CLIMATE CHANGE AND SHIFTING DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS OF GYMNOSPERM SPECIES IN THE HAZARA REGION

Abstract

One of the greatest environmental concerns affecting biodiversity and ecosystems all over the world is climate change. Changes in temperature and precipitation impact a wide variety of ecosystems, and mountainous ecosystems are possibly the most sensitive. The west Himalayan region of Pakistan, the Hazara Region, contains an array of forests that have populations of important gymnosperm species. Gymnosperms influence the forest ecosystem and have important roles in maintaining structural integrity andserve as important components of local ecosystems. Temperature, precipitation, and climate changes influence the range of gymnosperms, their regeneration, and the fitness of their habitats. My research looks at how climate change impacts gymnosperms in the Hazara Region. This begins with assessing current ranges, determining the climatic factors that influence gymnosperm habitat preference, and identifying range shifts with new potential climate conditions in mind. Relationships of climate variables and observed species occurrences rely heavily on field investigations, climatological data, ecological observations, and certain specialized techniques like GIS and SDM. My primary focus is to better understand how important gymnosperm species change their elevational distribution, habitats, and the threats caused by the range shifts due to climate change. My research looks under-studied yet significant topics dealing with climate change and the vegetation of mountain ecosystems. The results will also help strengthen the conservation of biodiversity and the management of forest ecosystems in the Hazara Region of Pakistan.