Abstract
Mountain forest ecosystems are vital for maintaining nature’s contribution to people and human well-being. Over the last few decades’ threat to biodiversity due to human induced degradation have had a major impact on moist temperate mixed broad leaved forests of Central Himalaya. Study was carried out and compared to understand the forest structure and regeneration in a protected forest (Alnus nepalensis stand), community forest (Lyonia-Rhododendron stand) and reserve forest (Quercus floribunda stand) in Upper Kedarnath valley of Uttarakhand. A total of 34 species of trees, 28 shrub species, and 45 species of herbs were reported from these forest stands. Total tree density was higher at Q. floribunda stand and lower in A. nepalensis stand. Total tree basal area varied from 59.12 (in A. nepalensis) to 101.28 m2 ha−1 (Q. floribunda stand). The sapling, seedling, shrubs and herbs density was higher in Lyonia-Rhododendron stand than other two stands. Quercus leucotrichophora, Rhododendron arboreum, Lyonia ovalifolia, Neolitsea pallens were dominant tree species in lower girth classes in Lyonia-Rhododendron stand and A. nepalensis stand whereas, Cinnamomum tamala, Ilex dipyrena in higher girth classes were dominant in Q. floribunda stand. Cumulative Disturbance Index and Ramakrishnan Index of Stand Quality was analyzed to understand the forest stand quality. Our study provides insights to changing regeneration patterns and also stand quality of forest stands in Central Himalaya. The dominance of seral species and pioneers than climatic climax species is indication that forests are struggling from continuous encroachment that might jeopardize flow of ecosystem services from forests. There is vital need to take stock of scattered but vital scientific findings to develop scientific and appropriate planning and management of broad leaved forests in Central Himalaya.
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