HUSSAIN et al. 167
Tropical Ecology 49 (2): 167-181, 2008 ISSN 0564-3295 © International Society for Tropical Ecology www.tropecol.com
Species composition and community structure of forest stands in Kumaon Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India
M. SHAH HUSSAIN* #, AISHA SULTANA #, JAMAL A. KHAN & AFIFULLAH KHAN
Department of Wildlife Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202 002, India
Abstract: The paper describes species composition and community structure of 23 forest stands in Kumaon Himalaya (28° 43' 55" to 30 ° 30' 12" N and 78 ° 44' 30" to 80 ° 45' E), between altitudes 1500-3000 m. A total of 902 plots was sampled following plot sampling method. Density and diversity measures were calculated for different vegetation layers of each stand. TWINSPAN identified 19 tree communities and 17 ground vegetation communities. The distribution of tree species on DCA axis 1 indicated influence of altitudinal gradient while the second axis of DCA indicated canopy cover and shrub diversity. The first component of PCA represented open to close canopy forest, while the second reflected increase in shrub density and diversity. Quercus floribunda-Rhododendron arboreum group had maximum tree density and Abies pindrow-Betula utilis the minimum. Myrsine africana was the dominant shrub species. Maximum tree species diversity and richness were recorded for Daphiadhura site whereas the Vinaiyak site expressed maximum shrub diversity. Pinus wallichiana , Betula utilis , Tsuga demosa, etc. were found to be rare tree species.
Resumen: El artículo describe la composición de especies y la estructura de la comunidad de 23 rodales de bosque en Kumaon Himalaya (28° 43' 55" a 30 ° 30' 12" N, y 78 ° 44' 30" a 80 ° 45' E), ubicadas entre las altitudes de 500-3000 m. En total se muestrearon 902 parcelas, utilizando el método de muestreo con área. Se calcularon medidas de densidad y diversidad para las diferentes capas de vegetación de cada rodal. El análisis TWINSPAN identificó 19 comunidades arbóreas y 17 comunidades del suelo del bosque. La distribución de las especies arbóreas en el eje 1 del DCA indicó una influencia del gradiente altitudinal, mientras que el segundo eje del DCA indicó la cobertura del dosel y la diversidad de arbustos. El primer componente de un PCA representó bosque de dosel abierto a cerrado, mientras que el segundo reflejó el incremento en la densidad de arbustos y su diversidad. El grupo Quercus floribunda-Rhododendron arboreum tuvo la máxima densidad de árboles, y el de Abies pindrow-Betula utilis , la mínima. Myrsine africana fue la especie de arbusto dominante. Los valores máximos de diversidad y riqueza de especies arbóreas fueron registrados en el sitio Daphiadhura, mientras que en el sitio Vinaiyak se expresó la máxima diversidad de arbustos. Se encontró que Pinus wallichiana , Betula utilis y Tsuga demosa , entre otras, fueron especies raras.
Resumo: O artigo descreve a composição e a estrutura de comunidade de 23 parcelas florestais em Kumaon Himalaia (28° 43' 55" to 30 ° 30' 12" N e 78 ° 44' 30" to 80 ° 45' E), entre as altitudes de 1500-3000 m. Um total de 902 parcelas foram amostradas seguindo o método de amostragem de quadrados. As medidas da densidade e diversidade foram calculadas para diferentes andares de vegetação em cada parcela. A análise TWINSPAN identificou 19
* Corresponding Author ; e-mail: [email protected] , [email protected] #Present Address: Centre for Environmental Management of Degraded Ecosystems, School of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India 168 FOREST STRUCTURE IN KUMAON HIMALAYA
comunidades arbóreas e 17 comunidades de vegetação rasteira. A distribuição das espécies arbóreas no eixo DCA indicam a covertura pelo copado e a diversidade dos arbustos. A primeira componente do ACP representou florestas com copado aberto a fechado, enquanto a segunda reflectiu o aumento na densidade e diversidade dos arbustos. O grupo Quercus floribunda- Rhododendron arboreum apresentou a densidade arbórea máxima e o Abies pindrow-Betula utilis o mínimo. A Myrsine africana foi a espécie arbustiva dominante. A diversidade arbórea máxima e riqueza foi registada para a estação Daphiadhura enquanto a estação Vinaiyak expressou a diversidade arbustiva máxima. Encontrou-se que a Pinus wallichiana , Betula utilis , Tsuga demosa , etc. eram espécies arbóreas raras.
Key words: Forest conservation, Himalaya, Himalayan forests, India, ordination, rare species, vegetation community.
