Search

Geographical barriers like mountain ranges impede genetic exchange among populations, promoting diversification. The effectiveness of these barriers in limiting gene flow varies between lineages due to each species' dispersal modes and capacities. Our understanding of how the Andes orogeny contributes to species diversification comes from well‐studied vertebrates and a few arthropods and plants, neglecting organisms unable to fly or walk long distances. Some arachnids, such as Gasteracantha cancriformis, have been hypothesized to disperse long distances via ballooning (i.e. using their silk to interact with the wind). Yet, we do not know how the environment and geography shape its genetic diversity. Therefore, we tested whether the Andes contributed to the diversification of G. cancriformis acting as an absolute or semi‐permeable barrier to genetic connectivity between populations of this spider at opposite sides of the mountain range. We sampled thousands of loci across the distribution of the species and implemented population genetics, phylogenetic, and landscape genetic analyses. We identified two genetically distinct groups structured by the Central Andes, and a third less structured group in the Northern Andes that shares ancestry with the previous two. This structure is largely explained by the altitude along the Andes, which decreases in some regions, possibly facilitating cross‐Andean dispersal and gene flow. Our findings support that altitude in the Andes plays a major role in structuring populations in South America, but the strength of this barrier can be overcome by organisms with long‐distance dispersal modes together with altitudinal depressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

My paper wishes to delve into concepts such as assemblage and sympoiesis and examine them within the framework of my ethnographic fieldwork on beekeeping in the Western chain of the Italian Alps. I believe that the implications of notions such as sympoiesis and assemblage can be seen to surface in the context of beekeeping and bee culture, as they emerge as multispecies activities where everything and everyone involved can be regarded as a social actor. In this respect, the most relevant issues I would like to tackle are referred to knowledge production and know-how among beekeepers who keep their apiaries in the plains for most part of the year and move them to mountain areas for the summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpine ecosystems harbour a rich and highly specialised biodiversity, which is particularly susceptible to anthropogenic disturbances such as habitat loss and fragmentation as well as to climate change. Combined with other forms of land‐use conversion, construction and maintenance of ski resorts can have severe consequences on alpine biodiversity. In this study, we show how one amphibian and two reptile species, namely Rana temporaria, Zootoca vivipara and Vipera berus, respond to such impacts by means of a multi‐season occupancy analysis. We found all three species both in and outside ski‐runs, showing that these habitats do not necessarily preclude their occurrence. Contrarily, this is influenced more by microhabitat availability, such as ground vegetation, humid areas and rock cover, rather than by macro‐characteristics like elevation or habitat type. Moreover, we found a climatic influence on the year‐to‐year occupancy change of the species, with activity‐month conditions being more relevant than overwintering ones. Our results demonstrate how, in the specific case of reptiles and amphibians, ski resorts do not necessarily limit species' occurrence and that a mild series of management actions might secure the species' persistence in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interspecific trait divergence may reflect adaptation and reproductive isolation, particularly after the rapid differentiation that may follow the colonization of new environments. Although new lineages are generally expected to be morphologically and ecologically similar to their ancestors, environmental forces can also drive adaptive differentiation along specific phenotypic axes. We used climate niche models and comparative analyses based on a previously inferred phylogeny to examine the history of ecological and morphological divergence of Neotropical firs (Abies Mill., Pinaceae), a group of conifers that have recently colonized and diversified in the mountains of Mexico and northern Central America. We inferred past secondary contact zones by comparing current and past climate niche projections and looked for evidence of recent interspecific gene flow using genomic data. Neotropical firs have similar niches to each other and show a strong phylogenetic signal for most evaluated morphological traits. Analyses based on individual variables suggested a random walk model of differentiation. However, early adaptation to tropical conditions is inferred in the ancestor of the southernmost firs, as all modern southern taxa are differentiated climatically from Abies concolor, the northernmost species. In addition, observed autapomorphic traits for soil properties and the number of resin ducts in needles are consistent with possible species‐specific adaptations. Thus, a combination of nonadaptive and adaptive processes along different phenotypic axes, some related to the environment, likely operated after the southward migration of this plant lineage from North America and its subsequent radiation in the Neotropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zagros Mountains, characterized by complex topography and three large drainage systems, harbor the endemic freshwater crab Potamon persicum in Iran. Our study delves into the evolutionary history of P. persicum , utilizing two mitochondrial and one nuclear marker. We collected 214 specimens from 24 localities, identifying 21 haplotypes grouped into two major evolutionary lineages. Substantial differentiation exists between drainage systems and lineages. Historical demographic analysis revealed a significant decrease in population size during the late Holocene, accompanied by a recent population bottleneck. Species distribution modeling has revealed eastward shifts in suitable habitats between the last glacial maximum and the present day. Following the last glacial maximum, habitat fragmentation occurred, resulting in the establishment of small populations. These smaller populations are more vulnerable to climatic and geological events, thereby limiting gene flow and accelerating genetic differentiation within species. Historical biogeographic analysis traced the origin of P. persicum to the western Zagros Mountains, with major genetic divergence occurring during the Pleistocene. Our genetic analyses suggest that P. persicum may have shown a genetic pattern similar to a classical ring species before the Pleistocene. The Namak Lake sub-basin could have served as a contact zone where populations did not interbreed but were connected through gene flow in a geographic ring. Currently, genetic separation is evident between basins, indicating that P. persicum in the Zagros Mountains is not a contemporary ring species. Also, our biogeographical analysis estimated that range evolution may have been driven initially by dispersal, and only during the late Pleistocene by vicariance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intermittency of gravity wave potential energy (GWPE) in the upper troposphere and stratosphere was investigated using the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate-2 (COSMIC-2) temperature data over three typical mountains (Tibetan Plateau, Rocky Mountains, and Andes). These typical mountains have high sea level elevations but different land–sea contrast. The probability density function (PDF) of GWPE has the independent variable of GWPE and dependent variable of occurrence probability of GWPE over a region. Our analysis showed that the PDFs of GWPE over these three mountains roughly followed lognormal distributions in all heights and months. But, the key parameters (mean value and standard deviation) of lognormal distribution varied with heights and months. Above each mountain, the two key parameters exhibited similar temporal and spatial distributions. They had the largest values around the tropopause region, smaller values in the lower stratosphere (~20–30 km), and larger values in the upper stratosphere (~35–45 km). The intermittency of GWs is represented as the ratio of the GWPE at 50th percentile to the GWPE at 90th percentile. The weakest intermittency was at ~20–30 km (above the zonal mean winds of zero) over the Tibetan Plateau and Rocky Mountains in all months and over the Andes from November to March, respectively. Generally, the weakest intermittency (~0.4) occurred in the region where the key parameters were the smallest around summer. The key parameters of lognormal distribution were dominated by annual variation over the Andes throughout the height range, 8–50 km. However, the semiannual variations are also significant in the lower stratosphere over the Tibetan Plateau and Rocky Mountains. The seasonal variations in the intermittency were not as obvious as those of the key parameters. The lognormal distributions and the intermittencies derived here provide an observational constraint on the tunable parameters in GW parameterization schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sky