Alpine Plant Communities and Ecosystem Services Under Drivers of Global Ecosystem Change

Alpine plant communities in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand, exhibit species-specific responses to climate warming and dominant species removal, with native plants showing shifts toward more acquisitive growth strategies. Research using 18 functional traits—including leaf morphology, tissue chemistry, biomass, and height—revealed that high-alpine species like Poa cita and Rytidosperma setifolium benefited from warming, while invasive species showed little response. Principal component analysis suggested a decoupling of trait correlations under these conditions, indicating potential disruptions in alpine ecosystem services. These findings underscore the need for nuanced management strategies to balance native plant survival with invasive species control in culturally and scientifically valuable alpine habitats.

Bird, O. Alpine Plant Communities and Ecosystem Services Under Drivers of Global Ecosystem Change. https://doi.org/10.26686/wgtn.27051130