High-altitude Meadows Research Articles

Co-influence of the start of thermal growing season and precipitation on vegetation spring green-up on the Tibetan Plateau

The climate in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) has undergone significant change in recent decades, mainly in thermal and water conditions, which plays a crucial role in phenological changes in vegetation spring phenology. However, how the start of the thermal growing season (SOS-T) and the start of the rainy season (SORS) as key climatic factors affect vegetation green-up remains unclear. Given that these factors characterize thermal and water conditions required for vegetation green-up, this study investigated changes in the SOS-T and SORS from 1961 to 2022, using observation-based datasets with long time series. We found that the SOS-T and SORS have advanced across the TP in 1961–2022 and have shown a spatial pattern of advancement in the east and delay in the west in 2000–2022. Further, the co-effect of temperature and precipitation change on the start of vegetation growing season (SOS-V) in 2000–2022 was observed. Averaged across TP, the SOS-V had an early onset of 1.3 d per decade during 2000–2022, corresponding to advanced SOS-T and SORS. Regionally, the SOS-V generally occurred nearly at the same time as the SOS-T in the high-altitude meadow region. A substantial delay in the SOS-V relative to the SOS-T was observed in the desert, shrub, grassland and forest regions and generally kept pace with the SORS. Furthermore, for 50% of the vegetated regions on the TP, inter-annual variation in the delay in the SOS-V relative to the SOS-T was dominated by precipitation change, which was profound in warm-climate regions. This study highlights the co-regulation of precipitation and temperature change in the SOS-V in different vegetation cover regions in the TP, offering a scientific foundation for comprehending the impact of climate change and prospects for vegetation phenology on the TP.

Geometric Morphometrics sheds light on the systematics affinities of two enigmatic dwarf Neotropical sedges (Carex, Cyperaceae).

Geometric morphometrics (GM) is a powerful analytical tool that enables complete quantification of shapes. Its use in Botany has a great potential for complementing plant evolutionary and ecological studies. Taxonomic delimitation in Carex has been complicated due to reduction of characters and frequent homoplasy. This problem is more marked in cases where the species exhibit dwarfism. South America is the continent with the least understood Carex flora. The systematic relationships of some bizarre-looking groups were not unraveled until molecular phylogenetic studies resolved their relationships. In particular, there are two species only known from their type material whose affinities remain uncertain: Carexherteri and C.hypsipedos. These two taxa are acaulescent plants that respectively grow in the Uruguayan pampa and Peruvian high-altitude meadows. Recently, both species were ascribed to the Carexphalaroides group (subgen. Psyllophorae, sect. Junciformes) due to superficial morphological similarities, such as the androgynous peduncled spikes. However, their character combination is also coincident for its circumscription to sect. Abditispicae species. Nevertheless, in the absence of confirmation from molecular analyses, their placement must be considered preliminary until additional data can be provided. In this work we employ for the first time geometric morphometrics (GM) tools to assess the systematic affinities of two taxonomically problematic sedge species based on fruit shape. We compared utricle morphology of C.herteri and C.hypsipedos with that of C.phalaroides group and species in sect. Abditispicae. To this end we used GM and traditional morphometric approaches. Utricle shape variation along with other morphological features support the exclusion of these two species from the C.phalaroides gr. and, at the same time, show clear affinities of C.herteri to sect. Abditispicae. Carexhypsipedos remains as an incertae sedis species. Our work shows the potential utility of GM for the exploration of systematic affinities in sedges and in other graminoids.

Habitat Selection Differences of Two Sympatric Large Carnivores in the Southwestern Mountains of China

Large terrestrial carnivores play a crucial role in the top–down control of terrestrial ecosystems by maintaining ecosystem stability and biodiversity. However, intense interspecific competition typically occurs among large sympatric carnivores, leading to population reduction or extinction. Spatial partitioning through divergent habitat selection mitigates such competition. In this study, we analyzed the main environmental factors influencing the habitat selection and fragmentation of suitable habitats in Xinlong County, Sichuan Province, using 410 infrared cameras from 2015 to 2023. By employing generalized linear and maximum entropy models, we developed an ensemble model to predict the suitable habitat distribution of leopards (Panthera pardus) and wolves (Canis lupus). The results revealed significant disparities in suitable habitat distributions of leopards and wolves as coexisting large carnivores. Leopards prefer understory, whereas wolves prefer high-altitude meadows. Wolves spatially avoid leopards, who secure relatively superior resources and relegate wolves to inferior habitats. Although suitable habitat patches for both species cluster intensely, habitat connectivity remains low owing to pronounced anthropogenic disturbances, which is especially evident in the higher fragmentation of wolf habitats. These results suggest that sympatric large carnivores can reduce spatial competition intensity and promote spatial partitioning by selecting divergently suitable habitats, thereby facilitating species coexistence.

