Himalayan Birch Research Articles

An Overview of the Pharmacological and Phytochemical Characteristics of Betula utilis

Background: Betula utilis, commonly known as the Himalayan Birch or Bhojpatra, has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its diverse pharmaco-logical and phytochemical properties. This overview delves into the rich history and thera-peutic applications of Betula utilis from a TCM perspective. It discusses its role in promoting health and addressing various ailments, drawing on the wisdom of traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Furthermore, this abstract provides insights into the phytochemical constituents of Betula utilis, shedding light on the active compounds responsible for its medicinal benefits. Methodology: Information regarding the different species within the Betula genus was gath-ered through electronic searches utilizing platforms, such as Pubmed, SciFinder, Scirus, Google Scholar, JCCC@INSTIRC, and Web of Science. Additionally, a library search was conducted to locate articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Result: The bark of Betula utilis finds extensive usage in both Ayurveda and the Chinese system of medicine, where it is employed to address a range of health issues and medical conditions. These include applications in wound healing, skin sanitation, bronchitis, seizures, leprosy, blood disorders, and ear-related ailments. Moreover, the plant and its active components are frequently utilized for their anti-inflammatory, liver-protective, antimicrobial, and anti-tumor properties. This comprehensive review aims to provide a thorough examination of the available literature concerning the pharmacological and chemical characteristics of Betula utilis.

Effect of tree age on the properties of Himalayan birch (Betula alnoides Buch.-H.ex D.Don) wood

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of four different age groups on wood properties, i.e., anatomical, physical, and mechanical, of Himalayan birch (Betula alnoides Buch.-H.ex D.Don). The correlation between the properties was also discussed. The results indicated age influences the anatomical, physical, and mechanical properties of Himalayan birch. Results were comparable with other plantation species. Moreover, mechanical properties were highly correlated with the fibre morphology in Himalayan birch. Results from this present study indicate that the 15-, 20-, and 25-year-old Himalayan birch are suitable to be used for parquet, furniture, and other products. Generally, plantation-grown Himalayan birch has the potential to be a raw material to fulfill the demand for the timber industry.

Biochemical characterization of extremozyme L-asparaginase from Pseudomonas sp. PCH199 for therapeutics

L-asparaginase (L-ASNase) from microbial sources is a commercially vital enzyme to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, the side effects associated with the commercial formulations of L-ASNases intrigued to explore for efficient and desired pharmacological enzymatic features. Here, we report the biochemical and cytotoxic evaluation of periplasmic L-ASNase of Pseudomonas sp. PCH199 isolated from the soil of Betula utilis, the Himalayan birch. L-ASNase production from wild-type PCH199 was enhanced by 2.2-fold using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Increased production of periplasmic L-ASNase was obtained using an optimized osmotic shock method followed by its purification. The purified L-ASNase was a monomer of 37.0 kDa with optimum activity at pH 8.5 and 60 ℃. It also showed thermostability retaining 100.0% (200 min) and 90.0% (70 min) of the activity at 37 and 50 ℃, respectively. The Km and Vmax values of the purified enzyme were 0.164 ± 0.009 mM and 54.78 ± 0.4 U/mg, respectively. L-ASNase was cytotoxic to the K562 blood cancer cell line (IC50 value 0.309 U/mL) within 24 h resulting in apoptotic nuclear morphological changes as examined by DAPI staining. Therefore, the dynamic functionality in a wide range of pH and temperature and stability of PCH199 L-ASNase at 37 ℃ with cytotoxic potential proves to be pharmaceutically important for therapeutic application.

