Assessment of forest vegetation and anthropogenic pressure in Ramgarh region of Uttarakhand, West Himalaya

Abstract

Forest is a complex system, consisting of distinct forest communities, and status of any forest can be recognized by analysing its vegetation. For vegetation analysis phytosociological analysis is the best approach. The present study was carried out at 8 different sites of Ramgarh region using different phytosociological parameters. The results of this study revealed, on the basis of IVI, that five major vegetation types viz. Pinus roxburghii, Quercus leucotrichophora, mixed broad leaved, Quercus floribunda and Rhododendron arboreum were dominating this region. The distribution of most of the tree species was random and there was no species having good regeneration status at any site of the region. It was also observed that the anthropogenic disturbance is changing the species richness and diversity of the region. Thus, the conservation and management of these sites are important for the sustainability of forests in the region.