Variation in Adaptive Traits of an Endemic Meconopsis Napaulensis DC. along an Elevation Gradient in Alpine Himalaya,Central Nepal

Abstract

Understanding the pattern of variation in adaptive traits of rare and endemic species along environmental gradient can suggest important implications for developing optimal strategies for species conservation and sustainable management. In this study we aimed to study variation in life-history traits of an endemic species M.napaulensis DC. along an elevation gradient in Langtang National Park,Central Nepal covering three populations. Each population was investigated two times (2013 and 2014)covering different seasons. Population sampling was made to read habitat during peak growing period (during monsoon)except seed output, which was studied during late growing period (post monsoon).Entire area of each population was extensively surveyed to record all the individuals,including plants in flowering or fruiting and their detail vegetative characteristics and traits related to population fitness. Analysis of the habitat features showed that M. napaulensis exhibited high habitat specificity.M. napaulensis was restricted to open and rocky habitats of high altitudes.M. napaulensis growing sites had low vegetation cover indicating decreased inter-specific competition.M.napaulensis showed high variation in traits due to altitudinal variation, climatic condition and disturbances. Specifically reproductive traits discriminated the populations. M.napaulensis was suffered from human disturbance mainly from livestock grazing, plant harvesting and garbage pollution as the study area is an important tourist destination and pilgrimage site. Conservation of rare and endemic species such as M.napaulensis requires strong provisions restricting human activities and minimizing the impact from harvesting and grazing; and implementing habitat restoration and population augmentation programs.