Low-altitude Zone Research Articles

Exposure of Dairy Cows to Coxiella burnetii in Greece: Surveillance Results and Association of Bacterial Presence with Environmental Variables

The exposure of dairy cows to Coxiella burnetii using molecular and serological techniques was investigated in this study. Bulk tank milk and serum samples were collected from various farms in Greece (mainly northern Greece). DNA extraction was performed on milk samples, and qPCR targeting the IS1111 insertion sequence was performed to detect bacterial pathogens. An ELISA was used to detect specific antibodies in bulk milk and individual serum samples. Data on farms were collected in the field using handheld Global Positioning System Garmin units. The collected data were analyzed using an Ecological Niche Model within the framework of a geographic information system. The results indicated that in more than half of the dairy farms (35/60, 58.3%), C. burnetii is present in milk. Specific antibodies were also detected in almost all milk samples (57/60, 95.0%). At least one seropositive animal was identified using ELISA in the majority of the examined farms (25/28, 89.3%). C. burnetii PCR-positive farms were located in the low-altitude zone with a mean value of 97 m above sea level (range: 2–681). The environmental variable with the highest gain when used in isolation is precipitation in the wettest quarter (28.3% contribution), which therefore appears to have the most useful information by itself. The environmental variable that decreases the gain the most when omitted is the minimal temperature of the coldest month (6.9% contribution). The analysis demonstrated that a mild climate with low precipitation favors a positive status. The exposure of dairy cattle farms to C. burnetii is massive, raising significant concerns regarding livestock production and public health implications.

Predictor–Corrector Guidance for a Hypersonic Morphing Vehicle

In an effort to address the problem of hypersonic morphing vehicles reaching the target while avoiding no-fly zones, an improved predictor–corrector guidance method is proposed. Firstly, the aircraft motion model and the constraint model are established. Then, the basic algorithm is given. The Q-learning method is used to design the attack angle and sweep angle scheme to ensure that the aircraft can fly over low-altitude zones. The B-spline curve is used to determine the locations of flight path points, and the bank angle scheme is designed using the predictor–corrector method, so that the aircraft can avoid high-altitude zones. Next, the Monte Carlo reinforcement learning (MCRL) method is used to improve the predictor–corrector method and a Deep Neural Network (DNN) is used to fit the reward function. The planning method in this paper realizes the use of a variable sweep angle, while the improved method further improves the performance of the trajectory, including the attainment of greater final speed and a smaller turning angle. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

Antifreeze Evaluation of Two Dehydrin Proteins from Pseudotsuga menziesii and Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr

Dehydrins exist widely in plants and play an important role in abiotic stress resistance. Two low-temperature-induced dehydrin-like genes, PmCAP and LpCAP, from the pine species Pseudotsuga menziesii and Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr were cloned and found to contain 576 bp and 687 bp, encoding 191 and 228 amino acids, respectively. Both genes were individually assembled into prokaryotic expression vectors and transferred into E. coli cells. When transgenic stains were cultured at −5 °C, the lethal time 50% (LT50) was 50 h and 54 h for PmCAP and LpCAP, respectively, compared with 32 h for the control. When cultured at −20 °C, the LT50 was 38 h, 41 h, and 25 h for PmCAP, LpCAP, and the control. Thermal hysteresis (TH) testing of PmCAP and LpCAP proteins revealed TH values of 0.27 °C and 0.72 °C, respectively, relative to 0.05 °C for the BSA control. These results indicate that the two pine dehydrin proteins have antifreeze characteristics and that their antifreeze levels were well in relation to the environmental conditions of pine growth (Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr mostly grows in cold and high-altitude zones, while Pseudotsuga menziesii grows in temperate and low-altitude zones). LpCAP, especially, could be a better gene resource for the molecular breeding of plant cold resistance.

