Enhanced Climatic Variation by Anthropogenic Pressure on Alpine Steppe of the Himalayas

Abstract

The alpine ecosystem plays a significant role in the climatic fitness of the Himalayas. The zone sustains biotic and abiotic factors while keeping human influence at bay. We witnessed a high demographic load in this ecologically sensitive region with an increase in cattle breeding frequency and enhanced tourism activity, which led to the genetic depletion of the threatened Ophiocordyceps sinensis. In this context, climatic factors revealed significant variation across the geographical sites of the northern Himalayas. Further, Principal Coordinates Analysis showed a significant level of fluctuation in cumulative average precipitation and temperature range (TRan), which contained 83.58% of the variation. In the long run, these factors may significantly contribute to the temperature rise and subsequent melting of glaciers. The present study highlights the importance of geospatial monitoring of human and cattle movements, besides focusing on regulating the tourist influx in the eco-fragile zones of the Himalayas.