Many mountain belts - such as the Pyrenees, European Alps, Greater Caucasus, or Atlas - form through inversion of pre-collisional extensional basins. These orogens exhibit three-dimensional complexity, with along-strike variations in topography, orientation, and deformation patterns. Yet, the relationship between these characteristics and the inherited extensional architecture remains enigmatic. Here, we use 3D geodynamic models coupled to a landscape evolution model to investigate how pre-collisional rift-linkage controls rift inversion and mountain belt evolution. Our results show that initial mountain belt structure reflects the inherited basin geometry, while later growth is governed by subduction polarity. This polarity depends on the magnitude of basin offset and the presence of pre-existing structural weaknesses. Comparison with natural examples suggests that along-strike variations observed in the Greater Caucasus, Atlas, and Pyrenees can be explained by the inversion of segmented and offset rift basins. Building on these insights, we propose a simple diagnostic framework that establishes a direct link between topography and deep lithospheric structures, showing how extensional inheritance influences mountain building on Earth.

BackgroundMountains, shaped by geophysical barriers and environmental gradients and with biodiversity, serve as critical hotspots of co-evolved biocultural diversity and traditional ecological knowledge. Within China’s Hengduan Mountain Range, the Wuliang and Ailao Mountains (Yunnan Province, southwestern China) are global biodiversity conservation priorities. Jingdong Yi Autonomous County, encircled by mountain ranges, possesses exceptional biological and biocultural resources. Meanwhile, local traditional markets emerge as ethnobiologically vital nexus, sustaining socioeconomic interaction while serving as reservoirs of genetic resources with associated traditional knowledge. Therefore, this study aims to (1) Systematically document edible & medicinal plants and associated traditional knowledge in Jingdong County, and identify culturally significant species for local communities. (2) Explore the multidimensional functions of traditional markets and clarify their key contributions. (3) Clarify how and why traditional markets can further enhance local wisdom preservation and community resilience.MethodsThe ethnobotanical surveys were conducted both in the large periodic traditional markets across three seasons in Jingdong County to document utilized plants and associated traditional knowledge. Additional ethnobotanical investigations were conducted in 7 towns and villages to gather supplementary information on some key cultural and economic plants. The species of significant importance to local people were identified using the Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) method, and comparisons among local ethnic groups, previous investigations were conducted with the Jaccard similarity index (JI) to identify specificity and commonalities. For each documented species, the vernacular names, growth form, source, consumed parts, processing method, and the effectiveness, and additional use(s) of utilized plants were recorded. The original disease records were standardized according to the WHO International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC-3).ResultsThe ethnobotanical surveys documented 226 taxa (including species and varieties) from 84 families and 187 genera, with Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, and Fabaceae being the most frequently represented families. Of these, 59 taxa were primarily used as edible plants (EP), 70 taxa as medicinal plants (MP), and 97 taxa as medicinal food plants (MFP). For edible purposes, leaves were the predominated part and were typically stir-fried. For medicinal use, the main preparation method was decoction or alcohol maceration, and the primary used part were roots. A total of 47 human ailments mentioned by informants were classified into 13 ICPC-3 categories, with the “Immune System” category being the most numerous. The utilization of MFP and dietary regimen concepts reflects the rich biocultural diversity and survival wisdom of local people. A quantitative analysis using RFC demonstrated that plants such as Aralia gintungensis and Trachycarpus fortunei were important to local communites. Similarity analysis revealed that the difference between the Yi and Han people was minimal (JI = 0.62), whereas the plant species sold at the market and those used by village herbalists differed from each other (JI = 0.09). Additionally, in such remote areas, traditional markets serve as a critical nexus that connects livelihood support, knowledge transmission, and resource preservation.ConclusionThis study presented 226 taxa of edible and medicinal plants utilized by local communities in Jingdong, showcasing the rich biocultural diversity of this intermontane region. Additionally, the study analyzed how local traditional markets in remote mountainous areas function as essential hubs for socioeconomic interaction and living reservoirs of plant resources with their traditional knowledge. Our findings highlight the need to enhance attention and resource allocation to local markets, thereby enabling markets to mobilize their potentials in foresting the synergy between conservation and sustainable development through a bottom-up approach for the indigenous peoples and local communities.