Conceptual and Literary Analysis on Bhurjah (Betula Utilis D. Don)

Aim- To review comprehensive literature on Bhurjah (Betula utilis D. Don) w.s.r. to its therapeutic activity. Background- Bhurjah (Betula utilis D. Don) is a very ancient traditional medicine, commonly known as Bhojpatra in Hindi and Himalayan birch in English. Bark of Betula utilis was used in ancient times for writing Sanskrit literature and texts. Ancient sages used Bhojpatra to write down manuscripts and those literature remains unaffected by microbes, environmental and biological factors. From immemorial time Bhurjah has been used in Yagya karma by the sages. Material And Methods- The literature review was compiled from distinctive available Ayurvedic literatures and various published literature relevant to Bhurjah. Conclusion- Bhurjah widely used in Ayurvedic system of medicine in the treatment of various diseases like Kustha (various skin diseases), Karnashoola (otalgia), Visarpa (erysipelas), Medovishahara (anti-obesity and anti-toxic), Vranashodhana (wound purification) and Tridoshashamana (Vata, Pitta, Kapha alleviation). It has studied for various therapeutic activities like, anti-microbial activity, anti-oxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, mild anti hyperglycemic activity, anticancer activity, anti-HIV activity. An effort has been done to explore the evidence based pharmacological activities of Bhurjah.

High-elevation tree-ring record of 263-year summer temperature for a cold-arid region in the western Himalaya, India

The unavailability of weather records from the orography dominated high Himalayas restricts our understanding in long term perspective. However, remote high-altitude regions of Himalaya silently testify the regional climate and can provide valuable insights of real climatic challenges in the absence of instrumental observatories. The tree-species over such high-altitude regions with negligible anthropogenic pressure have the potential to reveal the clear climate upheavals in long-term perspective. In the present study tree-ring samples of Himalayan birch from a high-altitude cold-arid region of Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh were analysed and two ring-width chronologies were developed. The response function analyses showed direct relationship between the summer temperature and ring-width chronologies of Himalayan birch. Using the relationship we have reconstructed mean summer temperature (June-July) back to AD 1752 for the Lahaul-Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh. We have developed the first record of summer temperature from the Indian western Himalaya using tree-ring-width chronologies that have direct relationship with summer temperature. Further, our study in accordance with instrumental as well as other tree-ring based summer temperature records suggested that the high-altitude western Himalaya is not warming unprecedently during summers. However, slight warming pattern have been observed in the summer temperature in the later part of the reconstruction. The temperature reconstruction also reflects strong spatial correlation with gridded temperature for the western Himalaya.

Review on regeneration status of Betulautilis D. Don: A critically endangered multipurpose timber line species in Indian Himalayan region

The Himalayan birch (Betulautilis D. Don), also known as Bhojpatra in India, is one of the Himalayan region's most important ethnobotanicaltreelinespecies. It aids in the preservation of the Himalaya's fragile environment by preventing soil erosion and conserving the rest of the flora and wildlife below the treelinezone.Betulautilis has been identified for medical (anticancer, anti-HIV, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory) and ethno botanical relevance by several ethnic and non-ethnic communities living in the Himalaya and elsewhere, in addition to several ecological benefits.The bark of the Betula tree has long been used to write old manuscripts.It may also be used as a packing material, is waterproof, can be used to roof dwellings, umbrellas, and other items.The historical usage of B. utilis, as well as recent overharvesting to suit community and commercial demands, have put strain on the species natural populations. B. utilis faces numerous threats, including overharvesting, deforestation, erosion, grazing, global warming, and disease attack.Thus, it has been categorized as Critically Endangeredspecies.The main problem of the mountain forestsislack of adequateregenerationprocess. Very little information on population dynamics, regeneration, and physiology and seed germination is available from different parts of the country but no any systematic study has been done so far on multipurpose timberline tree species of Indian Himalayan Region. As a result, it's critical to keep an eye on these sensitive places and keystone species for future changes caused by climate or anthropogenic pressure, especially in locations where baseline data is scarce. The ease and suitability of propagation methods for this species is also not well documented in the literature. With these limitations in mind, the current study aims to document the status of Betulautilis regeneration in the Indian Himalayan region.

