Regeneration Problem of Wild Edible Fruits and Impact on Himalayan Langur (Presbytis entellus)

Abstract

This paper concept was to observe the knowledge about some wild edible fruit species which are consumed by Himalayan langur (Presbytis entellus) and its regeneration in the Nainital district of Kumaun Himalaya. The wild edible fruit species are not only as a source of supplemental food, had nutrionally balanced diet, medicines, fodder for cattle and fuel, but also for income generating potential of rural people in this region.. The diet of the Himalayan langur (Presbytis entellus) was studied for duration of one year. Wild edible fruits were harvested from their natural habitats by local people and sold into the local market for livelihood generation. The regeneration of maximum wild edible tree species is affected and the fruits become insufficient for the langurs diet. Due to this reason, the troupes of Himalayan langurs move towards villages of forest margins and destroy agricultural crops. A total 15 wild edible fruit species were recorded, out of which Quercus spp. Aesculus indica, Careya arborea, Myrica esculenta, Rubus ellipticus etc. were consumed by Himalayan langurs are under threats to regenerate.