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In the present study, a bibliometric analysis of the published literature on Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM) topic from 1992 to 2023 was carried out using Web of Science (WoS) as a data source. Analysis of the data was carried out using bibliometrix tool in R software. Additionally, VOS Viewer software was used to provide visualization of the bibliometric analysis through network maps. The results of the study revealed that a total of 3, 595 scholarly documents in the English language were published on ENM from 1992-2023, originating from 564 sources. Furthermore, a significant increase in publications was observed over the years. A total of 13,122 authors have contributed to the field, with "Peterson AT" from the University of Kansas being the most prolific author. Journal of Biogeography emerges as the most relevant source with 290 documents published, while Ecography as the most cited source with 8,485 citations. Collaboration analysis revealed that only 109 documents were single-authored, with an average of 5.07 co-authors per document and an international co-authorship rate of 50.96%. Additionally, our analysis shows that the USA leads in Multiple Country Publications (MCP). The development of sophisticated software tools and algorithms coupled with remote sensing data has democratized ENM research, enabling scientists from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the field's growth. However, like any other model ENMs have some limitations and thus the entire procedure used to create an ENM must be reliable, transparent, and repeatable in order for it to be used effectively in conservation, management and decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bibliometric analysis of 349 scholarly documents published on the topic plant nativity and endemism from 1991–2022 was carried out using the 'bibliometrix' tool, developed through the R programming language. The results revealed a significant increase in the number of publications on plant nativity and endemism research since 1991. Of the total of 349 documents that were analyzed, 38 are single authored documents, and the average number of documents per author is 0.278. Each document has received an average of 33.67 citations, with 3.18 citations per year per document. The relationship between the number of authors and the number of articles that they have published follows a power-law distribution. Based on Bradford's law, only eight were found to be the core sources. Mexico, followed by the USA, has produced the highest number of documents on plant nativity and endemism. The present study suggests that it is necessary to categorize data on endemism by floristic provinces, not by political subdivisions. Synecological studies are also needed, since endemic plants exist within communities. Models that accurately predict levels of endemism on the basis of easily measurable environmental variables should be useful for the rapid identification of endemic-rich areas. Recognition of the importance of plant endemism and the implementation of conservation measures is crucial for preserving biodiversity hotspots. Both in situ and ex situ conservation efforts are essential for protecting endemic species and preventing their extinction. By integrating these approaches, we can contribute to the long-term conservation and management of endemic plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drang Drung and Pensilungpa are neighbouring glaciers in the western Himalayas, sharing the same meteorological conditions and climate zone. The Drang Drung glacier is a clean glacier, whereas the Pensilungpa glacier is notable for its considerable accumulation of debris. The present study explores the topographical features of the Drang Drung and Pensilungpa glaciers and investigates how topography affects their response to climate change. Additionally, a comparison is made between these glaciers with others in the basin to assess their representativeness of the region. The study utilized Landsat Imagery and ASTER GDEM data from 1976 to 2020. The results revealed that the mean accumulation area ratio (AAR) for Drang Drung and Pensilungpa was 54% and 49%, respectively, during this period. Drang Drung has lost 8.16 km2 (10.73%) of its area, while Pensilungpa has lost 2.25 km2 (9.84%) of its area. The debris cover of Pensilungpa increased from 1.86 km2 in 1976 to 2.32 km2 in 2020, whereas the debris cover area of Drang Drung has increased comparatively more, from 4.01 km2 to 4.76 km2. Within the same time frame, the snowline altitude (SLA) shifted upward by an average of 104 m and 88 m for Drang Drung Pensilungpa, respectively. Further, our findings revealed a substantial connection between the size of glaciers and the speed at which their area is diminishing. The mean slope was identified as a key factor in influencing the rate at which the area is lost, and the retreat rates of the glaciers. The reduction in glacial area, increased debris coverage, and changes in SLA are key indicators of ice volume loss under prevailing climatic conditions. The present study recommends that long-term field-based data and the incorporation of multi-temporal satellite imagery are crucial to mitigate uncertainties in detecting changes in Himalayan glaciers. These approaches would contribute to a more accurate understanding of glacial changes, and would aid in forecasting future scenarios considering ongoing global warming trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant resources have been used by humans for their wellbeing for ages. Tribal communities live in far flung areas in close proximity with forests and have a rich cultural heritage and traditional knowledge of forest resources. The present study was carried out in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir to document the traditional knowledge of plant usage and local perception towards biodiversity conservation. A total of 86 informants were selected through non-probability sampling using a convenience sampling method based on easy access, availability and relevance of informants. During the present study, a total of 92 plant species belonging to 85 genera and 57 families were recorded. Fabaceae and Rosaceae were found to be dominant families. In terms of growth forms, herbaceous species were dominant, followed by trees. Leaves were the most common parts used, followed by fruits. These plant species are used for different purposes such as medicine, edibles, fodder and dye making. A number of plant species were found to be multipurpose in use. Most of the documented plant species are collected by local people from the wild. Local people perceived that the populations of many species, such as Dolomiaea costus, Dioscorea deltoidea and Dolomiaea macrocephala, have declined in recent decades. Climate change, urbanization, deforestation, pollution, overexploitation and species invasion are some of the major threats to biodiversity perceived by the local people. Therefore, the establishment of protected areas and cultivation of wild species are recommended to safeguard forest wealth of the area. Furthermore, mass awareness and cooperation-building programs are highly recommended so that locals can enthusiastically participate in conservation and management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the changing climatic conditions, species distribution modelling is considered as a key strategy to estimate the probable influence of climatic variabilities on the habitat ranges of any species. The present study explores the potential distribution of Aconitum heterophyllum under current and future climatic scenarios. The results unfold that the distribution of this endemic species is governed significantly by bio12, i.e., Annual Precipitation. Ensemble modelling predicted that higher altitudes of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are suitable habitats for A. heterophyllum. However, the future climatic modelling revealed that there will be a significant decrease in the suitable habitats for A. heterophyllum. Most of the shrinkage of habitats is predicted to occur within the time period of 2050, which seriously challenges their survival. The present study recommends an urgent need to frame a pertinent conservation and management policy for Aconitum heterophyllum and will act as a framework for planning such a policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]