Habitat Assessment and Regeneration Pattern of Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis) in Royal Botanical Park, Lampelri

The Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis D. Don) an essential tree species due to its ecological and social importance in the himalayan region. The study assessed the effect of environmental factors on habitat, growth, and regeneration patterns of the Himalayan Birch at the Royal Botanical Park, Lampelri, Bhutan . Two vertical transects with a spacing of 75 m were laid across the altitudinal gradient. A total of 10 circular sample plots were laid on each transect with a plot size of 12.62 m for trees, 3.57 m for regeneration, and 0.57 m for ground cover vegetation. A total of 119 vascular plant species under 45 families were recorded in 20 survey plots. The Spearman rho’s correlation showed strong negative correlation between the species abundance and temperature (rs=- .83) and positive correlation with the species count and altitude (rs = .83). The species richness in the study area showed an initial increase up to certain with elevation and then decreased with further increase in elevation. The importance value index (IVI) of tree species showed Tsuga dumosa as the most dominant species. Betula utilis indicated an increasing density with an increase in elevation. The regeneration of Betula utilis was poor as it was mostly found in a sapling stage. From a total of 43 tree species regenerating, 13.95% showed good regeneration, 34.88% fair, 23.25% poor, and 4.65% without regeneration. The remaining 23.25% seems to be either reappearing or immigrating.

Climate-Driven Differences in Growth Performance of Cohabitant Fir and Birch in a Subalpine Forest in Dhorpatan Nepal

Himalayan Silver Fir (Abies spectabilis) and Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis) are tree species often found coexisting in sub-alpine forests of the Nepal Himalayas. To assess species-specific growth performances of these species, tree-ring samples were collected from the subalpine forest in the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal. Standard ring width chronologies of both species were correlated with climatic variables in both static and running windows. Differential and contrasting temporal responses of radial growth of these species to climate were found. Warmer and drier springs appeared to limit birch radial growth. Whereas radial growth of fir showed weakened climate sensitivity. Moving correlation analyses revealed divergent influences of spring climate on both fir and birch. Significant warming that occurred in the 1970s coincided with growth declines in birch and an increase in fir, as indicated by basal area increment. In summary, recent warming has been unfavorable for birch, and favorable to fir radial growth.

Warming menaces high-altitude Himalayan birch forests: Evidence from cambial phenology and wood anatomy

The Himalayas are experiencing dramatic warming and drought events, which occur at a faster rate than the global average. How will the high-elevation ecosystems cope with such changing conditions? This study aims to combine cambial phenology with quantitative wood anatomy to understand how the growth dynamics affect the trade-off between safety and efficiency of water transport in the Himalayan forests. We investigated the timing of xylogenesis and its relationship with hydraulic wood anatomical traits in Himalayan birch (Betula utilis D. Don) at two altitudes in the central Himalayas. Xylogenesis was monitored weekly from April to September 2014 by collecting microcores. We measured vessel area on histological sections, calculated the hydraulic diameter, and assessed the effects of climate on xylem production rate. Xylogenesis occurred from June to September in both study sites. Moisture availability influenced positively xylem growth besides thermal conditions. The onset and duration of vessel enlargement were correlated with the hydraulic diameter. Trees with earlier onsets and longer durations of vessel enlargement exhibited larger hydraulic diameters. The close relationship between cambial phenology and hydraulic diameter suggests that earlier growth resumption induced by climate changes may result in larger vessels, which are more efficient in water transport, but vulnerable to drought-induced cavitation. The ongoing warming and drying climate conditions may menace the survival of birch forest in the central Himalayas.

Population structure and regeneration pattern of Himalayan birch (Betula utilis D.Don) in the timberline zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Western Himalaya, India

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to analyse the population structure, forest composition and regeneration dynamics of Betula utilis D.Don in two core zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. A total of 346 plants species belonging to 198 genera and 82 families were recorded dominated by Asteraceae (24) followed by Rosaceae (21 species) and Ranunculaceae (19 species), respectively. The total tree stand density was ranged between 1133 ind.ha−1 and 2137 ind.ha−1 in the south and north aspect of the each sites. Among tree species B. utilis was showed the dominant tree species with highest density ranged between 663 ind.ha−1 and 1525 ind.ha−1 at north and south aspects of both sites. Highest seedling density (1033 saplings ha−1 and 1783 seedlings ha−1) and sapling density (1033 saplings ha−1 and 1470 saplings ha−1) was recorded for B. utilis in north and south aspects. The density-diameter curve of B. utilis forest resembled a reverse J-shape which exhibits good regeneration with higher number of individuals in seedling and sapling stages, followed by a sharp decline in tree classes. This study suggests urgent need of long term ecological monitoring of timberline zone to assess the significant change in timberline vegetation and development of sustainable management plans.

