Project Detail

Diversity of vascular plants along the altitudinal gradient: new approaches to an old problem;a case study in the Western Himalayas

Name:	Diversity of vascular plants along the altitudinal gradient: new approaches to an old problem;a case study in the Western Himalayas
Researchers:	Klimeš Leoš (researcher)
Provider:	GAČR
Realization from:	2003
Realization to:	2005
Summary:	The factors responsible for altitudinal trends in species richness are poorly known because quantitative field data from mountain areas which include the upper altitudinal limit of plant distribution are still scarce. Large and taxonomically coherentdata sets are needed and appropriate null models must be developed to make progress in this field. A large taxonomic-ecological database for vascular plants of Ladakh (W Himalayas/SW Tibet) has been initiated by the applicant. This will be built up toapproximately >30,000 records, based on field records, literature data and documented herbarium material. A check-list of vascular plants of the studied area will be prepared. The role of area size, plant productivity, habitat diversity, geometricconstraint on species ranges, and sampling artefacts on species richness along one of the world\\\'s most prominent altitudinal gradients will be tested.