Spatial Analysis and Modeling: My research also addresses the spatial pattern of vegetation and the changes in its future distribution range. I used a species distribution modeling approach— to see how treeline species will change their distribution in the future in response to climate change (Chhetri et al. 2017 under review by Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research). I believe that outcomes of this paper are relevant to ecologists, biogeographers, species distribution modelers, and conservationists. Similarly, I developed a hybrid cartographic model to predict future forest line expansion areas (Chhetri 2017—Journal of Forestry Research). This study presents a new hybrid cartographic model to assess areas suitable for forest line expansion under future climate change scenarios. I believe that this study makes a significant contribution to the literature because park managers and conservationists can utilize this type of hybrid cartographic model for the habitat management of endangered species.

Publications:

Chhetri, P. K., Gaddis, K. D., & Cairns, D. M. (2018). Predicting the suitable habitat of treeline species in the Nepalese Himalayas under climate change. Mountain research and development, 38(2), 153-164.

Chhetri, P. K. (2018). Predicting upslope expansion of sub-alpine forest in the Makalu Barun National Park, Eastern Nepal, with a hybrid cartographic model. Journal of forestry research, 29(1), 129-137.

Treeline ecotone (Abies spectabilis) in east facing slope of Barun valley, east Nepal. Forest line is around 4000 m and treeline is around 4100 m.