We investigated the floristic composition, phytosociological and regeneration status of Sarkot Van Panchyat （community forest） in Chamoli district of Garhwal Himalaya. A total of 52 plant species of 46 genera and 26...We investigated the floristic composition, phytosociological and regeneration status of Sarkot Van Panchyat （community forest） in Chamoli district of Garhwal Himalaya. A total of 52 plant species of 46 genera and 26 families were recorded, which included 12 trees, 18 shrubs and 22 herb species. Quercus leucotrichophora was dominant tree species in sapling and seedling layers, followed by Lyonia ovalifolia and Rhododendron arboreum. Out of 12 tree species, 7 species in seedling stage and 8 species in sapling stage were recorded in the study area. The 44.41% species in the study area showed good regeneration status, 16.66% species were fairly regenerating, and 8.33% species showed poor regeneration status, while 33% species were not regenerating. Number of individuals from lower girth classes （0--10 cm and 10-30 cm） showed decreasing trend with the increase in size of girth class. Shannon index （H） for trees, shrubs and herbs was recorded as 1.82, 2.24 and 2.41 respectively. Simpsons index （Co） was recorded as 0.21, 0.12 and 0.12 for trees, shrubs and herbs respectively. The forest should be di- vided into compartments for better management purpose and each compartment should be closed for five years to assist regeneration and enrichment planting may also be carried out for sustainable management.展开更多
The present study was undertaken in five major forest types （dominated by Quercus semecarpifolia, Quercusfloribunda, Acer acuminatum, Abiespindrow and Aesculus indica, respectively） between 2400 and 2850 m a.s.1, in...The present study was undertaken in five major forest types （dominated by Quercus semecarpifolia, Quercusfloribunda, Acer acuminatum, Abiespindrow and Aesculus indica, respectively） between 2400 and 2850 m a.s.1, in a moist temperate forest of the Mandal-Chopta area in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. The aim was to assess the variation in composition and diversity in different vegetation layers, i.e., herb, shrub and tree, among these five forest types. Diversity indices, such as the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, density, total basal cover, Simpson＇s concentration of dominance index, Simpson＇s diversity index, Pielou＇s equitability, species richness, species heterogeneity and r-diversity, were calculated to understand community structures. Dominance-diversity curves were drawn to ascertain resource apportionment among various species in different forest types.展开更多
The present study was undertaken in moist temperate forest of Mandal-Chopta area in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. The aim of the present study was to understand the regeneration dynamics of the dominant tr...The present study was undertaken in moist temperate forest of Mandal-Chopta area in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. The aim of the present study was to understand the regeneration dynamics of the dominant tree species along an altitudinal gradient in naturally regen- erating, restricted access forest. The overall regeneration status was fairly high in the study area. Most of the native canopy and undercanopy domi- nants had frequent reproduction and expanding populations, which sug- gests the stability of forest structure/composition and further expansion of dominant species. The overall regeneration of trees in the forest had a greater contribution of middle and understurey species. Because of infre- quent rep＇roduction and declining populations of some of the dominant native species viz., Abies pindrow, Alnus nepalensis and Betula alnoides, structural/compositional changes in the future are expected in respective forests dominated by them..4bies pindrow and Taxus baccata need im- mediate attention by forest managers for their survival in the area. Seed- lings were found to be more prone to competition from herb and shrubs than saplings.展开更多
