Asset Details
Do you wish to reserve the book?
Unsuspected prevalence of Pinus cembra in the high-elevation sky islands of the western Alps
Hey, we have placed the reservation for you!
By the way, why not check out events that you can attend while you pick your title.
Oops! Something went wrong.
Looks like we were not able to place the reservation. Kindly try again later.
Are you sure you want to remove the book from the shelf?
Unsuspected prevalence of Pinus cembra in the high-elevation sky islands of the western Alps
Do you wish to request the book?
Unsuspected prevalence of Pinus cembra in the high-elevation sky islands of the western Alps
Please be aware that the book you have requested cannot be checked out. If you would like to checkout this book, you can reserve another copy
We have requested the book for you!
Your request is successful and it will be processed during the Library working hours. Please check the status of your request in My Requests.
Oops! Something went wrong.
Looks like we were not able to place your request. Kindly try again later.
Journal Article
Unsuspected prevalence of Pinus cembra in the high-elevation sky islands of the western Alps
2023
Overview
A survey of Pinus cembra (Arolla pine) growing above 2800-m elevation was conducted in an ecoregion of the western Alps, where the highest treeline is at ~ 2650 m. The concepts of treeline and species line are discussed based on these field observations. The species line is the biological limit of a species, with inherited nested historical and current processes of high-mountain socio-ecosystems, while the treeline strictly concerns the limit of erect trees. Arolla pines were located and described (height, physiognomy) and their habitats recorded (elevation, slope, aspect). Individuals occurred up to 3200 m on east-facing steep and rocky slopes, with density decreasing exponentially with increasing elevation (halving every 40 m). East-facing habitats benefit from the main atmospheric moisture coming from the east (Italy). Individuals were mostly dwarf-shaped/prostrate (58%) or trees (39%; max height 3.8 m). They usually do not bear female cones, and needles are smaller by half compared to those of pines growing in lower elevation forests. Their morphology indicates harsh growing conditions due to elevation (aridity, frost) and disturbances (wind, snow, rockfall). Habitat preference primarily on grass-free steep rocky slopes and cliffs at high elevation is likely explained by the exclusion of livestock impacts (grazing, trampling). These pines constitute noteworthy “sky island” populations. Larix decidua and Pinus uncinata were also recorded above the treeline, but with lower maximum elevation and density than Pinus cembra. These observations highlight a complex pattern of species treeline in the western Alps, and probably beyond, with relevance to issues in conservation science.
