Asian Research Thesis Index

Abstract

Species composition and vegetation structure of Western Himalayan alpine and  subalpine highlands are among the key components of regional biodiversity. The current  research project was designed to investigate the species composition, distribution pattern,  conservation status, ecosystem services and sustainability of sub alpine and alpine  vegetation zones with reference to environmental and anthropogenic variables in the state  of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. Field sampling was carried out at 56 sites  in an altitudinal range of 2700 to 4400m in 5 districts of AJK following standard  phytosociological protocols. Results revealed a total of 517 plant species recorded from  the study area belonging to 78 families and 239 genera; including 9 trees, 51 shrubs, 48  Pteridophytes and 407 herbs. Highland flora showed overwhelming (63.05%) dominance  of 14 plant families contributing 326 species out of the total 517 recorded species.  Asteraceae was the largest recorded family with 54 species followed by Rosaceae (37  species), Poaceae (35 species) and Lamiaceae (29 species). Analysis of the Biological  spectrum of the highland flora revealed Hemicryptophytes as the dominant Life form with  211 species constituting 40.81 % of the local flora whereas Micorphylls were found to be  the dominant leaf spectrum with 185 Species (35.78 %). A total of 56 plant communities were established at the sampling sites on the basis  of Importance Value Index (IVI) with Salix flabellaris as the most dominant plant species  with an IVI of 11.31 followed by Juncus membraneous (10.03), Abies pindrow (9.21),  Betula utilus (8.02) and Pinus wallichiana (5.38).The average value of Simpson’s  diversity index was calculated to be of 0.92 whereas Shannon-Weiner diversity index as  3.16 for the studied communities. The local flora exhibited an average Menhinick’s  richness value of 2.26 with an evenness of 0.62. Plant communities showed an immature  succession rate with a low value of community maturity index recorded as 19.13 %  attributed to the anthropogenic disturbances and climatic harshness.  The contribution of ecosystem services provided by the alpine and subalpine in  livelihood of local communities was assessed through socioeconomic surveys in ten  remote valleys of AJK. Study area showed large family and herd sizes of 8.95 and 17.96  respectively with a small average land holding of 2.13 ha and an available grazing area of  just 0.683. Data revealed 67 plant species having indigenous ethnomedicinal utilizations  whereas 24 plant species were used for treatment of veterinary ailments. Wild vegetables  were found to be an important component of local food with a total of 34 herb species  whereas 53 plant species were recorded to be used as fodder. Collection and trade of 8  mushroom species, especially Morchella esculenta from the forest areas were identified  as a significant source of income for locals. Local communities were totally dependent  upon the forests for the fuel wood with an average annual consumption of 269 tons/  household.  Current study identified anthropogenic impacts including deforestation,  overgrazing, overexploitation of medicinal plants and soil erosion as serious threats to the  local plant biodiversity. A total of 45 plant species were found to be seriously threatened  having very low (<0.05) IVI values in the area. Results of the study might be helpful for  the researchers and policy makers to take steps for the conservation of threatened and rare  species in the subalpine and alpine vegetation types. We recommend Improvement and  implementation of local conservation strategies with an integrated approach involving the  local community, government departments and researchers to protect these fragile but  immensely important sub alpine and alpine vegetation ecosystems in western Himalayan  region of AJK.

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