Altitudinal gradient and its correlation with plant diversity in Daral Valley, Swat in Pakistan using multivariate analysis
Based on the data, it is evident that the altitudinal gradient in Daral Valley, Swat significantly influences plant diversity, with varying biotic and abiotic stresses impacting local flora at different elevations. Lower altitudes experience higher anthropogenic pressures such as deforestation, overgrazing, and collection for medicinal purposes, while higher altitudes faces climate challenges like temperature fluctuations and snowfall. These stressors collectively threaten the sustainability of plant habitats across the gradient. To ensure the preservation of plant diversity, it is crucial to implement targeted conservation measures that address the specific challenges at each altitudinal zone. This will help mitigate anthropogenic interruptions and promote the long-term sustainability of the valley's unique ecosystems.
Authors
- Douglas Law (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7824-3542)
- Daniel K. Y. Tan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0449-4557)
- Mohamed Farouk Elsadek (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5955-7311)
- Rafi Ullah (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4285-0348)
- Muhammad Yasin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8177-3665)
- Ali Haidar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5092-949X)
- Muzafar Shah (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5069-0228)
- Hassan Sher (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6533-455X)
- Khalid S. Al‐Numair (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8992-0633)
Institutions
- INTI International University (MY)
- The University of Sydney (AU)
- Gomal University (PK)
- King Saud University (SA)
- Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (PK)
- University of Swat (PK)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMC Ecology and Evolution
- Published
- 2025-10-10
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-025-02402-x
- Primary Topic
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- King Saud University