montane

Montane is a geographic term that describes mountainous regions and, more specifically, the ecological zones that occur at elevations above lowland areas but below the alpine zone. The exact elevational span varies with latitude and local climate; in tropical regions montane forests often begin around 1,000 to 2,000 meters, while in temperate zones they may be higher or lower depending on the mountain system.

Montane environments are typically cooler than adjacent lowlands and often receive more precipitation due to orographic uplift. In the tropics, many montane zones are cloud forests that experience regular cloud immersion, high humidity, and frequent fog, which supports abundant epiphytes and mosses. Aspect, slope, and exposure to prevailing winds further shape moisture and temperature.

Vegetation in montane zones varies with latitude. Tropical montane forests can be humid and highly diverse, sometimes giving way to montane grasslands or shrublands such as páramo and puna at higher elevations. Temperate montane zones host coniferous and broadleaf forests, and can transition to subalpine communities near the treeline.

Fauna in montane regions is adapted to cooler climates and often shows high endemism. Birds, mammals, insects, and amphibians may track cooler temperatures along the elevation gradient, and species ranges can shift with climate change, causing range contractions in some areas and expansions in others.

Conservation concerns for montane ecosystems include deforestation, land-use change, fire, and the impacts of climate change, which can fragment habitats and force species upslope. Protected areas and ecological corridors help maintain connectivity across elevational gradients.