Indian Eastern Himalaya Research Articles

Classification and management of community forests in Indian Eastern Himalayas: implications on ecosystem services, conservation and livelihoods

IntroductionEvidence is mounting that traditional knowledge can play a critical role in shaping the biodiversity conservation strategies and maintaining ecosystem services. This study was conducted with Adi community of Arunachal Pradesh (Ar P) state in the Eastern Indian Himalayas to understand as how local systems of forest classification governs conservation tradition and influences subsistence livelihoods. Twenty Adi villages were sampled from East Siang district of Ar P. A total of 197 men and 204 women (total of 401) Adi respondents were selected for this study. A combination of methodologies including in-depth interview, transect walks, focus group discussion, participant observation and informal interactions were combined for data collection.ResultsLocal forests are classified into 10 different categories based on indicators such as topography, cultural significance, use typology, ownership rights and plant diversity indicators. Local people assign different values (economic, cultural and ecological) to different forest types. Overall, morang followed by regpi and homegardens are perceived to be more valuable to the local needs than other forests with relative ranking of a particular forest reflecting its sustainability. Adis access several diverse services from these community-managed forests. Compared to men (3–35%), the role of women was assessed to be much higher (65 to 100%) in conserving forest biodiversity. Woman-led practices, instrumental in sustainable forest management, included deliberate manipulations of micro-habitats, sustainable harvesting strategies and species domestication. Men were mostly involved in ownership and decision-making roles and in devising social norms to ensure sustainability. Adi celebrate a number of cultural events to sustain biodiversity. Forest-based livelihoods are intrinsically connected to forest resource conservation and are governed by community approaches. Most of the community members gather plants, hunt wild animals and access other ecosystem services from these forests to sustain their livelihoods. Community-owned forests are collectively managed by an indigenous institution ‘Kebang’. Conflicts relating to forest land use and resource management are resolved by the customary chief ‘Gaon Burha’ and his associates using traditional norms.ConclusionsAdi’s system of forest classification, based on ecological, socio-cultural and livelihood indicators, is a location-specific yet comprehensive in nature. Study suggests that integrating the local indicators applied in classifying and strategies applied in managing the local forests can provide valuable insights to the policy makers for the sustainable conservation of forest resources.

Climate change perceptions and response strategies of forest fringe communities in Indian Eastern Himalaya

The study documented perception of forest fringe community of Chilapata reserve forest in West Bengal, India, from September 2013 to May 2015 through questionnaire-based personal in-depth interviews involving 400 respondents and group discussions. Adaptation strategies used by the community in response to impact of climate change were also documented. Majority of the respondents were farmers with marginal land holding. Almost all the respondents perceived the phenomena of climate change. The overall perception of the community toward change in temperature-related events and precipitation is high with average perception score of 0.74, while it is medium for change in regularity of climate events with score of 0.51. In spite of such perceptions, the community had low average livelihood impact perception score of 0.23. Considering the adaptation strategies based on knowledge–adoption index, the adaptation in response to climate change is at medium level with average mean score of 0.63. A total of 17 coping options were identified. Pre-monsoon dry seeding, agroforestry, crop rotation, short duration crop varieties and use of organic products were popular. The study recommend a need for scientists, government and non-government agents and other stakeholders to support efforts by farmers to adapt to effects of climate change through technological, policy and financial interventions with an aim of improving livelihoods and food security.

Field to a forest: Patterns of forest recovery following shifting cultivation in the Eastern Himalaya

The patterns of vegetation recovery in shifting cultivation landscapes that undergo a cycle of clearing, cultivation and forest regeneration are not well understood in Asian tropical forests. We determined forest recovery patterns by comparing species composition, richness and forest structure in early and late fallows formed following shifting cultivation and in an uncut forest site in a mid-elevation subtropical forest in the Indian Eastern Himalaya. We also examined changes in functional traits of tree species to understand recovery processes with succession. Tree species richness in the 12, 25 and 50-year old sites was 37%, 54% and 82% the value of the richness in uncut forest, respectively, while basal area was 33%, 25% and 41% of the value in uncut forest, respectively. Species composition recovery, however, was low; with even the oldest fallow (50-year fallow) being less than 50% similar to uncut forest in terms of composition. Successional sites that recover over long periods may differ compositionally from uncut forest within a shifting cultivation landscape as these forests are often prone to other anthropogenic disturbances. Functional trait analysis revealed that early fallows were colonized by tree species that are animal-dispersed, insect-pollinated with small fruits and seeds, whereas uncut forest and late successional forests were dominated by species that were tall, self-dispersed, wind-pollinated and of high wood density that are dominant mature forest species in the Himalaya. These results are in contrast with the patterns in functional traits of tree species in successional sites from the Neotropics. This points to the importance of site-specificity in succession following shifting cultivation.

Gliding performance of the red giant gliding squirrel Petaurista petaurista in the tropical rainforest of Indian eastern Himalaya

Gliding squirrels occur globally and many are of conservation concern due to habitat fragmentation and degradation. Information on their ability to cover the distance between two trees by gliding is lacking in many species which might be vital for habitat management and conservation. The aim of the study was to present the field observations on gliding behaviour of the red giant gliding squirrel Petaurista petaurista observed within tropical rain‐forest of Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh, Indian eastern Himalaya. The data were collected on 71 glides observed at nights. The mean height of launching and landing trees were 28.5 ± 1.0 m and 16.4 ± 0.9 m, respectively. Gliding variables calculated were vertical drop (mean = 13.4 ± 1.0 m), horizontal distance (mean = 36.3 ± 2.7 m), air speed (mean = 8.9 ± 0.2 m s‐1), ground speed (mean = 7.9 ± 0.2 m s‐1), glide ratio (mean = 3.1 ± 0.2), glide angle (mean = 19.0 ± 0.9°), GBH of launching tree (mean = 156.8 ± 8.5 cm) and GBH of landing tree (mean = 195.2 ± 9.5 cm). Gliding distance was categorized in four types. The highest glides in a 26–50 m glide‐class (44% (n = 31)) were the most frequently observed. Gliding squirrels preferred top canopy (56%, n = 40) for distant glides. Forest structure has an influence on the gliding habits of gliding squirrels and thus our data on gliding parameters should be used when planning forest management actions.

On the present status of distribution and threats of high value medicinal plants in the higher altitude forests of the Indian eastern Himalaya

The eastern Himalaya region is a rich repository of medicinal plants. Excessive collection and unsustainable harvesting of medicinal plants from the wild are leading to a depletion of populations and threatening species in the region. A study was conducted to explore the diversity, distribution and population status of selected medicinal plants species in the higher altitudes of Arunachal Pradesh, India through extensive field surveys and consultations with the local communities. Out of about 75 medicinal plants recorded, 41 rare and commercially important medicinal plants were observed in the sub-temperate to alpine forest within an altitudinal range of 1500–4500 m. Taxonomically these species fall under 25 families of higher plants, of which 31 are dicots, seven are monocots and three gymnosperms. Many threatened species like Taxus wallichiana , Coptis teeta , Panax pseudoginseng , Panax sikkimensis were recorded in specific localities. The western part of the state exhibits maximum species diversity. Out of the various threats observed, improper harvesting, habitat loss and trade are found to be more destructive to the population. Intensive efforts from both in situ and ex situ conservation practices are necessary for sustainable management and conservation of these species.

On the present status of distribution and threats of high value medicinal plants in the higher altitude forests of the Indian eastern Himalaya

On the present status of distribution and threats of high value medicinal plants in the higher altitude forests of the Indian eastern Himalaya

Population density and abundance of sympatric large carnivores in the lowland tropical evergreen forest of Indian Eastern Himalayas

Low density occurrence of large carnivore species and direct hunting of predators and prey make carnivore conservation complex. Vital baseline information on population status of large carnivores is still deficient in most forests of eastern Himalaya, which are known to be the biodiversity hotspots. To fill this information gap, we estimated the large carnivore population status and abundance in an intricate eastern Himalayan lowland tropical forest in Pakke Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh. Population status and abundance estimates of tigers and leopards were made through individual identification using closed capture-recapture sampling. To estimate the dhole abundance photographic encounter rate was used. For individually non-identifiable species photographic rate seemed to correlate well with animal abundance. The estimated tiger and leopard density through 1/2 MMDM was 2.14±0.04/100km2 and 2.99±1.13/100km2 respectively. Maximum likelihood estimates shows density of tiger 1.86±0.7 and for leopard 2.82±1.2.The estimated dhole abundance was (N) 10.6±0.94, and density 6.62±0.58 individuals in 100km2. Further, occupancy estimation of large carnivores may be tried along with assessing the comparative efficacy of other population estimation methods to establish better monitoring methods for this region.

Plant diversity at Chilapatta reserve forest of Terai Duars in sub-humid tropical foothills of Indian eastern Himalayas

From March 2007 to March 2009 we quantified plant diversity at Chilapatta Reserve Forest in Terai Duars in the Indian eastern Himalayas. We sampled stratified random nested quadrats. Species richness was 311, representing 167 genera and 81 families. The species diversity index and concentration of dominance of the forest were 2.20 and 0.0072, respectively. Shannon-Wiener index and evenness indices were 4.77 and 1.44, respectively. The Importance Value Index (IVI) of species ranged from 0.13 to 37.94. The estimated diversity indices indicated heterogeneity of the forest in its composition, structure, function and dynamics. Rich forest plant diversity supports the need for continued conservation of tropical forests.

Visual qualitative description of a humid tropical foothill forest in Indian eastern Himalayas

Understanding plant community characteristics is essential for analysing phyto-diversity. This is a basic prerequisite for understanding the structural and functional attributes specific to a location to enable better landscape management. A study was conducted from April 2007 to March 2009 at Chilapatta Reserve Forest in the humid tropical foothills of the Indian eastern Himalayas to obtain comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the plant community based on visual observations of qualitative characteristics. A total of 311 species of plants were recorded which were represented by 167 genera and 81 families. All the shrubs, herbs, climbers and lianas were observed to be evergreen, whereas trees were mostly deciduous. A total of 165 species were either much less present or less frequent. All the climber and liana species were found growing singly while all the fern species were growing in colonies. Unlike tree species, shrubs were found dominantly growing in colonies. Medium/small leaves dominated the forest. Among the tree species, 71.86% were growing intermixed. Tree stratum was dominated by medium height species. Tree species like Tectona grandis, Shorea robusta, Albizia spp., Swetenia mahogany, Gmelina arborea, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Bombax ceiba and Terminalia tomentosa were dominant in terms of solar radiation interception without any interference because they occupied the top most layer of the tree stratum/canopy. The forest is dense with no barren areas in its canopy cover intercepting more than 80% PAR. The study indicates not only rich diversity of the plant community but also heterogeneity in its composition and structure.

Miliusa codonantha(Annonaceae), a new species from the Indian eastern Himalaya, with a new combination,M. dioeca

Chaowasku T.: Miliusa codonantha (Annonaceae), a new species from the Indian eastern Himalaya, with a new combination, M. dioeca.-Willdenowia 43: 101–105. June 2013. — Online ISSN 1868–6397; © 2013 BGBM BerlinDahlem. Stable URL: http//dx.doi.org/10.3372/wi.43.43111A new species from the Indian eastern Himalaya, Miliusa codonantha, is described and illustrated. It chiefly differs from M. macrocarpa, its most morphologically similar species, in having smaller flowers and considerably fewer stamens and carpels per flower. In addition, a new combination is made for another species of Miliusa also occurring on the Indian subcontinent: M. dioeca (basionym: Uvaria dioeca). The two species as well as M. macrocarpa are placed in the previously recognized M. campanulata group. The names U. dioeca and its heterotypic synonym M. wallichiana are lectotypified.

