Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests Research Articles

Forest Vegetation Characteristics of the Garhwal Himalaya

General aspects of vegetation of the Shiwalik ranges and the Garhwal Himalaya between the altitudes : 400-4,200 m together with detailed floristic accounts of the typical forests, are provided. Main types of forests surveyed include moist sal bearing forests, tropical fresh-water swamp forests, tropical dry deciduous forests, Himalayan montane subtropical forests, Himalayan moist temperate forests, sub-alpine forests and alpine forests. Various forest types are illustrated by field photographs. It is noted that there is a general decline in the forest cover and forest degradation is on the increase because of population pressure for more cultivable land and increased tourist flow in the region. Serious efforts at natiopal level are needed to conserve the fast dwindling forest cover.

Spatio-temporal monitoring of forest cover change, triggered by anthropogenic activities, in the Himalayan moist temperate forests of Pakistan using Landsat imagery

ABSTRACT The depletion of forests has become a serious environmental issue in Pakistan. To ensure forest sustainability, a sound monitoring of deforestation is crucial. The current study was designed to quantify the change in Murree Forests, Pakistan using Landsat Imagery for time series of 2000, 2010 and 2019. The acquired images were inter-calibrated and classified using the maximum-likelihood classification. The findings revealed the distribution of the above classes in 2000, 2010 and 2019 as pine forests (45%, 38% and 35%), scrub vegetation (20%, 19% and 19%), rangelands (11%, 8% and 10%), settlements (8%, 20% and 17%), agricultural lands (10%, 13% and 12%), and barren lands (6%, 9% and 12%) respectively. This study identifies that extensive Forest cover changes have occurred in the study area due to pressure of anthropogenic activities. Current findings alarm that deforestation should be reduced through implementing appropriate forest conservation policies to ensure forest sustainability.

A new species of smooth‐spored Inocybe from coniferous forests of Pakistan

A new species in genus Inocybe is described and illustrated from Himalayan Moist Temperate forests of Pakistan. It is characterized by fibrillose, conical to convex, umbonate, brown to dark brown pileus, non‐pruinose, fibrillose stipe with whitish tomentum at base, basidiospores smooth and larger (9.0 × 5.2 µm) and thicker caulocystidia (upto 21 m) as compared to sister species, Inocybe demetris. Phylogenetic analyses of nuc rDNA region encompassing the internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 along with 5.8S rDNA (ITS) and nuc 28S rDNA D1–D2 domains (28S) also confirmed its novelty.

Laccaria murina and L. pumila from Pakistan, a study based on SEM and nrITS molecular marker.

Two species of the genus Laccaria, are described as new reports for Pakistan. Laccaria murina has been collected from a Himalayan moist temperate forest in Khanspur, KP, while L. pumila was found in the moist temperate forests of Kumrat Valley in Dir Upper, KP, and at higher altitudes of the Deosai plains of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nrITS region clustered the Pakistani species with L. murina sequences with other Asian collections and L. pumila from USA and Netherlands. SEM of basidiospores along with detailed micro-morphological data are provided. General distribution, habitat, ecology, and diagnostic features are also discussed. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: It has new reports from Pakistan, studies based on light, scanning electron microscopy, and nrITS molecular markers. These species have been described with detailed micro-morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. General distribution, ecology, diagnostic features, and comparisons with closely related specimens have been provided. Graphical representation of DNA extraction and geographical locations of sampling sites are also illustrated (Figures1 and 2). Very few members of this genus are already described from Pakistan.

Hypholoma himalayense, a new and noteworthy species from the Himalayan moist temperate forests of Pakistan

Hypholoma himalayense, a new species is described and illustrated from the Himalayan moist temperate forests of Pakistan. This new taxon can be differentiated from close allies by its reddish-orange to light orange pileus, light yellowish to dull brown lamellae, and larger and broader basidiospores. The new species is also supported by molecular phylogenetic analysis inferred from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region.

A new species and a new record of the genus Squamulea (Teloschistaceae, lichenized Ascomycota) from Pakistan

AbstractA novel species in the genus Squamulea, S. chikarensis, is described from Himalayan moist temperate forest in Pakistan. The morphology, chemistry and ITS sequences support its distinction from other species of this genus. The taxon is characterized by a pale green to yellow thallus, large apothecia up to 0.8–1.8 mm wide, pale yellow to yellow-orange apothecial discs, a hymenium 70–110 μm high, large ascospores (12–20 × 5–11 μm) and a narrow ascospore septum (1.5–3 μm). In addition, S. flakusii is reported as new to Pakistan and Eurasia.