Coupling effects of soil and vegetation from an ecosystem service perspective

Soil provides diverse ecosystem services (ESs) to people, yet anthropogenic activities result in the degradation and loss of soil ESs. Therefore, there is an urgent need to take effective measures to protect and manage soils for sustainable development. However, the differences in ESs across soil types are not well understood, and the coupling effects of soil and vegetation on ESs at different altitudes remain unclear. In this study, the composition of soil and vegetation types under different altitude gradients were analyzed and the differences/similarities of ESs (in terms of water yield, carbon storage, and soil conservation) among different soil types were identified. Following this, the optimal soil and vegetation combinations under different altitude gradients were determined from an ES perspective. The results revealed that soil types and ESs differed markedly at each altitude gradient. ESs in the high-altitude zone were significantly higher than those in the low-altitude zone (p < 0.01). There was an obvious difference in the ES supply capacity of soil types, with brown earths and dark felty soils exhibiting higher ESs compared to purplish soils, paddy soils, red earths, and yellow earths. The felty soils and alpine steppe combination, brown coniferous forest soils and evergreen needleleaf forest combination, and brown earths and evergreen broadleaf forest combination provided the highest water yield, carbon storage, and soil conservation, respectively. Vegetation can promote or inhibitat soil ESs, depending on the vegetation and soil types. Based on the results, detailed soil and vegetation management measures were proposed for different altitudes. Dark-brown earths and dark felty soils were identified as priority soil types for protection. This study provides an important reference for soil management and landscape restoration.

Utjecaj nadmorske visine i starosti zatvorenog češera na klijanje sjemena crvenog bora (Pinus brutia Ten.)

This study investigated changes in the germination rate and germination percentage of seeds obtained from closed pine cones (Pinus brutia Ten.) of different ages collected at different altitudes. The seeds used in the study were obtained from closed cones (3/control, 4, 5, 6, and 7 years old) in the lower (0-200 m) and higher (800-1000 m) altitude zones of the Mersin-Anamur region in a section from the sea to the interior. The seeds germinated in the dark at a constant temperature of 20 °C for 28 days. At the end of the germination test, a two-way analysis of variance was performed on the germination percentage data on the 10&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt;, 14&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt;, and 28&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; days, and the interactions between altitude and cone age were found to be significant (p = 0.05). As a result of the significant interaction between the two groups, the mean separation test (Tukey test) showed that the highest germination rate was 89.0% in the control group, and the lowest was 77.5% in the 7-year-old cones. In the higher altitude zone, the highest germination rate was 74.0% and the lowest was 71.0%, obtained from 5- and 7-year-old seeds, respectively. In general, germination values in the lower altitude zone were higher than those in the higher altitude zone. However, the decrease in germination values from the control to the 7-year-old seeds was greater in the lower altitude zone than in the higher altitude zone. The study found that altitude was more effective than cone age on the germination rate and percentage.

Nonlinear trends of vegetation changes in different geomorphologic zones and land use types of the Yangtze River basin, China

AbstractHow land use changes and geomorphologic zones impact on vegetation nonlinear trends remains unclear in economically developed areas with complicated terrain. This paper explores the nonlinear trends of vegetation changes with normalized vegetation index (NDVI) in the Yangtze River basin, China, and further analyzes the effect of geomorphologic zones and land use changes on the nonlinear trend. The results show that: (1) Although monotonic increasing is the main trend type of vegetation NDVI (32.46%), reversal trends from decreasing to increasing and from increasing to decreasing account for 11.87% and 24.95%, respectively. (2) The vegetation change is mainly monotonically increasing in low altitude and relief zones, while that is mainly a reversal trend in high altitude and relief zones, indicating an increased risk of vegetation degradation with altitude and relief increasing. (3) The trends in most land use types are mainly monotonically increasing, but those in urban, forest, and grassland are mainly from increasing to decreasing, with area percentages as high as 32.29%, 27.25%, and 35.97%, indicating degradation risk. (4) The conversion of cropland and wetland to forestland has greatly promoted the vegetation restoration. However, a risk of vegetation degradation exists in land conversions between grassland and other land use types, especially the afforestation of grassland. Over all, considering the effects of both geomorphic zones and land use changes can help us better explore the driving of the nonlinear trends of vegetation changes and understand the process of vegetation dynamics.