Introduction Materials and methods
Himalaya, the youngest mountain system of Study area the world, constitutes an important link between The study was conducted in 23 forest stands the vegetation of the southern peninsular India including Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) and on the one hand, the eastern Malaysian, the Askot Wildlife Sanctuary (AWS), in five districts; north-eastern Sino-Japanese and the northern Almora, Bageshwer, Champawat, Naini Tal and Tibetan areas on the other (Puri et al . 1983). Pithoragarh of Kumaon Himalaya (28° 43' 55" to Several studies have described the vegetation of 30 ° 30' 12" N latitude and 78° 44' 30" to 80 ° 45' E Kumaon (Dhar et al. 1997; Rikhari et al. 1989a; longitude) covering an area of 21,032 km² in the Singh et al. 1984; Singh & Singh 1984; Singh & Uttarakhand state of India (Fig. 1, Table 1). Singh 1987; Singh et al. 1987; Tiwari & Singh Kumaon Himalaya is altitudinally divisible into 1985; Upreti et al. 1985) and Garhwal Himalaya subtropical (300 to 1500 m), temperate (1500 to (Anthwal et al . 2006; Kumar & Bhatt 2006; 3500 m) and alpine (>3500 m) zones (Saxena et al. Nautiyal et al. 2004). Some of the studies 1985). Annual rainfall peaks at about 1200 m described altitudinal variation in vegetation altitude (4100 mm) and gradually declines to 670 (Adhikari et al. 1992; Saxena et al . 1985) and mm at 2700 m (Saxena et al. 1985). reported that vegetation types differ with change in altitude. However, Puri et al. (1983) observed Sampling procedures that geology and soils may exercise a far greater influence on the distribution of vegetation types Overall 902 sampling plots were laid in the 23 than the altitude or climate. forest stands (details in Table 1). Vegetation was Some pioneering contributions on sampled along existing forest trails which passed phytosociology (Ralhan et al. 1982; Saxena & through all the major habitat types to permit Singh 1982) and population structure (Saxena et sampling of different habitats in equal proportion al . 1985; Singh et al . 1987) of certain central at each site. In each stand, sampling plots were 50 Himalayan forest types have already been m apart, and each was laid at a distance of 10 m reported. The main objectives of this paper are: (i) from the edge of the trail on either side to avoid to describe structural attributes (density, species sampling of the relatively disturbed vegetation. diversity and richness) of tree, shrub and ground Number of plots sampled in different stands is layers; (ii) to identify predominating communities given in Table 1. of trees and ground vegetation, and plant species At each sampling plot, a 10 m radius circular of special concern, and to further identify the plot (Dombois & Ellenberg 1974) was established. localities having rare plant communities needing Trees > 4 m height were considered mature trees. protection. Species and their individuals were recorded for the HUSSAIN et al. 169
Fig 1. Location of 23 surveyed forest stands in Kumaon Himalaya. estimation of density, species diversity and species distance from the sampling point in four different richness. Shrub layer was quantified in 3 m radius directions using gridded mirror of 25.4 x 25.4 cm circular plots whereas ground vegetation (herbs (10 x 10 inch) dimension, divided into 25 equal and grasses) was estimated in 0.5 m x 0.5 m grids. Grids covered with > 50% foliage were quadrats at four places within the 10 m radius counted and expressed in terms of percent tree sampling plot. Tree cover was measured at 5 m cover (Dombois & Ellenberg 1974).
170 FOREST STRUCTURE IN KUMAON HIMALAYA
Density and diversity estimates ordination of tree species as well as sites (forest stands) through Detrended Correspondence Density of trees, shrubs and ground vegetation Analysis (DCA) in computer program DECORANA was calculated following Greig - Smith (1983). The (Hill 1979 b). The vegetation attributes (density, diversity values for each layer (tree, shrub and diversity and richness) of the 23 sites along with ground vegetation) were calculated using Shannon altitude, number of stumps, lopped trees and cattle - Wiener’s diversity index following Magurran dung were subjected to Principal Component (1988). The species richness was calculated using Analysis (PCA). Margelef’s species richness index (Magurran Stepwise multiple regression was used to 1988). One-way ANOVA (Zar 1984) was used to obtain correlation between the DCA axes, and detect significant differences in density, diversity measured environmental and vegetation and richness for the vegetation layers in all the attributes. All data matrices were standardized surveyed forest stands. following Zar (1984) to achieve normality and reduce heteroscadesticity. Classification and ordination of species and sites Rarity index The vegetation was classified on the basis of A rarity index was generated to identify rare tree species and dominant ground vegetation tree species of Kumaon. For this purpose two (shrub and herb species) using TWINSPAN (Two- parameters were taken into account- way indicator species analysis) computer program a) Qualitative proportion of each tree species in (Hill 1979 a). Same data matrix was used for Kumaon (P QA)