Lazy Toads of the genus Scutiger are a diverse group of alpine specialists in Asia. Despite continuous research on the taxonomy of the genus, the diversity is still underestimated. Integrating both molecular and morphometric analyses, we describe three new species of the genus Scutiger from the Gaoligong Mountain Range in Yunnan Province, China. Morphologically, these three species resemble S. gongshanensis, S. mammatus, and S. boulengeri, respetively, but they can be diagnosed from these recognized species and all other congeners by a suit of morphological characters, including the toe webbing status, numbers of pectoral glands and axillary glands with nuptial spines in breeding males, and the number of fingers covered with nuptial spines in breeding males. Additionally, they show considerable genetic divergences with respect to their morphologically similar species. We discussed the still underestimated diversity in Southwest China, the existing taxonomic problems of the genus, particularly regarding the validity and the whereabouts of type specimens of S. bangdaensis, S. biluoensis, and S. meiliensis, and we provide an updated key to all recognized species of China.

Ground surface temperature variations and their links to permafrost distribution in the Genhe River Basin, Da Xing'anling Mountain Range

Exploring complementary analytical techniques for environmental analysis of glacial lakes in the Pyrenees Mountains.

Abstract In Palaeolithic research, there has always been a need to understand the relationship between mobility, territoriality and the resource exploitation of hunter-gatherer groups. In the present study, we combine the data obtained from the archaeopetrological analysis of chert tools, which include textural, micropalaeontological and geochemical analyses, with geographic information to explore mobility in the Pyrenees region. We have applied computational techniques of spatial analysis, specifically Least-Cost Paths, to identify key natural routes and connectivity areas between chert outcrops and the archaeological site of Montlleó. The site, which is located in the middle of the Pyrenean valley of Cerdanya, has provided ample evidence that the region was already populated by past human groups during the Upper Palaeolithic. Archaeological works at Montlleó point to a long sequence of human occupations dated to between 23,000 cal BP and 17,000 cal BP during the Late Glacial Maximum. Studies focusing on the characterization of the lithic industry have revealed a polylithological toolkit, with chert being the rock in greatest use. The archaeopetrological analysis has shown the existence of a wide variety of exploited chert, which came from both sides of the Pyrenees mountain range. As a result, it has been possible to identify the natural routes of passage and infer the territoriality and social interactions of Palaeolithic hunter-gatherer groups who settled in the Pyrenees.

Soil nematode communities reveal the benefits of protected area in the Himalayas: A comparison of Dachigam National Park and Pir-Panjal Mountain range

Characterizing stream-groundwater flow exchange dynamics in a climate-transitional mountain system

Background: Hypothyroidism is very common in the sub-Himalayan population of West Bengal, India. Although iodine deficiency is one of the major causes, the rate of autoimmune thyroiditis is also increasing. The different genetic polymorphisms of Deiodinase gene and its relation to autoimmune thyroiditis are not extensively studied. This study tries to fill the gap and find out whether there is any predisposition of De-iodinase gene polymorphism in hypothyroid patients of sub-Himalayan population of West Bengal. Aims and Objectives: The aim and objective of this study are to find out the possible relationship of anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody (Ab) level, Deiodinase gene polymorphism, and thyroid hormones (freeT4, thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]) in hypothyroid patients of sub-Himalayan population. Materials and Methods: This institution-based observational cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Biochemistry at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital included 55 hypothyroid patients and 53 age and sex matched healthy control subjects. The serum level of TSH and free T4 was determined by Chemiluminescent immunoassay method, and anti-TPO Ab estimation by the Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Deiodinase gene polymorphism (rs225014) has been studied by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: Anti-TPO Ab levels in hypothyroid patients were found to be significantly higher (P<0.05) than in the control subjects. A significant positive correlation (P<0.05) was also found between the anti-TPO Ab and TSH levels among the hypothyroid patients. Relative prevalence of the three polymorphic forms of Deiodinase gene (rs225014) is being reported in this population for the 1st time, though no statistically significant relationship with Hypothyroidism was found. Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis in hypothyroid patients in the studied population. Prevalence of the allelic forms of Deiodinase gene is studied in this population for the 1st time by the present study.