Nutrient stocks, flows and balances for the Bolivian agri-food system: Can recycling human excreta close the nutrient circularity gap?

Analysis of the current state of nutrient stocks, flows, and balances of a territory is necessary to inform strategies that can transition the agri-food sector to a circular economy model. In this study, we quantified the nitrogen and phosphorus budgets for the Bolivian agri-food system at national and regional scales by way of agro-ecological zoning. We performed nutrient balances to calculate indicators for sufficiency (extent of nutrient deficit/surplus) and circularity (proportion of nutrients recirculated). We also evaluated the potential of renewable stocks (human excreta and livestock manure) to meet nutrient deficits in the system. Our results showed that there are apparent deficits of 32 kt N and 8 kt P in the system that cannot be accounted for using available data. We estimate the real deficits required to bring yields of 45 crops grown in Bolivia to parity with those of neighbouring countries to be 110 kt N and 33 kt P. About 44% of nitrogen and 74% of phosphorus is currently recirculated in the system, with the major nutrient inputs being biological nitrogen fixation, livestock manure, and crop residues. However, nutrient recycling is likely to decrease in the future because the national strategy to address nutrient deficits is to increase domestic production of synthetic fertilisers. Our analysis also shows that there is a sufficient stock of nutrients already available in human excreta (39 kt N and 5 kt P) to cover 100% of the nitrogen deficit and 64% of the phosphorus deficit. The low-altitude zone of Chiquitania-Pantanal alone accounts for 65% of cultivation and 80% of the nutrient demand in the country. Here, export-oriented crops like soybean and sorghum are grown, but less than 25% of the nitrogen is recirculated. In contrast, there are nutrient surpluses of 41 kt N and 34 kt P in agro-ecological zones like the Valleys and Altiplano where traditional agriculture is practiced, and the majority of food is grown for local consumption. Overall, we find that recycling of human excreta, combined with transfer of regional nutrient surpluses, could be an effective strategy to reduce the overall nutrient deficit in the system.

West Nile Virus Occurrence and Ecological Niche Modeling in Wild Bird Species and Mosquito Vectors: An Active Surveillance Program in the Peloponnese Region of Greece.

West Nile Virus (WNV) is maintained in nature in a bird-mosquito cycle and human infections follow a seasonal pattern, favored by climatic conditions. Peloponnese Region, located in Southern Greece, initiated an active WNV surveillance program to protect public health during 2019–2020. The project included monitoring of avian hosts and mosquito vectors, while sampling locations were prioritized after consideration of WNV circulation in birds, mosquitos and humans during previous seasons. Biological materials were collected from 493 wild birds of 25 species and 678 mosquito pools, which were molecularly screened for WNV presence. In this case, 14 environmental variables were associated with WNV detection in wild birds and mosquitos by using two separate MaxEnt models. Viral RNA was not detected in the target species during 2019, although in 2020, it was reported on 46 wild birds of ten species and 22 mosquito pools (Culex pipiens and Aedes albopictus). Altitude and land uses were significant predictors for both models and in fact, suitable conditions for virus occurrence were identified in low altitude zones. Bird- and mosquito-based surveillance systems yielded similar results and allowed for targeted vector control applications in cases of increased virus activity. Human cases were not reported on Peloponnese in 2020.

Soils of the coastal and lower belt of Galápagos Islands – The case of Isla Santa Fé and Isla Santa Cruz