Phylogenetic relationships of the zokor genus <i>Eospalax</i> (Mammalia, Rodentia, Spalacidae) inferred from whole-genome analyses, with description of a new species endemic to Hengduan Mountains

Zokors in the genus Eospalax, which are endemic to northern and western China, are subterranean rodents that inhabit various niches, including grasslands, high-altitude meadows, forests, and farmlands. Six species in Eospalax were described a century ago but their taxonomy and phylogeny remain controversial. In this study, we performed high-depth whole-genome sequencing of 47 zokor samples, comprising all six previously described species. Genomic analyses revealed a reliable and robust phylogeny of Eospalax and supported the validity of the six named species. According to the inferred phylogenetic relationships, Eospalax first divergent into two clades in the early Pliocene (ca. 4.68 million years ago (Ma)), one inhabiting the high-altitude Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) Plateau (QTP) and adjacent regions, and the another inhabiting the low-altitude Loess Plateau and Qinling-Daba Mountains. The most recent divergences occurred between E. baileyi and E. smithii and between E. rufescens and E. rothschildi in the late Pliocene (ca. 2.09 and 2.19 Ma, respectively). We also collected specimens of zokors in the southern Hengduan Mountains (Muli County, Sichuan Province), far from the known distributions of all other zokors. Morphological and molecular analyses strongly suggested that the specimens represent a new species, formally described here as Eospalax muliensis sp. nov. The new species belongs to the high-altitude clade and diverged from closely related species (ca. 4.22 Ma) shortly after the first divergence in Eospalax. Interestingly,Eospalax muliensis sp. nov. possesses more supposedly plesiomorphic characters, suggesting a possible origin of the genus in the Hengduan Mountains.

Black carbon pollutants in pristine Himalayan ecosystem: a pilot study along Gangotri Glacier Valley.

The present study provides the first multi-year (2015-2020) random observation of black carbon (BC) aerosols from pristine localities along the Gangotri Glacier Valley in the north-western Indian Himalaya. Due to the harsh climatic conditions and inaccessible terrain, hardly any BC observation is available from glaciated Himalaya. To investigate the background concentration of BC in the high Himalaya, random measurements are conducted at five locations at variable microclimates with different anthropogenic influences along a 24-km-long Gangotri Glacier Valley trek, viz. Gangotri (~ 3200m amsl), Chirbasa (~ 3600m amsl), Bhojbasa (~ 3800m amsl), Gaumukh (~ 4000m amsl), and Tapovan (~ 4400m amsl). A relatively high concentration of BC (up to 2.23 ± 0.57μgm-3) was recorded at Gangotri which is a famous Indian pilgrimage centre which remains highly crowded during the peak tourist season, i.e. May-June and Oct-Nov every year. Surprisingly, we also recorded high BC (up to 1.27 ± 0.57μgm-3) at Tapovan, which is a high altitude meadow surrounded by high ice-snow peaks, viz. Bhagirathi Peak (6856m amsl), Shivling (6543m amsl), and Meru Parvat (6660m amsl). The HYSPLIT cluster trajectory and CALIPSO data images suggest that besides local anthropogenic activities, polluted air mass-produced due to burning of forest and agriculture biomass and fossil fuels, etc. transported from Indo Gangetic Basin might be playing a potential role in ambient BC concentration in the study area. The present preliminary investigations of BC in the Gangotri Glacier Valley open new vision and possibilities for further extensive ground-based observation of aerosol air pollutants in Himalayan glacier valley systems.

