Floristic Diversity and Conservation Status of Native and Endemic Species in Murari Devi and Surrounding Areas of Mandi District in Himachal Pradesh, Northwestern Himalaya

Abstract

Mountains are among the most delicate environments on this planet. They are home to some of the worlds most threatened and endemic species (including medicinal plants), as well as to some of the poorest people, who are dependent on the biological resources. The Northwestern Himalaya supports diverse habitats, several native, endemic and threatened species. Furthermore, it has over 40 sites which are known for their high endemism and genetic diversity. The richness of the native and endemic species denotes the high conservation value of a system. The biogeographic provinces with high diversity of native and endemic are the indicators of the pristine ecosystems with least disturbance, whereas low richness of the sensitive biodiversity elements indicates high disturbance and opening the way for the invasion of non-natives. A total of 384 species were reported from the Murari Devi and surrounding areas, 112 species were identified native to the Himalayan Region and remaining species were non-natives. Among the natives, 31.25% species were near endemic, 0.01% species endemicto the Himalayan Region. The depleting population of native and endemic species due to overexploitation and habitat degradation and invasion of non-natives is a great concern due to the negative impacts of non-natives on the native and endemic species of a particular region and even entire ecosystems. However, they have negative effects on the native and endemic species leading even to the extinctions, therefore, decreasing net diversity of the area.This has lead decrease in the native and endemic species. The existence of70.83% non-native species in the study area itself indicates that these species may dominate over native and endemic species. Presence of non-natives in India and the Himalaya is known, which is largely attributed to migration over geological time periods.Therefore, assessment of the native and endemic species using various ecological methods is suggested to understand the actual status of the species and develop appropriate strategy and action plan for the conservation of native and endemic species.