Forest fires pose a significant threat to ecosystems, biodiversity and human livelihoods, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions like the Kodaikanal Hill range in Tamil Nadu, India. This study integrates Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy-AHP) to assess forest fire susceptibility through a comprehensive spatial analysis. Key physiographic and climatic factors including elevation, slope, aspect, temperature, precipitation and vegetation, were prioritized using expert judgment and fuzzy logic. These factors were spatially analyzed to produce a detailed forest fire susceptibility map for the region. Model validation using historical fire data demonstrated high accuracy, classifying 31% of the area as highly susceptible, 30% as moderately susceptible and 39% as less susceptible. Proximity analysis further identified vulnerable infrastructure revealing that 28.68% of road networks and 30% of settlement areas fall within high-risk zones. The findings underscore the necessity for targeted mitigation strategies and highlight the importance of incorporating spatial tools into forest management and disaster preparedness. This study provides critical insights for policymakers, forest managers and disaster management authorities, enabling informed decision-making to reduce the adverse impacts of forest fires.

Abstract Fog is a vital component of montane climates, providing essential moisture for cloud forests and supporting the productivity of high‐value crops. This life‐sustaining feature, however, is increasingly vulnerable to disruption from rapid urbanization and climate change. To investigate the individual and combined impacts of these two drivers on fog dynamics, we employed a high‐resolution weather model and a full factorial design, excluding the effect of aerosols. Our results reveal that urbanization shifts the fog belt upward, reducing fog occurrence in lowlands while enhancing it at mid‐elevations. In contrast, warming‐induced circulation changes reduce fog in the west of the Central Mountain Range (CMR) but promote fog formation in the east. The complex interplay among local terrain, urbanization, and climate warming resulted in asymmetric changes in mountain fog, which can worsen the water stress differential between the western and eastern flanks of the CMR in Taiwan.

Promoting sustainable mobility and socio-economic sustainability through demand management is critical for mountainous urban rail systems. This study investigates urban rail transit in mountainous cities, focusing on how passenger travel behavior responds to time-based pricing policies across different station types, with the aim of informing differentiated fare policy design. Using Chongqing—a city with pronounced mountainous terrain—as a case study, we classified stations into 12 categories based on 11 indicators, including road slope, bus transfer density, average housing price, and peak-hour train crowding within a 500 m radius. This classification was then combined with questionnaire data to quantify fare elasticity of departure time. The results show that high-value bus-transfer congested stations are concentrated in central urban clusters with dense bus networks, mitigating terrain constraints and encouraging active travel. In contrast, low-value pedestrian-transfer comfort-oriented stations are predominantly located on the urban periphery, where sparse road networks and steep terrain exert greater influence. Low-value pedestrian-transfer congested stations exhibit the highest fare elasticity across all periods, indicating greater sensitivity to fare changes, while high-value bus-transfer comfort-oriented stations demonstrate the lowest elasticity, with passengers more likely to maintain existing travel patterns. Multiple linear regression identifies six significant determinants of fare elasticity, including section-level passenger crowding, average housing price, and bus route density. Sensitivity analysis using multinomial logistic regression further reveals that increasing bus route availability enhances the stability of low-value balanced-transfer comfort-oriented stations, whereas improving walkability can shift stations toward pedestrian-transfer types. By tailoring time-of-day pricing to station heterogeneity, policymakers can achieve equitable and environmentally friendly demand management, enhance operational efficiency and support sustainable urban development in mountainous regions.