Fungal diversity inhabited with trees and their conservation in Bukki Top in upper great Himalaya

This investigation was aimed to explore the biodiversity of upper great Himalayas range with special reference to the flora and its conservation. The natural landscape and high altitude meadows (Bugyal) enhanced the beauty of Uttarakhand. Bukki village and Bukki top one of the gorgeous region locate in Uttarkashi district of Uttrakhand state, fall on the opposite side of the national highway NH-108 and connect the Gangotri Glacier via Harsil. The present article is the description of the flora of the Bukki region and, we tried to mainly focus on different fungus species and disease on trees, observed during the trek. Some important fungus species observed are Daldinia concentric, Trichaptum biforme, Fomes fomentarius and Daedalea quercina. We also describe each fungus attributes and habitat distribution description.

An approach for assessing adaptive capacity to climate change in resource dependent communities in the Nikachu watershed, Bhutan

Vulnerability to climate change is a function of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. Econometric and indicator-based approaches have been used to assess vulnerability at regional, national and global scales. However, these approaches often fail to capture how vulnerability varies within regions and communities. Within regions there is often little capacity to distinguish between exposure and sensitivity, while there is potentially considerable variability in adaptive capacity. This study presents a new approach for assessing adaptive capacity at household and village-levels by combining econometric data and landscape ecology measures to generate new types of indicators that provide new insights into local level adaptive capacity. Livelihood security is a key contributor to adaptation and we used the sustainable livelihood framework as a basis for analysis. We combined social survey information with spatial data on different livelihood capitals and integrated these using multivariate statistical methods to generate indicators of adaptive capacity for households and villages. A mixed method approach was used in two contrasting localities in the Nikachu watershed in central Bhutan to gather social and economic data and spatial data on landscape variables. A total of 144 households were selected through simple random sampling and were interviewed across 22 villages in the watershed. Indicators revealed a strong link between adaptive capacity and landscape position. Households at higher elevations generally had lower adaptive capacity, and therefore higher vulnerability to climate change, due to differences in physical, financial, natural and human capitals. These households and villages had lower diversity in income sources, greater dependence on natural resources, less education and training, less access to infrastructure (such as roads), and access to markets than households at lower elevations. Gender was also important, with female-headed households having lower adaptive capacity scores. However, some higher elevation households had higher adaptive capacity scores than others due to their capacity to collect the valuable insect fungus, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, from high altitude meadows. These new indicators provide insights into how adaptive capacity varies across scales. They can be used to identify policies and actions to improve adaptive capacity of vulnerable households and communities.

Potential vectors of bluetongue virus in high altitude areas of Yunnan Province, China

BackgroundBluetongue disease of ruminants is a typical insect-borne disease caused by bluetongue virus (BTV) of the genus Orbivirus (family Reoviridae) and transmitted by some species of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Recently, the detection of BTV in yaks in high altitude meadows of the Shangri-La district of Yunnan Province, China, prompted an investigation of the Culicoides fauna as potential vectors of BTV.MethodsA total of 806 Culicoides midges were collected by light trapping at three sites at altitudes ranging from 1800 to 3300 m. The species were identified based on morphology and the DNA sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1). PCR and quantitative PCR following reverse transcription were used to test for the presence of BTV RNA in Culicoides spp. A phylogenetic analysis was used to analyze the cox1 sequences of some specimens.ResultsFour species dominated these collections and cox1 barcoding revealed that at least two of these appear to belong to species new to science. Culicoides tainanus and a cryptic species morphologically similar to C. tainanus dominated low altitude valley collections while C. nielamensis was the most abundant species in the high-altitude meadow. A species related to C. obsoletus occurred at all altitudes but did not dominate any of the collections. BTV RT-qPCR analysis detected BTV RNA in two specimens of C. tainanus, in one specimen closely related to C. tainanus and in one specimen closely related to C. obsoletus by barcode sequencing.ConclusionsThis study suggests that BTV in high altitude areas of Yunnan is being transmitted by three species of Culicoides, two of which appear to be new to science. This research may be useful in improving understanding of the effects of global warming on arboviral disease epidemiology and further study is important in research into disease control and prevention.

Effect of Grazing Intensity on Soil and Plant δ15N of an Alpine Meadow

The mechanisms underlying the retention of inorganic N were still not well understood in an alpine meadow on the Tibetan Plateau as well as in other high-altitude meadow sites greatly grazed and disturbed. We conducted field soil and dominant species foliar nitrogen natural abundance of stable isotope ratios (delta N-15) under four grazing intensities. It was demonstrated that soil delta N-15 decreased significantly from 5.83 +/- 0.20% to 2.17 +/- 0.48% at 0-10 cm with the elevation of grazing intensity. Grazing reduced the degree of ecosystem N openness. The delta N-15 value of surface soil was mainly affected by soil total nitrogen. Furthermore, the degree of nitrogen limitation increased with grazing elevation for sedge family and Gramineae family plants.