We studied the regeneration of tree species in the sub-tropical forest of Alaknanda Valley in Garhwal Himalaya, India. The overall regeneration status was fairly good in the study area. Seedling density ranged between...We studied the regeneration of tree species in the sub-tropical forest of Alaknanda Valley in Garhwal Himalaya, India. The overall regeneration status was fairly good in the study area. Seedling density ranged between 520 and 1,240 seedlings per ha while the density of saplings varied between 400 and 800 saplings per ha. Out of eight sites studied, five sites, viz., A1, A2, B1, B2 and C2 contained the highest number of seedlings （280-480 per ha） and saplings ,（200-440 per ha） for Pinus roxburghfi and remaining three sites viz., C1, D1 and D2 represented the highest number of seedlings （240-400 per ha） and saplings （200-240 per ha） for Anogeissus latifolius. The DBH class distribution of the tree species revealed that the highest number of individuals was concentrated in the lower diameter classes while smallest numbers were found in the higher diameter classes. Species such as Acacia catechu, Anogeissus latifolius, Dalbergia sissoo, Engelhardtia spicata, Lannea coromandelica, Mallotus philippensis and Pinus roxburghii have the larg- est number of saplings and seedlings in the lower DBH classes, suggesting that they have good regeneration potential. Other spec es such as Aegle marmelos, Bauhinia variegata, Bombax ceiba, Cassia fistula, Erythrina variegata, Haldinia ：cordifolia, Mangifera indica, Ougeinia oojeinensis, Phyllanthus emblica, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia alata and Toona hexandra have either no or very small number of saplings in the lower DBH classes which indicates that the status of these species implies poor regeneration.展开更多
The Garhwal Himalaya is among the major repositories of immensely valuable wild edible plants and provides food security to the local population.Among the valuable plant species that grow in this region,Paeonia emodi(...The Garhwal Himalaya is among the major repositories of immensely valuable wild edible plants and provides food security to the local population.Among the valuable plant species that grow in this region,Paeonia emodi(family Paeoniaceae)is an important wild edible species that found in temperate regions with an altitude range between 1800 and 2800 m.The species is facing a severe threat to its sustainability due to overharvesting,habitat disturbances,and a lack of effort regarding conservation.For the first time,this study investigated anthropogenic pressure,population decline perceptions in the natural habitat,and vulnerability assessment of P.emodi under selected study sites(n=23 villages).A semi structured questionnaire was used to interview approximately 45%of the local inhabitants,including herbal practitioners(Vaidhyas or Dais)of each village.On the basis of demographic characteristics,the perceptions and responses of 464 local people were documented regarding potential causes of deterioration and feasible options for sustainable utilization.Using the weight survey method,we estimated the actual amount of collection based on personal interaction and direct observation.In order to determine the threats status,a rapid vulnerability assessment(RVA)was performed and were used based on the current exploitation and usage.The present study revealed that leaf(100%)was the most frequently harvested part,followed by stem(95.65%),seed(26.09%),root(21.74%)and flower(13.04%).The village Triyuginarayan and Pothivasa recorded the highest collection scores while the purpose of the collection was mostly edible(100%),medicinal(100%),and least commercial(8.70%).According to the literature review and the present survey,the RVA(total=21)is categorized as category II(intermediate side of the RVA index),indicating a degree of vulnerability.The study revealed that P.emodi faces extinction in the Garhwal Himalayas.Growing this species through agro-production techniques may alleviate the pressure on the existing population as a resul展开更多
Abstract： We investigated the effect of provenance variation on cone and seed morphology and germination behaviunr under different pretreatments in Picea smithiana. Three categories of cones were recognized： large ...Abstract： We investigated the effect of provenance variation on cone and seed morphology and germination behaviunr under different pretreatments in Picea smithiana. Three categories of cones were recognized： large （13.18 cm×3.30 cm-15.42 cm × 4.35 cm）, medium （10.85 cm × 3.93 cm-12.18 cm× 3.98 cm） and small （7.69 cm× 3.06-10.98 cm× 3.39 cm）. Significant variation was observed for various cone and seed characteristics. Seeds moisture content varied from 44.48% to 56.91%, seed size from 0.64 cmx 0.31 cm （largest seed） to 0.49 cm× 0.10 cm （smallest seed）, and the seed weight from 2.45 g per 100 seeds to 1.36 g per 100 seeds on fresh weight basis of P. smithiana. The highest seed germination （72.0±7.53%） at 10℃ was observed under chilling treatment in Tapovan provenance, while the minimum （15.0±5.71%） seed germination was recorded at 25℃ under control set in Tapovan provenance. Further among all the sources Pandukeshwar consistently had the highest average （38%） percent germination across all treatments. Compared to other temperature regimes and pretreatments, seeds subjected to 10℃ and chilling treatment had the highest germination and took the least time for germination irrespective of provenance effects. Altitude （provenance） had little or no relationship with germination following laboratory treatments. Seeds from Tapovan provenance subjected at 10℃ following chilling treatment may be suggested for further multiplication of this species.展开更多
