Alpine plants are on the move: Quantifying distribution shifts of Australian alpine plants through time

Aim Alpine plant species’ distributions are thought to have been shifting higher elevations in response climate change. By moving upslope, species can occupy cooler and more suitable environments as change warms their current ranges. Despite evidence of upslope migration the northern hemisphere, there is limited for elevational shifts southern hemisphere plants. Our study aimed determine if alpine plants Australia migrated last 2 6 decades. Location Kosciuszko National Park, NSW, Australia. Methods We collated historic occurrence data 36 Australian from herbarium specimens field observations combined these with modern collected field. Results Eleven thirty-six had shifted mean elevation four showed downslope shifts. The rate varied between 4 10 m per year most was 8 year, one at a high 18 year. Additionally, some upward upper range edge and/or or downward lower edge. Five also contractions difference edges over time, while two expansions. found no significant differences through time among herbaceous dicotyledons, monocotyledons shrubs. Main Conclusions Plant occurring rapidly zone. This may allow persist under However, warming trends continue, several within zone will likely run out habitat century.