ABSTRACT
Freshwater ecosystems and the fauna they harbour are specifically sensitive to the changing climate. While montane riverscapes across the globe are seeing an upsurge in climate research, studies on the species’ responses to climate change in Himalayan rivers have not yet been embarked upon. This chapter, in specific, builds upon the existing knowledge on climate biology and species distribution modelling of Himalayan freshwater fauna and provides a case study of the snow trout, which stands as the only freshwater species investigated for future distributional ranges. Further, the major challenges and data limitations are discussed, addressing which will aid in fast-tracking the climate biology science in Himalaya. Also, taking into account the existing dearth of species-specific climate research, the possible mitigation measures and ways forward are suggested to support immediate policy measures and conservation of freshwater biota in Himalaya.
