Diversity and structure of plant assemblages in open scrub vegetation patches of Dachigam National Park at Kashmir Himalayas

Abstract

Plant diversity and floristic composition of open scrub vegetation patches of Dachigam National Park, Kashmir in the Western Himalayas were assessed with an objective to develop a baseline data foundation for natural resource management plans and proper conservation strategies for the floristically rich ecosystem. The vegetation study was carried out by using standard sampling protocol of stratified random nested quadrats. The richness was observed with 190 species, representing 128 genera within 53 families. The species diversity index and concentration of dominance index of the area was 3.09 and 0.1207, respectively. Shannon-Wiener index and evenness indices were 5.42 and 1.034, respectively and the values of IVI ranged from 0.84 to 42.33. The diversity indices indicate the heterogeneity of the scrub area in its structure, composition, function and vegetation dynamics. The present study though preliminary in nature but the generated baseline information will be helpful to design conservation planning for the wildlife especially the Kashmir stag (Cervus elaphus hanglu) as these open scrubs vegetation patches are connective corridors of this endangered species of the Dachigam National Park.