Climate change and poverty: building resilience of rural mountain communities in South Sikkim, Eastern Himalaya, India

The rural mountain communities have long faced challenges from a range of social, economic, political and environmental factors and the threat from these factors has only intensified due to the current climate change. This study was conducted in South Sikkim, a mountain region located in the Indian Eastern Himalaya, to get a deeper insight of the multitude of barriers and stresses that a poor rural mountain community experiences. The purpose of the study was to get community’s perception on the kind of interventions that they consider important to lift them out of poverty and enhance their resilience to manage climate risk. The analysis is based on focus group discussions and household survey, using a multidimensional poverty assessment tool. The study highlights that the vulnerability of the study region to climate change is not concentrated to physical or geographical factors alone, but mostly to the socio-economic factors like lack of access to education, health care, limited livelihood opportunities, limited resources, etc. People consider that these non-climatic factors act as barriers for them to overcome poverty, contribute to their weak resilience, and make it extremely difficult for them to manage the risk posed by climate change. The study therefore suggests that it is of utmost importance that the interventions are planned in ways that address the multidimensional poverty in the region which in turn will enhance community’s inherent capacity to adapt to current as well as future climate risk.

Fern diversity and biomass at Chilapatta reserve forest of West Bengal Terai Duars in sub-humid tropical foothills of Indian eastern Himalayas

We documented the status of fern diversity, biomass and carbon accumulation at Chilapatta Reserve Forest in Cooch Behar Wildlife Division, West Bengal. Stratified random nested quadrat sampling was adopted for analyzing the qualitative and quantitative characters. Nineteen fern species were recorded, of which two are yet to be identified. Identified species were of eight families and nine genera. Highest and lowest frequency recorded were 25.44 and 0.19 while relative frequency varied from 3.16 to 12.25. Fern density ranged from 93 to 13,403 individuals ·ha−1. Most of the species were widely distributed. IVI values ranged from 7.54 to 37.45. The above ground portion of ferns accumulated the major portion of biomass and carbon.

Fruit removal by hornbills in a semi-evergreen forest of the Indian Eastern Himalaya

Abstract:We tested the hypothesis that seed size influences which frugivores eat fruits, and the size and nature of disperser assemblages in Pakke Tiger Reserve, India. Four tree species had large seeds (> 18 mm width) that could be handled by birds with large gape widths, while two tree species had smaller seeds (< 7 mm width) falling within the gape size range of many frugivores. We tested whether (1) disperser assemblage and activity reflected seed size, and (2) large-gaped hornbills were more effective at fruit removal of tree species with large seeds, than of those with smaller seeds and many dispersers. Day-long watches were conducted in 2005 at trees ofDysoxylum binectariferum(three in 2005 and nine in 2006),Chisocheton cumingianus(nine),Aglaia spectabilis(seven),Polyalthia simiarum(nine),Litsea monopetala(four) andCinnamomum bejolghota(two in 2005 and six in 2006) to determine which frugivores visited trees and ate fruit. Disperser visitation and species diversity per tree to species with medium-sized seeds averaged 85 visits and 10 species d−1, contrasted with five visits by one frugivore species to large-seeded tree species. Seed removal rates per tree averaged 486 seeds d−1from medium-seeded tree species, but 10 seeds d−1from large-seeded species. Hornbills (Bucerotidae) andDucula badia(Columbidae) removed large seeds from capsules ofAglaia spectabilis,Chisocheton cumingianusandDysoxylum binectariferum(Meliaceae). Primates, civets and bats also consumed drupes of large-seededPolyalthia simiarum(Annonaceae).Anthracoceros albirostrishornbills were important dispersers ofLitsea monopetala(Lauraceae), a medium-seeded tree with a large disperser assemblage. Conversely, hornbills were quantitatively inconsequential forCinnamomum bejolghota(Lauraceae), another medium-seeded tree species with several dispersers. Results suggest that the size and activity of disperser assemblages accurately reflects seed size. While hornbills were quantitatively important dispersers of large-seeded tree species, their effectiveness for trees with small- to medium-sized seeds depended on the tree species.