Taxonomic and phylogenetic study of the genus Diploschistes (Ostropales, Thelotremataceae) reveals one new species from Pakistan

Diploschistes pakistanicus sp. nov. is described from the Himalayan moist temperate forest, Pakistan. ITS sequences confirm its position within the genus Diploschistes and, together with its morphology and chemistry, suggest that it is separate from other species of this genus. The taxon is characterized by grey to greyish white pruinose thallus, perithecioid-type ascomata, small apothecia 0.1‒0.4 mm wide, hypothecium 20‒25µm thick, ascus of 85‒110 × 9‒17 µm in size, 3‒5 transverse and 2‒4 longitudinal septa in large ascospores 42‒55 × 18‒30; also differing from related species in ITS region.

A new species of circinaria (Pertusariales, Megasporaceae) from Pakistan

Circinaria pakistanica sp. nov. is described from the Himalayan moist temperate forests in Pakistan. The morphology, chemistry and ITS sequence support its distinction from other species of this genus. The taxon is characterised by a whitish to blackish grey thallus, greyish white epruinose apothecia, flat to slightly concave areoles, a hymenium 110-200 ?m high, large ascospores (22-38 ? 18-32 ?m) and the absence of pycnidia; it also differs from related species in the ITS region.

Composition and other Ecological Characteristics of Mixed-species Bird Flocks of Temperate Forests in Himachal Pradesh, India

The composition of a mixed-species bird flock in the mid-altitude Himalayan Moist Temperate forest of Shimla city, Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, India was studied including other ecological characteristics such as the movement pattern, periodicity, feeding behaviour, location and home range, and seasonal characteristics and migrants. The data was compared with the only previous study on MSB flocks from western Himalaya from 1977. The present study revealed the composition of the MSB flock as having mainly resident birds as 16 core species (including six nuclear species), and as many as 12 associate species. At least 30 of the 44 migrant species recorded were found to associate with MSB flocks; and migrant species were recorded in 64.3% of flock observations. The ecological characteristics described in this study have wide-ranging implications for bird survey techniques, habitat management and conservation planning.

Cortinarius himalayanus, a new species from Pakistan’s part of Himalayan moist temperate forests

Cortinarius himalayanus, a new species from Pakistan’s part of Himalayan moist temperate forests

Humaria Laevispora, a New Cryptic Species of Pezizales (Pyronemataceae, Ascomycetes) Based On Morphoanatomical and Phylogenetic Analysis From Pakistan

In order to explore the biodiversity of mushrooms from Pakistan, authors come across a new Humaria sp. associated with Pinus wallichiana from Pakistan’s part of Himalayan moist temperate forests. Morpho-anatomical and phylogenetic characterization were used to elucidate their taxonomic affinities. Morphological and phylogenetic analysis confirms that it is a new species of Humaria. Humaria laevispora is subsequently described in detail and compared to closely related taxa Humaria hemisphaerica. The analysis also reveals that epigeous Humaria sp. is sister to hypogeous Genea spp. reflecting epigeous habit in Humaria a derived condition. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 28(2): 379-384, 2021 (December)

A Novel Approach for Forest Fragmentation Susceptibility Mapping and Assessment: A Case Study from the Indian Himalayan Region

An estimation of where forest fragmentation is likely to occur is critically important for improving the integrity of the forest landscape. We prepare a forest fragmentation susceptibility map for the first time by developing an integrated model and identify its causative factors in the forest landscape. Our proposed model is based upon the synergistic use of the earth observation data, forest fragmentation approach, patch forests, causative factors, and the weight-of-evidence (WOE) method in a Geographical Information System (GIS) platform. We evaluate the applicability of the proposed model in the Indian Himalayan region, a region of rich biodiversity and environmental significance in the Indian subcontinent. To obtain a forest fragmentation susceptibility map, we used patch forests as past evidence of completely degraded forests. Subsequently, we used these patch forests in the WOE method to assign the standardized weight value to each class of causative factors tested by the Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) method. Finally, we prepare a forest fragmentation susceptibility map and classify it into five levels: very low, low, medium, high, and very high and test its validity using 30% randomly selected patch forests. Our study reveals that around 40% of the study area is highly susceptible to forest fragmentation. This study identifies that forest fragmentation is more likely to occur if proximity to built-up areas, roads, agricultural lands, and streams is low, whereas it is less likely to occur in higher altitude zones (more than 2000 m a.s.l.). Additionally, forest fragmentation will likely occur in areas mainly facing south, east, southwest, and southeast directions and on very gentle and gentle slopes (less than 25 degrees). This study identifies Himalayan moist temperate and pine forests as being likely to be most affected by forest fragmentation in the future. The results suggest that the study area would experience more forest fragmentation in the future, meaning loss of forest landscape integrity and rich biodiversity in the Indian Himalayan region. Our integrated model achieved a prediction accuracy of 88.7%, indicating good accuracy of the model. This study will be helpful to minimize forest fragmentation and improve the integrity of the forest landscape by implementing forest restoration and reforestation schemes.

