Changes in functional traits and diversity of typical alpine grasslands after a short-term trampling disturbance

Alpine grassland ecosystem supports high diversity of terrestrial flora and fauna species. Despite the ecological importance economic potential this unique type, it experiences increasing anthropogenic disturbances such as trampling, which impose negative impact on health integrity alpine grasslands. Previous studies trampling vegetation mainly focus changes in cover taxonomic after disturbance, but rarely test community-level responses to from a functional trait perspective. Through lens traits, present study evaluates impacts simulated typical grasslands Shangri-la, China. The results showed that although increased intensity did not always lead across all three experimental sites, characteristics community-weighted mean values had consistently changed toward plant species with shorter height, reduced leaf area lower dry matter content, strong shifts attributes may further affect goods services provided by Therefore, approach can help us better understand mechanisms drive changes, function stability following disturbances.