This article analyzes the results of observations of bird migrations in the northern part of the Ukrainian Carpathians in late summer – mid-autumn 2023. The dynamics of the species composition and number of birds in the Polonyna Runa mountain range was determined, and the heights and directions of their flights through the study area were determined. During 67 days of continuous observations, 65 species of birds from 12 orders were recorded – 42 non-target species and 23 target species. The number of non-target species (one species each of Columbiformes, Cuculiformes, Apodiformes, Coraciiformes, three species of Piciformes and thirty-five species of Passeriformes) was low (n = 7596 individuals, or 109.96 individuals./day). The subalpine part of this massif is significantly inferior to the forests along its slopes, settlements and adjacent agricultural lands located along small mountain rivers and streams in terms of the number of species and the number of individuals of non-target birds. Target species (Anseriformes, Gruiformes, Pelecaniformes, Ciconiformes, Charadriiformes, Falconiformes, Strigiformes) also had rather low numbers (n = 2619 individuals, or 9.77 individuals/day), with Grus grus accounting for more than 74.8% (n = 1960 individuals). The vast majority of the target species flew at low altitudes (50.0% of individuals – up to 100 m above the level of the mountain meadow), mostly in the southwestern direction (74.8% of individuals and 28.4% of flights): in August – 8.6% of ind. and 11.2% of flights, in September – 56.8% of ind. and 22.7% of flights, in October – 83.8% of ind. and 46.3% of flights. Given the low altitudes and multidirectional flights (especially in late August and the first half of September), most birds at Polonyna Runa are wandering rather than migrating in the fall. Most of the birds observed there are probably migrating from the Predkarpattya and mountain valleys of Carpathian to Zakarpattia, or staying for rest, feeding and waiting out unfavorable weather conditions during migration. Apparently, the small number of flights and low number of birds in Polonyna Runa is due to the fact that most of them bypass this area through intermountain valleys and low passes. In addition, at the top of Polonyna Runa there are no proper conditions for feeding many species due to the replacement of pastures with almost continuous dense medium-high thickets of grass vegetation.

The Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, situated in the central Himalayas, stands as one of India’s most ecologically diverse and environmentally sensitive zones. Encompassing a vast altitudinal range, from subtropical valleys to alpine meadows and glaciated peaks, it harbors a unique assemblage of flora and fauna that have evolved intricate adaptations to the region’s climatic variability. The lives of both wild and domesticated animals in this mountainous landscape are deeply intertwined with seasonal rhythms, resource availability, and altitudinal migration patterns that have persisted for centuries. These migratory cycles, whether of pastoral herds moving to the “bugyals” or of wildlife following the gradient of vegetation and temperature, constitute the ecological backbone of Garhwal’s mountain systems. Here, we shall delve into the intricacies and understandings of changing/transitioning migratory patterns of animals in the concerned region, driven mainly by climate change. We shall also (briefly) allude towards the impacts laid upon socio-economic and cultural variables, in an effort to understand the parallel connections between climate change, anthropocentric dynamics and animal/livestock patterns.

Context: The yellow-footed rock-wallaby (YFRW; Petrogale xanthopus xanthopus) is found in rocky ranges, gorges and isolated rocky outcrops in semi-arid South Australia and western New South Wales, regions likely to be affected by climate change induced vegetation changes. Aims: This study examined the diet of YFRWs and two sympatric herbivores (the feral goat, Capra hircus, and euro, Osphranter robustus erubescens) in two different habitat types: steep, highly connected mountain range habitat, and a low, isolated outcrop habitat. Methods: Plant DNA was extracted from scat samples (n = 170) collected across multiple time points in 2020-2022 at Italowie Gap (steep, connected habitat) and Bimba Hill (low, isolated habitat). Plant DNA was genetically sequenced using hybridization capture with custom myBaits®. Key Results: The number of plants in the diet of YFRWs varied between sites and with season, where 86 species were detected at Italowie Gap, 76 species at Bimba Hill, and 47 plant species synonymous at both sites. Dietary diversity was commonly related to season at both sites, with plant diversity increasing during dry times. The number of shrubs detected also increased during dry periods at both sites, decreasing during more favourable conditions. Dietary overlap between YFRWs, feral goats and euros was evident throughout, and pronounced at both sites during dry conditions. Conclusions: YFRWs are currently resilient to dry times and drought through an ability to alter dietary diversity, however, our data suggests that competition for food resources from both feral goats and euros are heightened during and following unfavourable conditions (i.e. drought, low rainfall periods). Implications: Critically, long-term monitoring of YFRW diet is required to determine how diet selection changes with the progression of climate change. Additionally, the continued control of competitor species is required to ensure the YFRWs future persistence in these regions.

