greater distances from the tourist infrastructure. Our results indicate the adverse impact of this mass tourism. Human activities in high-mountain ecosystems need to have due consideration for the requirements of wild species, and the number of visitors needs to be controlled.

scholarly journals Early Performance of Tree Species in a Mountain Reforestation Experiment

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 256
Author(s):  
Robert Jandl ◽  
Georg Kindermann ◽  
Cecilie Foldal ◽  
Silvio Schüler ◽  
Christina Bouissou
Keyword(s):  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Species Selection ◽  
Tree Seedlings ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
New Concepts ◽  
Limited Experience ◽  
Candidate Species ◽  
Early Performance

Climate change requires forest managers to explore new concepts in reforestation. High-elevation sites are posing challenges because the range of tree species that can cope with present and future conditions is small and limited experience with candidate species is available. Methods: We selected a mountain site with nutrient-poor silicatic soils. The previous Norway spruce (Picea abies) stand performed poorly. We established a reforestation experiment with 27 tree species that were planted in different combinations in order to evaluate silvicultural options. Site preparation activities and planting techniques reflected the locally applied regular procedures. After planting, we monitored height growth and phenological characteristics of needle/leaf development in spring. The presently dominant Norway spruce was genetically characterized. Results: Tree seedlings planted at high elevation are highly vulnerable. The temporal course of needle/leaf sprouting varies widely. Early developers are vulnerable to frost, impairing tree development. Biotic stressors such as high population densities of weevils or mice can cause high mortality. Conclusion: we suggest a conservative approach to tree species selection because present site conditions in mountain areas may impair the development of many tree species that could be viable options in a considerably warmer climate.

scholarly journals Does the High Elevation Climate along Mt. Everest can be Represented by Lower Elevation Stations?

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-109
Author(s):  
Binod Dawadi ◽  
Shankar Sharma ◽  
Kalpana Hamal ◽  
Nitesh Khadka ◽  
Yam Prasad Dhital ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Monsoon Season ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Climate Data ◽  
Southern Slope ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation ◽  
Lower Elevation

Climate change studies of the high mountain areas of the central Himalayan region are mostly represented by the meteorological stations of the lower elevation. Therefore, to validate the climatic linkages, daily observational climate data from five automated weather stations (AWS) at elevations ranging from 2660 m to 5600 m on the southern slope of Mt. Everest were examined. Despite variations in the means and distribution of daily, 5-day, 10-day, and monthly temperature and precipitation between stations located at a higher elevation and their corresponding lower elevation, temperature records in the different elevations are highly correlated. In contrast, the precipitation data shows a comparatively weaker correlation. The slopes of the regression model (0.82–1.13) with (R2>0.74) for higher altitude (5050 m and 5600 m) throughout the year, 0.83–1.12 (R2>0.68) except late monsoon season for the station at 4260 m and 5050 m asl indicated the similar variability of the temperature between those stations. Similarly, Namche (3570 m) temperature changes by 0.81–1.32°C per degree change in corresponding lower elevation Lukla station (2660 m), except for monsoon season. However, inconsistent variation was observed between the station with a large altitudinal difference (2940 m) at Lukla and Kala Patthar (5600 m). In general, climate records from corresponding lower elevation can be used to quantitatively assess climatic information of the high elevation areas on the southern slope of Mt. Everest. However, corrections are necessary when absolute values of climatic factors are considered, especially in snow cover and snow-free areas. This study will be beneficial for understanding the high-altitude climate change and impact studies.

Hidden paleosols at high elevation in the Alps (Stolenberg Plateau - NW Italy): evidence for a Lateglacial Nunatak?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emanuele Pintaldi ◽  
Michele Eugenio D'Amico ◽  
Nicola Colombo ◽  
Marco Giardino ◽  
Michele Freppaz
Keyword(s):  
Hot Spot ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Western Alps ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Vegetation Development ◽  
Climate Change Research ◽  
Last Glacial ◽  
C Stocks

