Drivers of plant diversity and productivity patterns in the Mountains of Central Asia – reassessment of a forgotten hotspot

The "Mountains of Central Asia" (MoCA) are among the most vulnerable yet understudied biodiversity hotspots, with conservation efforts limited by historical political and linguistic barriers. While earlier assessments emphasise endemism and habitat loss, emerging approaches highlight plant diversity and productivity as main indicators of hotspot status. This systematic review synthesises 170 studies to examine shifts in plant diversity and productivity across MoCA, identifying key drivers and conservation challenges. The analysis shows that climate change is the primary driver of productivity increases, particularly on north-facing slopes where warming and improved water availability enhance plant growth. Glacial retreat initially provides surplus water but also reshapes vegetation zones through habitat expansion and vertical range shifts. These climate-orography interactions can locally boost diversity, though their effects vary with elevation. In contrast, agricultural land use is the dominant cause of productivity declines, particularly in forests and grasslands, though its broader impact remains unclear. Addressing these challenges requires a strategic response that adapts to climate change and orographic heterogeneity while mitigating agricultural overuse. We found four complementary strategic approaches: (1) promoting intermediate disturbance to counter agricultural overuse, (2) diversifying farmland to enhance ecosystem services and accommodate migrating plant species, (3) leveraging remote sensing and efficient irrigation to anticipate environmental changes, and (4) facilitating species translocation in response to climate-driven range shifts. Integrating these strategies is essential to align biodiversity conservation with sustainable land use, ensuring MoCA's long-term ecological resilience.