Species Diversity Assessment along Altitudinal Gradient in Cold Desert Juniperus Forest of North-Western Himalaya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2022/v148i7/156300Keywords:
Phytosociology, Juniper, Diversity, Gradient, Species richness.Abstract
The present study was carried out in the cold desert ecosystem of pure Juniperus forest in Northwestern Himalayan region to assess the species diversity along the altitudinal gradient. The entire study area was divided into eight main plots along altitudinal gradient starting from 3000m up to >4260m amsl with 180m elevational distance between two adjacent main plots. A total of 9 shrub and 19 herb species were reported in the entire study area at different altitudes. The maximum density among shrubs was reported for Ephedra vulgaris (853.33 N ha-1) at A6 and whereas, Juniperus communis has the highest basal area (6642.77 cm2 ha-1) at A2 elevation. Ephedra vulgaris was the most dominant shrub with an IVI value of 206.19 at A8, which contributed 33. 11 % of shrub species. Â Artemisia maritima was the most frequently occurring herb species with the highest density (47666. 67 N ha-1) at A1. The maximum basal area was reported for Waldhemia tomentosa (45373.67 cm2 ha-1) at A4 elevation. Species richness was found to be markedly declined with an increase in altitude. However, the richness was found to be maximum at mid of the elevation gradient A4 and A5. Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H') and concentration of dominance (Cd) have shown a negative relationship. The study provides necessary information about the distribution and diversity of essential shrubs and herb species at different altitudes for regeneration, sustainable forest management and conservation actions around the mid-altitudes of the cold desert of northwestern Himalayas.
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