Diversity, Distribution, Indigenous Uses and Conservation of Economically Important Plants in Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary, Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

The present study was conducted on diversity, distribution, indigenous uses and conservation of economically important Plants in Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary, Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh during 2013–2016 which has not been explored so far. A total of 361 economically important species (33 trees, 70 shrubs, 249 herbs and 9 ferns) belonging to 254 genera and 99 families have been recorded. These species are used for medicinal (229 spp.), edible (78 spp.), fodder (15 spp.), fuel (53 spp.), timber (09 spp.), religious (20 spp.) and other species for various other purposes. Of the total species, 150 are native, 211 non - native, 73 near endemic and 01 endemic. These species are distributed between 1870 – 2750m, amsl. Due to habitat degradation, over exploitation and changing environmental conditions, the populations of most of the species are facing threats. Therefore, frequent monitoring of populations of these species in relation to climate change and education and awareness among the local inhabitants and Forest Department Officials are suggested. (NTFPs).