Diversity and Distribution Pattern of Fuel Resource in Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh, Trans and North-Western Himalaya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2023/v149i5/165179Keywords:
Diversity, Distribution Pattern, Fuel Resources, Nativity, Endemism, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh.Abstract
Fuel is major source of energy for the indigenous communities dwelling in high mountainous areas of Western Himalaya. The tribal communities of Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh are mainly dependent on locally available plant resources mainly from forests to fulfil their domestic energy needs. Requirement and consumption of fuel remains high in district Kinnaur throughout the year not only for cooking, but also to protect themselves from extreme cold climatic conditions. Information on fuel species, distribution and utilization pattern in Kinnaur district is not available. Therefore, an attempt has been made to; (i) assess the diversity, distribution, and utilization pattern of fuel resources; (ii) identify nativity and endemism of the fuel species; and (iii) suggest management options for conservation. Total 127 species belonging to 38 families and 69 genera representing trees (60 spp.), shrubs (64 spp.) and herbs (3 spp.) were recorded. Rosaceae (21 spp.), Salicaceae (12 spp.) and Leguminosae (9 spp.) were dominant families, and Salix (9 spp.) and Lonicera, Cotoneaster and Prunus (6 spp., each) were species rich genera. Maximum species were found between 2600~3200 m. Most preferred species were Cedrus deodara, Pinus wallichiana, Picea smithiana, Pinus roxburghii, Quercus spp., Fraxinus xanthoxyloides, Betula utilis, Juniperus polycarpos, Prunus armeniaca, Alnus nitida., Salix spp., Populus spp., Artemisia maritima, Indigofera heterantha, Caragana brevispina, etc. Only 64 species were native to Himalayan region, 01 species i.e., Myricaria elegans was endemic and 47 species were near endemic. Due to increasing demand, over exploitation and habitat degradation, the population of the preferred species are depleting rapidly. Therefore, assessment of natural populations, demand and supply studies, harvesting trends, developments of propagation methods, afforestation of highly preferred species in degraded lands and community awareness for sustainable utilization have been suggested for conservation.References
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