Structural Diversity, Distribution Pattern and Regeneration of Forest communities in Shivalik Hills, Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalaya

Author: Jyoti, S.S. Samant, L.M. Tewari, Shiv Paul and Amit Singh, Kiran Bala and Priya Thakur

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Abstract

Shivalik hills of the Himachal Pradesh are blessed with divine floral and faunal wealth. Forests of these hills provide life support not only to the people of Himachal Pradesh, but also to those in the plains. The present study has been conducted in the seven districts of Himachal Pradesh, to evaluate the diversity and distribution of vegetation in different forest types and their regeneration pattern. Surveys were conducted between 300-1500 m amsl in all districts of Shivalik in all the seasons of the years from 2015-2018. Standard ecological methods were followed for collection and processing of field data. Total 33 communities have been identified based on Importance Value Index and relative density. Out of 33 communities, 32 were tree communities while 01 community was of shrub. Maximum sites were represented by Pinus roxburghii (40 sites), followed by Acacia catechu (13 sites), Eucalyptus tereticornis (11 sites) and Shorea robusta (10 sites). From the identified tree communities, total tree density was ranged from 160-1015 Ind ha-1; total basal area ranged from 0.54-105.17 m2 ha-1; total shrubs density from 570-2180 Ind ha-1; total herbs density from 25.06-61.1 Ind m-2; total saplings density from 140-1375 Ind ha-1 and total seedings density from 150-1035 Ind ha-1. Species richness among all the identified communities ranged from 30-262. Species diversity (H΄) for trees ranged from 0.48-2.41, saplings, 0.98-3.36, seedlings, 0.06-2.31, shrubs, 1.26-3.65 and herbs, 2.14-3.43. Concentration of dominance for trees ranged from 0.10-0.80, saplings, 0.06-0.66, seedlings, 0.09-0.68, shrubs, 0.05-0.44 and herbs, 0.02-.015. Seven (07) communities were identified with highest regeneration of dominant species, 05 communities were identified under highest regeneration of co-dominant species, 07 communities were identified under poor regeneration of dominant and co-dominant species and rest 14 communities were identified under mixed forest communities with highest regeneration of one species. Of the total species, recorded 151 were found native to Indian Himalayan Region. Natural and anthropogenic activities, habitat degradation and biological invasion across Shivalik hills are major causes for the loss of floristic diversity. Continuing degradation of floristic diversity in the region has led to a demand of growing concern and a sense of urgency in the context of seeking strategies, which can ensure the sustainability management and conservation of forests.

Keywords

Shivalik, Invasive, Monitoring, Management, Species diversity

Conclusion

The Himalaya one of the largest and youngest mountain chain in the world covers close to 16.2 % of India’s total geographical area. Despite rich in natural resources, most of its people are marginalized and still live on subsistence level. The unscientific exploitation of natural resources is one of the leading reasons for environmental degradation and aggravating the impact of natural hazards. Vulnerable mountain ecosystems need proper management against negative climatic and anthropogenic influences for their future sustainability (Halloy and Mark 2003, Holzinger et al., 2008, Erschbamer et al., 2011). Being biodiversity rich belt, the resources in Shivalik hills are utilized by the inhabitants of the region for medicine, food (wild edible), fodder, fuel, timber, making agriculture tools, religious and various other purposes. Rapid exploitation of fodder and fuel species from the forests has been identified as one of the big problems in the region. Area needs strict conservation policies and their proper implementation for conserving biodiversity. But, before the scientific approach to conserve the natural resources from anthropogenic and natural hazards, there is immediate need for education and awareness at community level for conservation (Giam et al., 2010). Great cause for loss of biodiversity is rapid multiplication of invasive species in the Shivalik hills specially Lantana camara. Introduction of invasive species resulted in huge change in regeneration potential of native and endemic plant species. Another important cause for continuous depletion of biodiversity from Shivalik hills is protests from graziers in the high-altitude areas of the Himalaya toward migration of Gujjar community during summers. Due to which they began to stay in the Shivalik hills throughout the year. This results in deviation from the traditional pattern of grazing for their cattles resulting in their hold for grazing in the Shivalik forests throughout the year. This results in poor regeneration of fodder land wild edible plant species. Apart from Gujjars, there are many communities who live nearby forests throughout the year and totally depend upon forest resources for their day to day needs. Reckless cutting of trees and shrubs of nearby forests for agriculture is also one of the reasons for loss of bio resources. Long monsoon inundations also lead to further erosion due to low vegetation cover in Shivalik land nearby riversides. Also, developmental activities specially mining and drilling are also going on with fast rate which is also expected to pose a major threat to biodiversity of the region in future. Strategies for biodiversity conservation and management. Although government is taking strict steps in destroying these invasive species but still scientific approach and involvement of scientific communities is lacking. Local involvement of communities at village level and involvement of forest department is essential so that steps can be initiated at grass root level. In order to conserve biodiversity of the region, management authorities, ecologists and local communities need to initiate speedy actions like; (i) Steps in eradication of weed species and restoration of degraded areas; (ii) Better grazing practices and knowledge about sustainability to grazers; (iii) Sustainable harvesting of ethnobotanical plants; (iv) Proper coordination between research and development agencies; (v) Steps should be taken to avoid the heavy loss in rainy season; (vi) Database development through regular monitoring of communities would help in developing adequate management plan for their conservation.

References

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How to cite this article

Jyoti, S.S. Samant, L.M. Tewari, Shiv Paul and Amit Singh, Kiran Bala and Priya Thakur (2023). Structural Diversity, Distribution Pattern and Regeneration of Forest communities in Shivalik Hills, Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalaya. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5a): 264-281.