Article Title :
Influence of Altitude and Climate on the Distribution of Vegetation, Ecosystem Services and Human Population in Garhwal Himalayan Region 
9 (2025)
11-33
Geospatial technique , Remote Sensing , relative relief , population distribution , Himalayan livelihood , Garhwal Himalayas
Altitude plays a crucial role in determining habitat distribution, species diversity, and ecological resources, which support livelihoods and employment in the Himalayan region. Covering 18% of India's territory, the Himalayas house over 50% of the country's forest cover and 40% of the Indian subcontinent's endemic species, providing ecosystem services to 115 million people. However, the relationships between elevation, ecological services, and population resource dependency are poorly understood. This study examines the spatial linkages between elevation, climate, and ecosystem distribution, as well as the relationship between ecosystem services and population density using livelihood indicators. Spatial analysis reveals an inverse relationship between population density and relative relief (-0.69; P<0.05). Population density is concentrated (14.44%) along the fertile Alaknanda and Bhagirathi River valleys (900–2200m), which cover 14.95% of the area. Conversely, 5.33% of the population is scattered across 41% of the region, with higher elevations (>2000m) relying on non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for over 30% of income. These findings highlight critical patterns in population distribution, resource dependency, and ecosystem services, offering valuable insights for policymakers to promote biodiversity conservation, equitable resource sharing, and sustainable development in the Himalayan region.
Distribution of vegetation with altitude in the Himalayan region assessed using remote sensing and geospatial techniques.
In the Garhwal region, 14.44% population with high-dense category residing along the River valleys.
The negative association was observed between population density and relative relief.
In high altitude regions (>2000m) with available pastures, over 30% population depends on NTFPs gathering and earnings.
Relative relief and climate influence on livestock husbandry and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in the Himalayan region.
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