Islands present unique landscapes for organismal evolution because they comprise high mountain peaks separated by low valleys with vastly different environmental conditions. The Espinhaço Mountain Range in eastern Brazil is formed of groups of Sky Islands in the states of Minas Gerais and Bahia. Several phylogeographic studies have discovered strong genetic structure among populations of organisms occupying the campo rupestre (rupestrian fields) in the mountains of the Espinhaço. In this study, we aimed to test the hypothesis of spatio-temporal structuring of populations of Scinax curicica in the campo rupestre of the Espinhaço. We recovered three lineages of S. curicica : one lineage occurs in the north portion of the Espinhaço (North Lineage) in an area called Chapada Diamantina, and other two occur in the south portion of the Espinhaço (South 1 and South 2 Lineages) in Minas Gerais. All three lineages showed stable population sizes through time, probably due to the climatic stability of mountaintop areas, which was supported by ecological niche modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonrandom association between landscape characteristics and the dominant life history strategies observed in species pools is a typical pattern in nature. Here, we argue that these associations determine predictable changes in the relative importance of assembly mechanisms along broadscale geographic gradients (i.e., the geographic context of metacommunity dynamics). To demonstrate that, we employed simulation models in which groups of species with the same initial distribution of niche breadths and dispersal abilities interacted across a wide range of landscapes with contrasting characteristics. By assessing the traits of dominant species in the species pool in each landscape type, we determined how different landscape characteristics select for different life history strategies at the metacommunity level. We analyzed the simulated data using the same analytical approaches used in the study of empirical metacommunities to derive predictions about the causal relationships between landscape characteristics and dominant life histories in species pools, as well as their reciprocal influence on empirical inferences regarding the assembly process. We provide empirical support for these predictions by contrasting the assembly of moth metacommunities in a tropical versus a temperate mountainous landscape. Together, our model framework and empirical analyses demonstrate how the geographic context of metacommunities influences our understanding of community assembly across broadscale ecological gradients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold‐air pooling is an important topoclimatic process that creates temperature inversions with the coldest air at the lowest elevations. Incomplete understanding of sub‐canopy spatiotemporal cold‐air pooling dynamics and associated ecological impacts hinders predictions and conservation actions related to climate change and cold‐dependent species and functions. To determine if and how cold‐air pooling influences forest composition, we characterized the frequency, strength, and temporal dynamics of cold‐air pooling in the sub‐canopy at local to regional scales in New England, USA. We established a network of 48 plots along elevational transects and continuously measured sub‐canopy air temperatures for 6–10 months (depending on site). We then estimated overstory and understory community temperature preferences by surveying tree composition in each plot and combining these data with known species temperature preferences. We found that cold‐air pooling was frequent (19–43% seasonal occurrences) and that sites with the most frequent inversions displayed inverted forest composition patterns across slopes with more cold‐adapted species, namely conifers, at low instead of high elevations. We also observed both local and regional variability in cold‐air pooling dynamics, revealing that while cold‐air pooling is common, it is also spatially complex. Our study, which uniquely focused on broad spatial and temporal scales, has revealed some rarely reported cold‐air pooling dynamics. For instance, we discovered frequent and strong temperature inversions that occurred across seasons and in some locations were most frequent during the daytime, likely affecting forest composition. Together, our results show that cold‐air pooling is a fundamental ecological process that requires integration into modeling efforts predicting future forest vegetation patterns under climate change, as well as greater consideration for conservation strategies identifying potential climate refugia for cold‐adapted species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountainous grasslands in South America, characterized by their high diversity, provide a wide range of contributions to people, including water regulation, soil erosion prevention, livestock feed provision, and preservation of cultural heritage. Prior research has highlighted the significant role of grazing in shaping the diversity and productivity of grassland ecosystems, especially in highly productive, eutrophic systems. In such environments, grazing has been demonstrated to restore grassland plant diversity by reducing primary productivity. However, it remains unclear whether these findings are applicable to South American mountainous grasslands, where plants are adapted to different environmental conditions. To address this uncertainty, we conducted a meta‐analysis of experiments excluding livestock grazing to assess its impact on plant diversity and productivity across mountainous grasslands in South America. In alignment with studies in temperate grasslands, our findings indicated that herbivore exclusion resulted in increased aboveground biomass but reduced species richness and Shannon diversity. The effects of grazing exclusion became more pronounced with longer durations of exclusion; nevertheless, they remained resilient to various climatic conditions, including mean annual precipitation and mean annual temperature, as well as the evolutionary history of grazing. In contrast to results observed in temperate grasslands, the reduction in species richness due to herbivore exclusion was not associated with increased aboveground biomass. This suggests that the processes governing (sub)tropical grassland plant diversity may differ from those in temperate grasslands. Consequently, further research is necessary to better understand the specific factors influencing plant diversity and productivity in South American montane grasslands and to elucidate the ecological implications of herbivore exclusion in these unique ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold‐air pooling is an important topoclimatic process that creates temperature inversions with the coldest air at the lowest elevations. Incomplete understanding of sub‐canopy spatiotemporal cold‐air pooling dynamics and associated ecological impacts hinders predictions and conservation actions related to climate change and cold‐dependent species and functions. To determine if and how cold‐air pooling influences forest composition, we characterized the frequency, strength, and temporal dynamics of cold‐air pooling in the sub‐canopy at local to regional scales in New England, USA. We established a network of 48 plots along elevational transects and continuously measured sub‐canopy air temperatures for 6–10 months (depending on site). We then estimated overstory and understory community temperature preferences by surveying tree composition in each plot and combining these data with known species temperature preferences. We found that cold‐air pooling was frequent (19–43% seasonal occurrences) and that sites with the most frequent inversions displayed inverted forest composition patterns across slopes with more cold‐adapted species, namely conifers, at low instead of high elevations. We also observed both local and regional variability in cold‐air pooling dynamics, revealing that while cold‐air pooling is common, it is also spatially complex. Our study, which uniquely focused on broad spatial and temporal scales, has revealed some rarely reported cold‐air pooling dynamics. For instance, we discovered frequent and strong temperature inversions that occurred across seasons and in some locations were most frequent during the daytime, likely affecting forest composition. Together, our results show that cold‐air pooling is a fundamental ecological process that requires integration into modeling efforts predicting future forest vegetation patterns under climate change, as well as greater consideration for conservation strategies identifying potential climate refugia for cold‐adapted species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountainous grasslands in South America, characterized by their high diversity, provide a wide range of contributions to people, including water regulation, soil erosion prevention, livestock feed provision, and preservation of cultural heritage. Prior research has highlighted the significant role of grazing in shaping the diversity and productivity of grassland ecosystems, especially in highly productive, eutrophic systems. In such environments, grazing has been demonstrated to restore grassland plant diversity by reducing primary productivity. However, it remains unclear whether these findings are applicable to South American mountainous