Timberline structure and woody taxa regeneration towards treeline along latitudinal gradients in Khangchendzonga National Park, Eastern Himalaya

A study of timberline forests in Khangchendzonga National Park reveals that tree density here is significantly higher than in other parts of the Western Himalayas. The research identified 20 woody species, with Abies densa, Rhododendron lanatum, and Sorbus microphylla dominating 50% of the importance value index (IVI). Notably, Betula utilis, a common treeline species in the region, was absent. Environmental factors such as elevation, slope, and humus were found to influence species composition, while species dominance negatively correlated with diversity and richness. The study also observed irregular spatial patterns of timberline elements, suggesting that upslope advancement is unlikely in the near future, but treeline densification may occur. These findings provide a baseline for understanding timberline dynamics in this critical Himalayan ecosystem.

Pandey, A., Badola, H. K., Rai, S., & Singh, S. P. (2018). Timberline structure and woody taxa regeneration towards treeline along latitudinal gradients in Khangchendzonga National Park, Eastern Himalaya. Plos One, 13(11), e0207762. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0207762