Exploring the unique biophysical characteristics and ecosystem services of mountains: A review  

作　　者：Gebrekidan Worku TEFERA Ram L.RAY Amare BANTIDER 

机构地区：[1]Cooperative Agricultural Research Center,College of Agriculture,Food and Natural Resources,Prairie View A&M University,Prairie View,TX 77446,USA [2]Center for Food Security Studies,Addis Ababa University,Addis Ababa,P.O.Box 1145,Ethiopia [3]Water and Land Resources Center,Addis Ababa University,Addis Ababa,P.O.Box 1145,Ethiopia

出　　处：《Journal of Mountain Science》2024年第11期3584-3597,共14页山地科学学报（英文）

摘　　要：Mountains are unique terrestrial ecosystems characterized by distinct physiography,biological diversity,and socio-economic features.These ecosystems provide numerous essential goods and services to communities within and beyond the mountains.Despite their significance,comprehensive studies that thoroughly characterize the ecosystem services of mountains are lacking.Such research is crucial to advance scientific understanding of mountain characteristics and ecosystem services.This study investigates mountain regions’unique characteristics and ecosystem services using global datasets such as the U.S.Geological Survey(USGS),the Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment(GMBA),NASA EARTHDATA,and other relevant databases and literature review.The focus was to explore unique physiographic and socio-economic characteristics and ecosystem services provided by mountains.The results indicate that mountain ecosystems are pivotal in offering provisional,regulatory,and supporting ecosystem services on Earth.Despite their limited geographical area,these ecosystems supply substantial amounts of freshwater to communities living within and downstream of mountainous regions.Additionally,mountain ecosystems serve as global biodiversity hotspots,harboring a significant proportion of the world's species.However,mountain ecosystems face numerous natural and anthropogenic challenges,including climate change,habitat destruction,and resource overexploitation.Current efforts towards sustainable mountain development are inadequate.Enhanced scientific research and targeted policy measures are essential to address these challenges,protect mountain biodiversity,and ensure the continuous provision of vital ecosystem services.

关 键 词：MOUNTAINS Ecosystems services BIODIVERSITY FRESHWATER Cultural services 

分 类 号：X171.1[环境科学与工程—环境科学]