Changing Climatic Scenarios Anticipate Dwindling of Suitable Habitats for Endemic Species of Himalaya—Predictions of Ensemble Modelling Using Aconitum heterophyllum as a Model Plant

Zishan Ahmad Wani, Qamer Ridwan, Sajid Khan, Shreekar Pant, Sazada Siddiqui, Mahmoud Moustafa, Ahmed Ezzat Ahmad and Habab M. Yassin
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Zishan Ahmad Wani: Department of Botany, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri 185234, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Qamer Ridwan: Department of Botany, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri 185234, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Sajid Khan: Department of Botany, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri 185234, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Shreekar Pant: Centre for Biodiversity Studies, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri 185234, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Sazada Siddiqui: Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
Mahmoud Moustafa: Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
Ahmed Ezzat Ahmad: Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
Habab M. Yassin: Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 14, 1-11

Abstract: In the changing climatic conditions, species distribution modelling is considered as a key strategy to estimate the probable influence of climatic variabilities on the habitat ranges of any species. The present study explores the potential distribution of Aconitum heterophyllum under current and future climatic scenarios. The results unfold that the distribution of this endemic species is governed significantly by bio12, i.e., Annual Precipitation. Ensemble modelling predicted that higher altitudes of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are suitable habitats for A. heterophyllum . However, the future climatic modelling revealed that there will be a significant decrease in the suitable habitats for A. heterophyllum . Most of the shrinkage of habitats is predicted to occur within the time period of 2050, which seriously challenges their survival. The present study recommends an urgent need to frame a pertinent conservation and management policy for Aconitum heterophyllum and will act as a framework for planning such a policy.

Keywords: Aconitum heterophyllum; endemic; climate change; ensemble modelling; conservation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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