Rediscovery of a high-altitude vole,Microtus californicus, in Baja California, Mexico

The California vole, Microtus californicus, from the high-altitude meadows of the Sierra San Pedro Martir, Baja California, Mexico had not been documented in 90 y and was thought to be extinct from this locality. In July of 2015, we documented an active, but reduced, population at one of its early collection sites. This population appears to be extremely restricted and should be protected and monitored.

Radiocesium storage in soil microbial biomass of undisturbed alpine meadow soils and its relation to 137Cs soil–plant transfer

This study focuses on radiocesium storage in soil microbial biomass of undisturbed alpine meadow sites and its relation to the soil-to-plant transfer. Soil and plant samples were taken in August 1999 from an altitude transect (800–1600 m.a.s.l.) at Gastein valley, Austria. Soil samples were subdivided into 3-cm layers for analyses of total, K 2SO 4-extractable and microbially stored 137Cs. Microbial biomass was measured by the fumigation extraction method, and fungal biomass was quantified using ergosterol as biomarker molecule. In general, the quantity of 137Cs stored in the living soil microbial biomass was relatively small. At the high-altitude meadows, showing high amounts of fungal biomass, microbially stored 137Cs amounted to 0.64 ± 0.14 kBq m −2 which corresponds to about 1.2–2.7% of the total 137Cs soil inventory. At lower altitudes, microbial 137Cs content was distinctly smaller and in most cases not measurable at all using the fumigation extraction method. However, a positive correlation between the observed soil-to-plant aggregated transfer factor, microbially stored 137Cs and fungal biomass was found, which indicates a possible role of fungal biomass in the storage and turnover of 137Cs in soils and in the 137Cs uptake by plants.

Ecological Patterns in the Antifungal Activity of Root Extracts from Rocky Mountain Wetland Plants

Current pressures in the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries have placed emphasis on improved efficiency in new drug and agrochemical discovery. In the area of natural products, much attention has focused on improving collection strategies. The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of environmental details in prospecting for antifungal compounds from wetland plants. A survey was conducted of the in vitro antifungal activity of root extracts from 28 species of Rocky Mountain wetland plants against three medically and five agriculturally important fungal pathogens. Plants were collected at early and late stages in the growing season from wetland and upland sites of four low (2800–2950 m) and three high (3000–3300 m) altitude Rocky Mountain subalpine meadows and trends in levels of antifungal activity were assessed. Wetland plant species exhibited higher antifungal activity when collected late in the growing season from wetland-soil areas of high altitude meadows. In contrast, upland plant species exhibited higher antifungal activity when collected early in the season from upland-soil areas of low altitude meadows. These results provide the basis for an ecological and economical strategy for the collection of plants with potentially useful antifungal compounds and support the utility of ecological investigations and chemical ecology theory in plant prospecting efforts.

Pastoral Politics: Gaddi Grazing, Degradation, and Biodiversity Conservation in Himachal Pradesh, India

Two assumptions underlie the current conservation focus worldwide. The first is that democratic governments can restrict human resource use within protected areas, and the second is that human land use for subsistence leads to degradation and is incompatible with the maintenance of high levels of biological diversity. An examination of official policy documents over the past century indicates that Gaddi herders of Himachal Pradesh, northwestern Indian Himalaya, have used political influence to circumvent bureaucratic policies of exclusion and that there is an absence of scientific evidence to support the notion that Gaddi grazing leads to land degradation. Although grazing intensity has profoundly shaped the structure and composition of the Siwalik forests (the Gaddi winter grazing grounds), as demonstrated by transect‐based data presented here, deviations from a supposed “climax” community need not constitute degradation. A growing rather than declining cattle population attests to the regenerative capacities of these forests. Within the alpine meadows grazed by the Gaddi in summer, mean plant species richness increased along transects originating at herder camps and extending 250 m north of border camp sites. Intense grazing pressure or heavy manuring by livestock bedded at night are likely to be responsible for the observed low species diversity adjacent to the campsite, but the effect is insignificant at the level of the overall landscape. Interviews with borders also suggest the presence of a sizable, though hunted, mammalian fauna in these high altitude meadows. Recognition of the difficulties associated with implementing restrictive policies, and the fact that human land‐use practices need not lead to degradation or to a decline in biological diversity, should lead to more inclusive conservation policies within protected areas as well as an expansion of the conservation focus beyond protected‐area boundaries.