Table 1. Location details and distribution of sampling plots in different forest stands of Kumaon Himalaya. RF = Reserve forest, POF = Privately owned forest, WLS = Wildlife sanctuary, CF = Community forest, Alt. = Altitude, m = meter, asl = above sea level, BWS = Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Forest stand District Status Sampling Alt. Range Coordinates Plots (m asl.) Kilbery Naini Tal RF 40 2085- 2240 29°25'24.3"N 79°2.6'24.3"E Vinaiyak Naini Tal RF 40 2130- 2290 29°27'45.4"N 79°24'31.8"E Kunjakharak Naini Tal RF 45 2040- 2430 29°39'N 79°18'58.1"E Maheshkhan Naini Tal RF 40 1820- 2090 29°24'16.2"N 79°33'50.6"E Gager Naini Tal RF 40 1860- 2220 29°25'11.4"N 79°30'31.9"E Mukteshwer Naini Tal RF 49 1800- 2260 29°28'34.1"N 79°38'28.1"E Jilling Naini Tal POF 20 1860- 2010 29°22'1.6"N 79°37'E BWS Bageshwer WLS 75 1990- 2260 29°42'3.2"N 79°45'E Pandavkholi Almora CF 40 2460- 2590 29°48'19.5"N 79°27'E Sitlakhet Almora RF 15 1880- 1980 29°42'3.2"N 79°45'E Jageshwer Almora RF 26 2060- 2200 29°39'3.2"N 79°50'52.5"E Gasi Bageshwer RF 40 2140- 2370 30°04'48.4"N 80°E Dhakuri Bageshwer RF 55 2470- 2825 30°13'19.5"N 79°55'26.3"E Wachham Bageshwer RF 50 2410- 2935 30°07'25"N 79°54'37.5"E Sunderdunga Bageshwer RF 36 2560- 2780 30°13'30.3"N 79°54'18.5"E Pindari Bageshwer CF 39 2200- 2960 30°11'11.3"N 79°59'30"E Daphiadhura Pithoragarh WLS 40 2020- 2440 29°54'N 80°20'E Majtham Pithoragarh WLS 40 1595- 2250 29°53'N 80°22'E Gandhura Pithoragarh WLS 50 1710- 2045 29°51'40"N 80°14'16.9"E Sobala Pithoragarh WLS 40 2190- 2650 30°04'16.2"N 80°34'15"E Duku Pithoragarh WLS 48 1930- 2530 29°56.3'N 80°30'E Munsiary Pithoragarh RF 25 2655- 2770 30°05'3.2"N 80°14'41.3"E Mechh Champawat CF 10 1810- 1830 29°16'16.2"N 80°12'18.8"E
HUSSAIN et al. 171
(P QA ) = Number of stands the concerned tree (P QI ) = Number of individuals of each tree species was encountered/total number of stands (23) species / number of individuals of all tree species b) Quantitative proportion of each tree species in where the concerned species was encountered Kumaon (P QI ) Rarity index for each tree species = P QA + P QI
(a)
(b)
Fig. 2. TWINSPAN classification of (a) 63 species into 19 groups based on the tree species data of Kumaon Himalaya, and (b) classification of 23 surveyed forest stands into 8 groups.
172 FOREST STRUCTURE IN KUMAON HIMALAYA
Results additional ecological information. The right arm of the first dichotomy had 38 tree species, which were Tree species classification further divided into two groups. First negative group contained 21 species . These tree species were Nineteen broad communities have been mainly encountered at sites 2, 4, 5, 7, 18, 19 and 23. recognised in Kumaon. Overall, 63 tree, 56 shrub, At site 2, Q. leucotricophora , Pinus wallichiana and 90 herb and 21 grass species were recorded in the Cedrus deodara were the dominant tree species 23 forest stands. A total of five homogenous groups while at site 23 the dominant species was Q. of tree species, in relation to the environmental lanuginosa (Table 2). variables, was identified through TWINSPAN analysis (Fig. 2). The left arm of the first dichotomy Tree species ordination contained 25 species, which was further divided into two groups. First negative group consisted of four DCA ordination successfully handled the species which were characteristic of site 8 (for site variation in tree species communities from low to code see Fig 1). Second positive group also consisted high altitude. All the sites and tree species showed of two homogenous groups. The first group meaningful distribution on axis 1 and axis 2 of contained Quercus semecarpifolia as a dominant DCA (Fig. 3 a). The first axis (eigen value = 0.389) species at sites 12, 13 and 17. The second group represents an altitude gradient (low to high). Sites consisted of Abies pindrow and Taxus baccata as 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, and 22 occupied extreme end of dominant species and represented mixed coniferous the first axis and represented TWINSPAN group 3 habitat. Further subdivisions did not provide any (A. pindrow , T. baccata, Betula utilis, Tsuga
Table 2. Communities and their characteristic tree species with their codes (in parentheses used in DECORANA computer program) in Kumaon based on TWINSPAN classification. Comm. = Community.
