Under the
auspices of Global Observation Research Initiative in Alpine
Environments (GLORIA), ITFC has established high
altitude plots to monitor vegetation changes on selected
summits of Mountain Elgon and Rwenzori (famously known as
the Mountains of the Moon). GLORIA seeks to establish a long-term
observation network to obtain standardized data on alpine
biodiversity and vegetation patterns on a global scale. Its
purpose is to assess risks of biodiversity losses and the
vulnerability of high mountain ecosystems under climate change.
Establishing GLORIA
summit near the caldera on Mt Elgon
Mountain
regions are hot spots for climate research across the globe
because of their similar climatic conditions. Mountains host a
high diversity of plants and animals, many of which can only
survive at high altitudes characterized by low temperatures.
Low-temperature limits of plant life on high mountains are
considered to be particularly sensitive to climate change.
Numerous changes in plant phenology and in the distribution of
plants and animals have been documented to be related to
climate change.
Glaciers on one of the peaks of
Rwenzori Mts
What do we
hope to achieve?
Overall, this
study will contribute to the global data base in comparisons of climate change impacts on mountain
biodiversity across continents. More specifically, it will:
(a)
provide standardised, quantitative data on the altitudinal
differences in species richness, species composition, vegetation
cover, on the soil temperature and on the snow cover period in
mountain systems.
(b)
assess the potential risks for biodiversity losses due to
climate change by comparing the current distribution patterns of
species, vegetation, and environmental factors along vertical
and horizontal (biogeographical) gradients.
(c)
provide a baseline for the long-term monitoring and observation
of species and vegetation to detect climate-induced changes of
vegetation cover, species composition and species migration (at
observation intervals of 5 to 10 years or even longer, if
appropriate).
(d)
quantify the temporal changes of biodiversity and vegetation
patterns for providing a substantial input to data-based
scenarios on risks for biodiversity losses and on risks for
ecosystem instability.
Fredrick and Badru high up on the Rwenzori Mts |