Climate change in the Fichtel Mountains – an example low mountain range in Germany

It has long been proposed1, and then observed2,3, that faster rates of soil production occur beneath thinner soils. It remains uncertain, however, whether soil thickness is the driving variable regulating production from the top-down2-6, or whether soil thickness is simply responding to changes in bedrock weathering controlled from the bottom-up7,8. Answering this question is difficult because the feedbacks between soil production and soil erosion, the processes that jointly govern soil thickness2,9,10, respond to perturbations on timescales of thousands to millions of years11,12, timescales that are too long for scientists to observe directly. Here we leverage a space-for-time substitution at a transient mountain range along the San Andreas Fault13-15, where the remarkable tectonic setting allows for independent quantification of uplift, soil production and erosion. We show that, following a pulse of tectonic uplift, the conversion of rock to soil accelerates before the overlying soils thin, but at the same time that topographic stresses increase7 and the rock weakens16. This observation challenges the long-standing assumption that soil production rates are controlled predominantly by soil thickness1,2, and instead lends evidence for a bottom-up, rock strength control on soil production.

Wet-snow avalanches constitute a major geomorphic hazard in southeastern Tibet, where warm, humid climatic conditions and a steep, high-relief terrain generate failure mechanisms that are distinct from those in cold, dry snow environments. This study investigates the snowpack conditions underlying avalanche initiation in this region by integrating UAV-based multi-sensor surveys with field validation. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR), infrared thermography, and optical imaging were employed to characterize snow depth, stratigraphy, liquid water content (LWC), snow water equivalent (SWE), and surface temperature across an inaccessible avalanche channel. Calibration at representative wet-snow sites established an appropriate LWC inversion model and clarified the dielectric properties of avalanche-prone snow. Results revealed SWE up to 1092.98 mm and LWC exceeding 13.8%, well above the critical thresholds for wet-snow instability, alongside near-isothermal profiles and weak bonding at the snow–ground interface. Stratigraphic and UAV-based observations consistently showed poorly bonded, water-saturated snow layers with ice lenses. These findings provide new insights into the hydro-thermal controls of wet-snow avalanche release under monsoonal influence and demonstrate the value of UAV-based surveys for advancing the monitoring and early warning of snow-related hazards in high-relief mountain systems.

Evolutionary and ecological factors underlying the extensive, fast diversification of the species-rich bee genus Andrena (Andrenidae Latreille, 1802) are of general interest and require elucidation. Progress in evolutionary and ecological understanding of hyperdiverse Andrena assemblages, however, has been hindered in parts of the world where the genus reaches its highest species richness. The lack of well-established taxonomic resources has precluded studies on resource use and patterns of reciprocal relationships with plants which could potentially shed light on drivers of Andrena diversification. This paper presents an analysis of community-wide relationships between plants and Andrena bees in a western Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot (Cazorla mountain range, southeastern Spain). By combining information on pollinator composition of the regional community of entomophilous plants (292 species) with a state-of-the-art taxonomic treatment of the regional assemblage of Andrena (89 species), we assess here the distribution across the plant phylogeny of floral resources utilized by Andrena ; the quantitative patterns of mutual dependence between species of plants and Andrena ; and the completeness of our regional sampling of Andrena species. Three new species of Andrena from the study region, which were discovered in the course of the field study, are also described and illustrated: A. officinalis Wood, sp. nov. , A. rostro Wood, sp. nov. , and A. cazorlae Wood, sp. nov.

ABSTRACTLithological heterogeneity, climatic gradients, and geographic distance may shape the genetic structure of montane plant species, but their combined effects remain underexplored in Neotropical ecosystems. To investigate the genetic patterns and the underlying processes in different lithobiomes of southeastern Brazil, we evaluate the genomic landscape of Paepalanthus calvus (Eriocaulaceae), a rare case of a species restricted to different lithobiomes in campos de altitude and campos rupestres. Using genome‐wide SNP data and different edaphoclimatic datasets, we identified two major genetic clusters corresponding to the established rocky ecosystems, with further substructure reflecting the lithological heterogeneity among the campos rupestres. Genomic variation was primarily predicted by geographic distance followed by biophysical predictors at the ground level, while climatic factors at the atmospheric level showed limited influence. We identified 36 SNPs putatively located in regions linked to selective genes, primarily associated with spatial and biophysical predictors. Our findings thus demonstrate the significance of ecogeographic isolation and population responses to environmental heterogeneity in driving genetic differentiation within fragmented montane environments. These patterns highlight the importance of lithobiomes‐specific processes in shaping biodiversity and provide new insights into the evolutionary dynamics of these rocky ecosystems.