Abstract
Natural populations of Polygonatum verticillatum in Kumaun Himalaya were surveyed for population studies, habitat assessment and threat status. This research reveals density of individuals and area occupied were low as compared to other species of the region, indicating habitat loss and heavy exploitation. Status was determined on a site-to-site basisfor the entire Kumaun region. Based on species occurrence in selected areas, the species were identified as critically endangered to endangered in different areas. Frequency of P. verticillatum ranged between 50 and 80% at different population sites. Distribution of the species was between 50 and 80% indicating contiguous distributional range at most of the sites and random distributional range at Mukteshwer and Gagar. Density of P. verticillatumwas highest (4.40 plant m-2) in way to Kafani and lowest (2.60 plant m-2) in Bhaman gupha.Total basal cover (TBC) was also found highest (0.91 cm2 m-2) in way to Kafani and lowest (0.35 cm2 m-2) in Bhaman gupha. Important value index (IVI) was found highest (51.68) in Munsyari and lowest (28.84) in Khati. Concentration of dominance (Cd) for the region showed a slight variation, with a range between 0.30 and 0.10. This may be attributed to the narrow range of distribution, habitat restriction and dominance of some species. Key words: Population, habitat, threat, Polygonatum verticillatum.
Highlights
The Indian Himalayan region (IHR) is one of the most astonishing physical features on the surface of the earth
This richness accompanied with uniqueness, sensitivity and economic value make the biological resources of the region important from different perspectives (Dhar, 2002)
The study areas were surveyed extensively and a total 17 sites for P. verticillatum were identified on the basis of (a) habitat attributes, (b) population size and (c) accessibility for data collection
Summary
The Indian Himalayan region (IHR) is one of the most astonishing physical features on the surface of the earth. The IHR is well known for its diverse landscapes and aesthetic, cultural and biological values (Samant and Dhar, 1997) This richness accompanied with uniqueness (endemism), sensitivity (rarity) and economic value make the biological resources of the region important from different perspectives (Dhar, 2002). In the last few decades, Himalayan ecosystems faced loss of forest lands due to increasing biotic pressure and exploitation for many valuable medicinal plants, which have been used for time immemorial. These plants have been mentioned in literature (Samant et al, 1997) and folk-lore, yet are no longer found in accessible habitats in large quantities. Many species have become rare in several tracts and are found only in Lohani et al 75 inaccessible hilly areas, while a few others have been listed as endangered species
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