Divergent Effects of Climate Change on the Potential Habitats of Two Medicinally Important <i>Aconitum</i> Species in the Hindu Kush Himalaya.

ABSTRACT: Climate change is a major driver influencing species survival and distribution, particularly for species endemic to mountainous regions. The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), which is a global biodiversity hotspot and the world's youngest mountain system with a high level of endemism, is particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. This study investigates how future climate change may affect the potential distribution of two congeneric species, Aconitum spicatum and Aconitum naviculare, both endemic to the HKH and occupying habitats with contrasting moisture regimes. Using machine learning-based ecological niche modeling, we assessed projected changes in climatically suitable habitats under moderate (SSP2-4.5) and high (SSP5-8.5) emissions scenarios for two future epochs. Our

SUBMITTER: Shrestha UB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12823164 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature