The potential impacts of climate change on the distribution of key tree species and Cordyceps in Bhutan: Implications for ecological functions and rural livelihoods

Abstract

Rural communities in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan are dependant on natural capital for their livelihoods. Climate change impacts on ecosystem could have serious consequences for these communities but little research has been done to explore these potential impacts. In this study, we used Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) models to model current and potential future distribution of major timber species (Abies densa, Pinus wallichiana, Tsuga dumosa), fuelwood species (Quercus spp, Betula spp, Betula utilis, Rhododendron spp, Rhododendron arboreum) and an important non-timber resource (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) in Bhutan Himalayan region. Models were based on species presence and absence data fro..