Elevation, aspect, and habitat heterogeneity determine plant diversity and compositional patterns in the Kashmir Himalaya

Elevational gradient, slope, and aspect offer a unique opportunity to explore the response of plant species under changing environmental conditions. The present study aimed analyze diversity distribution patterns with respect altitude, aspect, habitat types in Kashmir Himalayas. Considering major aspects habitats, total 123 representative sites were selected along elevational gradients for study. composition each site was studied by organized sampling following standard ecological methods. During study, 361 vascular belonging 71 families 214 genera identified area. At lower altitudes, southern drier habitats showed highest diversity. Moreover, significant amount compositional dissimilarity observed between aspects, elevation belts mainly due turnover rather than nestedness component. Further, among variables, altitude most important contributing variable, explaining greatest variation composition. paired effects explained maximum It may be concluded that floristic should not only reference but also include habitats. current will act as this direction. A similar must replicated other parts Himalayan region future improve our understanding preferences mountainous zones. This, turn, immensely helpful conservation sustainable utilization resources these ecologically fragile regions.