Groups Comm. Forest stand Tree species 1 1 BWS Acer caesium (20), Aesculus indica (23), S wida sp.(42), Betula alnoides (44) 2 2 Daphiadura Gasi, Quercus semecarpifolia (4), Toona serrata (14), Dodecademia grandiflora (37), Dhakuri Symplocos sp. (50) 3 3, 4, 5, 6 Pindari, Sobala, Duku Abies pindrow (15) , Jugulans regia (34) , Prunus cerasoides Wachham, Sunderdunga , (63), Betula utilis (28) Rhododendron barbatum (7), Taxus Munsiary baccata (16), Tsuga demosa (35), Pyrus vestita (52), Zanthoxylum armatum (58), Ficus palmata (46) , Morus serrata (47), Symplocos chinensis (51), Prunus cornuta (60), Debregeasia hypoleuca (59), Acer cappadocicum (53), Fraxinus sp. (48), Dendroephthoe falcate (43) 4 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Vinaiyak, Maheshkhan, Cedrus deodara (17), Cupressus torulosa (25), Cassia fistula Gager, Jilling, Majtham, (62), Quercus lanuginose (5), Engelhardia spicata (36), Gandhura, Mechh Ficus auriculata (41), Daphnephyllum himalense (38), Quercus glauca (3) , Pinus roxburghii (19), Myrica esculenta (24), Maytenus rufa (54), Benthamidia capitata (39), Phoenix humilis (61), Castanopsis tribuloides (40) , Quercus leucotricophora (1), Pyrus pashia (13) , Pinus wallichiana (18), Euonymus tingens (10), Swida oblonga (27), Macaranga pustulata (33), Picea smithiana (45) 5 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 Mukteshwer, Kilbery, Litsea umbrosa (30) , Populus ciliate (49), Persea duthiei (9), Pandavkholi, Sitlakhet, Rhododendron arboreum (6), Alnus nepalensis (21), Jageshwer, Kunjakharak Viburnum mullaha (22), Ilex dipyrena (26), Stranvissia nausea (57), Meliosma dillenaeafolia (29), Rhamnus triqueter (56), Quercus floribunda (2) , Fraxinus micrantha (32) , Symplocos theifolia (12), Lindera pulcherrima (31), Lyonia ovalifolia (8), Euonymus pendulus (11), Viburnum coriacieum (55)
HUSSAIN et al. 173 demosa etc.), while the low altitude sites 4, 10, 18 and Pandavkholi and the associated tree species and 23 represented TWINSPAN groups 4 & 5 ( P. were Q. semecarpifolia, Toona serrata, Symplocos roxburghii, Q. leucotricophora, Pyrus pashia, Q. theifolia (Fig. 3 b). These interpretations are floribunda ). largely confirmed by the results of PCA. The PC 1 The second axis (eigen value = 0.254) appeared explained 44.26% variance and represented a to reflect the canopy cover from open to close. The gradient of open to close canopy forest with tree species associated with open canopy were Q. density and diversity in increasing order. PC 2 glauca, Q. lanuginosa , Cassia fistula, explained 18.26% of variance and reflected an Zanthoxylum armatum , Q. semecarpifolia and the increasing pattern in shrub density and diversity. representative sites were 13, 14, 18, 19 and 23, The distribution of species and sites was same on while close canopy areas were Gasi, Sobala, Duku the two axes of PCA as on DCA axes (Fig. 3 c).
(a) (b)
(c)
Fig 3. (a) DCA ordination of tree species of Kumaon Himalaya on two axes extracted by DECORANA computer program. Numbers refer to different species, (b) DCA ordination of 23 surveyed forest stands on two axes. DCA axis 1 is related to altitude and slope. DCA axis 2 is related to canopy cover. Numbers refer to different sites, and (c) PCA ordination of surveyed forest stands on two extracted components. PC 1 is related to canopy cover and diversity of trees. PC 2 is related to the abundance of grasses and shrubs. Numbers refer to various sites.
174 FOREST STRUCTURE IN KUMAON HIMALAYA
Table 3. Multiple regression analysis of Axis 1 and Axis 2 of DCA with vegetation attributes.
Combination of Variables Relationship R² Axis 1 Altitude + 0.535** Altitude & Slope + 0.655** Axis 2 Shrub diversity + 0.32* Shrub diversity, Grass richness + 0.544** Shrub diversity, Grass richness, Canopy cover + 0.635** Shrub diversity, Grass richness, Canopy cover, Shrub density + 0.714** * p < 0.05, ** p<0.001
(a)
(b)
Fig. 4. TWINSPAN classification of (a) 52 species into 17 groups based on the ground vegetation data of Kumaon Himalaya, and (b) classification of 23 sites into 9 groups of ground vegetation data.
DCA axis 1 was positively correlated with Shrub and herb species classification altitude (53.5% variance); slope explained A total of 17 broad communities additional variation; thus 62.1% cumulative comprising 52 shrub and herb species was variance was accounted for by the model (Table 3). recognized and five major homogenous groups Axis 2 appeared to reflect shrub characters and were identified (Fig. 4 a). The left arm of the first canopy cover gradient, as it was positively dichotomy contained 37 species, which was further correlated with these two gradients (Table 3). divided into 19 and 18 species. The three major
HUSSAIN et al. 175 communities formed in the left armed dichotomy site 6 (1.48). were Desmodium gangeticum , Pyracantha Although significant differences in tree density crenulata and Rubus biflorus. These communities did not occur at group level, the maximum tree were found at different sites (Fig. 4 b & Table 4)). density was recorded for Q. floribunda - The right arm of dichotomy comprised 15 species, Rhododendron arboreum group and the minimum which were further divided into one and 14 species for A. pindrow - B. utilis group. Shrub density was (Fig. 4 a). Five homogenous groups were combined also not significantly different among groups but it to form two communities. was maximum for Q. floribunda - R. arboreum and minimum for Q. semecarpifolia - T. serrata group Species composition (Table 6). Taking all sites together the tree layer was Tree density (ha -1) was significantly different dominated by Q. floribunda (181 trees ha -1) followed at all sites (F 22, 879 = 14.13 , p = 0.00). It was high by R. arboreum (175 ha -1), Q. lanuginosa (167 ha -1) at site 12 (995 ha -1) and site 5 (915 ha -1) compared and A. pindrow (151 ha -1) (Table 7). Myrsine to the rest of the forest stands. Tree species africana (6521 plants ha -1) was the dominant shrub diversity and richness also varied significantly species in the Kumaon followed by Nerium sp. (3671 between the sites (F 22, 879 = 15.47, p = 0.00 and ha -1) and Athyrium sp. (3055 ha -1) (Table 7). F22, 879 = 13.61, p = 0.00, respectively) (Table 5). Maximum tree diversity and richness were found Species of special conservation concern at site 17 (1.53 and 1.76 respectively) in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary. Shrub density (ha -1) was also Using the individuals of tree species sampled significantly different among the forest stands in all the 23 forest stands, the generated rarity (F 22, 879 = 24.04, p = 0.00) and it was highest at site index value ranged from 0.03 to 0.40. The tree 6 (28158 ha -1) while lowest at site 23 (6852 ha -1). species having rarity index value 0.03-0.20 were Shrub diversity (F 22, 879 = 16.21, p = 0.00) and considered rare. B. utilis (0.03), Tsuga demosa richness (F 22, 879 = 16.37, p = 0.00) also differed (0.06), Q. glauca (0.06), P. wallichiana (0.09), significantly between the sites (Table 5). Diversity Taxus baccata (0.12), Cupressus torulosa (0.15), was highest at site 2 while richness was high at Picea smithiana (0.16), A. pindrow (0.16) and C.