This paper compares the development of soils in low-altitude zones of two eastern Galápagos islands having a similar composition of the volcanic rock substrate but contrasting topographical features, i.e. the small and relatively flat island of Santa Fé and the larger, mountainous, younger island of Santa Cruz. The soils of the lower, dry zone of Santa Cruz are less weathered compared to those of the higher slopes on the same island. They contain basalt-derived mineral grains, swelling 2:1 phyllosilicates, and poorly crystalline kaolinite, and they are rich in calcite features. The soils on Santa Fé, in a similar altimetric position, are less weathered, containing more weatherable basalt-derived mineral grains and a clay fraction composed of open 2:1 phyllosilicates and small amounts of mica-like components, together with likely sepiolite. Sepiolite seems to occur in part in the form of small yellowish nodules. Some soils on both islands contain significant amounts of phosphate, probably linked to populations of sea birds. Compared to the parent rock, an increase in Al, Fe, Ti and K, and a loss of Mg, Ca and Na, are observed for both islands, but this is less pronounced for Santa Fé. The observed micromorphological, mineralogical and chemical differences are explained by geomorphology and related climatological factors, since the present altitudinal setting of the soils is similar. The soils of Santa Fé receive less precipitation because the island has no central mountain chain. On both islands, the heterogeneous nature of the low-elevation soils indicates major colluvial input. Biological factors, such as nesting of seabirds and the development of phytogenic calcite, may play an important role in local soil development. Remnants of illuvial clay coatings, sometimes entrapped in calcitic features, indicate wetter conditions in the past.

Zoniranje travne i šumske vegetacije u Republici Srpskoj prema Copernicus bazi podataka

The paper presents the distribution of grassland and forest vegetation in the Republika Srpska, zoning by natural regions and altitude zones and the changes that occurred in the period 2000-2018. The territory of Republika Srpska belongs to three large natural regions of different physical and geographical characteristics, with specific environmental factors that affect the distribution of vegetation. Altitude significantly affects the occurrence and types of vegetation, so a digital elevation model with a 25 m resolution was used for the analysis of vertical zonality, in order to process data on the distribution of grasslands and forests by altitude zones. Copernicus Grassland and Forest databases were used, for the period 2012-2018. Given climate change and increasing droughts, which indirectly affect the quantity and quality of vegetation, monitoring and managing grasslands and forests will be an important challenge for Republika Srpska. The results of the research show that the grassland according to the Copernicus Grassland database occupies 19.7%, and the forest vegetation according to the Copernicus Forest covers 60.1%, which is almost 80% of the territory of Republika Srpska. Grasslands are most widespread in the area of medium-high and high karst fields of eastern Herzegovina. There are more pastures in the lower altitude zones, while natural grasslands predominate in the higher zones. Forests predominate in the central mountain-valley region. Broad-leaved forests dominate at lower altitudes and coniferous forests at higher altitudes. The European program for monitoring the Earth's surface via satellite remote sensing is a new technology, so the results obtained for the territory of Republika Srpska can be considered a novelty, which is the most significant contribution of this paper.

Biomass production and nutritional properties of promising genotypes of &lt;i&gt;Tithonia diversifolia&lt;/i&gt; (Hemsl.) A. Gray under different environments

Tithonia diversifolia is a shrub with excellent forage characteristics that has shown a wide genetic and phenotypic diversity. The objective of this study was to determine the biomass production and nutritional quality of seven genotypes of T. diversifolia with outstanding characteristics for ruminant nutrition, to analyze the Genotype x Environment (GxE) interaction of biomass production and to compare the performance of these genotypes with grasses offered normally in tropical conditions. For the GxE interaction the AMMI and SREG models were used, and evaluations were made in three environments. In the GxE analysis, the interaction was significant and effects of the environment on biomass productivity were observed with differences between genotypes (p &lt;0.05). In the three environments, the chemical composition was adequate to be offered to ruminants. It is worth noting the high content of crude protein (28.89 g/100 g of dry matter - DM), the low fiber content (30.95 g of neutral detergent fiber - NDF/100 g of DM) and the high percentages of in vitrodegradation of DM for all the genotypes. It is possible to conclude that there are superior genotypes of T. diversifolia with the ability to have good productive and adaptive performance for high-altitude and low-altitude zones with low fertility soils.

