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Regeneration dynamics of dominant tree species along an altitudinal gradient in moist temperate valley slopes of the Garhwal Himalaya

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Abstract

The present study was undertaken in moist temperate forest of Mandal-Chopta area in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. The aim of the present study was to understand the regeneration dynamics of the dominant tree species along an altitudinal gradient in naturally regenerating, restricted access forest. The overall regeneration status was fairly high in the study area. Most of the native canopy and undercanopy dominants had frequent reproduction and expanding populations, which suggests the stability of forest structure/composition and further expansion of dominant species. The overall regeneration of trees in the forest had a greater contribution of middle and understorey species. Because of infrequent reproduction and declining populations of some of the dominant native species viz., Abies pindrow, Alnus nepalensis and Betula alnoides, structural/compositional changes in the future are expected in respective forests dominated by them. Abies pindrow and Taxus baccata need immediate attention by forest managers for their survival in the area. Seedlings were found to be more prone to competition from herb and shrubs than saplings.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany, HNB Garhwal University, Post Box No. 51, Srinagar Garhwal, 246 174, Uttarakhand, India

    Sumeet Gairola, C. M. Sharma, S. K. Ghildiyal & Sarvesh Suyal

Authors
  1. Sumeet Gairola
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  2. C. M. Sharma
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  3. S. K. Ghildiyal
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  4. Sarvesh Suyal
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Correspondence to C. M. Sharma.

Additional information

Foundation project: This work is supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi, vide its Project No. SP/SO/PS-52/2004

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Gairola, S., Sharma, C.M., Ghildiyal, S.K. et al. Regeneration dynamics of dominant tree species along an altitudinal gradient in moist temperate valley slopes of the Garhwal Himalaya. Journal of Forestry Research 23, 53–63 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-012-0233-9

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