Tracking the seasonal dynamics of Himalayan birch using a time-lapse camera

Tracking the seasonal dynamics of Himalayan birch using a time-lapse camera

Betula utilis D. Don: an Ecologically and Economically Important Timberline Species of Himalayan Region in Jeopardy

Betula utilis D. Don (Betulaceae), commonly known as Himalayan Birch or Bhojpatra especially in Indian Himalayan Region is socio-culturally and ecologically valued and considered a keystone species which plays a significant role in the functioning of the timberline ecosystem. It forms an integral part of day-to-day life of the Himalayan people, as it is deeply associated with the culture of the locals. The historical uses of Betula utilis and its subsequent over exploitation to meet-out day-to-day requirements, market forces coupled with global warming put pressure on its natural population and have caused loss of habitat in many of its native grooves in the entire Himalayan Region. The decline in the size of population of Betula utilis is due to its area of occupancy, extent of occurrence, potential level of exploitation, effects of introduced taxa and attack of pathogens. Further, it grows in high altitude tree line zone which is almost inaccessible and most vulnerable region due to global warming or climatic shift. In this backdrop, keeping in view the multiple uses of the species, the present study aims to review and document the ecological parameters, traditional uses, commercial aspects and conservation and management concerns of this valuable species.

Criteria and indicator for assessing threat on Himalayan birch (B. utilis) at timberline ecotone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve: A world heritage site, Western Himalaya, India

Abstract Western Himalayan timberline are mainly dominated by Betula utilis (Himalayan birch) and closely associated with Abies spectabilis, Quercus semicarpifolia and Taxus baccata and formed the ecotone between the coniferous forest and alpine areas. Himalayan birch is socio-culturally and ecologically valued and considered a keystone species which plays significant role in the functioning of timberline ecosystem. A total of 13 timberline ecotone of pure Himalayan birch forests were selected to assess the magnitude of threat on dominant plant species using rapid threat assessment and rapid vulnerability assessment. It form the basis to design appropriate criteria, indicators and scores (ranging from 1 to 4) to rank the plant species under various threat categories. Besides, phytosociological studies were undertaken for assessment of species diversity, density and regeneration potential. The paper highlighted individual of Himalayan birch is declining in adult stages, however growth and vigor observed in seedling and sapling stages. Despite, Himalayan birch was found the most vulnerable species with a threat score of 29 followed by Taxus baccata and Juniperus communis. The annual exploitation of Himalayan birch estimated about 927.10 ​kg capita−1 yr−1 fuelwood and 551.15 ​gm capita−1 yr−1 bark by the people involved in collection of Ophiocordyceps sinensis. The current trends of unsustainable exploitation would facilitate the decline in population of the some ecological important species particularly Himalayan birch. Therefore, this study suggests the appropriate policies and strategies for conservation and management of Himalayan birch on one hand and socio-economic development of local communities on the other.

Sub-alpine trees testify late 20th century rapid retreat of Gangotri glacier, Central Himalaya

Our understanding on glacier-climate link in the Himalayan region is constrained due to lack of long-term observational and high-resolution proxy records. Hostile weather conditions and difficult approaches to access glaciers due to rough terrains largely limit observational studies on glaciers in the Himalaya. Sub-alpine trees and shrubs close to glaciers, growth of which is very sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, provide precise continuous record on climate and glacier behaviour to supplement the observational records back to several centuries. To unfold the Gangotri glacier dynamics in the past, we developed tree-ring chronologies and studied the colonization pattern of the trees in the region. Tree-ring chronologies of Himalayan birch and Himalayan pine developed from their respective upper tree line ecotone in the Gangotri glacier forefields showed impact of temperature on the growth variations. A comparison of Himalayan pine chronology with temperature proxies revealed regional and hemispheric scale temperature signal. Using tree-ring chronologies we show expansion (retreat) of the Gangotri glacier during cool (warm) phases that are also in agreement with the glacier fluctuation records from Central Asia and Southern Tibet. Moreover, using tree colonization pattern in the glacier forefields we established for the first time that the Gangotri glacier terminus receded ~1.853 km since the late 16th century (1571 C.E.), major part of which (1.79 km) receded since 1935 C.E. The glacier retreat, associated with the onset of 20th century warming got accelerated since 1957 C.E. (1.567 km). In view of our findings, the Gangotri glacier might further face accelerated recession in the 21st century under the projected warming.

