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Structural diversity and representativeness of forest vegetation in a protected area of Kumaun Himalaya, India: implications for conservation

Biodiversity & Conservation volume 6, pages 1045–1062 (1997)Cite this article

Abstract

Forest vegetation of a Protected Area (Askot Wildlife Sanctuary) in Kumaun (west Himalaya) was analysed for structure, composition and representativeness. A high percentage of non-natives was noticed in herbaceous flora of all representative forest types. Floristic representativeness in all growth forms (tree, shrub and herbs) increased significantly (tree, p<0.05; shrub and herbs, p<0.01) with altitude. The population structures of trees suggest, (i) expansion of riverine and Pinus roxburghii forests; (ii) compositional changes in Quercus leucotrichophora and Quercus lanuginosa forests, largely owing to preferred extraction demand of inhabitants; and (iii) infrequent regeneration and declining population of Quercus semecarpifolia and Abies pindrow forests. The possible pathways of non-native introduction in the study area were examined. Considering the existing status of forest vegetation and future trends, proliferation of non-native species in most forest types was discussed. It is suggested that the compositional changes vis-a`-vis proliferation of non-native species need priority attention while initiating conservation activities in the reserve.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. G. B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Kosi (Katarmal), ALMORA, 263 643, India

    UPPEANDRA DHAR, RANBEER S. RAWAL & SHER S. SAMANT

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  1. UPPEANDRA DHAR
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  2. RANBEER S. RAWAL
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  3. SHER S. SAMANT
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DHAR, U., RAWAL, R.S. & SAMANT, S.S. Structural diversity and representativeness of forest vegetation in a protected area of Kumaun Himalaya, India: implications for conservation. Biodiversity and Conservation 6, 1045–1062 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018375932740

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018375932740

  • Himalayan forests
  • native
  • non-native
  • population structure
  • composition change
  • conservation

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