Table 4. Vegetation communities and their characteristic ground species in Kumaon Himalaya based on TWINSPAN classification. BWS = Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Groups Comm. Forest stand Tree species 1 1, 2, 3 Pandavkholi, Jageshwer, Desmodium elegans , Gaultheria nummulanoides , Mahonia Gasi sp., Valeriana wallichii , Origanum vulgare , Boehmenia rugulosa , Polygonum recumbens 2 4,5,6,7 Dhaphiadhura, Majtham, Cotoneaster acuminata , Asparagus racemosus , Adiantum Gandhura, Sobala, Duku, venustum, Pyracantha crenulata, Pteris biaurita , Myrsine Dhakuri africana , Rubus peniculata, Desmodium gangeticum 3 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Kilbery, Vinaiyak, Gager, Wikstroemia canescens , Nerium sp., Daphne papyracea, Kunjakharak, Jilling, Athyrium sp, Rubus biflorous , Berberis aristata, Maheshkhan, Sitlakhet, Boeninghausienia albiflora , Polystichum sp , Thalictrium Mukteshwer, Munsiyari foliolosum, Pteridium sp., Indigofera heterantha , Randia tetrasperma , Arundinella nepalensis, Hypericum oblongifolium , Rubus ellipticus , Rhamnus virgatus , Bistorta amplexicaulis , Hedychium spicatum 4 13, 14 BWS, Mechh Cratagus sp ., Urtica dioca , Arisaema flavam , Geranium wallichianum, Argemone maxicana 5 15, 16, 17 Wachham, Sunderdunga, Euphorbia prolifera , Skimmia laureola , Thamnocalamus Pindari spathiflorus, Berginia legulata , Leptodermis kumaonensis , Circium wallichii , Deutzia staminea , Aechmanthera gossypina, Trachelospermum lucidum , Polystichum squarossum
176 FOREST STRUCTURE IN KUMAON HIMALAYA
HUSSAIN et al. 177 deodara (0.17) were found to be rare tree species in region. P. wallichiana , C. torulosa, P. smithiana Kumaon. Except for Q. glauca, most of the above- and B. utilis were also found in Vinaiyak reserve mentioned rare tree species were found in Pindari forest.
Table 6. Tree species density (TDEN ha -1, S.E.) along with tree species diversity (TDIV), tree species richness (TRIC), shrub density (SDEN ha -1, S.E.), shrub diversity (SDIV) and shrub richness (SRIC) in five homogenous groups of 19 tree communities of Kumaon Himalaya based on TWINSPAN classification (S.E. refers to standard error).
Homogenous group TDEN± S.E. SDEN± S.E TDIV TRIC SDIV SRIC Aesculus indica - Betula alnoides 744 ± 416 14402 ±10490 1.3 1.4 1.1 1.1 Quercus semecarpifolia - Toona serrata 704 ± 203 6915 ± 431 1.2 1.3 0.9 0.8 Abies pindrow - Betula utilis 493 ± 37 10263 ± 799 1.0 1.0 0.8 0.7 Quercus leucotricophora - Pyrus pashia 667 ± 68 14580 ± 2719 1.3 1.3 1.1 1.1 Quercus floribunda -Rhodendron arboreum 714 ± 70 16835 ± 2863 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.2
Table 7. Mean values of density (ha -1) of major tree and shrub species of surveyed forest stands of Kumaon Himalaya (S.E. refers to standard error).