A software (EQK_SRC_PARA) has been developed to estimate spectral parameters of earthquake source spectrum, namely: low frequency displacement spectral level (Ω0), corner frequency above which spectrum decays with a ...A software (EQK_SRC_PARA) has been developed to estimate spectral parameters of earthquake source spectrum, namely: low frequency displacement spectral level (Ω0), corner frequency above which spectrum decays with a rate of 2 (fc), the cut-off frequency above which the spectrum again decays (fmax) and the rate of decay above fmax (N). A Brune’s source model [1,2] that yield a fall-off of 2 beyond corner frequency is considered with high cut-off frequency factor presented by Boore [3] that fits well for frequencies greater than fmax. The software EQK_SRC_PARA is written in MATLAB and uses input data in Sesame ASCII Format (SAF) format. The obtained spectral parameters have been used to estimate source parameters (e.g., seismic moment, source dimension and stress drop etc.) and to develop scaling laws for the study region. The cut-off frequency “fmax” can also be studied and interpreted to confirm about its origin.展开更多
The object of the paper is to provide an insight into the changes in livelihood strategies of the people in the Garhwal Himalayas over time. From sustaining an economy based on transit trade and subsistence agricultur...The object of the paper is to provide an insight into the changes in livelihood strategies of the people in the Garhwal Himalayas over time. From sustaining an economy based on transit trade and subsistence agriculture, there has been a shift towards tourism in recent times. This shift has been due to the tradition of pilgrimage to the higher reaches and also due to promotion by the state by developing infrastructure and providing incentives. The paper is divided into four parts. In the first part, the policies of the colonial state and the events leading to the destruction of forests and the impoverishment of the self-sustaining semi-pastoral economy in the Garhwal Himalayas are outlined. It is argued that the destruction of forests and subsequently, the economy of the Himalayas were directly responsible for the large-scale migration to the plains. This also led to further exploitation of forests by the people who were unfamiliar with any other form of livelihood. The paper also discusses the policies of the newly independent Indian state and sees them as an extension of the British policy of large-scale exploitation of Himalayan forests for the purpose of development and economic growth. In the third section, the growth of ecotourism as a direct outcome of the process of deforestation and as resulting fostered monopolies of groups external to the region thereby contributing neither to the income or the development in the area. In addition, there is an added threat to the environment–deforestation, and erosion–a direct outcome of increased and unplanned tourism. Such problems demand state intervention and management of tourism. The conclusion to the paper asserts that in order that the requirements of the society to progress and to sustain itself in its natural habitat are not compromised, it is essential to increase the process of democratization by strengthening local structures and by vesting the community with the autonomy to determine its future. The paper therefore argues that ecotourism in the Himalay展开更多
Landslide hazard zonation mapping at regional level of a large area provides a broad trend of landslide potential zones. A macro level landslide hazard zonation for a small area may provide a better insight into the l...Landslide hazard zonation mapping at regional level of a large area provides a broad trend of landslide potential zones. A macro level landslide hazard zonation for a small area may provide a better insight into the landslide hazards. The main objective of the present work was to carry out macro landslide hazard zonation mapping on 1:50,000 scale in an area where regional level zonation mapping was conducted earlier. In the previous work the regional landslide hazard zonation maps of Srinagar-Rudraprayag area of Garhwal Himalaya in the state of Uttarakhand were prepared using subjective and objective approaches. In the present work the landslide hazard zonation mapping at macro level was carried out in a small area using a Landslide Hazard Evaluation Factor rating scheme. The hazard zonation map produced by using this technique classifies the area into relative hazard classes in which the high hazard zones well correspond with high frequency of landslides. The results of this map when compared with the regional zonation maps prepared earlier show that application of the present technique identified more details of the hazard zones, which are broadly shown in the earlier zonation maps.展开更多
