Climate change is expected to strongly influence high-elevation ecosystems of the Himalaya, where steep environmental gradients and narrow climatic tolerances make alpine plant communities particularly sensitive to environmental change. Many threatened Himalayan medicinal plants occur near alpine-subalpine ecotones associated with upper forest limits, and shifts in their distributions may therefore reflect broader ecosystem responses. Anticipating such range dynamics is essential for biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management in these climate-sensitive mountain landscapes. We assessed the current and future habitat suitability of three threatened Himalayan medicinal plants, Aconitum heterophyllum , Lilium polyphyllum , and Picrorhiza kurrooa , across the Western Himalaya using an ensemble species distribution modelling framework. Species occurrence records were combined with climatic and topographic predictors and modelled using six algorithms (GLM, GAM, Random Forest, MARS, CTA, and MaxEnt) implemented through biomod2. Ensemble projections were generated under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585) for mid-century (2050) and late century (2070). Model showed strong predictive performance, with ensemble models outperforming individual algorithms. Current suitability was primarily driven by temperature and precipitation seasonality linked to mid- and high-elevation habitats. Future projections consistently indicated upward and northward shifts in suitable habitats, accompanied by contraction of low- and mid-elevation suitability, particularly under higher-emission scenarios. Declining niche overlap and centroid displacement further highlighted climate-driven redistribution of suitable habitats. These results suggest that climate change may substantially reorganize habitat suitability for threatened Himalayan medicinal plants, highlighting potential high-elevation refugia and providing a modelling framework to support climate-informed conservation planning in mountain ecosystems.
Quercus leucotrichophora, a keystone species in the Himalayan ecosystem, offers essential ecosystem services, such as water and soil conservation, fodder and fuel provision, and also in forest formation. Our study investigated resource utilization strategies of Quercus leucotrichophora along elevational gradients by analyzing leaf traits in the temperate forests of the Western Himalayan region. The leaf and stem trait data were collected by randomly selecting six trees of the species in each site from three different stands located at three elevations across the seasons. Analysis of variance revealed that morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits significantly contribute to the adaptation of Q. leucotrichophora across the three forest types, which have different environments measured along elevation. The results revealed that along the elevational gradient, specific leaf area, photosynthetic rate, and dark respiration rate increase, while leaf dry matter content decreases. The variation in traits along the elevation suggests a preference for resource conservation strategies that contribute to fast returns in investment, possibly in response to the harsh climatic conditions at higher elevations and the shorter growing season. These findings offer critical insights into the elevational-dependent adaptation of Q. leucotrichophora, which could inform targeted conservation strategies to preserve the species in the face of environmental changes. By aligning conservation efforts with the species adaptive traits, we can manage habitat and prioritize conservation actions, ensuring the suitability of Q. leucotrichophora in the Western Himalayan region.
Large cardamom ( Amomum subulatum Roxb.) plays an important role in supporting both the rural livelihoods and ecological balance in the Eastern Himalaya, especially in Sikkim. However, its long-term survival is increasingly at risk due to changing climate patterns, the increase of pests and diseases outbreaks. This study evaluates the climate resilience of six large cardamom cultivars Seremna, Dzongu Golsey, Sawney, Ramsey, Ramla, and Varlangey using a combined approach of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and the Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method called TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution). Data were gathered through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools, surveys, and expert consultations with Lepcha farmers from the Dzongu region. Five key criteria were prioritized: productivity, resistance to pests and diseases, lifespan, adaptability to climate, and environmental tolerance. These criteria were weighted and analyzed using TOPSIS to calculate each cultivar’s resilience score. The results show that Seremna is the most climate-resilient cultivar, with a Closeness Coefficient (CCi) of 0.94, performing best across all resilience measures. Dzongu Golsey and Sawney ranked in the middle, while Ramla and Varlangey showed lower resilience. This study highlights the value of community led assessments in identifying climate resilient crops and demonstrates the usefulness of participatory MCDM methods in agroecological planning. By combining traditional ecological knowledge with structured analysis, it presents a flexible and context aware model for promoting climate smart agriculture. The findings also draw attention to a dual vulnerability in the Sikkim Himalaya: the climate sensitivity of large cardamom cultivars and the marginalization of the Lepcha community.
The arid region of the Indian Himalayas is abundant in medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) as well as wild edible plants, which are vital to traditional healthcare systems, local livelihoods, and the growing nutraceutical and related markets. The challenging climate, delicate ecosystem, and limited farming practices make the wild populations susceptible to over harvesting, adulteration, and loss of authenticity. Deficiencies in the standardization of post-harvest processing and value addition practices undermine product integrity. This paper presents an opinion on the current quality assurance frameworks and the necessity for customized ones suited to the harsh conditions of the Himalayan arid regions.
This present paper deals with a comparative study of Porpax fibuliformis (King & Pantling) King & Pantling [Orchidaceae-Epidendroideae-Podochileae] and Porpax chapramariensis R. Chowdhury & M. Chowdhury, which proved both as conspecific. Accordingly, the later one has been reduced under synonymy of the former. A detailed morphological description, along with photographic illustration, data on phenology, habitat, and taxonomic notes are provided. A lectotype has been selected for the name Porpax fibuliformis . The threat status of the species has been assessed as “Endangered” in the Indian perspective for effective conservation strategies by following the IUCN guidelines.