Tree species Density S.E. Shrub species Density S.E. Quercus leucotricophora 139 93 Argemone maxicana 2064 1918 Quercus floribunda 181 102 Arundinella nepalensis 2954 1400 Quercus glauca 59 47 Athyrium sp. 3055 1595 Quercus semecarpifolia 108 46 Berberis aristata 985 319 Quercus lanuginosa 167 71 Euphorbia prolifera 1862 1232 Rhododendron arboreum 175 75 Cratagus sp. 1492 281 Lyonia ovalifolia 114 55 Daphne papyracea 1809 1190 Persia duthiei 110 93 Desmodium gangeticum 2021 1252 Euonymus tingens 70 38 Indigofera heterantha 1667 959 Symplocos theifolia 130 107 Mahonia sp. 554 205 Pyrus pashia 50 18 Myrsine africana 6521 4760 Toona serrata 52 24 Nerium sp. 3671 2656 Abies pindrow 151 97 Polystichum sp. 1527 631 Taxus baccata 151 97 Pteridium sp. 2190 1687 Cedrus deodara 110 77 Pteris sp. 3047 1391 Pinus wallichiana 92 60 Pyracantha crenulata 813 357 Pinus roxburghii 81 44 Rubus biflorus 1618 759 Acer caesium 76 35 Rubus ellipticus 1955 136 Alnus nepalensis 56 27 Urtica dioca 5017 7525 Viburnum mullaha 82 41 Aesculus indica 47 19 Myrica esculenta 86 33 Cupressus torulosa 112 37 Ilex dipyrena 70 37 Swida oblonga 68 28 Betula utilis 85 37 Litsea umbrosa 92 53 Lindera pulcherrima 118 65 Jugulans regia 70 22 Tsuga demosa 94 25 Swida sp. 110 91
178 FOREST STRUCTURE IN KUMAON HIMALAYA
Discussion represented at Daphiadhura, Gasi and Dhakuri. Tree diversity range (0.72 - 1.53) was similar as Various phytosociological techniques are recorded by Dhar et al. (1997) for Q. semecarpifolia employed to study forest communities and their forest in AWS (1.41) but shrub diversity range (0.6 relationships (Noy-Meir & Austin 1970; Whittaker - 1.1) reported by them was lower than what has & Gauch 1973). We applied TWINSPAN, DCA and been reported here (1.36). PCA ordination techniques to analyse the In our study, Q. leucotricophora forest distribution of forest vegetation in Kumaon represented the elevation range 1800 - 2300 m Himalaya with satisfactory results. A somewhat (1200 - 2300 m by Singh & Singh 1986; 1700 - 2100 similar approach was used by Adhikari et al . m by Singh et al . 1994), while Q. semecarpifolia (1992) and Rihkari et al . (1989b) but their study forest was present between 2200 - 3000 m altitude was confined to a small area of Kumaon. range (2400 - 3600 m by Singh & Singh 1986; 2366 The polythetic divisive classification divides - 3000 m by Singh et al . 1994). The Shannon- sites into groups on the basis of all the species Wiener (H') diversity values were also similar to information. In our study this division was made those reported by others (Singh et al . 1994). These on the basis of species composition for the entire values were also similar to those reported for sites. As suggested by Margules (1986), temperate communities in adjacent Nepal representativeness should be used as the first Himalaya (Ohsawa et al. 1975) and elsewhere stage in selecting nature reserves. By classifying (Monk 1967). sites into groups with different species As reported by Dhar et al . (1997), > 50% composition, one can ensure that all the major species of this region are non-native species. The groups are represented in the selection. area has received plant elements from adjoining Tree species density was significantly different regions of tropical Asia (Indo-China and Indo- among the present sites. It was substantially high Malaya, Mani 1974) and Indo-Gangetic plains at Gasi and Gager. In this study, tree density at (Spate 1957). The distribution of non-native Gager was higher than that estimated by Rikhari species is known from the Himalaya (Maheswari et al. (1989 a). The diversity index values for all 1962). The change in native flora because of non- the sites in the present study were higher than native species could lead to long-term change in what has been reported by Rikhari et al. (1989a), ecosystem processes (Ramkrishnan & Vitousek Saxena & Singh (1982) and Singh & Singh (1984) 1989). for forests in different localities of Kumaon Some species such as Alnus nepalensis is fast Himalaya. P. roxburghii and Q. semecarpifolia are growing. Ohsawa (1991) considered it a ‘habitat typical west Himalayan elements and are poorly pioneer’ species, as it can occupy the newly formed represented in Nepal and further east (Ohsawa et habitats. Similarly, the expanding P. roxburghii al. 1986). Two other Oak forests ( Q. poses serious threat to native Oak ( Q. leucotricophora and Q. floribunda ) are widely leucotricophora and Q. floribunda ) in whole of the distributed in the west with higher concentration Kumaon, as it has been reported earlier also in the central Himalaya (Singh & Singh 1986). (Singh & Singh 1987). The ecological nature of P. Both these forests were distributed in most of the roxburghii does not allow other broad-leaf species surveyed sites except at higher elevation. A. to replace it, and P. roxburghii will continue to pindrow , T. baccata and B. utilis form sub-alpine hold a site indefinitely once it occupies it. (Singh et forest throughout the Himalaya (Dhar et al. 1997). al . 1984). All Oak species are facing severe threats A. pindrow community dominated in some of the because of the demand for fodder and fire-wood. stands at AWS, Pindari, Wachham, Sunderdunga This leads to reduction in seed production (Saxena and Munsiary. Tree density and diversity and & Singh 1984). Other valuable tree species such as shrub density and diversity were low in A. pindrow A. pindrow , T. baccata, T. demosa and C. deodara – B. utilis group as diversity and richness decrease are felled because of their timber value. A. at higher elevations (Rawal & Pangtey 1994; Singh pindrow community was mainly represented in et al. 1994). Similar results are reported from Pindari but A. pindrow and C. deodara had a good other areas also (Brithers & Spingarn 1992; Knops population size also in Vinaiyak reserve forest. et al . 1995). Q. semecarpifolia forest was Protection of this community is necessary.