grasslands, where plants are adapted to different environmental conditions. To address this uncertainty, we conducted a meta‐analysis of experiments excluding livestock grazing to assess its impact on plant diversity and productivity across mountainous grasslands in South America. In alignment with studies in temperate grasslands, our findings indicated that herbivore exclusion resulted in increased aboveground biomass but reduced species richness and Shannon diversity. The effects of grazing exclusion became more pronounced with longer durations of exclusion; nevertheless, they remained resilient to various climatic conditions, including mean annual precipitation and mean annual temperature, as well as the evolutionary history of grazing. In contrast to results observed in temperate grasslands, the reduction in species richness due to herbivore exclusion was not associated with increased aboveground biomass. This suggests that the processes governing (sub)tropical grassland plant diversity may differ from those in temperate grasslands. Consequently, further research is necessary to better understand the specific factors influencing plant diversity and productivity in South American montane grasslands and to elucidate the ecological implications of herbivore exclusion in these unique ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research presents a comprehensive environmental assessment of a small mountain permafrost catchment of the Anmangynda River in the Upper Kolyma Highland (Northeastern Asia) over the period of 2021–2023. The study reveals significant diversity in climatic, geocryological, and hydrogeological conditions within this confined area, emphasizing the need for extensive field data collection and monitoring in vast permafrost regions with limited data availability. Key findings include variations in ground temperature, maximum seasonal thaw depth, and depths of zero annual amplitudes of ground temperature at different elevations and landscape types. Groundwater and surface flow dynamics within spring aufeis basins exhibit complex geocryological regimes influenced by icing processes. The presence of aufeis and its impact on local hydrology highlight the ecological significance of this phenomenon. Future research should focus on long-term trends in permafrost dynamics and their relationship with climate change, as well as the ecological effects of aufeis formation on local ecosystems. The study underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to environmental assessment, incorporating various environmental parameters and processes, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interactions within the cryosphere and their responses to changing climate conditions. Such knowledge is essential for addressing broader questions related to climate change, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable resource management in Northeastern Siberia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meadows are the most important source of feed for extensive livestock farming in mountainous conditions, as well as providing many environmental services. The actual socioeconomic situation and climate change risk its conservation. That is why finding its optimal management is important. To do so, predictive models are a useful tool to determine the impact of different practices and estimate the consequences of future scenarios. Empirical models are a good analytical tool, but their applications in the future are limited. Dynamic models can better estimate the consequences of newer scenarios, but even if there are many dynamic models, their adaptation into grassland production estimation is scarce. This article reviews the most suitable predictive models for grass production in mountain meadows when data on agricultural management (mowing, grazing, fertilization) and forage value are available, considering the conservation of plant biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: There is increasing interest in the study of how the ongoing climate change is affecting insect populations. However, most research has been focused on a limited number of groups that are particularly charismatic or expected to respond more clearly to climate change. Moreover, most research has been developed in a few areas (especially northern and central European countries), while others (such as the Mediterranean basin) have been largely overlooked. Therefore, more empirical research is needed, particularly on less charismatic species, groups that are expected to react less dramatically to climatic change, and key areas that are still poorly investigated. This study investigates changes in distributional and activity patterns in a common, ecologically tolerant, forest tenebrionid beetle in a region (central Italy) within the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot, an area strongly subjected to the ongoing climate change, but for which research is still limited. By analyzing changes in elevation, latitude, longitude, and seasonal activity between 1900–1980 and 1981–2022, the results provided insights into the potential effects of climate change on this species. The beetle's average values of elevation and latitude were found to have been increased in the second period. In response to rising temperatures, the species became more frequent at higher elevation and in northern places. No strong evidence was found for an earlier species seasonal activity, but this could be due to the inclusion in the analysis of likely overwintering individuals. The findings suggest that even thermally tolerant species can undergo distributional shifts in elevation and latitude, even at a relatively small scale. There is an increasing volume of literature on the impact of climate change on insects. However, there is an urgent need for more empirical research on underrepresented groups in key areas, including species for which the effects of climatic change may seem less evident. The present paper illustrates the results of a study on a common forest tenebrionid beetle, Accanthopus velikensis (Piller and Mitterpacher, 1783), at a regional scale within the Mediterranean basin. Using a large set of records from Latium (central Italy), changes in the median values of elevation, latitude, longitude, and phenology between two periods (1900–1980 vs. 1981–2022) were tested. Records of A. velikensis in the period 1981–2022 showed median values of elevation and latitude higher than those recorded in the first period. Thus, in response to rising temperatures, the species became more frequent at higher elevation and in northern places. By contrast, A. velikensis does not seem to have changed its activity pattern in response to increased temperatures, but this might be an artifact due to the inclusion of likely overwintering individuals. The results obtained for A. velikensis indicate that even thermally euryoecious species can show changes in their elevational and latitudinal distribution, and that poleward shifts can be apparent even within a small latitudinal gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infilled lakes are a prevalent geomorphic feature in the intricate high mountain landscape of the Cordillera Blanca, Peru. Despite their apparent geomorphic, hydrological, and ecological importance, a systematic inventory of these areas has been lacking. This study presents an inventory of infilled lakes in the Cordillera Blanca. A total of 962 infilled lake polygons have been manually mapped, covering an area of nearly 90 km2 (the area of individual mapped polygons ranges from 0.001 km2 to 1.760 km2), more than double the area of existing lakes (40 km2) and the majority of flat areas (62% of areas with slope ≤5°). The study reveals that infilled bedrock-dammed lakes are the most common type (42%), while moraine-dammed lakes account for the majority of the infilled lake area (52%) and sediment volume (52% to 57%). Considering high uncertainty of infilled basins' morphology, the estimated sediment volume of infilled lakes ranges between 0.9 km3 and 2.3 km3 (compared to 0.79 km3 to 1.15 km3 of water stored in existing lakes). The case study of Lake Aguascocha catchment reveals a mean sediment yield of 0.64 to 1.63∙106 m3∙km−2 during the past 10.7 ± 0.3 ka, that is, a mean annual sediment yield of 58.5 to 156.4 m3∙km−2∙yr−1. Furthermore, 65 locations where preserved geomorphic evidence indicates possible outburst floods in the past are identified. These areas are particularly important for understanding patterns of lake outburst occurrence on longer timescales than traditionally considered in lake outburst flood hazard studies. The dataset presented in this study is intended to serve as a basis for identifying sites suitable for further site-specific paleo-geographical, sedimentological, geochronological as well as broader mountain landscape evolution studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of environmental gradients on the remarkable diversity of mountain‐associated plants and on the species' abilities to cope with climate change transcends species‐specific strategies. For instance, our understanding of the impact of thermal gradients on ecological divergences in populations of widely distributed species is limited, although it could provide important insights regarding species' response to climate change.Here, we investigated whether populations of an endemic species broadly distributed