India, April 15 -- Alpine vegetation across six Himalayan regions has shifted upwards between 1999 and 2022.

In some areas, the shift is by nearly seven metres a year.

Researchers link this shift to rapid warming and reduced snow depth.

The vegetation in the higher alpine reaches across six regions of the Himalayas, mostly small plants and woody shrubs, shifted upwards by varied distances between 1999 and 2022 due to warming and reduced snow depth, according to a research paper published in the journal Ecography on April 13, 2026.

Alpine vegetation is generally found at a height of 4,100-5,000 metres above mean sea level. Above that from 5,000-5,500 metres above mean sea level lies the sub-nival belt which is more barren. Exceeding 5,...