Projected distribution and climate refugia of endangered Kashmir musk deer Moschus cupreus in greater Himalaya, South Asia

Kashmir musk deer Moschus cupreus (KMD) are the least studied species of musk deer. We compiled genetically validated occurrence records of KMD to construct species distribution models using Maximum Entropy. We show that the distribution of KMD is limited between central Nepal on the east and north-east Afghanistan on the west and is primarily determined by precipitation of driest quarter, annual mean temperature, water vapor, and precipitation during the coldest quarter. Precipitation being the most influential determinant of distribution suggests the importance of pre-monsoon moisture for growth of the dominant vegetation, Himalayan birch Betula utilis and Himalayan fir Abies spectabilis, in KMD’s preferred forests. All four Representative Concentration Pathway Scenarios result an expansion of suitable habitat in Uttarakhand, India, west Nepal and their associated areas in China in 2050s and 2070s but a dramatic loss of suitable habitat elsewhere (Kashmir region and Pakistan-Afghanistan border). About 1/4th of the current habitat will remain as climate refugia in future. Since the existing network of protected areas will only include a tiny fraction (4%) of the climatic refugia of KMD, the fate of the species will be determined by the interplay of more urgent short-term forces of poaching and habitat degradation and long-term forces of climate change.

Strong link between large tropical volcanic eruptions and severe droughts prior to monsoon in the central Himalayas revealed by tree-ring records

Large tropical volcanic eruptions can cause short-term global cooling. However, little is known whether large tropical volcanic eruptions, like the one in Tambora/Indonesia in 1815, cause regional hydroclimatic anomalies. Using a tree-ring network of precisely dated Himalayan birch in the central Himalayas, we reconstructed variations in the regional pre-monsoon precipitation back to 1650 CE. A superposed epoch analysis indicates that the pre-monsoon regional droughts are associated with large tropical volcanic eruptions, appearing to have a strong influence on hydroclimatic conditions in the central Himalayas. In fact, the most severe drought since 1650 CE occurred after the Tambora eruption. These results suggest that dry conditions prior to monsoon in the central Himalayas were associated with explosive tropical volcanism. Prolonged La Niña events also correspond with persistent pre-monsoon droughts in the central Himalayas. Our results provide evidence that large tropical volcanic eruptions most likely induced severe droughts prior to monsoon in the central Himalayas.

Ecological correlates of Himalayan musk deer Moschus leucogaster.

Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster; hereafter musk deer) are endangered as a result of poaching and habitat loss. The species is nocturnal, crepuscular, and elusive, making direct observation of habitat use and behavior difficult. However, musk deer establish and repeatedly use the same latrines for defecation. To quantify musk deer habitat correlates, we used observational spatial data based on presence–absence of musk deer latrines, as well as a range of fine spatial‐scale ecological covariates. To determine presence–absence of musk deer, we exhaustively searched randomly selected forest trails using a 20‐m belt transect in different study sites within the Neshyang Valley in the Annapurna Conservation Area. In a subsequent way, study sites were classified as habitat or nonhabitat for musk deer. A total of 252 plots, 20 × 20 m, were systematically established every 100 m along 51 transects (each ~0.5 km long) laid out at different elevations to record a range of ecological habitat variables. We used mixed‐effect models and principal component analysis to characterize relationships between deer presence–absence data and habitat variables. We confirmed musk deer use latrines in forests located at higher elevations (3,200–4,200 m) throughout multiple seasons and years. Himalayan birch (Betula utilis) dominated forest, mixed Himalayan fir (Abies spectabilis), and birch forest were preferred over pure Himalayan fir and blue pine (Pinus wallichiana) forest. Greater crown cover and shrub diversity were associated with the presence of musk deer whereas tree height, diameter, and diversity were weakly correlated. Topographical attributes including aspect, elevation, distance to water source, and slope were also discriminated by musk deer. Over‐ and understory forest management can be used to protect forests likely to have musk deer as predicted by the models to ensure long‐term conservation of this rare deer.

