Context: Bengal Tiger makes surprise visit to Bageshwar's subalpine zones
- Sub-Alpine Zone: The ecological zone immediately below the Alpine zone in mountains, typically between the tree line and lower montane forests.
- Marks the transition between dense forests and treeless Alpine meadows.
Altitude Range
- Himalayas: ~ 3,000 – 4,000 meters (10,000 – 13,000 ft)
- Other Mountain Ranges: Varies depending on latitude and climate
- Below this lies the Montane (temperate) forest zone, above is the Alpine zone.
Climate
- Cold temperate climate
- Short growing season
- Heavy snowfall in winter
- Cool summers with high humidity
Vegetation
- Dominated by coniferous trees:
- Fir, Spruce, Pine, Hemlock
- Mixed forests near lower sub-alpine levels
- Shrubs and grasslands in upper sub-alpine areas
- Transition to Alpine meadows (treeless, herbaceous vegetation) near the tree line
Fauna
- Adapted to cold, rugged environments:
oHimalayan Monal (national bird of India)
oMusk deer
oSnow leopard (in upper reaches)
oHimalayan Tahr
oRed panda (in eastern Himalayas)
Economic & Ecological Importance
- Source of timber, medicinal plants, and fodder
- Supports hill agriculture and pastoralism (sheep, yak)
- Watershed protection – origin of many rivers
Important for biodiversity conservation
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
