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Comparison of Species Composition and Climate Drivers in High-Latitude Alpine Ecosystems and High-Altitude Alpine Ecosystems
  • Prakash Bhattarai ,
  • Sagar Budhathoki
Prakash Bhattarai
Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research CAS
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Sagar Budhathoki
ForestAction Nepal

Corresponding Author:sagar@forestaction.org

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Abstract

This study aims to explore the species composition and climatic drivers of two distinct alpine ecosystems: the High-Latitude Alpine Ecosystems (HLAE) of Hardangervidda National Park, Norway, and the High-Altitude Alpine Ecosystems (HAAE) of the Tibetan Plateau. These ecosystems have variations in environmental factors like solar radiation and topography, but they are characterized by low temperatures, precipitation, and sensitivity to climate change. Data were collected from 40 plots of 100 square meters in each ecosystem, and Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) were employed to assess species composition and identify key climatic factors influencing these patterns. The results revealed notable differences between the species found in HLAE and those in HAAE. HLAE species were found to be more temperature-sensitive, while HAAE species were found to be more responsive to precipitation. Specifically, Growing Season Length (GSL) and Annual Precipitation (AP) were critical for species composition in HAAE, whereas Mean Temperature of the Warmest Quarter (MTWQ) and Mean Annual Temperature (MAT) were more influential in HLAE. The specific ecological responses of these systems to climate change are discussed, and the study highlights the significance of considering both climatic and non-climatic aspects in understanding species composition in alpine ecosystems.