Treeline Research in the Himalaya: Current Understanding and Future Imperatives

Treeline ecotone is of particular ecological significance because of its distinct physiognomy, species composition, rapid changes in the community organization over a small spatial scale and characteristic treeline species. The Himalayan treelines are under-researched and under-represented in global analyses, in spite of being the highest in the Northern Hemisphere and distinctively diverse. This book is an attempt to address this scientific knowledge gap. Encompassing 24 chapters, the book sheds light on various basic aspects of treeline ecotones, as well as novel features, such as treeline dimension at a regional level, temperature lapse rate along the elevation transects, water relations and phenology of treeline species, tree responses to climate change using dendrochronological analysis, vegetation changes in relation to early snow melt, and elevation. The book is largely based on the primary data generated under the multi-locational pan-Indian Himalaya project on treeline ecotone ecology, funded by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC) under National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS), and contributions from other scientists who have worked on the treeline ecotone in the Himalayan region. The book is important as it brings out the significance of this transition zone in terms of its species richness, community structure, and sensitivity to climate change and other anthropogenic stresses, as a centre of speciation, and also highlights the interplay between geomorphological, physical, climatic and biological components in structural and functional organization of the ecotone. An attempt has also been made to collate all available information on the Himalayan treeline ecotone for its more holistic understanding, particularly under the changing climate. A brief synthesis is included at the end of the book, which presents a way forward for future research and also flags policy interventions that are required for better management of this transition zone that is critical to the ecology of the Himalaya and well-being of people whose lives and livelihoods are intricately linked to the goods and services provided by this young Himalayan mountain system.