Variation in Tree Layer Composition Across Mid and Higher Elevation Forest Sites in Kumaun Himalayan Region, Uttarakhand

Bhawna Tewari,Ashish Tewari

doi:10.12944/cwe.16.3.7

Abstract

The Himalayan forests are rich in biodiversity and distributed over a large extent from lower to higher elevations. The dependence of the locals for their daily requirements of fuel, fodder and medicinal plants is high on these forests. The study was conducted at altitude varied between 1725 and 3250 masl (above sea level) in Kumaun region. The study deals with the comparison of tree layer vegetation in higher elevation sites (HES) and mid elevation sites (MES) with reference to Diversity, Richness, Basal area (BA), Dominance and Important Value Index. The MES were dominated by mixed Quercus leucotrichophora and Pinus roxburghii forests where as HES sites were dominated by Quercus semecarpifolia and Aesculus indica forests and Rhododendron campanulatum in the understory. Across all the sites the tree species richness ranged between 9 and 15. Tree density was maximum (1400 trees/ha) at MES. Tree diversity and total basal area were maximum at HES. The study will be useful in developing baseline data for carrying out future studies. The data generated will be helpful for the conservation of biodiversity of the region.

Highlights

The Himalaya among global mountains is most complex, vast and diversified and produce a distinct climate.[1]
Material and Methods Study Site Two sites located in Ranikhet mid elevation sites (MES) between an altitude 1725 m and 2000 m between 29o 37 ́ N latitude 79o 27 ́ E longitudes at northern aspect of the lesser Himalayan zone in Kumaun were selected
Assessment of tree vegetation and diversity is important for management, sustainable use and conservation of forests

Summary

Introduction

The Himalaya among global mountains is most complex, vast and diversified and produce a distinct climate.[1]. The rich plant diversity of IHR has been utilized by the local communities in various forms such as medicine, fuel, fodder, timber, agricultural implements and small scale enterprises and in religious ceremonies.[12] The recent phenomenon of climate change is influencing the composition and regeneration of many plant species.[11] Young individuals grow within the most severe micro environment in a forest. Regeneration in the forest is dependent on the capacity of mature trees to produce seeds, seed germination capacity and viability.[13] The focus of present study was to compare the forest composition and tree diversity of selected forest areas of Uttarakhand region located at mid altitude sites (MES) and high altitude sites (HES). The paper has a huge scope for young researchers and scientists working in related field as the study will provide baseline data for future referencing

Material and Methods

Conclusion