Sub-alpine Forest extend from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh between 2900 to 3500 meters. In the Western Himalayas, the vegetation consists mainly of Juniper, Rhododendron, Willow, and Black Currant. In the eastern and high humidity the timberline in this part is higher than that in the West. Rhododendron of many species covers the hills in these parts.
Distribution:
Altitudes ranging between 2,900 to 3,500.These forests can be divided into (1) sub-alpine; (2) moist alpine scrub and (3) dry alpine scrub.The sub-alpine forests occur in lower alpine scrub and grasslands.It is a mixture of coniferous and broad-leaved trees in which the coniferous trees attain a height of about 30 m while the broad-leaved trees reach only 10 m.
Climatic Conditions
- The monsoon, which comes in from the Bay of Bengal from May to September, has an impact on the climate.
- The mountains intercept moisture-laden air, trapping the rain, which falls primarily in the eastern regions, with less precipitation going westward.
- Annual rainfall in the east can reach 4,500 mm, while in the west it can reach 3,600 mm.
- Temperatures vary by season and location, with summer temperatures averaging around 20-25° C and winter temperatures dropping below freezing with the arrival of winter snow.
Fauna
- This ecoregion is home to a diverse range of animal species.
- The brown bear, as well as rare or endangered species including the Himalayan serow and the markhor goat, are important inhabitants of this forest.
- The takin, Himalayan serow (Capricornis thar), and particolored flying squirrel (Hylopetes alboniger) are all endangered species, while Mandelli’s mouse-eared bat, Asiatic wild dog, Asiatic black bear, and Himalayan tahr are all vulnerable.
- Fir trees (Abies spectabilis) grow in practically pure stands in some places.
Fauna
- This ecoregion is home to a diverse range of animal species.
- The brown bear, as well as rare or endangered species including the Himalayan serow and the markhor goat, are important inhabitants of this forest.
- The takin, Himalayan serow (Capricornis thar), and particolored flying squirrel (Hylopetes alboniger) are all endangered species, while Mandelli’s mouse-eared bat, Asiatic wild dog, Asiatic black bear, and Himalayan tahr are all vulnerable.
Also Read : Himalayan Moist Temperate Forest