Distribution pattern of Rhododendron arboreum in mountainous region of India: A review for possible adaptation against the climate change and anthropogenic drivers

Abstract

Rhododendron is an economically and ecologically one of the most important plants of India. Of the many species, Rhododendron arboreum Sm. is the only one to be found in the Western Ghats and in the Indian Himalayan Regions. Due to rise in temperature and change in climatic conditions, this species, like others, is also experiencing a change in its habitat. Therefore, the study of this species becomes more important as it, besides being a keystone species, is also a source of income generation to the people residing in the Indian Himalayan Regions. It is threatened not only from climate change but also from forest fire and over-exploitation. Through Habitat Niche Modelling of Rhododendron arboreum we can predict its distribution, thus helping us in understanding its future condition. This will also provide us an insight to its mitigations measures to the threats imposed by changing climate and/or over-exploitation. This review is a small effort in this direction.