Forest-Snow Interactions in Warming Himalayas: Implications for Conservation and Ecosystem Stability
Abstract ID: 3.12368 | Accepted as Talk | Talk | TBA | TBA
Mansi Singal (1)
Himalayan forests have been shaped by seasonal snowfall and play crucial role in various ecosystem processes such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and hydrological regulation. Climate Change, however, is disrupting this balance, causing snowlines to shift to higher elevations. While extensive research has been conducted to explore the glacial retreat and changing precipitation patterns, the harmful effects of snowline shift on forest ecosystems has not been paid much attention . The connection of snow and Himalayan Forests is very extensive as snow not only maintains temperature but also serves as a natural insulator for these forests, influencing soil moisture, nutrient cycling, and tree growth. When snowfall decreases in the mid-altitude regions, forests experience increased dryness, shifts in species composition, changes in fruiting-flowering patterns and risk of forest fires and degradation also increases. At the higher elevation where snow usually limits tree expansion, the new warming conditions allows trees to grow in areas that were previously covered in snow for much of the year. These changes affect the way provide various ecosystem services, ultimately impacting both local communities and downstream ecosystems. A major gap in literature is that the snow and forests are treated as separate entities and there is a lack of studies that integrate the both to check the indicators and connections of snow cover loss, soil conditions and forest health. It has also been seen that there is a great disconnect between the hydrological studies and recognizing the role of forests in regulating snow melt as well accumulation patterns, this disconnect renders the conservation efforts ineffective. Hence, this review argues that there is a need for a shift in conservation planning-one that acknowledges the changing role of forests in warming Himalayas. By using long-term monitoring, predictive modelling, and conservation approaches tailored to different elevations, we can better predict and respond to these ecological shifts. A conservation strategy that approaches the topic in an interdisciplinary manner rather than focusing just on one aspect of the problem will be the key to protecting biodiversity, maintaining balance, and ensuring that Himalayan forests continue to provide essential ecosystem services in a warming world.
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