Combining sparse observations and reanalysis data for refining spatiotemporal variability in near‐surface air temperature lapse rates over China

AbstractUneven and sparse surface air temperature (Ta) observations challenge the understanding of the atmosphere‐land interactions and global environmental changes. Lapse rate () is thought of with great potential to obtain accurate long‐term and high‐resolution Ta dataset. However, previous studies on over China were solely based on observed data, which limited our understanding since few stations are distributed in western China. In this study, an improved procedure for estimating by combining sparse observations and newly released ERA5 reanalysis data was proposed. The spatial heterogeneity in over China and its influencing factors (e.g., topography, climate, and vegetation) were then explored. A re‐examination of long‐term spatiotemporal variations in and its potential driving forces over China was also performed at grid scales. The results demonstrated that our estimations reproduced similar patterns to those derived from observations. The subsequent analyses revealed that the annual and seasonal variability in varied substantially among different altitude gradients, land cover types, and climate zones. The vital role played by vegetation covers in regulating local was emphasized in this study, which was poorly assessed previously. Moreover, in low altitude zones showed lower values but strong temporal fluctuations and contributed more to the interannual variability in over China, which could be mainly attributed to human activities. The present findings can provide an alternative method for estimating and be further used to assess regional or global temperature changes.

Detection and distribution of viruses infecting hot pepper (Capsicum spp.) in Rwanda

Accurate diagnosis is a prerequisite to effective management of plant diseases especially those whose symptoms are not very specific. A survey was conducted from February to March 2018 to detect the presence and determine the distribution of six viruses infecting pepper in Rwanda. A total of 225 symptomatic samples were collected from high, mid and low-altitude zones, and analysed using serology assay with antibodies to cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), potato virus Y (PVY), pepper veinal mottle virus (PVMV), pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). Polymerase chain reaction was used to confirm the results from serology and to test for the presence of pepper vein yellows virus (PeVYV), which has no commercial antibodies. Amplified DNA fragments were sequenced and compared with other known pepper viruses available in the GenBank database. Seventy-three percent of the samples tested positive for at least one of the viruses. CMV, PVY, PVMV, TMV and PMMoV were detected in all zones but PeVYV was detected in the mid and low-altitude areas. CMV was the most widespread and was detected in 48% of the samples, followed by PVMV and PVY in 23.6% and 18.2%, respectively. There were both single (36%) and mixed (34.6%) infections of the viruses. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of CMV, PeVYV, PVMV and TMV in the country. This is the first report of TMV, PMMoV and PVY infecting pepper in Rwanda. Efforts towards the development of sustainable management for these viruses should be put in place to improve yields and quality of hot pepper.

Allocation Strategies for Seed Nitrogen and Phosphorus in an Alpine Meadow Along an Altitudinal Gradient on the Tibetan Plateau.

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) play important roles in many aspects of plant biology. The allocation of N and P in plant vegetative organs (i.e., leaves, stems, and fine roots) is critical to the regulation of plant growth and development. However, how these elements are allocated in seeds is unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the N and P allocation strategies of seeds in an alpine meadow along an altitudinal gradient. We measured the seed N and P contents of 253 herbaceous species in 37 families along an altitudinal gradient (2,000–4,200 m) in the east Tibetan alpine meadow. The geometric means of seed N and P concentrations and N:P ratios were 34.81 mg g–1, 5.06 mg g–1, and 6.88, respectively. Seed N and P concentrations varied across major taxonomic groups and among different altitude zones. N:P ratios showed no significant variations among different taxonomic groups with the exception of N-fixing species. The numerical value of the scaling exponent of seed N vs. P was 0.73, thus approaching 3/4, across the entire data set, but varied significantly across major taxonomic groups. In addition, the numerical value of the scaling exponent of N vs. P declined from 0.88 in the high altitude zone to 0.63 in the low altitude zone. These results indicate that the variations in the numerical value of the scaling exponent governing the seed N vs. P scaling relationship varies as a function of major taxonomic groups and among different altitude zones. We speculate that this variation reflects different adaptive strategies for survival and germination in an alpine meadow. If true, the data presented here advance our understanding of plant seed allocation strategies, and have important implications for modeling early plant growth and development.

