Visitors off the trail: Impacts on the dominant plant, bryophyte and lichen species in alpine heath vegetation in sub-arctic Sweden

Alpine ecosystems are under increasing pressure due to tourism and recreational activities. When leaving designated trails as is frequently observed, visitors can cause unintentional damage vegetation. This study investigated the effect of human trampling on dominant species vascular plants, bryophytes lichens along an infrequently used hiking trail in alpine ecosystem sub-arctic Sweden. The hypothesis tested was that proximity (as more people for a short distance compared longer distance) causes decrease with low resistance trampling. With greater taller forbs shrubs than graminoids prostrate lichen bryophyte species, change vegetation composition. results showed did not majority none eight most plants showing any significant effects trail. One (Dicranum elongatum) among six commonly found decreased Three (Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia uncinalis, Ochrolechia frigida) common There no evidence trail, although deciduous shrub Betula nana tendency decrease. Proximity caused species. Multivariate analyses from transect direction had overall level low-intensity recorded indicates current numbers hikers at site be sustained periods minimum impact plant but get general understanding data additional sites needed.