across an elevation gradient employ unique or multiple divergent ecological strategies according to specific environmental conditions. We hypothesised that populations employ distinct strategies, producing a tolerance‐avoidance trade‐off related to the thermal conditions they experience across elevations.We conducted our research with 125 individuals of Pitcairnia flammea (Bromeliaceae) sampled from various elevations spanning from sea level to ~2200 m and cultivated under the same conditions. To assess specific ecological strategies of P. flammea populations across elevations, we examined leaf temperature, heat and cold tolerances, as well as other structural/morphological, optical, physiological and biochemical leaf traits.We majorly observed that water‐saving traits diminish as elevation increases while membrane fluidity, majorly associated with unsaturated and very‐long‐chain lipids, enhances. Low‐elevation individuals of P. flammea invest in water storage tissues, which likely prevent excessive water loss through the intense transpiration rates under warming periods. Conversely, high‐elevation plants exhibit increased membrane fluidity, a possible response to the stiffening induced by low temperature.Our results revealed a tolerance‐avoidance trade‐off related to thermal strategies of populations distributed across an elevation gradient. Low‐elevation plants avoid excessive leaf temperature by investing in water‐saving traits to maintain transpiration rates. High‐elevation individuals, in turn, tend to invest in membrane properties to tolerate thermal variations, particularly cold events.Our findings challenge the conventional notion that plants' vulnerability to warming depends on species‐specific thermal tolerance by showing diverse thermal strategies on populations across an elevation gradient. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests (SDTFs) located on limestone outcrops are vulnerable to degradation caused by timber logging and limestone extraction for cement production. Some of these forests represent the last remnants of native vegetation cover, functioning as isolated islands. Ceiba pubiflora (Malvaceae) is a tree frequently found on limestone outcrops in the central region of Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity and identify suitable populations for the establishment of Management Units (MUs) for conservation. Inter-simple sequence repeat markers were employed to assess the genetic diversity in ten populations sampled from the Caatinga, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest biomes. The species exhibited substantial genetic diversity (HT = 0.345; PLP = 97.89%). Populations SAH, JAN, and MON demonstrated elevated rates of polymorphic loci (> 84.2%) along with notable genetic diversity (He > 0.325). Additionally, these populations were the primary contributors to gene flow. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that most genetic variation occurs within populations (91.5%) than between them. In the Bayesian analysis, the ten populations were clustered into five groups, revealing the presence of at least three barriers to gene flow in the landscape: 1) the Central Plateau or Paranã River valley; 2) near the Espinhaço mountains or the São Francisco River valley; and 3) around the Mantiqueira mountain range, Chapada dos Veadeiros plateau, and disturbed areas. A positive and statistically significant correlation was observed between genetic (θB) and geographic distances (r = 0.425, p = 0.008). Based on these findings, we propose the establishment of Management Units in Minas Gerais state, encompassing the (1) southern region (MIN population), (2) central region (SAH population), and (3) north region (MON population), as well as in Goiás state, covering the (4) Central Plateau region. These units can significantly contribute to preserving the genetic diversity of these trees and protecting their habitat against ongoing threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hunting behaviours of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) are poorly understood. In this note, we describe the successful hunt of an adult male ibex (Capra sibirica) by a known male snow leopard in Tost Mountains, Mongolia. The hunt started in a mountain slope close to three large boulders and progressed downhill for 115 m until it concluded at the bottom of a drainage. By comparing the habitat where the ibex was killed to the kill sites of 158 ibex and 17 argali (Ovis ammon) that were killed by GPS-collared snow leopards, we demonstrate that the majority (62%) of these kills occurred in drainages. We propose that in successful hunts, snow leopards commonly ambush from above, causing prey individuals to typically flee downhill. Thereby the prey maintain their momentum and it is not until they are slowed down upon reaching the bottom of the drainage that the snow leopards are able to subdue them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zagros foreland basin is an important sedimentary archive for the tectonic and paleoclimatic evolution of the Zagros Mountains and the entire Neotethyan Arabia-Iran collision zone. By combining new geochemical high-resolution whole rock XRF data with clay mineralogy and soluble salt geochemistry we propose an evolution of the sedimentary environment in the Lurestan arc from the Serravallian to the early Pleistocene, closing a gap in understanding the complex exhumation history of the central Zagros mountain belt. An increase in ultramafic sedimentary input indicates a shift from provenance 1 to provenance 2 by ophiolite exhumation at ca.10 Ma in the Imbricated Zagros north of the Lurestan arc. Our data further indicates that the sedimentary environment of parts of the Lahbari Mb within the Lurestan arc represents a piedmont deposition of finegrained alluvial fans and siltstones with aeolian contribution deposited under hyper-arid climate conditions. These represent provenance shift 3 and were likely sourced from evaporites of the underlying Gachsaran Fm and fluvial deposits of the Lower Aghajari Mb (provenance 1 and provenance 2), uplifted by the Mountain Front Flexure at around 5.6 Ma. Combining XRF whole rock data with clay mineral data refines formation conditions of the clay minerals in the foreland basin such as palygorskite, which is revealed to be authigenic in origin in the Lower Aghajari Mb. as a function of varying Mg-content due to variations of erosion of the ultramafic and mafic rocks in the Imbricate Zagros belt. Palygorskite in the Lahbari Member is likely both inherited from the Neogene Gachsaran evaporites as well as of authigenic origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Aplastodiscus (Hylidae) is widely distributed in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil and adjacent Argentina, and a single species inhabits the Cerrado in Central Brazil. The genus comprises 16 species included in 4 species groups. The A. albosignatus species group contains 6 described species, as well as two candidate species referred to as Aplastodiscus sp. 5 and Aplastodiscus sp. 6 in previous studies. Here we name and describe Aplastodiscus sp. 6, based on morphology, DNA sequences, and vocalizations. The new species is known only from the northern sector of the Mantiqueira Mountain Range and can be distinguished morphologically from most congeneric species based on body size, iris color pattern, and cloacal ornamentation. The new species is distinguished from its sister species A. leucopygius by its vocalization. The species of the A. albosignatus group share a conserved external morphology and most of the morphological characters traditionally included in their diagnoses failed to distinguish them. In contrast, advertisement call traits, such as call duration, call envelope, and distribution of sound energy in the harmonic series, were informative in Aplastodiscus species discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate mapping of snow amount in the mountains is critical as mountain snowpacks are water supply for millions of people. Satellite remote sensing has been largely unable to reliably detect the amount of snowpack in these areas. Recently, C‐band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from the Sentinel‐1 (S1) satellites have shown potential for measuring snow depth in the mountains. However, their spatiotemporal coverage is incomplete, and their evaluation with robust, aerial snow depth data is limited. Here, we evaluate two S1 snowpack datasets with some of the best available gridded snowpack data over the Colorado Rockies and Sierra Nevada mountains in the western US: the Airborne Snow Observatory (ASO) and the University of Arizona (UA) snowpack datasets. Compared to ASO and UA data, the S1 data are biased high when snow is shallow, and biased low when snow is deep (particularly later in spring when there is wet snow), though these biases are reduced for deep snow areas when wet snow pixels are removed. We then apply corrections based on machine learning that account for physiographic characteristics to improve the accuracy of the S1 data. Furthermore, we fill gaps in the S1 data by using snow persistence, but also account for potential snow accumulation and ablation, to generate temporally complete snow depth maps over mountainous areas. Corrected and gap‐filled S1 snow depth mapping could be especially important for snow monitoring in remote mountain areas where other techniques for snow mapping do not work or are logistically infeasible or cost‐prohibitive. Key Points: Two versions of Sentinel‐1 snow data are compared to the ASO and University of Arizona (UA) snow data in the western United StatesThese data are biased (low) high when snow is (deep) shallow, but masking of wet snow pixels improves low biases in areas with deep snowMachine learning and gap‐filling are used to correct biases and generate temporally complete Sentinel‐1 snow depth maps in these regions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the present study, the evolutionary relationship within a clade of mountain clade of freshwater crabs (Potamonautes) was examined using mtDNA sequence data for species from the Cape Fold Mountain (CFM) and Great Escarpment (Drakensberg Mountain range). We undertook phylogenetic analyses, divergence time estimation, and an ancestral area reconstruction to explore the period of cladogenesis and understand the biogeographic history in this high‐altitude clade. Furthermore, we applied four species delimitation methods using ASAP, bPTP, bGMYC, and STACEY on the latter clade. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses retrieved a monophyletic freshwater crab clade comprised of two major sister clades, one comprised of the Cape Fold (clade A) and two comprised of Drakensberg Mountains (clade B) species. Divergence time estimation indicated that the two clades underwent Mio/Pliocene cladogenesis. Within the CFM clade (A), P. amathole (Amathola Mountains) was sister to P. parvispina (Cederberg and Kouebokkeveld Mountains) and the latter species were sister to P. parvicorpus (Cape Peninsula, Jonkershoek, and Helderberg Mountains) sister to P. tuerkayi (Overberg Mountains) and P. brincki (Hottentots Holland Mountains). Within the Drakensberg Mountain clade (B), we observed in situ diversification. Specimens from the southcentral Drakensberg Mountains (Dargle Forest, Injasuti, Karkloof, and Impendle) represent a new undescribed lineage Potamonautes sp. nov. 1. The second clade from the northern Drakensberg, representing P. clarus, was sister to a central Drakensberg Mountain clade that comprised P. depressus that was in turn sister to P. baziya from the Eastern Cape Province. The application of species delimitation methods generally overestimated the number of species. The biogeographic analyses indicated that the Eastern Cape Province is the most likely ancestral range area. Ecological niche modelling of representative species in clades A (Cape Fold Mountains) and B (Drakensberg Mountains) demonstrated that temperature and rainfall were the major abiotic drivers that differentiated the two clades. Our data favours the mountain gradient speciation hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mateikaitė-Pipirienė, Kastė, Dominique Jean, Peter Paal, Lenka Horakova, Susi Kriemler, Alison J. Rosier, Marija Andjelkovic, Beth A. Beidleman, Mia Derstine, Jacqueline Pichler Hefti, David Hillebrandt, and Linda E. Keyes for the UIAA MedCom writing group on Women's Health in the Mountains. Menopause and high altitude: A scoping review—UIAA Medical Commission Recommendations. High Alt Med Biol. 25:1–8, 2024. Background: Older people are an important fraction of mountain travelers and climbers, many of them postmenopausal women. The aim of this work was to review health issues that older and postmenopausal women may experience at high altitude, including susceptibility to high-altitude illness. Methods: We performed a scoping review for the UIAA Medical Commission series on Women's Health in the mountains. We searched PubMed and Cochrane libraries and performed an additional manual search. The primary search focused on articles assessing lowland women sojourning at high altitude. Results: We screened 7,165 potential articles. The search revealed three relevant articles, and the manual search another seven articles and one abstract. Seven assessed menopausal low-altitude residents during a high-altitude sojourn or performing hypoxic tests. Four assessed high-altitude residents. We summarize the results of these 11 studies. Conclusions: Data are limited on the effects of high altitude on postmenopausal women. The effects of short-term, high-altitude exposure on menopause symptoms are unknown. Menopause has minimal effect on the physiological responses to hypoxia in physically fit women and does not increase the risk of acute mountain sickness. Postmenopausal women have an increased risk of urinary tract infections, which may be exacerbated during mountain travel. More research is needed on the physiology and performance of older women at high altitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A shallow crustal velocity structure (above 10 km depth) is essential for understanding the crustal structures and deformation and assessing the exploration prospect of natural resources, and also provides priori information for imaging deeper crustal and mantle structure. Passive-source seismic methods are cost-effective and advantageous for regional-scale imaging of shallow crustal structures compared to active-source methods. Among these passive methods, techniques utilizing receiver function waveforms and/or body-wave amplitude ratios have recently gained prominence due to their relatively high spatial resolution. However, in basin regions, reverberations caused by near-surface unconsolidated sedimentary layers often introduce strong non-uniqueness and uncertainty, limiting the applicability of such methods. To address these challenges, we propose a two-step inversion method that uses multi-frequency P-RF waveforms and P-RF horizontal-to-vertical amplitude ratios. Synthetic tests indicate that our two-step inversion method can mitigate the non-uniqueness of the inversion and enhance the stability of the results. Applying this method to teleseismic data from a linear seismic array across the sedimentary basins in Northeast China, we obtain a high-resolution image of the shallow crustal S-wave velocity structure along the array. Our results reveal significant differences between the basins and mountains. The identification of low-velocity anomalies (≤2.8 km s−1) at depths less than 1.0 km beneath the Erlian Basin and less than 2.5 km beneath the Songliao Basin suggests the existence of sedimentary layers. Moreover, the high-velocity anomalies (∼3.4–3.8 km s−1) occurring at depths greater than 7 km in the Songliao Basin may reflect mafic intrusions emplaced during the Early Cretaceous. Velocity anomaly distribution in our imaging result is consistent with the location of the major faults, uplifts, and sedimentary depressions, as well as active-source seismic results. This application further validates the effectiveness of our method in constraining the depth-dependent characteristics of the S-wave velocity in basins with unconsolidated sedimentary cover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, I consider the ethics education potential of two documentary films set in the mountains. I first draw upon the work of Emily Brady in order to tease out some similarities and differences between environmental tragedy and sublime experiences in nature. I secondly argue that the screened sublime is qualitatively different but not necessarily inferior to sublime sensations in nature. I then discuss how the film Mountain showcases the allure of the mountains while also suggesting the search for the sublime there may not be morally justifiable unless it is sustainable. I thereafter unpack the tragic themes in, and moral issues raised by, The Last Mountain. I maintain the film invites viewers to consider the ethics of risky mountain adventures and whether the rewards of such adventures justify the very real risk of tragedy. I conclude by thinking through how the films explored in the paper can aid mountain adventure education in at least two ways: 1) by opening up questions about the moral and ethical frameworks that mountain adventurers have and should have and; 2) by providing viewers with safe and sustainable experiences of the tragic and sublime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is contributing to the rapid warming of mountain environments, resulting in glacial retreat, diminished snowpacks, and permafrost thaw. Such rapid changes have transformed the riskscape of mountaineering routes, altering climbing conditions and increasing objective hazards. In response, this study used a mixed methods approach that combines statistical climatological analysis with archival content analysis and semi-structured interviews with mountain guides to explore the relationship between climate change, route conditions, hazards, and adaptations in the Abbot Pass area of Banff National Park (Canada). Results revealed that long-term climatic shifts contributed to change in climbing conditions and objective hazards across all routes, creating a typology of climate-driven route evolution based on the original route characteristics. Mountaineers adapted to such change by employing spatial/activity and temporal substitutions to mitigate risks and exploit emergent opportunities. However, the use of such strategies was influenced by demographic (i.e., age, years of experience) and socio-cultural factors (i.e., place attachment, risk tolerance) and limited by hard limits to adaptation. Given the projected trajectory of climate change, our findings highlight