scholarly journals Forest Structure, Diversity and Regeneration Pattern Along Altitudinal Gradient in Temperate Zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (a World Heritage Site), Western Himalaya, India

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajay Maletha ◽  
Rakesh Kumar Maikhuri ◽  
Surendra Singh Bargali
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Forest Structure ◽  
Altitudinal Gradient ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Western Himalaya ◽  
Temperate Zone ◽  
World Heritage Site ◽  
Regeneration Pattern ◽  
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve

Abstract BackgroundThe present study exhibited forest structure, plant species composition and regeneration pattern in temperate zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR), western Himalaya along the different altitudinal gradient (2600 to 3600 m asl). The diverse ecosystems of the NDBR contain a tremendous array of floral and faunal diversity, many of which are rare and endangered species. ResultsA total of 223 species of vascular plants (Angiosperm, Gymnosperm and Pteridophytes) were identified within the study area. Rosacaeae (17.69 %) family was exhibited dominant followed by Asteraceae (14.97 %) and Ranunculaceae (12.93 %). Among all the plant species, Betula utilis had highest tree density (724 & 324 individuals ha-1 in each site) and contributed maximum dominance of species cover (44 % and 36 % ) at Tolma and Ghangaria sites followed by Pinus wallichiana (24 %) and Cedrus deodara (15 %), respectively. In Ghangaria site, 56 % tree species showed fair regeneration, 22 % good, 11% exhibited poor and remaining (11 %) indicated no regeneration while at Tolma site, 40 % species showed fair regeneration, 40 % good and remaining 20 % no regeneration. ConclusionOur results suggest to monitor the change in vegetation structure, species composition and regeneration pattern, we should establish permanent study plots in different forest types located along the elevational gradients for an effective and comprehensive monitoring programme to tracks the response of changing climate at both community and species level. Therefore, it is necessary to development of appropriate weather and meteorological station in this sensitive and ecologically important area for regional projection of micro climatic condition and generation of scientific data on changing vegetation composition and advancement of the native species.

Influence of Chemical Diversity in Determining Lichen Communities Structure along an Altitudinal Gradient in the Chopta Tungnath, Western Himalaya

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (01) ◽  
pp. 07-13
Author(s):  
Vertika Shukla ◽  
Rajesh Bajpai ◽  
Manoj Semwal ◽  
D. K. Upreti
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Altitudinal Gradient ◽  
Western Himalaya ◽  
Chemical Diversity ◽  
Lichen Diversity ◽  
Lichen Community ◽  
High Precipitation

In recent years there has been growing interest in the study on lichen diversity with relation to altitudinal gradient and anthropogenic disturbances , as changes in lichen community composition may indicate air quality and microclimatic changes. The altitudinal data of species diversity and its subsequent changes with respect to time and space may provide vital information regarding impact of air pollution and/or climate change at regional or global scales. Chopta-Tungnath and adjoining areas of Garhwal Himalaya provide habitat and ecological variation with range of altitude lying between 300 to 3000 m. Out of the 116 species of lichens known from the studied area, the highest species diversity was observed between altitudes 1800 to 2100 m. Lichen communities occurring between 600–1800 m were dominated by members of Physciaceae, while Parmeliaceae were most common above 1800 m. Altitude beyond 2100 m experiences high precipitation, varying temperature conditions and increased incident UV radiation, which are responsible for controlling the variability in lichen diversity to a great extent in the region. The diversity of secondary metabolites in lichen species and consequent changes in species composition at various altitudes indicate the association of secondary chemicals in conferring the lichens resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The correlations of lichen diversity, secondary metabolites and the altitudes at which the lichens are growing, present suggestive role of secondary metabolites in determining species composition and sustainability in different environmental conditions.

Plant species diversity along an altitudinal gradient of Bhabha Valley in western Himalaya

2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amit Chawla ◽  
S. Rajkumar ◽  
K. N. Singh ◽  
Brij Lal ◽  
R. D. Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Altitudinal Gradient ◽  
Western Himalaya ◽  
Plant Species Diversity

Change in structural and compositional diversity with altitude: a study from Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR), West Himalaya, India

2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-136
Author(s):  
H. Joshi ◽  
Sher Samant
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Plants ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Temperate Zone ◽  
Herbaceous Species ◽  
Forest Communities ◽  
Alpine Zone ◽  
West Himalaya ◽  
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Compositional Pattern ◽  
Compositional Diversity

This paper describes the structural and compositional pattern of forest communities in the temperate and sub-alpine zones of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. It gives information about 344 species belonging to 227 genera and 95 families of vascular plants recorded between 2100 to 3600m amsl. These species include 40 trees, 64 shrubs and 240 herbaceous species distributed within 13 forest communities. It was found that the density of trees, seedlings, saplings and shrubs was higher in temperate zone than sub-alpine zone. However, density of herbs was lower in temperate zone in comparison to sub-alpine zone. This paper also gives information on distribution of native, endemic, economically important and rare-endangered species in different communities. Finally, the communities and species have been prioritized for conservation.

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