Subalpine Forest In The Environment

 

Between the dense forest below the treeline and the alpine tundra above is the subalpine forest. It is predominantly found in the subalpine region of temperate latitudes, with a few extensions south of the Tropic of Cancer. The zone's elevation increases as latitude decreases. Species including musk deer and red pandas, as well as trees like pine, cedar, and fir, predominate in this habitat. Cold temperatures and a primarily seasonal environment characterize subalpine woods. 

 

•    The ecoregion is a belt of coniferous forests that extends into northern Pakistan from the Gandaki River in the west, through the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.

 

•    They can also be found in northern Indian states like Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, as well as in the medium and high elevations of the eastern medium Himalayas.

 

•    The Bay of Bengal monsoon, which arrives from May to September, affects the climate.

 

•    Rain is trapped by the mountains after they trap wet air, falling mainly in the eastern areas and less so in the west.

 

•    While it can reach 3,600 mm in the west, the annual rainfall in the east can exceed 4,500 mm.

 

•    Seasonal and regional variations in temperature include summer highs of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius and freezing temperatures with the onset of winter snow.

 

•    These forests are typically located on rocky, steep slopes that face north.

 

•    The most prevalent trees include Abies spectabilis, Larix griffithii, Betula utilis, Acer, and Sorbus.

 

•    Among the numerous vibrant rhododendrons that can be found in the understory are Rhododendron hodgsonii, Rhododendron barbatum, Rhododendron campylocarpum, Rhododendron campanulatum, Rhododendron fulgens, and Rhododendron thomsonii.

 

•    Other mixed-conifer forests (Picea smithiana) are made up of Abies spectabilis, blue pine (Pinus wallichiana), and spruce. Additionally found here are Cedrus deodara and Cupressus torulosa.

 

•    In some locations, fir trees (Abies spectabilis) grow in almost pristine stands.

 

•    Additionally found here are Cedrus deodara and Cupressus torulosa.

 

•    In flat, inner river valleys, juniper woodlands like Juniperus recurva and Juniperus indica thrive alongside other Salix and Prunus species.

 

•    Many different kinds of animal species can be found in this Eco region.

 

•    This forest is home to numerous rare or endangered animals, including the brown bear, Himalayan serow, and markhor goat.

 

•    The Himalayan tahr, Mandelli's mouse-eared bat, Asiatic wild dog, Asiatic black bear, and Himalayan serow (Capricornis thar) are all vulnerable species. The Himalayan takin is an endangered species.

 

•    The Himalayan field mouse (Apodemus gurkha) is a completely endemic rodent, whereas the Hodgson's huge flying squirrel (Petaurista magnificus) and the Bhutan gigantic flying squirrel (Petaurista nobilis) are both near-endemic species.

 

•    A total of 285 bird species have been recorded in the Western Himalayan subalpine region, including 9 endemic species and a number of birds that are sensitive to habitat disturbance and may therefore be vulnerable to further forest clearance.

 

•    The endangered red panda and the white-bellied musk deer, which is targeted for its musk glands, are two other significant occupants. 

 

•    Few anthropogenic factors disturb subalpine ecosystems because the majority of this forest's acreage is in remote areas that are under government control and have limited recreational and grazing activities.

 

•    The future of subalpine forests is uncertain due to shifting climates.

 

•    While some forecasts indicate that species migration upslope and off mountain tops may result in extremely significant losses, others contend that habitat variability may offer sufficient shelter for long-term species persistence.

 

The top priorities for conservation are to:

•    Integrate them into wider north-south landscapes that provide biological connectivity, prevent the clearing of these forests' pastures and the felling of trees in them.

 

•    Stop the illegal killing of wild animals including Asiatic black bears and musk deer.

 

•    Participate neighborhood groups in ecosystem preservation outside of protected areas; monitor and control the harvest of wild mushrooms to minimize disruptions to breeding mammals and birds. 

 

34.69 percent of the subalpine woods are protected areas. Large protected areas with coniferous forest include the Annapurna Conservation Area, Langtang, and Makalu Barun National Parks in Nepal, Khangchendzonga, Namdapha, and Singalila National Parks in India, Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and Jigme Dorji National Parks in Bhutan.