Altitudinal distribution and spatial pattern of species richness of the high mountain flora: A case study on Ladakh (Himalaya)

Abstract

Species diversity is a well-documented resource in biodiversity, but its spatial pattern for remote areas like Ladakh is lacking. We  estimated species profiles for all growth forms applying published data on the floristic and elevational distribution of vascular plants in  Ladakh and converted them to the spatial distribution of species richness. The spatial distribution of species richness has been  quantified according to 100 m a.s.l. and visualised by the SAGA software. We found the highest species diversity and the peak of all  growth forms at around 3000 m a.s.l. The heights of species richness curves shift upward along the elevational gradient in the order of  epiphytes/lianas – trees – graminoids – shrubs – herbs. The humped patterns of species richness found in Ladakh are consistent  with findings from previous Himalayan mountain studies. Further research and fine-scale local data can facilitate the evolutionary  issues and conservation purposes of flora in Ladakh.