HUSSAIN et al. 179
Numerical methods make no claim to being References objective, as the very choice of method is a subjective decision (Birks 1987). However, the Adhikari, B.S., M. Joshi, H.C. Rikhari & Y.S. Rawat. main advantage of using numerical methods in 1992. Cluster Analysis (Dendrogram) of high evaluating representativeness was that they altitude (2150-2500 m) forest vegetation around summarized information about the range in Pindari glacier in Kumaun Himalaya. Journal of variation in species composition found in whole of Environmental Biology 13 : 101-105. the Kumaon Himalaya in an effective and Anthwal, A., R.C. Sharma & A. Sharma. 2006. Sacred meaningful way. All plant species of special groves: Traditional way of conserving plant conservation concern were found in Pindari and diversity in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttaranchal. The Vinaiyak reserve forest. Both of these forests are Journal of American Sciences 2: 35-38. facing severe threats (Hussain et al . 2000) so Birks, H.T.B. 1987. Recent methodological developments immediate action is required for conserving in quantitative descriptive biogeography. Annales important floral communities of these areas. Zoologici Fennici 24: 165-178. Brithers, T. & A. Spingarn. 1992. Forest fragmentation Conclusions and alien plant invasion of central Indiana old growth forest. Conservation Biology 6: 91-100. Dhar, U., R.S. Rawal & S.S. Samant. 1997. Structural Overall 63 tree, 56 shrub, 90 herb and 21 grass diversity and representativeness of forest vegetation species were recorded in the 23 forest stands of in a protected area of Kumaun Himalaya, India: Kumaon Himalaya. The distribution of the tree Implication for conservation. Biodiversity and communities in these forest stands was governed Conservation 6: 1045-1062. mainly by the gradients of altitude, slope and Dombois, M.D. & H. Ellenberg. 1974. Aims and Methods canopy cover. of Vegetation Ecology . John-Wiley & Sons, New York. Some tree species such as B. utilis , Tsuga Greig-Smith, P. 1983. Quantitative Plant Ecology . demosa , Taxus baccata , C. deodara were recorded Blackwell, Scientific Publications, Oxford UK 359S. rare. These species and their communities should Hill, M.O. 1979 a. TWINSPAN-a FORTRAN program for be protected in whole of Kumaon Himalaya. All arranging multivariate data in an ordered two- way the plant communities as well as their associated table by classification of the individuals and biodiversity are, in general, threatened and in attributes. Ecology and Systematics . Cornell order to protect the whole range of biodiversity, University, Ithaca, New York, USA. these plant communities need to be conserved. Hill, M.O. 1979 b. DECORANA-a FORTRAN program for detrended correspondence analysis and Acknowledgements reciprocal averaging. Ecology and Systematics. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA. Authors are thankful to the Ministry of Hussain, M.S., A. Sultana & J. A. Khan. 2000. A Study of Threats to Biodiversity Conservation of Middle Environment & Forests, Govt. of India, for funding Altitude Oak Forest in Kumaon Himalaya. Final the present study. We are grateful to Chief Technical Report MoEF, Department of Wildlife Wildlife Wardens (Uttar Pradesh) Mr. Ashok Sciences, A.M.U., Aligarh. Kumar Singh and Dr. R.L. Singh for giving Knops, J.M.H., J.R. Grifin & A.C. Royalty. 1995. permission to carry out fieldwork in Kumaon Introduced and native plants of the Hestings Himalaya. We also thank Prof. Wazahat Hussain, reservation central coastal California a comparison. Department of Botany, AMU, Aligarh, for Biological Conservation 71: 115-123. reviewing the manuscript and providing valuable Kumar, M. & V. Bhatt. 2006. Plant biodiversity and suggestions. We are thankful to reviewers for conservation of forests in foot hills of Garhwal giving valuable suggestions. Thanks are also due Himalaya. Lyonia 11 : 43-59. to Dr. S.S. Samant, G. B. Pant Institute of Magurran, A.E. 1988. Ecological Diversity and its Himalayan Environment and Development, Measurement . University Press, Cambridge. Almora (Uttarakhand) for identifying plant Maheswari, J.K. 1962. Studies on naturalized flora of species. We also thank Ms. Huma Waseem for India pp. 156-170. In : P. Maheshwari, S. John & proof reading of the manuscript. I.K. Vasil (eds.) Proceedings of a Summer School of Botany, Darjeeling. Calcutta, Sree Saraswati Press.
