Dataset and R codes for <i>Elevational Patterns of Plant Species Richness: Insights from Western Himalayas</i>

<h2>Abstract</h2><p dir="ltr">Understanding the patterns and drivers of species distribution has remained a central theme for biogeographical, conservation, and ecological research. This study aims to investigate the elevational patterns of plant species richness and compare the observed species richness with the predictions of the mid-domain effect (MDE) null model. By combining information from field observations and the published literature, we compiled a comprehensive database of the elevational distribution of plant species for three protected areas in the Western Himalayas. We used generalised linear model (GLM) and null model simulations to explore the elevational patterns of plant species richness. Our study revealed simple linear to complex non-linear patterns depending on the location and range of the elevational gradient. While non-linear unimodal patterns were common, a linear decreasing pattern was also observed. The observed species richness showed consistent deviations from the predictions of the mid-domain effect null model, suggesting that factors beyond the range constraints shape species richness patterns. These observations indicate that richness patterns are not solely generated by random processes, rather climatic gradients, ecological interactions, and topographic heterogeneity can shape these patterns. Understanding these factors can aid in predicting and managing the impacts of ongoing environmental changes on Himalayan biodiversity.</p><h2>How to use</h2><p dir="ltr">A comprehensive species checklist was compiled for each site by combining the information gathered from field surveys and literature surveys. The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP) was followed to standardise all the botanical names and their authorities. The README file provides a description of data files and directory structure. The "index.qmd" file presents a reproducible initial draft of the manuscript with all R codes used during the analysis.</p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><ul><li>Fork or clone the linked github repository <a href="https://github.com/kumar-a/richness-patterns" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">https://github.com/kumar-a/richness-patterns</a></li><li>Alternatively, you can download all the files in the repository as .zip</li><li>Open the <i>richness-patterns.Rproj</i> file in RStudio and render</li></ul><p dir="ltr">Feel free to reach out Abhishek Kumar, if scripts are not working or have any questions.</p><h2>Citation</h2><ul><li>Kumar, A., Patil, M., Kumar, P., & Singh, A. N. (2025). Elevational Patterns of Plant Species Richness: Insights from Western Himalayas. <i>Forests, 16</i>(10), 1591. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/f16101591" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://doi.org/10.3390/f16101591</a></li></ul><p></p>