Rock climbing disturbance severity and abiotic gradients interact to determine cryptogam diversity and community structure

Abstract

Questions: Plant communities are shaped by interactions between natural and anthropogenic disturbances and underlying environmental conditions. We asked how disturbance by rock climbing alters patterns of cryptogam species diversity and composition along elevational abiotic gradients.Location: Red River Gorge, Kentucky, United States of America.Methods: Surveying was completed within 19 climbing routes on sandstone "slabs."Quadrats were placed at three different vertical positions (elevations) and three different horizontal positions (center of the route, route margin, off-route). The former provides a gradient of light and moisture availability while the latter corresponds to climbing impact. Cryptogam species cover was visually assessed in all quadrats.Quadrat microtopography was quantified as well as route-level Heat Load Index and Climbing Use Intensity. We assessed differences in species richness and Shannon diversity (H) among quadrat positions and evaluated differences in species and cryptogam morphological type abundance and composition.Results: Significant differences existed in richness H, and total cryptogam abundance between quadrat vertical and horizontal positions with a significant interaction between these two factors. Cryptogram abundance was greatest in off-route quadrats and increased with elevation in such settings. Abundance was consistently lower in on-route quadrats and, here, did not change with elevation. Richness and H were greatest in off-route quadrats and declined with increasing elevation in on-route quadrats. Significant differences in community composition existed as a function of vertical and horizontal position. On-route quadrats were associated with crustose and granulose species, while foliose and squamulose lichens, and bryophytes were associated with off-route quadrats.Conclusions: Cryptogam composition and abundance were associated with varying intra-route environmental conditions, and off-to on-route disturbance gradients.

Evaluation of Balance and Muscle Strength of Upper and Lower Limbs in Rock Climbers

“…J. Sport Tourism 2023, 30(4), [19][20][21][22][23][24][25] previous research [21,22]. The existing literature provides supporting evidence on how rock climbing impacts biomechanical factors in complex activities such as vertical jumps, squats, and foot pedalling [9].…”

“…On the other hand, the right lower limb is likely to be more utilized for attacking, which could translate into better performance for climbers. Currently, climbing facilities worldwide are designed with three-dimensional formations, which requires climbers to engage their lower limbs in a more unique and complex way [24]. Rock climbers often perform dynamic movements, such as jumps or pull-ups, to overcome challenging climbing sequences [3,5].…”

“…J. Sport Tourism 2023, 30(4), [19][20][21][22][23][24][25] aspects. One study analyzed the effects of climbing on levels of self-confidence and risk-taking in more than two hundred rock climbers [36].…”

“…J. Sport Tourism 2023, 30(4), [19][20][21][22][23][24][25] gravity concerning the positioning of holds poses a significant challenge in relation to optimizing energy expenditure, stability, and safety during climbing.…”

Climbers for Bat Conservation: creating a citizen science program in Red River Gorge Kentucky

“…The climbing areas are vast and spread between seven main geographic locations: Bald Rock Recreational Preserve (BRRP), Cathedral Domain, Miller Fork Recreational Preserve, Muir Valley, Natural Bridge Region, Northern Gorge, and Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve (PMRP). From mid-September through November, climbers from around the world flock to climb the roughly 3,000 routes many of which are located on Corbin sandstone conglomerate (Reding et al, 2022). These steep cliffs, with pocketed features attract many rock climbers to the area, and likely provide habitat for many Kentucky bats.…”