Abstract
Tropical montane forests (alternatively called tropical montane cloud forests or simply cloud forests) represent some of the most threatened ecosystems globally. Tropical montane forests (TMF) are characterized and defined by the presence of persistent cloud cover. A significant amount of moisture may be captured through the condensation of cloud-borne moisture on vegetation distinguishing TMF from other forest types. This review examines the structural, functional and distributional aspects of the tropical montane forests of peninsular India, locally known as shola, and the associated grasslands. Our review reveals that small fragments may be dominated by edge effect and lack an “interior” or “core”, making them susceptible to complete collapse. In addition to their critical role in hydrology and biogeochemistry, the shola-grassland ecosystem harbor many faunal species of conservation concern. Along with intense anthropogenic pressure, climate change is also expected to alter the dynamic equilibrium between the forest and grassland, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of these ecosystems.
Highlights
Tropical montane forests represent some of the most threatened ecosystems globally
This review examines the structural, functional and distributional aspects of the tropical montane forests of peninsular India, locally known as shola, and the associated grasslands
Within the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka (WGSL) biodiversity hotspot [3], Tropical montane forests (TMF) occurs as a mosaic of forests and grasslands and is commonly referred to as the shola-grassland ecosystem
Summary
Tropical montane forests (alternatively called tropical montane cloud forests or cloud forests) represent some of the most threatened ecosystems globally. Tropical montane forests (TMF) are characterized and defined by the presence of persistent cloud cover. Elevations at which TMF are found, vary with mountain range size and insularity or proximity to coast. On insular or coastal mountain ranges, TMF has been reported. From elevations as low as 500 m (Bruijzneel and Hamilton, 2000). Tree height in TMF reduces and leaf thickness and complexity in tree architecture increases. Within the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka (WGSL) biodiversity hotspot [3], TMF occurs as a mosaic of forests (locally and hereafter sholas) and grasslands and is commonly referred to as the shola-grassland ecosystem. This document aims to provide a synthesis of current research and the state of knowledge of the shola-grassland ecosystem from peer-reviewed literature published on tropical montane forests in the WGSL biodiversity hotspot. A synopsis of research on the sholas of Kerala was reviewed [7]
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