Assessment of Long-Term Climate Change Impact on Alpine Vegetation of Western Himalaya

Climate change has a significant impact on alpine habitats, putting unique plants at risk of extinction. Due to ongoing climate change, mountainous regions, especially alpine zones, are warming faster than the global rate. Extensive field visits were conducted in the alpine zone from 2022 to 2023 along the elevational range of 3000–4400 m. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the diversity, distribution patterns, climate change impact, and threats to alpine vegetation in the Himalayan region of Kashmir. Alpine habitats support a diverse floral community comprised of 213 plant species from 57 families. Dominant families, including Asteraceae, Poaceae, Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, and Apiaceae, contributed to more than 50% of the total recorded plant species. Hemicryptophytes were recorded as dominant life forms, whereas microphylls were recorded as prevalent leaf spectra in the study area. Studied communities showed a moderate level of diversity indices, with variations across all investigated sites. However, the study identified significant anthropogenic disturbances, including overharvesting, overgrazing, fire, soil erosion, and land encroachment, as major threats to alpine vegetation. Conservation strategies should prioritise the protection and restoration of alpine habitats. The study highlights the importance of sustainable conservation measures and community engagement in conservation planning to ensure the long-term sustainability of alpine vegetation in the Himalayan region of Kashmir. In the context of climate change and anthropogenic threats, we urge implementing effective conservation strategies, which are crucial for the effective management and conservation of alpine vegetation as well as the alpine ecosystem.