the potential inevitability of mountaineers encountering such limits, resulting in forced transformations and significant loss and damages. Therefore, it is imperative to examine both the economic and non-economic consequences of these shifts and evaluate the ability of mountaineers and tourism providers to navigate a significantly transformed climate future in mountainous areas. While focused on a Canadian context, the findings and methodologies developed herein are relevant to other mountain geographies, where climate change is rapidly transforming environments frequented by mountaineers and represents a call to action for more research in field of climate change, adaptation, and mountaineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is based on oribatid mite material collected from litter and upper soil stratum of Rhododendron–Lithocarpus mountain forest at a single locality from eastern Nepal. A list of 39 species, belonging to 31 genera and 15 families, is presented; of these, one genus and 11 species are reported for the first time from Nepalese fauna. Two new species – Metrioppia petarberonisp. nov. (Peloppiidae) and Galumna (Galumna) gerdalbertiisp. nov. (Galumnidae) – are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of a soil-ecological base commenced on the existing mountain-forest cinnamon soils in the New Shamkirchay Reservoir Basin, which play a vital role in developing the agricultural economy in the Western region of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Thus, cleaning the area, increasing the fertility of mountain-brown soils, water-retaining capacity, and developing an action plan to ensure better productivity are among the most urgent processes to eliminate water shortages in areas with historical irrigation systems. The presented article discusses the research on the mountain-forest brown soils formed in the Shamkir region territory. This research area's formation comprised an area of 2,498.43 ha. The current analysis based on the morphological and chemical descriptions with diagnostic indicators of six soil profiles (Sections 26, 27, 28, 33, 34, and 54) progressed during 2018-2021 in the targeted areas. The prime diagnostic indicators studied were humus, total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, granulometric composition (for sand, dust, silt, and clay fractions), soil reaction (pH), carbonate content (CaCO3), and their statistical analysis. Specifications for the six sections of the different soil profiles relied on modern tools through the determination of geographical coordinates. Determining geographical coordinates of soil samples employed the Garmin GPS map 62s. Based on the digital elevation model (DEM file), interpolating the elevation points obtained from topographic maps of previous years resulted in a new digital elevation model with low distortion. Likewise, the study has built a new relief model (in ArcGis 10.3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A list of species of Lepidoptera, aquatic insects, and higher plant species inhabiting 22 National parks in Korea was compiled. A similarity analysis was performed to compare all National parks, and cladograms were constructed. In the case of higher plants, those inhabiting the Hallasan region were categorized as a separate group, while the plants living in National parks located near the southern and western coasts formed one group, and other terrestrial National parks were divided into two groups as follows: the Taebaek Mountain range/adjacent mountain group and the others group. Species of Lepidoptera, which appear to be related to plants, in the Hallasan, Taebaeksan, Taeanhaean, and Bukhansan mountains were each classified independently, and those in the Hallyeohaesang, Dadohaehaesang, Naejangsan, and Byeonsanbando in the southern and western parts of Korea were classified as a single group. In case of aquatic insects, those in the Hallasan, Taeanhaean, and Bukhansan region were categorized in independent groups, and other terrestrial National parks were placed in one group with high similarity. A similarity analysis was performed through a detailed classification of the habitats in National parks revealed that marine‐coastal National parks particularly showed low similarity with other mountainous National parks. In addition, other terrestrial National parks were further grouped into large and small National parks. Comparing the subject map that divided Korea into climate, vegetation, and topography, some marine‐coastal National park areas were confirmed to be distinguished from other areas. Furthermore, similarity analysis revealed that Gangwon‐do and Baekdu‐Daegan regions in Gyeongsangbuk‐do were categorized into one group with high similarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Madrean Sky Islands are mountain ranges isolated by a 'desert sea'. This area is a biodiversity hotspot currently threatened by climate change. Here, we studied soil microbial communities along elevational gradients in eight Madrean Sky Islands in southeastern Arizona (USA). Our results showed that while elevational microbial richness gradients were weak and not consistent across different mountains, soil properties strongly influenced microbial community composition (overall composition and the abundance of key functional groups) along elevational gradients. In particular, warming is associated with a higher abundance of soil‐borne fungal plant pathogens that concomitantly might facilitate upward elevational shifts of plant species released from negative plant–soil feedbacks. Furthermore, projected warming and drought in the area aggravated by anthropogenic nitrogen deposition on mountain tops (and thus, decreasing nitrogen limitation) can enhance a shift from ectomycorrhizal to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Overall, these results indicate that climate change effects on plant–soil interactions might have profound ecosystem consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetation tends to vary in a systematic fashion along elevational gradients, leading to the possibility of recognizing distinct vegetational belts, which are frequently used to describe and interpret elevational variations in biodiversity. However, anthropogenic changes can create landscapes dominated by secondary grasslands in areas formerly occupied by forests, thus altering the natural sequence of vegetation types. The present research illustrates how the distribution of tenebrionid beetles in central Italy is influenced by secondary vegetation. Classical schemes of vegetational belts were modified into a scheme of main vegetation types that include secondary vegetations. Tenebrionid species presence/absence in each vegetation type was then assessed. Species richness tended to decrease with elevation in both natural and secondary vegetations. Geophilous (ground-dwelling) species (which include many endemics) prevailed in natural and secondary grasslands, while xylophilous species (associated with trees) prevailed in the natural forests. Similarities in tenebrionid composition indicated the presence of two main groups: one associated with forests and the other with natural and secondary grasslands. Geophilous species prevailed among tenebrionids with Mediterranean distributions, whereas xylophilous species prevailed among species distributed mainly in Europe and the Palearctic. High values of richness, biogeographical complexity and proportion of endemics make secondary vegetations of high conservation concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountainous terrains are typical over southeast China, with complex and diverse topography, large terrain undulations, rich geographic features, and meteorological variations. Previous studies show that ERA5 meteorological variables are generally accurate with respect to large plains or urban agglomerations, while their applicability to mountainous areas remains inconclusive. In this paper, using high-precision measurements probed by ground-based remote sensing instruments in May–July 2023 at a typical mountainous Shanghuang site in southeast China, the vertical accuracy of the ERA5 reanalysis datasets were comparatively evaluated. Our findings depict that the horizontal wind speeds of the ERA5 reanalysis data show a good performance compared to the Doppler lidar observations. In quantitative terms, ERA5 horizontal wind speeds are about 8% higher than the observed values below a height of 400 m, while above 400 m, an increasing negative bias is observed along as altitude increases. Differing from the horizontal wind speeds, there is a large discrepancy in the vertical wind speeds between the ERA5 and the observations, with a deviation of −150% to 40%. In terms of the thermal variables, the temperature extracted from ERA5 are consistent with the measurements in the low troposphere. Nevertheless, large systematic errors occur at 2000–3000 m, and the overall presentation shows that the errors gradually increase with the increase in altitude. Concerning the relative humidity, the general trend in ERA5 is similar to that observed by the microwave radiometer, but the relative errors from 500 to 2500 m range from 40% to 100%. This study also reveals that ERA5 is poorly representative and requires further improvements during extreme weather events such as rainstorms and typhoons. In particular, the horizontal wind speeds at the middle