<p>In the framework of climate change research, alpine soils may provide excellent paleoenvironmental information, thus representing a powerful tool for paleoclimate reconstruction. However, since Pleistocene glaciations and erosion-related processes erased most of the pre-existing landforms and soils, reconstructing soil and landscape development in high-mountain areas can be a difficult task.</p><p>This study was performed in the periglacial environment of the Stolenberg Plateau (LTER site Istituto Mosso), located on the watershed between Valsesia and Lys Valley, at the foot of the southern slope of the Monte Rosa Massif (Western Italian Alps, elevation: ca. 3030 m a.s.l.). The plateau is covered by thick periglacial blockfields and blockstreams, with a plant cover that reaches no more than 3-5% of the surface.</p><p>These periglacial landforms unexpectedly revealed well-developed soils below the superficial coarse deposits. In particular, below the stone layer, thick (between 30 and 65 cm) umbric horizons were observed, under which discontinuous cambic Bw ones were developed. In contrast, the surrounding snowbed communities (Salicetum herbaceae) were characterized by Regosols or Cambisols with 10-15 cm thick A horizons and weak signs of cryoturbation.</p><p>Despite the sparce plant cover, the organic carbon (C) stocks were surprisingly high (above 5 kg*m<sup>-2</sup>), comparable to vegetated and even forest soils at lower elevation. In addition, geophysical investigations showed that these soils are widespread under the stony cover, with a thickness ranging between 20 and 90 cm.</p><p>Radiocarbon dating (<sup>14</sup>C) indicated that these soils are paleosols, probably originated during the main warming phases/interstadials occurred between the end of Last Glacial Maximum and the beginning of the Neoglacial. In particular, the ages of the oldest samples were 20.5-20 ka cal. BP (values obtained from two independent and blind datings performed in different moments), others were dated ca. 17.5, 13, 8.5, 6.5, 5.7 ka cal. BP, while the youngest ages were 4.4-4.1 ka cal. BP.</p><p>These dates, particularly the oldest ones, show that the Stolenberg Plateau was presumably free of ice at the beginning of the Early Lateglacial, and its summer temperatures were already compatible with some kind of vegetation development. The origin of these unexpected high-elevation soils, below blockstreams and blockfields, is of great relevance for unraveling the climatic history in the Western Alps. The results, including the soil characteristics, the geomorphological framework and the specific local landform setting, aspect, and position, suggest that the plateau may have been a Nunatak, which acted as a refugium for alpine vegetation during the last glacial pulses, serving as a hot-spot for the rapid reoccupation of deglaciated high-elevation landscapes.</p>

scholarly journals Spatial-temporal distribution of birds in the northern macroslope of the Kyrgyz mountain ridge (Tien Shan)

2021 ◽  
pp. 163-175
Author(s):  
E. Davranov ◽  
M. I. Lyalina
Keyword(s):  
High Altitude ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Temporal Distribution ◽  
Tien Shan ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Mountain Rivers ◽  
Mountain Ridge ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Maximum Similarity

Based on the results of our analysis, a classification of bird species of the Kyrgyz mountain ridge (Northern Tien Shan) was compiled according to their preference for habitats and occurrence throughout the year. The program of factorial classification used for this unites species according to the maximum similarity in their distribution and stay in an unspecified number of clusters. In total, 4 supertypes and 12 types of preferences have been identified along the Kyrgyz ridge. In the supertype of birds that prefer undeveloped areas, 6 types were distinguished, namely, the species choosing: 1 – high mountains, 2 – high and medium mountains, 3 – medium mountains, 4 – medium mountains and foothills, 5 – foothills, and 6 – found at all heights. The supertype of birds preferring built-up areas is represented by one type only: the species preferring foothill sheaths and villages, and the supertype of birds preferring rivers and their banks is represented by four types, namely, the species preferring: high-mountain rivers in the summer and autumn; high-altitude and mid-mountain rivers in the spring and summer; mid-mountain rivers in the autumn; and foothill rivers in the first half of the summer. The supertype uniting species found in all habitats is represented by one type of preference, namely, found throughout the whole year. It is shown that of the 154 recorded bird species, most were found in undeveloped habitats, and 6 and 12 times less were in built-up areas and rivers, including their banks. In undeveloped areas, most bird species prefer high- and mid-mountainous landscapes and half as many prefer foothill landscapes. In residential landscapes, most species tend to the foothills, and among rivers, they prefer high-altitude and mid-mountain areas. At to the seasons, the maximum number of species was recorded in the spring-summer and summer periods.

scholarly journals High mountain relief in marble in Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria: structure, specifics and evolution

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 118-135
Author(s):  
GACHEV Emil
Keyword(s):  
Balkan Peninsula ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Physical Weathering ◽  
Low Altitude ◽  
Representative Area ◽  
Intensive Formation ◽  
Karst Processes ◽  
Main Factor

The present article is focused on high mountain relief in marble, which combines glacial, periglacial and karstic morphology. High mountain karst is found in Northern Pirin (Vihren and Sinanitsa area) and central Pirin (Orelek area), the latter lacking traces of glaciation due to its low altitude. In the most representative area, Vihren part, several vast and deep cirques-uvalas were formed, which comprise a large diversity of landforms. Main factor for the specifics of relief in marble is the structure of the rock, which combines carbonate mineral content and crystalline properties; they favour both the occurrence of karstification and frost weathering. The high elevation of Northern Pirin (up to 2914 m a.s.l.), and the resulting extensive former glaciation enhanced the karst processes by weathering of the morphological surface. At present, surface karst is most developed on elevated sections of cirque bottoms, which were ice free before the beginning of the Holocene and are away from rockfall creep accumulation. A special element of glaciokarstic relief in Pirin are the summer lasting snow/ice features (glacierets and snow patches), two of which are considered centuries old, and still survive despite the temperature warming. In general, karst processes in the high mountain areas of Pirin are less developed than in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula (the Dinarides), due to the greater susceptibility of marble to physical weathering compared to limestone, which leads to a more intensive formation of regolith on the surface, and in result of the generally colder and dryer climate.