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Mani, M.S. 1974. Biogeography of the Himalayas. pp. Rikhari, H.C.; R. Chandra & S.P. Singh. 1989b. Pattern 664-681. In : M.S. Mani (ed.) Ecology and of species distribution and community characters Biogeography in India. The Hague. along a moisture gradient within an Oak zone of Margules, C.R. 1986. Conservation evaluation in Kumaon Himalaya. Proceedings of Indian National practice. pp. 289-314. In : M.B. Usher (ed.) Wildlife Science Academy B55 : 431-438. Conservation Evaluation. Chapman & Hall, Saxena, A.K. & J.S. Singh. 1982. A phytosoiological London. analysis of woody plant species in forest Monk, C.D. 1967. Tree species diversity in the eastern communities of a part of Kumaun Himalaya. deciduous forest with particular reference to North- Vegetatio 50: 3-22. Central Florida. American Naturalist 101: 173-187. Saxena, A.K. & J.S. Singh. 1984. Tree population Nautiyal, M.C., B.P. Nautiyal & V. Prakash. 2004. structure of certain Himalayan forests and Effect of grazing and climatic changes on Alpine implications concerning the future composition. vegetation of Tungnath, Garhwal Himalaya, India. Vegetatio 58 : 61-69. The Environmentalist 24: 125-134. Saxena, A.K., S.P. Singh & J.S. Singh. 1985. Population Noy-Meir, I. & M.P. Austin. 1970. Principal component structure of forests of Kumaun Himalaya. ordination and simulated vegetation data. Ecology implication for management. Journal of 51 : 551-552. Environmental Management 19 : 307-324. Ohsawa, M. 1991. Montane evergreen broad-leaved Saxena, A.K., T. Pandey & J.S. Singh. 1985. Altitudinal forests of the Bhutan. pp. 89-156. In : M. Ohsawa variation in the vegetation of Kumaon Himalayas. (ed.) Life Zone Ecology of Bhutan Himalaya II. pp. 43-66. In: D.N. Rao. K.J. Ahmed. M. Yunus & Japan : Chiba University Press. S.N. Singh (eds.) Perspectives in Environmental Ohsawa, M., P.R. Shakya & M. Numata. 1975. Forest Botany. Print House, Lucknow. vegetation of the Arun Valley, east Nepal. pp. 99- Singh, J.S. & S.P. Singh. 1984. An Integrated Ecological 143. In : M. Numata (ed.) Mountaineering of Mt. Study of Eastern Kumaun Himalaya with Emphasis Makalu and Scientific Studies in Eastern Nepal. 11, on Natural Resources. Vol. 1-3, Final Report 1971 Japan: Chiba University Press. (HCS/DST/187/76). Kumaun University, Naini Tal. Ohsawa, M., P.R. Shakya & M. Numata. 1986. Singh, J.S. & S.P. Singh. 1987. Structure and Distribution and succession of west Himalayan functioning of central Himalayan chirpine forest forest types in the eastern part of the Nepal ecosystem. Current Science 56 : 383-391. Himalaya. Mountain Research and Development 6: Singh, J.S., Y.S. Rawat & S.P. Chaturvedi. 1984. 143-157. Replacement of Oak forest with Pine in the Puri, G.S., V.M. Meher-Homji, R.K. Gupta & S. Puri. Himalaya affects the nitrogen cycle. Nature 311 : 54- 1983. Phytogeographical ecology. pp. 115-210. In : 56. Forest Ecology . 2nd edn. Oxford & IBH Publishing Singh, R.S., P.K. Rahlan & S.P. Singh. 1987. Company. Phytosociological and population structure of mixed Ralhan, P.K., A.K. Saxena & J.S. Singh. 1982. Analysis Oak conifer forest in a part of Kumaun Himalaya. of forest vegetation at and around Naini Tal in Environmental Ecology 5: 475-487. Kumaun Himalaya. Proceedings of Indian National Singh, S.P. & J.S. Singh. 1986. Structure and function of Science Academy B 48: 121-137. the central Himalayan Oak forest. Proceedings of Ramakrishnan, P.S. & P.M. Vitousek. 1989. Ecosystem Indian National Science Academy 96 : 159-189. level processes and the consequences of biological Singh, S.P., B.S. Adhikari & D.B. Zobel. 1994. Biomass invasion. pp. 281-300. In : J.A. Drake, M.A. Mooney, productivity, leaf longevity and forest structure in F. di Castri, R.H. Groves, F.J. Kruger, M. Rejmanek the central Himalaya. Ecological Monograph 64 : & M.Williamson (eds.) Biological Invasions: A 401-421. Global Perspective. SCOPE 37: John Wiley and Spate, O.H.K. 1957. India and Pakistan: A General and Sons. Regional Geography . London: Mathuen & Co. Rawal, R.S. & Y.S.P. Pangtey. 1994. High altitude forest Tiwari, J.C. & S.P. Singh. 1985. Analysis of woody in a part of Kumaun, central Himalaya. Proceedings vegetation in mixed Oak forest of Kumaun of Indian National Science Academy B60 : 557-564. Himalaya. Proceedings of Indian National Science Rikhari, H.C., P.K. Ralhan & S.P. Singh. 1989 a. Academy 51 : 332-347. Phytosociology and population structure of chir-pine Upreti, N., J.C. Tewari & S.P. Singh. 1985. The Oak forests in Kumaun Himalaya. Annals of Biology 5: forests of Kumaun Himalaya (India). Composition, 129-140. diversity and regeneration: Mountain Research and Development 5: 163-174.
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Whittaker, R.H. & H.G. Jr. Gauch. 1973. Evaluation of Zar, J.H. 1984. Biostatistical Analysis . Prentice-Hall, ordination techniques. Ordination and Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Classification of Communities. Part V 11 : 287-321.