and lower levels deviate strongly from the observations. Given the importance of atmospheric thermodynamic stratifications in terms of both environmental and climatic issues, the results expand the application of the ERA5 reanalysis datasets in the mountainous areas of southeast China. More importantly, it provides credible reference data for the meteorological predictions and climate modelings in the southeast China mountainous region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although sleeping is essential for animals, little is known about the characteristics of Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) bed sites (resting sites). We studied bed-site selection of Asiatic black bears in the Central Alps, Japan, 2021–2022, by monitoring 12 GPS-collared bears and examining 56 bed sites. We assessed horizontal visibility, canopy openness, and dominant vegetation at both bed and control sites, accounting for season and time of day. Findings suggest bears prefer bed sites at the base of thick trees, such as Japanese red pines (Pinus densiflora) and Japanese larches (Larix kaempferi). Bed sites with low visibility were chosen during spring or autumn, corresponding with higher human activity, but not in summer. Proximity to foods, particularly in broad-leaved forests with abundant food such as buds, leaves, and acorn seeds, may influence bed-site selection during spring or autumn. Both sexes showed similar trends. This implies the interplay of safety and food access in Asiatic black bear bed-site selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaboration is essential to advancing knowledge and, ultimately, entire societies. With the development of Web 2.0, the possibilities have risen to unprecedented levels and allowed for the collaborative creation of the world's largest compendium of knowledge that ever existed – Wikipedia. Collaboration is not a safeguard of quality per se, however. Rather, the quality of Wikipedia articles rises with the number of editors per article as well as a greater diversity among them. Here, we address a not yet documented potential threat to those preconditions: self-selection of Wikipedia editors to articles. Specifically, we expected articles with a clear-cut link to a specific country (e.g., about its highest mountain, "national" article category) to attract a larger proportion of editors of that nationality when compared to articles without any specific link to that country (e.g., "gravity", "universal" article category), whereas articles with a link to several countries (e.g., "United Nations", "international" article category) should fall in between. Across several language versions, hundreds of different articles, and hundreds of thousands of editors, we find the expected effect within Wikipedia: The more exclusively an article topic is linked to a particular nation, the higher the proportion of editors from that country is among the contributors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaboration is essential to advancing knowledge and, ultimately, entire societies. With the development of Web 2.0, the possibilities have risen to unprecedented levels and allowed for the collaborative creation of the world's largest compendium of knowledge that ever existed – Wikipedia. Collaboration is not a safeguard of quality per se, however. Rather, the quality of Wikipedia articles rises with the number of editors per article as well as a greater diversity among them. Here, we address a not yet documented potential threat to those preconditions: self-selection of Wikipedia editors to articles. Specifically, we expected articles with a clear-cut link to a specific country (e.g., about its highest mountain, "national" article category) to attract a larger proportion of editors of that nationality when compared to articles without any specific link to that country (e.g., "gravity", "universal" article category), whereas articles with a link to several countries (e.g., "United Nations", "international" article category) should fall in between. Across several language versions, hundreds of different articles, and hundreds of thousands of editors, we find the expected effect within Wikipedia: The more exclusively an article topic is linked to a particular nation, the higher the proportion of editors from that country is among the contributors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Sierra de las Cruces and Montealto, in the State of Mexico, the Divine Face is a fractal divinity that lives in five sacred hills, known as “rosario”. Giver of life and seeds, this divinity receives maintenance and sustenance from “their bodies”, known as the mēfi (workers), which are chosen by the lightning and are trapped between the wrath of God and the envy of others humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wild olive, Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata (Wall. & G.Don) Cif. is one of the three dominant species of the common tree that exits in the ecosystem of the mountains of northern and southern Oman. There are insufficient studies about the use, ecology and preservation of this species in Oman. The mountain ecosystem habitation is highly sensitive to disturbances and not easy to rehabilitate. These disturbances are caused by range of anthropogenic effects, such as urbanisation, climate change, overgrazing, introducing non-native species, as well as naturally occurring insect pests and diseases. Introduction of cultivated olive orchards (Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea) in Oman was introduced in 2001 for oil production and its consumption in western Hajar Mountains has added a genetic threat where wild olives are grown. This paper highlights the importance of this subspecies in Oman and the threats that Oman is currently facing. The question is rising here "Do we need to be concerned about wild olive in Oman?" This paper gives a clear picture of the wild olive in Oman including its description, distribution, ecology and current conservation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between the 16th and 18th centuries, the valleys, and plains to the west of the Sierras Centrales in Argentina oscillated between their relations with Cuyo and the attraction of the city of Córdoba. The mountain range and its many rivers were a significant orographic obstacle and helped to give these communities a distinctive identity. In this study, we explore from a historical environmental perspective how this established configuration was disrupted at the end of the 19th century, within the framework of state consolidation and the Atlantic reorientation of the Argentine economy. Thus, we analyze how the pre-existing dynamics and relationship with water and mountain runoff were a limit between the mountain valleys and the thriving agro-livestock economy of the Pampas. Traditional historiographic sources were used -reports, stories, newspapers, among others- together with historical cartography and GIS software. The latter, allowed to shed new light on some previously ignored elements around the hidrosocial and transportation system of that landlocked province [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring the diversity and location of birds is of great practical importance and scientific interest. This manuscript presents the results of a study of birds carried out in 2022-2023 on the territory of the State National Natural Park "Kolsay Kolderi", located in the Northern Tien Shan. 81 species of birds has been identified and data on the distribution are provided as obtained results of these investigations. The study showed that in these two years, the abundance of such birds as the Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea, Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides, Blue-headed Redstart Phoenicurus caeruleocephalus, Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus and Linnet Acanthis cannabina were stable, and the rests there were fluctuating fluctuations. Most inhabitants of wetlands avoid encounters with humans, but in the park, Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea was not afraid of humans and begged for food. Visits to various biotopes and areas made it possible to supplement the list of birds in the park with encounters of new species such as the great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, Green-winged Teal Anas crecca, Common Crane Grus grus, Coot Fulica atra, Lapwing Vanellus vanellus and Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus, and confirm the nesting of Bittern Botaurus stellaris and Moorhen Gallinula chloropus. Nesting of coot and lapwing was recorded for the first time in the mountains of the Northern Tien Shan. In places where tourists are concentrated and live in campsites and yurts, the number of Black Kites Milvus migrans, Rock Dove Columba livia, Common Mynahs Acridotheres tristis, Magpies Pica pica and Carrion crows Corvus corone has increased. Of the species included in the Red Book of Kazakhstan, the Common Crane Grus grus, the Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus and the Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus are recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ground disturbance caused by the tunnel construction will inevitably have an impact on the upper part of the constructed tunnel structure, and the railroad tunnel requires a very high level of control over