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Science

Sensitive - Researchers study mountain flora

August 26, 2013

When scientists climb 66 European mountain summits, it takes time but it's very rewarding. For ten years, the research project GLORIA has been observing the plant world of the mountains, counting and identifying species and measuring the areas they cover.

https://p.dw.com/p/19Vkk

In this way they can see whether and where the plants spread. A comparison has shown that in the Alps, the number of species is increasing, whereas on peaks in Spain aridity has caused a reduction in species. Plants are reacting sensitively to global warming, and it’s changing the flora of Europe's mountains. The scientists now plan to extend their research to mountain peaks around the world.