Montane and submontane habitats

• Main Authors: Gilbert, Oliver L, Anderson, Penny
• Format: Book Part
• Language: unknown
• Published: Oxford University PressOxford 1998
• Subjects: Tundra
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198549673.003.0007; https://academic.oup.com/book/chapter-pdf/52351595/isbn-9780198549673-book-part-7.pdf

Abstract This section deals with habitat creation where high altitude or latitude, shallow infertile soils, and the severity of the climate render the communities vulnerable to both natural and human damage. The main threats are the development of ski facilities, damage from trampling, and localized construction or mining projects. On the scale of change in montane and submontane areas, none of these are large or extensive compared with the degradation of communities as a result of overgrazing by sheep and deer (Thompson et al. 1987). Reversal of these effects is more the subject of habitat restoration than habitat creation or repair. Although not at the same elevation, there is a considerable and relevant North American literature relating to the repair of tundra damaged by oil related development or strip mining.