assemblages may be the exception rather than the rule. Species with two altitudinal
fronts in their distribution in the mountain may show different predominant processes in each of them. Dispersal may dominate the ‘leading edge,’ whereas in the
‘rear edge’ acclimation, adaptation, and genetic drift may predominate (Hampe and
Petit 2005). Nature reserves may provide key sites for studying these processes.
1.4.3 Regional Fingerprints
There are many features in common around the mountains of the world. On the
other hand, each range is different. Even at a relatively short distance, the environmental and socio-economical context of the mountains may differ and with them
so do the risk and sensitivity to perturbations. A paradigmatic case is the contrast
between the surrounding ranges at the north and south halves of the Mediterranean
Sea. Roughly, temperature controls northern vegetation through limiting growth
period, whereas water deficit shortens biologic activity at the southern areas. The
idiosyncratic aspects may extend to concepts apparently clearly established. The
available land area at high altitudes is lower than at montane stages, for instance.
However, what happens at medium altitudes may largely differ between ranges.
One can find all sort of altitude-areal distributions affecting the upper limit of
montane vegetation belts, with contrasting implications in case of upward migration
of the montane species (Elsen and Tingley 2015).
1.5 Conservation Synergies and Challenges
The combination of exposure and sensitivity determines the eventual vulnerability
to environmental changes of the landscape and ecosystems of National Parks and
nature reserves in high mountains. Due to the variety of large-scale and local
changes to which most reserve areas are currently exposed, the achievement of
conservation synergies may be the general goal for natural reserves. The challenge
is how to handle the different trade-offs that the regional context may define.
1.5.1 Conservation Versus Stewardship
(Franciscans Vs. Benedictines)
The declaration of nature reserves and, notably, National Parks was rooted in a
concept of stable nature in which the (only) perturbing element was human activity.
It was assumed that controlling the latter influence, conservation of landscape,
ecosystems, and emblematic organisms would proceed on their own. Today,
1 The High Mountain Conservation in a Changing World
21
fronts in their distribution in the mountain may show different predominant processes in each of them. Dispersal may dominate the ‘leading edge,’ whereas in the
‘rear edge’ acclimation, adaptation, and genetic drift may predominate (Hampe and
Petit 2005). Nature reserves may provide key sites for studying these processes.
1.4.3 Regional Fingerprints
There are many features in common around the mountains of the world. On the
other hand, each range is different. Even at a relatively short distance, the environmental and socio-economical context of the mountains may differ and with them
so do the risk and sensitivity to perturbations. A paradigmatic case is the contrast
between the surrounding ranges at the north and south halves of the Mediterranean
Sea. Roughly, temperature controls northern vegetation through limiting growth
period, whereas water deficit shortens biologic activity at the southern areas. The
idiosyncratic aspects may extend to concepts apparently clearly established. The
available land area at high altitudes is lower than at montane stages, for instance.
However, what happens at medium altitudes may largely differ between ranges.
One can find all sort of altitude-areal distributions affecting the upper limit of
montane vegetation belts, with contrasting implications in case of upward migration
of the montane species (Elsen and Tingley 2015).
1.5 Conservation Synergies and Challenges
The combination of exposure and sensitivity determines the eventual vulnerability
to environmental changes of the landscape and ecosystems of National Parks and
nature reserves in high mountains. Due to the variety of large-scale and local
changes to which most reserve areas are currently exposed, the achievement of
conservation synergies may be the general goal for natural reserves. The challenge
is how to handle the different trade-offs that the regional context may define.
1.5.1 Conservation Versus Stewardship
(Franciscans Vs. Benedictines)
The declaration of nature reserves and, notably, National Parks was rooted in a
concept of stable nature in which the (only) perturbing element was human activity.
It was assumed that controlling the latter influence, conservation of landscape,
ecosystems, and emblematic organisms would proceed on their own. Today,
1 The High Mountain Conservation in a Changing World
21