Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
(eISSN: 2229-4473)
Expanded distribution of Festuca undata (Poaceae: Poeae) in Himalaya
*Article not assigned to an issue yet
Short Communications | Published: 19 May, 2026
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Keywords: Alpine meadows, Biodiversity hotspots, Conservation, Downslope range shifts, Kashmir Valley, North India
Abstract
We are living in the Anthropocene era, where the unprecedented loss of biodiversity is recognised as a critical global environmental challenge facing humanity. Despite this, the Indian Himalayan Region remains a rich biodiversity hotspot with many undocumented species. This study reports the discovery of one such previously unrecorded taxa, Festuca undata Stapf, from the Kashmir Himalaya, marking its first documented occurrence in the North-West Himalaya. Its presence at lower elevations may suggest downslope range shifts driven by climate change and habitat changes. This finding underscores the urgent need for ongoing field research and conservation efforts to protect the distinctive biodiversity of mountain ecosystems.
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Author Information
Department of Botany, Shri Guru Ram Rai University, Dehradun, India