scholarly journals Effect of Nutrient Addition on the Productivity and Species Richness of Grassland Along With an Elevational Gradient in Tajikistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lian-Lian Fan ◽  
Okhonniyozov Mekrovar ◽  
Yao-Ming Li ◽  
Kai-Hui Li ◽  
Xue-Xi Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Species Richness ◽  
Elevational Gradient ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Nutrient Inputs ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Precipitation And Temperature

Grasslands provide key resource for the millions of people who are dependent on livestock in Tajikistan. Productivity and species richness (SR) are important characteristics of grassland ecosystems and are greatly affected by nutrient inputs. The effect that climate change might have on these characteristics remains unclear. Here, an in situ nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization experiment was conducted at four sites along with an elevational gradient (650, 1,100, 1,250, and 2,000 m) in western Tajikistan over 2 years (2018 and 2019) to examine the influences of nutrient availability and climate change on aboveground biomass (AGB) and SR; precipitation and temperature were also considered to analyze the responses. It demonstrated that enrichment with N, P, and their combinations significantly increased AGB along with an elevational gradient (p < 0.05). AGB increased as the concentrations of nutrients added increased. The maximum AGB, which was 2-fold higher compared with control, was observed when 90 kg N ha–1year–1 and 30 kg P ha–1year–1 were added. In addition, nitrogen addition alone stimulated greater AGB than P addition, although no significant difference was observed between these two treatments. Enrichment with N, P, and their combination had no significant effect on SR; however, SR significantly changed at different elevation. Elevation had direct effect on precipitation and temperature, which, in turn, resulted in variation in AGB and SR. Moreover, both nutrient and elevation had significant effect on AGB and SR, but there was no interaction effect of them. AGB and SR interacted with significant negative correlation. In the high-elevation area, plants grew better in the warmer year (2018); this indicates that grasslands in high mountain areas in Tajikistan might have higher productivity as the climate warms, which will positively affect the economic development of the country.

scholarly journals ANALYSIS AND COMPARISON OF SRTM3 DEM AND ASTER GDEM V2

2020 ◽  
Vol XLII-3/W10 ◽  
pp. 529-533
Author(s):  
J. Shen ◽  
W. L. Han ◽  
L. B. Zhang ◽  
J. Ge
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Differentiation ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Vegetation Coverage ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Aster Gdem ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Penetration Ability ◽  
Vertical Accuracy

Abstract. Global Geographic Information Resources Construction and Maintenance Renewal Project is in urgent need of digital elevation model worldwide. At present, the errors of ASTER GDEMv2 and SRTM3 DEM data widely used are unevenly distributed. In this paper, high-precision and high-resolution WorldDEM data are taken as true values, and flat areas in Turkey and alpine region in Nepal are selected respectively as two test areas A and B. The vertical accuracy of ASTER GDEMv2 and SRTM3 DEM data is verified and compared by using DEM elevation difference numerical analysis, spatial differentiation analysis, slope spectrum curve and other methods. The results show that the two digital elevation models in flat terrain conform to the nominal accuracy, and the vertical accuracy of SRTM3 DEM has an advantage, while the vertical accuracy of ASTER GDEMv2 in high elevation area with large terrain fluctuation is obviously higher than that of SRTM3 DEM , and the area of SRTM3 DEM data accuracy exceeding nominal accuracy is larger. On this basis, the applicability of the two kinds of DEM is analyzed. It is concluded that SRTM3 DEM data with better accuracy should be selected in low altitude plain areas, ASTER GDEM data with higher resolution should be given priority in hilly areas with complex terrain and high mountain areas with severe topographic fluctuations, and ASTER GDEM data can be used to supplement the uncovered areas of SRTM3 DEM。In addition, in areas with high vegetation coverage, the accuracy of the two data is greatly affected, which can be supplemented by ICESAT/GLAS and ICESAT2/GLAS data with strong vegetation penetration ability. The results can provide scientific basis and data support for global space information projects.

Three hundred years of House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) persecution in Germany

2007 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 307-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. SEITZ
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
House Sparrow ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Passer Domesticus ◽  
Second World War ◽  
Population Increase ◽  
World War ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
Second World

Modernization of agriculture, economic development and population increase after the end of the Thirty Years' War caused authorities in many parts of Germany to decree the eradication of so-called pest animals, including the House Sparrow. Farmers were given targets, and had to deliver the heads of sparrows in proportion to the size of their farms or pay fines. At the end of the eighteenth century German ornithologists argued against the eradication of the sparrows. During the mid-nineteenth century, C. L. Gloger, the pioneer of bird protection in Germany, emphasized the value of the House Sparrow in controlling insect plagues. Many decrees were abolished because either they had not been obeyed, or had resulted in people protecting sparrows so that they always had enough for their “deliveries”. Surprisingly, various ornithologists, including Ernst Hartert and the most famous German bird conservationist Freiherr Berlepsch, joined in the war against sparrows at the beginning of the twentieth century, because sparrows were regarded as competitors of more useful bird species. After the Second World War, sparrows were poisoned in large numbers. Persecution of sparrows ended in Germany in the 1970s. The long period of persecution had a significant but not long-lasting impact on House Sparrow populations, and therefore cannot be regarded as a factor in the recent decline of this species in urban and rural areas of western and central Europe.

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