Altitudinal distribution of high mountain forest species in Mexico

High mountain forests in Mexico are facing the effects of climate change, characterized by rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns. In five of these forests, 4282 sampling sites were established along an altitudinal transect (3500–4100 m), where 17 tree associations and six populations were identified. Additionally, a climate analysis was conducted, revealing a temperature increase trend of up to 4.8 °C between 1958 and 2023. These changes have led to an altitudinal shift in the distribution of forest species such as Pinus hartwegii and Abies religiosa, altering community composition, as P. hartwegii populations are expected to decrease, giving way to new forest communities. Therefore, it is crucial to redesign management and conservation strategies for these ecosystems through interdisciplinary programs that consider both current conditions and future projections.