Floristic diversity of Binsar wildlife sanctuary, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

The present study documented the floristic diversity of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand, India. A total of 604 vascular plants belonging to 421 genera and 103 families were reported. Poaceae was the dominant family followed by Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae and Rosaceae whereas Crotalaria, Eragrostis and Euphorbia were the dominant genera. Herbaceous forms were the dominant growth forms representing 54% of the total plants followed by shrubs (16%), grasses (13%), trees (8%), climbers (3%), orchids and sedges (2%). Out of the total documented plant species, 03 species were endemic and 44 species were near endemic to Indian Himalayan Region. Based on threat assessments, 13 plant species were categorized to be threatened represented by 02 Endangered, 07 Vulnerable and 04 Least concern species. In view of conservation of plant diversity proper monitoring, awareness programs and appropriate management plans required for conserving the natural ecosystem.