The role of climate in constraining the elevational range of the Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta in an alpine environment

摘要: The study of determinants species’ ranges along elevational gradients may shed light on the ecological factors that constrain their distribution and fundamental niche. We analysed influence climate, habitat at different spatial scales topography Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta density in mountain landscapes across a wide gradient. Variables associated with spring annual temperature values were main density, especially lower distributional limit (700– 1200 m asl), where species avoided warmer areas. At high-elevation sites (1600– 2300 constraint to was structure composition, steep rocky areas being avoided. Highest densities found open but locally heterogeneous intermediate high elevations, variables played major role landscape scale medium-tall shrublands woodlands, contrasting effects depending elevation. These results suggest sets differ upper limits, climate more important elevations local higher elevations. Ongoing global warming is likely cause an upward shift range boundaries alpine species, features could expansion, resulting contractions accompanying shift.