Understanding the multifaceted attributes to rural poverty while assessing the water-poverty-climate change linkage in the Indian Eastern Himalaya

Rural livelihoods depend extensively on water resources. Continued climate change may put the lives and livelihoods of rural poor under greater risk, due to lack of water. Yet poverty is a multifaceted and complex issue, as there are numerous factors which lead to poverty. To presume that there is a direct link between water and poverty is a simplistic way of looking at a complex relationship. Therefore, this paper makes an attempt to understand the multifaceted attributes of poverty, while simultaneously examining the water poverty linkage in the context of climate change, using a Multidimensional Poverty Assessment Tool (MPAT). The paper, with the help of a case study from a region located in the Indian Eastern Himalaya, argues that water is essential, but not sufficient for sustained poverty reduction, as the ultimate goal of any poverty eradication effort should be to increase resilience of rural poor to any unforeseen extreme event.

Recruitment of Hornbill‐Dispersed Trees in Hunted and Logged Forests of the Indian Eastern Himalaya

Hunting of hornbills by tribal communities is widespread in logged foothill forests of the Indian Eastern Himalaya. We investigated whether the decline of hornbills has affected the dispersal and recruitment of 3 large-seeded tree species. We hypothesized that 2 low-fecundity tree species, Chisocheton paniculatus and Dysoxylum binectariferum (Meliaceae) bearing arillate fruits, are more dispersal limited than a prolifically fruiting drupaceous tree Polyalthia simiarum (Annonaceae), which has potential dispersers other than hornbills. We estimated the abundance of large avian frugivores during the fruiting season along transects in 2 protected and 2 disturbed forests. We compared recruitment of the tree species near (<10 m) and far (10-40 m) from parent trees at protected and disturbed sites. Median abundance of Great (Buceros bicornis), Wreathed (Aceros undulatus), and Oriental Pied Hornbills (Anthracoceros albirostris) were significantly lower in disturbed forests, but sites did not differ in abundances of the Mountain Imperial Pigeon (Ducula badia). Overall, tree species showed more severely depressed recruitment of seedlings (77% fewer) and juveniles (69% fewer) in disturbed than in protected forests. In disturbed forests, 93% fewer seedlings of C. paniculatus were beyond parental crowns, and a high number of all seedlings (42%) accumulated directly under reproductive adults. In contrast, D. binectariferum and P. simiarum were recruitment rather than dispersal limited, with fewer dispersed seedlings surviving in disturbed than in protected forests. Results are consistent with the idea that disturbance disrupts mutualisms between hornbills and some large-seeded food plants, with the caveat that role redundancy within even small and specialized disperser assemblages renders other tree species less vulnerable to loss of regular dispersal agents.

Association between socio-economic parameters and agroforestry uptake: Evidences from Eastern Himalaya

Many Agroforestry programmes, started during 1970s in various countries, suffered on account of ignoring the socio-economic structure of farm households in the design of these programmes. The empirical studies on behaviour of households on on-farm tree cultivation are now gaining importance in deign socially acceptable Agroforestry programmes to encourage Agroforestry uptake. The study has been carried out in Jaintia hills district of Meghalaya which is located in Indian Eastern Himalayas. The data have been collected on a pre-structured schedule in personal interviews with the head of the households. Amongst social factors family literacy, government employment, size of agricultural holding, religion and mobility of head of household showed significant influence on on-farm tree cultivation. Cropping intensity, size of agricultural holding, annual agricultural income, on-farm income, total household income and area under paddy cultivation were the economic aspects of arm households which influenced cultivation of trees on the farms. The study implies need to consider socio-economic factors to encourage the level of on-farm tree cultivation and design socially acceptable Agroforestry programmes.