Geo-Spatial Dynamics of Snow Cover and Hydro-Meteorological Parameters of Hunza Basin, HKH Region, Pakistan

Snow cover dynamics play an important role in the hydrological characteristics of Upper Indus Basin (UIB) of Pakistan in terms of seasonal accumulation and depletions. The current study has been carried out to understand the snow cover dynamics, hydrological regime and their inter-relationships. Remote sensing satellite data of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro-Radiometer (MODIS) for the period 2000–2016 along with hydro-meteorological parameters was used to study the spatio-temporal changes in snow cover of Hunza basin. Snow cover dynamics were analyzed through temporal analysis of snow cover and its association with hydro-meteorological parameters using Pearson correlation, Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and elevation-based sub zones. The study concluded that 25–40% of the basin area is covered by glacier. Snow covered area may reach up to 90–95% of the basin area due to accumulation of seasonal snow. Hydro-meteorological correlation matrices showed highly significant correlation (R = 0.78) among maximum and minimum temperatures and river runoff while no correlation was observed between river runoff and rainfall (R = –0.03). A highly significant negative correlation was found for River runoff and Hunza mean Snow covered area (R = –0.87). The negative coefficient value shows that river runoff increases with snow cover melting when temperature increases. At sub-altitudinal zones level, river runoff has high negative correlation with snow cover at high altitude zones (Zone 2, 3) (R = –0.84, –0.86) while at lower altitude (Zone 1) there was a moderate correlation (R = –0.6) between snow cover and river runoff. This study reveals that river discharge in Hunza basin is closely associated with its snow cover dynamics. River runoff is associated with basin’s snow melt phenomenon triggered by seasonally increasing temperatures. River discharge increases with active snow melting with start of summer during the months of April and May. Snow melt starts first at lower altitude zones followed by higher elevation zones with higher vertical glacial deposits.

Mapping socio-environmental vulnerability to climate change in different altitude zones in the Indian Himalayas

Socio-environmental vulnerability to climate change in mountain landscapes depends upon multiple factors that can vary across altitude zones. However, there is limited knowledge on specific indicators suitable for assessing socio-environmental vulnerability that address altitude-related variations. This study systematically analysed important components of vulnerability and mapped them by weight for four altitude zones in the Indian Himalayas. Indices focusing on components of the three different dimensions of vulnerability (adaptive capacity, exposure, sensitivity) were identified based on the literature. Data on these different indices were then collected through a pre-tested questionnaire-based survey of 403 randomly selected households in the four altitude zones (<1000 (low), 1000–1500 (middle), 1500–2000 (high), >2000 m a.s.l. (very high)) in the Garhwal Himalaya, India. Components of vulnerability dimensions were assessed and significantly contributing components were identified by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). An entropy method was used to weight the dimensions of vulnerability for the different altitude zones. Vulnerability was estimated based on the Manush approach of human development index. The data were used to produce a spatial map based on a proposed Spatial Social Vulnerability Index (SSEVI). SSEVI was proposed based on social and environmental indicators of vulnerability with a mix of spatial indicators to generate spatially bound vulnerability. The results indicated that communities in the middle and high altitude zones (1000–2000 m a.s.l.) were more vulnerable (score 0.32 and 0.31, respectively) than those in the low and very high zones (score 0.29 and 0.30, respectively). Greater vulnerability was mainly due to high exposure to extreme events and less adaptive capacity, which can affect agricultural production negatively, in combination with high population density in middle-altitude communities. There was lower pressure on natural resources and better connectivity in the low altitude zone (<1000 m a.s.l.), reducing vulnerability. The spatial SSVI map clearly revealed vulnerable hotspots, suggesting that government supported adaptation measures should not be similar across the altitude gradient in the Indian Himalayas, but should be based on available resources, pressure and livelihood options for achieving sustainability under climate change.

Molossops temminckii (Chiroptera: Molossidae)

AbstractThe dwarf dog-faced bat, Molossops temminckii (Burmeister, 1854), is a small molossid bat that occurs from Colombia, Venezuela, and Guyana, southwestward through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. It is one of two species in the genus Molossops and usually roosts in man-made structures, rock crevices, and hollow trees. The species is insectivorous, inhabits a variety of habitats, and is typically found in low altitude zones. Diagnostic characters include triangular ears separated by a wide space, one lower incisor in each ramus, and a last upper molar with three clearly marked commissures. Molossops temminckii is listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Paternal heritage in Jujuy province (Northwest Argentina): Evidence for sex-biased gene flow and genetic drift effects.

