NEPAL Khumjung -- 26 Mar 2007 -- Aerial file photo dated 16 Apr 2005 of the High Himalayan Range near Mount Everest (left) showing the peaks of Mount Lhotse and Mount Ama Dablam.

NEPAL Khumjung -- 26 Mar 2007 -- Aerial file photo dated 16 Apr 2005 of the High Himalayan Range near Mount Everest (left) showing the peaks of Mount Lhotse and Mount Ama Dablam. US Scientists warned Monday that 'climate zones' like the Himalayas and the Andes could disappear entirely by 2100. This would push many mountain species into extinction, as snowlines retreat and species from lower altitudes colonise new areas, leaving little space for species such as the Snow Leopard. Conversely, the same scientists say that at lower altitudes, completely new climate zones could appear -- Picture by Jon Mitchell / Lightroom Photos / Topfoto