Ectomycorrhizal status of Pinus wallichiana (blue pine) growing in Himalayan moist temperate forests of Pakistan

Ectomycorrhizal status of Pinus wallichiana (blue pine) growing in Himalayan moist temperate forests of Pakistan

Impact of silvicultural system on natural regeneration in Western Himalayan moist temperate forests of Pakistan

Site conditions (topography, aspect, moisture availability, humus thickness, light exposure, and grazing activities) play a vital role in the germination and regeneration process. The research was conducted in the Himalayan moist temperate forest. The research site was divided based on the silvicultural system (group selection system and single-tree selection system) into 148 plots and 150 plots, respectively. The group selection system was examined on the site of 2 ha which was clear-felled under a project in the 1980's. The present study examined the impact of silvicultural systems on regeneration. The frequency table was used, and relative frequency was calculated for the species and silvicultural system, density per m2 was also calculated. Diversity indices were calculated through taxa, dominance, Simpson’s index, Shannon index, evenness, equitability, and fisher alpha. Ten taxa were found in both silvicultural systems, with individual repetition of 17 and 15 taxa, respectively. Group selection is more compact visibly as compared to the single-tree selection system. The single-tree selection system is more diversified in species composition, stand structure, moisture availability, and less humus availability. The study also highlights future predictions for the conservation of these forests, which are highly sensitive and a hotspot for wildlife and climate change phenomena. Silvicultural practices such as silvicultural system, cleaning, weeding, thinning operations are regularly practiced, which can reduce the negative impact on these productive forests.

<p><strong><em>Infundibulicybe macrospora </em></strong><strong>sp. nov., a new and noteworthy species from Himalayan moist temperate forests of Pakistan</strong></p>

Infundibulicybe macrospora, a new species, is described and illustrated from the Himalayan moist temperate forests of Pakistan. The new species can be differentiated from close allies by its reddish orange to light orange pileus, whitish lamellae and stipe, and larger and broader basidiospores. The new species is also supported by molecular phylogenetic analysis inferred from internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region.

E-investigation of Amanita flavipes: Identification and Characterization Based on rDNA-ITS Sequence, Morphology and Anatomy

Swat valley is Himalayan moist temperate forest of Pakistan. It is also called mini Switzerland of Pakistan. This area has diverse flora. A wide diversity of mushrooms is present over here but number of species explored is very small. In the present study, a species of Amanita was collected during field tour and identified on the basis of morpho-anatomical and molecular markers which confirmed its identification as Amanita flavipes. BLAST analysis of this species has been re-investigated from new locality swat and is being reported first time from this area.

Molecular systematics and evolutionary relationships of some inland gilled basidiomycetes from the Himalayan moist temperate forests of Pakistan based on rDNA marker

Molecular systematics and evolutionary relationships of some inland gilled basidiomycetes from the Himalayan moist temperate forests of Pakistan based on rDNA marker

Thelephora iqbalii sp. nov. from the Himalayan moist temperate forests of Pakistan

A new thelephoroid species, Thelephora iqbalii, collected from the Himalayan moist temperate (HMT) forests of Pakistan, is characterized by small coralloid basidiomata bearing long, narrow ridges with fine hairs on their branches and hymenia that are cyanescent in KOH. An ITS-based phylogeny comparing T. iqbalii with other Thelephora species is also presented.

Soil Organic Carbon Stocks under Different Forest Types of Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests in Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh, India

Soil Organic Carbon Stocks under Different Forest Types of Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests in Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh, India

Regeneration Pattern in Subtropical and Moist Temperate Forest Stands of Kashmir Himalayas

Forest regeneration is a thrust area of vegetation studies having important implications and contributions for sustainable forest management. Regeneration pattern was investigated in western Himalayan moist temperate and subtropical forest sites in Bagh district, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The anthropogenic pressure in terms of grazing and tree felling intensity was investigated. A very low regeneration values of 121 seedlings/ha was recorded for the whole area. Subtropical forests showed relatively higher regeneration value of 211 seedlings/ha. The seedling count for moist temperate forest sites was calculated as 119/ha. Stem/stump value of 1.62 was recorded for the forest stands showing immense tree felling intensity. Available grazing area per grazing unit was calculated as 0.16ha/grazing unit whereas average herd size was 3. Persistent grazing activity was recorded at all of the investigated forest sites. Multivariate statistical analyses revealed that anthropogenic disturbance stimuli were significantly correlated with retarded forest regeneration patterns. A gradual decline in tree felling and grazing intensity was observed with increasing altitude and distance from settlements; followed with an increase in seedling count.