Abstract ID: 3.10198 | Accepted as Talk | Talk | TBA | TBA

Mountain ecosystems are on the frontline of climate change, warming at nearly twice the global average and facing unprecedented environmental shifts. Alpine plant species, highly adapted to cold environments, face significant risks as rising temperatures push them toward the limits of their habitats. While shifts in species distribution and phenology have been well documented, the climate change effects on genetic diversity are less surveyed. Given that genetic diversity is fundamental to a species’ ability to adapt and survive, investigating these changes is crucial for assessing the resilience of alpine flora. Herbarium collections, with centuries-old preserved specimens, hold important cultural and historical value, serving as irreplaceable records of biodiversity. These archives not only document past species distributions but also provide genetic material that offers insights into how plants have responded to environmental changes over time. Preserving and studying these collections is key to understanding the long-term dynamics of mountain ecosystems and guiding conservation efforts to ensure their survival. This study aims to investigate the changes in genomic diversity of alpine plant endemics by comparing ancient DNA from herbarium specimens to present-day genomic data. Herbarium collections provide a unique opportunity to reconstruct the historical genetic landscape of alpine species, revealing how they have adapted to past climatic conditions and how they are responding to current climate change. By comparing these genetic datasets, we can assess the extent of genetic erosion and the implications for species’ future survival. Additionally, a novel index has been developed to evaluate alpine species based on their representation in herbarium collections and the overlap of their historical and current distributions. This index facilitates targeted monitoring of species that are most vulnerable to climate change. By leveraging the rich archival resources of herbarium specimens, this study not only enhances our understanding of alpine plant evolution but also informs conservation strategies for these threatened species in the face of ongoing climate change.