Ecological Relationship between High Altitude Grasslands in the Nilgjris

Abstract

The observations and ecological studies made in the high altitude grasslands of the Nilgiris indicate that Dichanthium polyptychum (Steud) A. Camus, represents the highest stage in these grasslands and Chrysopogon zeylanicus (Nees) Thw. Is the apparently stable stage in retrogressive succession on overgrazed and eroded areas. On the basis of progressive and retrogressive changes in the high altitude grasslands in the Nilgiris, it has been shown that these grasslands belong to the broad Sehima-Dirhanthium type as recognized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research Grassland Reconnaissance Survey in peninsular India.