Temporal Changes in Tree Species Composition in Karsog Area of Northwest Himalaya

Abstract

ABSTRACT The forests of Karsog Forest Division in Himachal Pradesh were temporally analyzed for change in tree species composition. These are based on the species composition in different communities and variations along the different altitudinal gradients. The enumeration records were procured from the forest department. Total 143 forest compartments were analyzed to study the change in tree species in thirteen delineated communities, out of which six were pure forest communities and seven were mixed forest communities. The change in density (Ind/ ha) in tree species was calculated between two enumeration years, that is 1986and 2013. Results showed that out of thirteen communities, only three pure communities viz., Pinus roxburghii, Abies pindrow and Quercus leucotrichophora showed increased density while other pure communities showed decreased density in two enumeration years. Altitudinal based study revealed that the lowest altitudinal gradient (1000-2000 m) showed increase in tree density while in 2000-3000 m zone a gradual fall in tree density was observed temporally.