the structural settlement deformation. For the problem of double-hole tunnel under the built tunnel, this paper takes Chongqing Mingyue Mountain Tunnel under the built Shanghai-Rong Railway Paihua Cave tunnel and Zheng-Yu Railway tunnel as the engineering background, and starts from the mechanism of ground loss caused by tunnel excavation, firstly, the settlement at the height of the existing tunnel strata is obtained through theoretical analysis, and the new Mingyue Mountain Tunnel under the Shanghai-Rong Railway tunnel is determined to be a more dangerous section. Further simulate and calculate the dynamic excavation process of the new double-hole tunnel underpass, and study the settlement deformation law of the Mingyue Mountain Tunnel underpassing the Hurong Railway Tunnel. According to the requirements of railroad tunnel for settlement deformation control, the new tunnel is determined to be constructed by step method to ensure the safety of railroad tunnel. The shortcomings of the theoretical calculation are analyzed to illustrate the important role of numerical simulation in the evaluation of tunnel underpass projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Pentecostalism is a major stream within Christianity in Sierra Leone, the first field where Protestant missionaries were active in tropical Africa, this ecclesial development remains marginally represented in research. The Pentecostalisation of Sierra Leone points to the nation's continuous recontextualization of Christianity from its inherited missionary vestiges to meet local cultural needs. In this paper, I discuss the retreat by Pentecostal clerics to nature (forests, rivers, and mountains) from where they expect to connect with the transcendent God and receive spiritual power. To do so, I first discuss Sierra Leone's traditional conceptualization of forests, rivers, and mountains as sites for the acquisition of spiritual power. Second, I briefly survey the emergence of Pentecostalism in Sierra Leone, probing the specific uses by Pentecostals of natural spaces. Finally, I conclude with an intercultural theological assessment of Sierra Leone's emerging Pentecostal uses and interpretations of natural spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Byzantine author Agathias (sixth century CE) states that the Alamanni are not yet Christians but venerate nature instead. In scholarship, this passage is used as evidence of 'nature worship' in the late paganism of this Germanic tribe. However, in-depth analysis suggests a more nuanced picture. On the one hand, nature worship is a classical topos for the religion of barbaric peoples. On the other hand, archaeological and other textual sources give the impression that the Alamanni of Agathias' day may already have been partially Christianized and might, in fact, have been in a phase of syncretism leaning toward Christianity rather than being 'staunchly heathen', as they are often portrayed. Agathias' claim of a pagan Alamannic nature worship therefore should be seen as a stereotypical projection by this Byzantine author rather than a reflection of genuine Alamannic religious attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the number of confirmed locations for Luscinia cyane during the breeding season is decreasing nationwide, while Emberiza variabilis is increasing. Both species are observed locally during the breeding season in the mountains of Shiga Prefecture, but their distribution is not fully understood. In order to confirm the distribution of these species, I conducted a survey of the number of singing males at 48 survey sites in 7 mountain ranges throughout Shiga Prefecture between May and July from 2020 to 2023. As a result, Luscinia cyane was confirmed in 23 survey sites on 5 mountain ranges, and Emberiza variabilis was confirmed in 8 survey sites on 3 mountain ranges. Regarding Luscinia cyane, there was no change in the distribution of mountain ranges compared to the records from the 2000s, but a decrease in habitat was suggested for two mountain ranges. Regarding Emberiza variabilis, there are no records of the breeding season before the 1990s, so it is thought that the distribution of the breeding season has expanded in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species traits often vary in a coordinated manner, making up an ecological strategy comprised of suites of interrelated traits. Environmental gradients, such as those along elevational gradients, provide an ideal venue in which to examine variation in ecological strategies with the environment. We examined variation in the morphological strategies of ants along elevational gradients on thirteen mountains across three mountain ranges in central and south-eastern Australia. We pitfall-trapped ants, counted and identified workers and measured morphological traits. Most species showed a hump-shaped relationship between occurrence and elevation, and several responded to microhabitat variables. Morphological traits varied along two key axes: "gracility", where high values indicated longer-legged species with dorsally positioned eyes and smooth, bare cuticles; and "size and darkness", where species with high values were larger and darker. Analysis of assemblage-weighted means revealed that gracility decreased with temperature and increased with precipitation, suggesting links with desiccation tolerance. Size and darkness increased with UV-B, declined with increasing canopy cover and peaked at mid-temperatures. We thus detected strong shifts in dominant morphological strategies along our elevational gradients. However, the multifunctionality and interrelatedness of traits and the covariance of climatic factors may make isolation of the function of individual traits difficult. Further, the predictive power of our models may be limited in the context of novel environments predicted under global change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Himalayan region is one of the world's youngest and greatest mountain ranges, serving as the source of several major rivers in Asia. Nepal, situated in the middle of the Himalayas, has a diverse climate that varies from tropical to polar, with highly heterogeneous precipitation patterns and hydrological regimes. This study analyzes long-term changes in water balance parameters from 1961 to 2020 across Nepal using TerraClimate (a global gridded dataset), splitting the period into two 30-year phases, reflecting pre-development (1961–1990) and development (1991–2020). The water balance parameters include precipitation, actual and potential evapotranspiration, runoff, climate water deficit, soil moisture, minimum temperature, and maximum temperature. These parameters illustrate the various in- and out-fluxes of a hydrologic system and the net change in water storage. This study also examines the temporal variation and monotonic trends in water balance in different physiographical and spatial regions. We divide the country into nine regions, and additionally, look at seasonal and annual scales. Results show that maximum and minimum temperatures have an increasing trend and, therefore, indicate a positive deviation during the later period (1991–2020) compared to the earlier period (1961–1990) in all regions. Furthermore, we find that precipitation and soil moisture are slightly decreasing in the later period, while climate water deficit is increasing, indicating increased water stress, particularly in the western mountains. In addition, several springs in the mountains of Nepal are disappearing, which indicates an increase in water scarcity and vulnerability. Seasonally, post-monsoon and winter temperatures are increasing faster than pre-monsoon and monsoon temperatures. Looking at the precipitation pattern, monsoon and post-monsoon precipitation are decreasing overall, and pre-monsoon precipitation is mostly increasing. These findings can help to better comprehend water availability in a region and guide water management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban subsidence poses significant challenges for rapidly developing cities. Published InSAR data reveal Kathmandu as a prime example, demonstrating an alarming rate of subsidence during rapid urban expansion. To monitor the spatiotemporal evolution of recent subsidence, we use Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data and the LiCSBAS open-source processing package. Vertical surface motion maps from 2015 to present reveal many localized zones with high subsidence rates (>100 mm year−1), while the mountains that surround the valley have experienced slight surface uplift of ~5 mm year−1. The highest subsidence rate is ~200 mm year−1 and occurs in the centre of the Kathmandu metropolitan area. The distribution of subsidence in the valley matches with areas of the Pliocene to recent sediment up to 500 m thick. The deep aquifer compaction is likely to be the main driver of subsidence in the Kathmandu Valley. Time-series data show a dominant linear subsidence signal with weak sinusoidal signal peaks associated with groundwater recharge of shallow aquifers during the monsoon season. Subsidence rates decrease in proximity to the main river channels, likely driven by the seasonal recharge into the distal floodplain. The distribution of subsidence in the Kathmandu Valley has significant implications for future flood risk and infrastructure in the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]