Regeneration status of trees under different disturbances regimes at southern fringe of Corbett National Park of Uttarakhand Himalaya

Abstract

Increasing anthropogenic pressure and dependence on plant products has led to widespread exploitation of natural forest in Uttarakhand Himalaya. The study area was selected on the Southern Boundry of Corbett National Park. The objective of the present study was to understand the regeneration status of important tree species in three different types of forests categorized as Highly Disturbed, Moderately disturbed and Least Disturbed sites. Total tree density was higher for least disturbed forest and lower for highly disturbed forest. The regeneration was poor in highly disturbed site compared to least disturbed site. Mallotus philippinensis was germinating and growing as a dominant under canopy tree species across all the sites except least disturbed sites. Sal (Shorea robusta) regeneration was found to be a serious problem. Mallotus philippinensis, Aegle marmelos and Lagerstroemia parviflora showed their dominance across all the sites proving broad ecological amplitude and high tolerance against grazing pressure. At highly disturbed site, species like Mallotus philippinensis, Diospyros tomentosa and Lagerstromeia parviflora were regenerating fairly well with seedlings and saplings but the number of saplings were either less than or equal to adults. Vegetational parameters showed that protected areas ( least disturbed areas ) are important for maintaining regeneration and ecosystem.