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Long-Term Ecological Monitoring and Observation: A Review in the Context of Indian Himalaya


Affiliations
1 G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBP-NIHE), Almora 263 643, India
 

Long-term experiments are essential in understanding the ecological consequences of global land use and climate change. Further, it is well established that long-term data sets are prerequisites for effective management of forest resources and biodiversity conservation. In view of this, the present study attempts to contribute to major global long-term ecological monitoring (LTEM) networks and the status of LTEM studies in India with a special focus on Indian Himalayan Region. Over the last 40 years, around 103 countries from the America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia have been engaged in LTEM studies on various aspects of biodiversity, monitoring and predicting climate change impacts in a range of ecosystems, including the mountains. The temporal distribution of past studies on the subject shows a gradual increasing pattern (3 papers in 1992) with a peak during 2021 (105 papers). The established LTEM networks across the globe provide a significant empirical basis for understanding ecosystem structure and dynamics. Literature indicates plenty of permanent monitoring plots from India, mostly from southern India, and their significant contribution to ecosystem understanding. Himalayan regions are important sites for monitoring biological and socio-ecological responses to environmental perturbations, including climate change. LTEM studies are lacking in the IHR; only a few sites have been established, mostly in alpine ecosystems. This review identifies research gaps, opportunities with respect to LTEM studies, and the possibilities for strengthening long-term research and observation in India in general and the Himalaya in particular.

Keywords

Alpine Ecosystem, Biodiversity Conservation, Forest Management, Himalaya, Long-Term Ecological Monitoring, Long-Term Observations.
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  • Long-Term Ecological Monitoring and Observation: A Review in the Context of Indian Himalaya

Abstract Views: 211  |  PDF Views: 86

Authors

Vikram S. Negi
G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBP-NIHE), Almora 263 643, India
Suresh K. Rana
G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBP-NIHE), Almora 263 643, India
Bhawana Dangwal
G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBP-NIHE), Almora 263 643, India
Shinny Thakur
G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBP-NIHE), Almora 263 643, India
K. Chandra Sekar
G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBP-NIHE), Almora 263 643, India
I. D. Bhatt
G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBP-NIHE), Almora 263 643, India

Abstract


Long-term experiments are essential in understanding the ecological consequences of global land use and climate change. Further, it is well established that long-term data sets are prerequisites for effective management of forest resources and biodiversity conservation. In view of this, the present study attempts to contribute to major global long-term ecological monitoring (LTEM) networks and the status of LTEM studies in India with a special focus on Indian Himalayan Region. Over the last 40 years, around 103 countries from the America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia have been engaged in LTEM studies on various aspects of biodiversity, monitoring and predicting climate change impacts in a range of ecosystems, including the mountains. The temporal distribution of past studies on the subject shows a gradual increasing pattern (3 papers in 1992) with a peak during 2021 (105 papers). The established LTEM networks across the globe provide a significant empirical basis for understanding ecosystem structure and dynamics. Literature indicates plenty of permanent monitoring plots from India, mostly from southern India, and their significant contribution to ecosystem understanding. Himalayan regions are important sites for monitoring biological and socio-ecological responses to environmental perturbations, including climate change. LTEM studies are lacking in the IHR; only a few sites have been established, mostly in alpine ecosystems. This review identifies research gaps, opportunities with respect to LTEM studies, and the possibilities for strengthening long-term research and observation in India in general and the Himalaya in particular.

Keywords


Alpine Ecosystem, Biodiversity Conservation, Forest Management, Himalaya, Long-Term Ecological Monitoring, Long-Term Observations.

References





DOI: https://doi.org/10.18520/cs%2Fv125%2Fi6%2F623-634