This study aimed to explore the diversity of paternal lineages in Jujuy province (Argentina) by analyzing Y chromosome markers. Furthermore, we examined among-population genetic variability based both on paternally (NRY haplotypes) and maternally (mtDNA haplogroups) inherited markers. We sought to evaluate the impact of sex-biased gene flow on genetic background in Jujuy, and contribute data on the microevolutionary forces acting in this zone. DNA from 149 males from five Jujuy regions were analyzed for 12 non-recombining Y (NRY) markers. Genetic heterogeneity among Jujuy regions was evaluated through population differentiation tests. To identify potential genetic boundaries in Jujuy, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and the Monmonier's algorithm implemented in the Barrier v2.2 software were employed. A clear divergence between Jujuy highlands and lowlands for NRY haplotypes was found. A marked discrepancy between genetic structuring for paternal lineages and the lack of geographical pattern for mitogenomes was confirmed by all statistical analyses. Genetic structuring of paternal lineages is most likely caused by admixture processes that have occurred since colonial times in the Jujuy lowlands. Immigrants were predominantly male that settled in the lower altitude zones, due to the steep orography of the region. Input of allochthonous male lineages because of gene flow toward the lowlands would have increased diversity of NRY markers, thus compensating for drift effects. Likewise, limited input of allochthonous mitogenomes would have promoted genetic drift, a key factor in the shaping of diversity of maternal lineages across Jujuy subpopulations, irrespective of altitude.

Assessment of fuelwood resource preference in representative watershed of west Himalaya, India: conservation and management implications

In the Himalayan hills, woody plant species form a major source of fuelwood. This practice often leads to degradation of forests and raises several management issues. However, lack of adequate information about use patterns and species-level trends of utilization results in gaps in management planning and interventions. Realizing this, a detailed species-level quantification of annual extraction of fuelwood was conducted in Hat-Kalika watershed that represents west Himalayan conditions in India. Across nine surveyed villages, a total of 30 plants (26 trees, 4 shrubs) were being collected for fuel purpose by the inhabitants. Mean fuelwood collection by households ranged from 2916.4 (kg hh−1 year−1) in high-altitude villages to 1256.6 (kg hh−1 year−1) in low altitude. Among used species, probability of use was maximum for Pinus roxburghii (0.79 high-altitude, 0.89 mid-altitude and 0.82 low-altitude zone). Broadly, the tree species contributed 93.3% (low altitude) to 97.3% (high altitude) of annual fuelwood requirement of households. The quantum of collection was considerably higher from the native species compared to the non-natives. Study brings out the possible management implications of present trends of fuelwood collection in the study watershed in particular and mid-Himalaya watersheds of west Himalaya in general.

Livelihood Vulnerability Associated with Forest Fire in Pauri-Garhwal, Western Himalaya

Background:The livelihood of mountainous communities of Himalayan region closely knotted with forest related activities. However, forest degradation especially forest fire significantly affects the mountainous livelihood and hence, there is an urgent need to describe, evaluate and understand specificity of mountainous areas to forest fire.Methods:In this view, a study on livelihood vulnerability with forest fire of High Altitude Zone (HAZ) and Low Altitude Zone (LAZ) was assessed with Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI). It uses 35 indicators, reduced to six components to create an overall index. Each component is composed of set of indicators and they are function of observable variables. The framework uses primary data and employs maximum-minimum normalization to restrict the value range of indicators between 0 to 1.Results:The value near to 0 shows lower vulnerability. The overall vulnerability of HAZ region is higher, that might be attributed to higher dependency on forest; live in proximity of forest; unstable socioeconomic condition; less infrastructural development and higher exposure to climatic extreme events.Conclusion:Therefore, the adaptive capacity of HAZ should be strengthened in a cross cutting manner for reducing livelihood vulnerability to forest fire. The sectors specific developmental policies/programmes should also be rationalized through bottom up adaptation planning with special reference to forest fire vulnerability.