Life Forms and Biological Spectra of the Vegetation of Tarai Region of Kumaun, Uttarakhand

Abstract

A study on floristic analysis and ecological assessment of the angiosperm plants in Tarai Region of Kumaun (Uttarakhand) was conducted during the period 2008 to 2011. The study site included Lalkuan (Nainital district) and Kichha tehsil (covering Pantnagar) of district Udham Singh Nagar as these occupy major part of Central Tarai. Total 429 angiospermic plant species were recorded for floristic and ecological analysis during study period. The plant species collected through extensive and intensive explorations were under taken in the study area during different seasons (i.e., summer, rainy, winter and spring) of the year in different ecosystem habitats viz., natural forests, plantations, agro-ecosystem, grassland, savanna, amphibious sites (marsh-meadow), wasteland and road sides. Collected species were classified in different life-forms following Raunkiaer and the biological spectrum for different ecological habitats, viz. natural forest, plantation(s) agro-ecosystem, grassland and for the entire study areas as a whole has been developed.