In this study, we investigated the specific gravity of wood samples collected from a total of 31 woody spe- cies, consisting of 20 trees, 10 shrubs and one species of bamboo from sub-tropical regions of Garhwal Himala...In this study, we investigated the specific gravity of wood samples collected from a total of 31 woody spe- cies, consisting of 20 trees, 10 shrubs and one species of bamboo from sub-tropical regions of Garhwal Himalayas, In- dia. Results show that among these woody species, the specific gravity of trees ranged from 0.34 for Erythrina suberosa to 0.83 for Albizia procera. For shrub species the specific gravity of Ricinus communis was 0.39 and that of Dodonaea viscosa 0.93. The average specific gravity of trees was 0.58 and of shrubs 0.66.展开更多
The yield production and energy budget of agroecosystem was carried out at three different climatic regions, i.e., tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate in Garhwal Himalaya, India. The total human population was the h...The yield production and energy budget of agroecosystem was carried out at three different climatic regions, i.e., tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate in Garhwal Himalaya, India. The total human population was the highest （1 140） in tropical region, followed by 464 in temperate region, and 374 in sub-tropical region. Livestock population had also a similar trend with human population in each climatic region, which was 870, 290, and 188 in the tropical, temperate, and sub-tropical regions, respectively, in winter season, the crop production was the highest （2 332 kg hat yr-l） for Triticum aestivum in tropical region followed by 1 716 kg ha^-1 yr^-1 in sub-tropical region, and 1 473 kg ha^-1 yr^-1 in temperate region. The associated crops were Itordeurn vulgate, Brassica caml ＇stris, and Pisum sativa. However, in summer season, the most contributing crop was Oryza sativa, which had also the highest production in tropical region followed by sub-tropical region, and temperate region, i.e., 1 160, 1096, and 1 076 kg ha^-1 yr^-1, respectively. Other growing crops were Elusine coracana, Vigna mugo, Glycine soja, and Echnochlolafrumentaceae. Brassiea rugosa was the only crop grown in tropical region between the period of winter and summer season. The total root production of crops in each climatic region was the highest in tropical region （1 846.2 kg ha^-1 yr^-1）, followed by temperate region （1 841.5 kg ha^-1 yr^-1） and sub-tropical region （1442.5 kg ha^-1 yr^-1）. However, shoot components of crops were 20 241.5, 17 847.0, and 1 188.3 kg ha^-1 yr^-1, which recorded parallel to root in each climatic region. The root and shoot components of weed decreased with increasing altitudes, which were 105.39 and 1150.5 kg ha^-1 yr^-1 in tropical region, 94.55 and 1147.5 kg ha^-1 yr^-1 in sub-tropical region, and 73.33 and 871.5 kg ha^-1 yr^-1 in temperate region for root and shoot, respectively. In the energy inputs, the most contribution was of compost in each climatic region. Among the region, the highest展开更多
We estimated variation in the allocation of metabolites （phenol, sugar, and electrical conductance） in seed, fruit and seedling leachates of 25 populations of Grewia. oppositifolia. Higher quantity of phenolics and ...We estimated variation in the allocation of metabolites （phenol, sugar, and electrical conductance） in seed, fruit and seedling leachates of 25 populations of Grewia. oppositifolia. Higher quantity of phenolics and higher electrical conductance were observed in plants from lower-middle altitudes but this was not correlated significantly with germination, survival, or plant height. On the other hand, sugar content in fruit pulp leachates was greatest in higher elevational populations and these sources also recorded higher germination, survival, and plant height under nursery conditions. Thus we recommend that germplasm （seed） should be collected from moderately higher elevational sources for nursery as well as future breeding strategies of this potential agroforestry tree crop of the central Himalaya.展开更多