Impact of climate change on the distribution range and niche dynamics of Himalayan birch, a typical treeline species in Himalayas

Globally, treeline in mountain landscapes is reported to be sensitive to projected warming by climate change. Betula utilis (Himalayan birch), a principal tree species defining the natural treeline in Himalayas, is a potential indicator species to track the signal of climate change. The present study models the ensemble distribution of B. utilis using Biomod2 package for present and future (RCP’s 2.6–8.5 covering 2050 and 2070). The final ensemble model obtained had AUC = 0.886 and TSS = 0.655, thus indicating robustness of the model. We assessed change in the habitat suitability, area expansion and contraction based on ensemble model using SDM Toolbox. The highly suitable area for B. utilis is predicted to shift towards the eastern parts of Himalayas in future, with suitability declining towards the western part of Himalayas. The study, to our best knowledge, for the first time used Ecospat package to assess niche dynamics (i.e. overlap, similarity and equivalency) of B. utilis, which predicted the climatic niche of this treeline species is moderately shifting in future scenarios. Further, the PCA analysis indicated that significant variation (33.45% on PC1 and 24.63% on PC2) exists in the climatic conditions between current and future scenarios. The similarity and equivalency test revealed that B. utilis niche is similar but not identical between current and future climate change scenarios. Hopefully, the results from the present study will contribute significantly in understanding the impacts of climate change in Himalayas with wide implications for scientifically-informed adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Genetic diversity and structure of Betula utilis accessions of North-western Himalaya based on RAPD and ISSR markers

Betula utilis, commonly known as Himalayan birch is an important tree species of fragile ecosystem of Himalayas placed in endangered category. In the present study genetic diversity, structure and interrelationships of B. utilis accessions from North-western Himalayan regions were analyzed using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. 15 RAPD and 16 ISSR primers collectively amplified 109 polymorphic fragments with an average of 3.51 fragments in a size range of 300–1300 bp. Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) ranged from 0.21 to 0.5 with an average of 0.43. Dendrogram grouped all the accessions into two major clusters. Factorial analysis showed three groups for all the analyzed accessions. Bayesian clustering using STRUCTURE grouped all the accessions in two clusters and separated majority of accessions belonging to Jammu & Kashmir Himalaya (cluster-II) from other accessions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand Himalaya (cluster-I). Exceptionally, four accessions namely, Sinth-12, Sinth-20, Son-06 and Son-16 from Kashmir grouped in Cluster-I. Structure analysis showed that two genetic stocks were contributing in genetic makeup of all the analyzed accessions. Results of the present study can be useful for selection of diverse accessions as well as can be useful in designing conservation and management strategies in North-western Himalayan regions.

Xylem anatomical responses to climate variability in Himalayan birch trees at one of the world’s highest forest limit

The Himalayas is one of the most ecologically sensitive and fragile areas in the world. The climate of the region is dominated by the monsoon seasonality, with typical dry winters and abundant summer precipitations. Here, forest vegetation spreads up to the world’s highest elevations, where cold temperatures and early spring droughts represent the main limiting factors for growth. In this study, we applied a dendro-anatomical approach to assess xylem trait chronologies and their association to local climate variability in the diffused broadleaved Betula utilis D Don close to the treeline (above 3900 m a.s.l.). We measured tree-ring width on increment cores from 73 trees. On seven cores, we prepared 12 μm thick sections, which were analysed with ROXAS for the assessment of ring-based xylem parameters. We then built up the corresponding trait chronologies and analyzed them against the time series of monthly temperatures and precipitations. Mean ring width (MRW), mean vessel area (MCA_V) and ring-specific hydraulic conductivity (Kr) positively correlated with summer temperatures in the previous and current year. In addition, MCA_V was significantly associated with March precipitations. Instead, fibres’ area showed a widely negative correlation only with temperatures during the previous and current season suggesting that fibres get narrower when vessels are wider. These results revealed that Himalayan birch is well adapted to the monsoon seasonality and is responding positively to atmospheric warming, thus suggesting the potential for this species to further expand in altitude under the forecasted climate change scenarios.