Consistent population declines but idiosyncratic range shifts in Alpine orchids under global change.

ABSTRACT: Mountains are plant biodiversity hotspots considered particularly vulnerable to multiple environmental changes. Here, we quantify population changes and range-shift dynamics along elevational gradients over the last three decades for c. two-thirds of the orchid species of the European Alps. Local extinctions were more likely for small populations, after habitat alteration, and predominated at the rear edge of species' ranges. Except for the most thermophilic species and wetland specialists, population density decreased over time. Declines were more pronounced for rear-edge populations, possibly due to multiple pressures such as climate warming, habitat alteration, and mismatched ecological interactions. Besides these demographic trends, different species exhibited idiosyncratic range shift

SUBMITTER: Geppert C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7672077 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature