Plant biodiversity assessment in relation to disturbances in mid-elevational forest of Central Himalaya, India

More than two third tree species were in early succession and similarly, the higher number of shrubs and herbs were in early and mid-succession indicates the successional nature of the community. A comparatively higher number of trees and shrubs were recorded on the western aspect where low erosion and greater anthropogenic pressure were present. The total tree density was higher at hilltop of eastern aspect and hill slope of western aspect. Total tree basal area varied from 4.5 m 2 ha -1 (hill base) to 11.9 m 2 ha -1 (hilltop) on the eastern aspect and from 9.3 m 2 ha -1 (hilltop) to 16.8 m 2 ha -1 (hill base) on the western aspect. The sapling and seedling density was lower on western aspect because higher anthropogenic disturbances may lead the removal of seedlings of most of the tree species. The shrub and herb diversity was higher on both the aspects as compared to tree diversity because opening of canopy provides greater opportunity for the recruitment of shrubs and herbs. There were few individuals of important species in older girth classes and higher numbers in younger girths indicate the forest is regenerating. The significant presence of Coriaria nepalensis, non-leguminous nitrogen fixing species, at all the sites seems to help in the restoration of the ecosystem.

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