Abstract
The present study aims to assess the community composition, tree species diversity and regeneration potential in six forest sites at an altitudinal gradients (ranging from 2300 to 3200 m) in moist temperate coniferous forests of Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, Kashmir Himalaya. The tree species were sampled from 10 quadrats of 10 m × 10 m, whereas, saplings and seedlings were sampled from 10 quadrats of 5 m × 5 m and 20 quadrats of 1 m × 1 m, respectively throughout the elevational range. The ecological data was computed for frequency, density, abundance, basal area, Importance Value, Shannon–Wiener diversity index, Simpson concentration of dominance, Pielou equitability, Margalef index and Menheink index of species richness. A total of 18 species belongs to 18 genera and 14 families were recorded from six sampling sites representing 6 different forest communities. Pinaceae was the dominant family with 4 species followed by Sapindaceae with 2 species. Stem density of trees was maximum in Pinus-Taxus-Aesculus community and minimum in Betula utilis community whereas total basal area of trees was maximum in Abies pindrow community and minimum in Pinus-Cedrus community. Lower altitudes were characterized by mixed communities whereas higher altitudes were characterized by pure communities dominated by a single tree species. In present study, good regeneration status was recorded in communities at lower altitudes and within sacred grooves revealing the importance of plantation drives and sacred grooves for the conservation of biodiversity. Present study recommended that forest managers and policy makers should frame pertinent policies in order to sustain the forest health within the sanctuary.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