An altitudinal comparison of water and metabolic relations in two acridid grasshoppers (Orthoptera)

1. 1. Water loss rates (WLR) and oxygen consumption rates ( dot V O 2 ) were determined for two species of grasshoppers inhabiting hot, low elevation deserts to cool, high altitude meadows. 2. 2. Water loss rates and oxygen consumption rates were positively correlated with increasing elevation. 3. 3. Decreased WLR in desert animals and increased dot V O 2 , in high elevation animals are considered important adaptations to xeric conditions and short growing seasons respectively.

Effect of Nitrogen on Yield of Forage of Eight Grasses Grown in High Altitude Meadows of Wyoming1

SypnosisEffects of 0, 80, and 160 pounds nitrogen per acre on forage production and percentage crude protein of eight seeded grass species and varieties in a high altitude meadow near Pinedale, Wyoming were studied.Common, Lincoln and Manchar bromegrass, orchardgrass, timothy, intermediate wheatgrass, meadow foxtail and Reed canarygrass were studied. Variations in species and variety response to nitrogen were noted. However, significant increases in forage production and percentage crude protein were obtained for all eight grasses.

High Altitude Meadows in Colorado: II. The Effect of Harvest Date on Yield and Quality of Hay1

High Altitude Meadows in Colorado: II. The Effect of Harvest Date on Yield and Quality of Hay¹

High Altitude Meadows in Colorado: I. Effect of Irrigation on Hay Yield and Quality1

Agronomy JournalVolume 47, Issue 1 p. 36-40 Article High Altitude Meadows in Colorado: I. Effect of Irrigation on Hay Yield and Quality1 Hayden K. Rouse, Hayden K. RouseSearch for more papers by this authorForrest M. Willhite, Forrest M. WillhiteSearch for more papers by this authorDavid E. Miller, David E. Miller Irrigation Engineer, U.S.D.A.; Agronomist, Colorado Agr. Exp. Sta. and U.S.D.A.; and Soil Scientist, Colorado Agr. Exp. Sta. and U.S.D.A., respectively.Search for more papers by this author Hayden K. Rouse, Hayden K. RouseSearch for more papers by this authorForrest M. Willhite, Forrest M. WillhiteSearch for more papers by this authorDavid E. Miller, David E. Miller Irrigation Engineer, U.S.D.A.; Agronomist, Colorado Agr. Exp. Sta. and U.S.D.A.; and Soil Scientist, Colorado Agr. Exp. Sta. and U.S.D.A., respectively.Search for more papers by this author First published: 01 January 1955 https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj1955.00021962004700010010xCitations: 1 1 Joint contribution of Colorado Agr. Exp. Sta. and Western Soil and Water Management Section, Soil and Water Conservation Research Branch, A.R.S., U.S.D.A. Authorized by the Director of the Colorado Agr. Exp. Sta. for publication as Scientific Journal Series 448. AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume47, Issue1January 1955Pages 36-40 RelatedInformation

Use of Beef Cattle Feeding Data in Evaluating Mountain Meadow Management Practices

AN interpretation of factors affecting the production of forage crops is more complete and realistic if results can be expressed in terms of animal performance. Usually, yields of dry hay have been taken by the rancher as the final basis for evaluating factors affecting forage production. In certain instances, additional information is available on such quality factors as the percentages of crude protein, phosphorus, or other chemical constituents of the forage. These criteria have not proven entirely satisfactory. In Gunnison County, Colorado, a test feeding plant for beef cattle was established where the relative merits of various management practices utilized in hay production and feed supplementation could be determined. This report covers a two-year period, 1950–1951, of investigation in which hays produced under variable fertility and harvest management practices were fed to cattle and the results evaluated in terms of beef production. Procedure Hay Production Approximately 60 acres of a fairly representative high altitude meadow were used for the production of hay for subsequent beef cattle feeding experiments.