ˆˆˆRaising the Rockies ˆˆˆ
  • This image is extracted from aerial imagery of Jumpingpound ridge in Kananaskis Country taken in 1952 (left) and again in 1993 (right). Meadows show clear reduction in overall area, as well as fragmentation. Reprinted from Roland et al 2000.
  • Trees overgrowing previously open meadows on Jumpingpound Mountain.

Rising Treelines

As temperatures rise globally, the tree lines in high altitudes rise along. This causes alpine meadows to become fragmented, shrinking in size and thereby reducing habitats for local species.

The Alpine Apollo or Rocky Mountain Parnassian is an example for such an affected species. Its habitat fragmentation is currently studied by biologists of the University of Alberta.