Aims To explain how plant community copes with a recurring anthropogenic forest fire in Himalayan Chir pine forest,it is important to understand their postfire regeneration strategies.The primary aim of the study was ...Aims To explain how plant community copes with a recurring anthropogenic forest fire in Himalayan Chir pine forest,it is important to understand their postfire regeneration strategies.The primary aim of the study was to know:(i)how fire impact soil seed bank composition and(ii)how much soil seed bank composition differs with standing vegetation after the forest fire.Methods Soil samples were collected from burned and adjoining unburned sites in blocks using three layers down to 9 cm depth immediately after a forest fire and incubated in the net-house for seedling emergence.Same sites were revisited during late monsoon/early autumn season to know the species composition of standing vegetation recovered after a forest fire.Important Findings Soil contained viable seeds of>70 species.The average seed bank density was 8417 and 14217 seeds/m^(2) in the burned and unburned site,respectively.In both sites,it decreased with increasing soil depth.Overall fire had no significant impact on seed density;however,taking individual layers into consideration,fire had a significant impact on seed density only in the uppermost soil layer.The species richness of soil seed bank and standing vegetation was 73 and 100,respectively(with 35 shared species),resulting in a similarity of about 40%.In contrast,>80%species in soil seed bank was found similar between burned and unburned sites.Further,there were no significant differences in species richness of standing vegetation in burned(87 spp.)and unburned(78 spp.)sites.Our results showed that fire had an insignificant impact on soil seed bank composition and restoration potential of a plant species from seeds.The understory herb and shrub plant community’s ability to form a fire-resistant viable soil seed bank and capable to recover in the postfire rainy season,explains how they reduce the risk of recurring fire damage in maintaining their population.展开更多
In the Garhwal of Uttarakhand, India, the Bhotiya, an ethnically and culturally distinct tribal group, were historically engaged in seasonal migration(i.e. transhumance) to take advantage of scarce mountain resources ...In the Garhwal of Uttarakhand, India, the Bhotiya, an ethnically and culturally distinct tribal group, were historically engaged in seasonal migration(i.e. transhumance) to take advantage of scarce mountain resources and trade relations with Tibet. This livelihood practice has all but disappeared.Households are adapting to these changing circumstances by engaging in the collection and sale of the valuable alpine medicinal fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis, widely known as Cordyceps. The collection of this fungus has exploded, emerging as a lucrative yet high-risk livelihood strategy for many Bhotiya communities.The Bhotiyas' historic herding and trade-based interactions and knowledge of these alpine environments where Cordyceps are found uniquely positions them to access this valuable biological resource. Elsewhere in the Himalayan region, some households are earning as much as two-thirds of their income from the collection of Cordyceps; in China Cordyceps is now listed as an endangered species due to intense over-exploitation in the Tibetan Plateau.This paper seeks to fill the void in the scientific literature on the social, ecological and economic aspects of the emerging Cordyceps trade in the Garhwal. Our study investigates the socio-spatial dimensions of Cordyceps collection in the high alpine meadows. We document how a fusion of local knowledge and practice with alpine mountain systems has served to reinvigorate the economic integrity of mountain communities at a time of rapid socioeconomic change and to reimagine a new relationship between alpine resources and community well-being.The article offers suggestions to address the sustainability of both Cordyceps collection and livelihood activities which hinge on this fungus population. We find a need for(1) community-based conservation measures that are rooted in(2) secure resource access rights for local communities to continue sustainable collection and sale of Cordyceps and(3) participatory-and science-based processes for determining appropriate local collecti展开更多
Fish diversity in different habitats and their preference for a particular habitat was studied in a freshwater stream Hinval in Western Himalayas of Garhwal region. A total of 7 fish species belonging to 2 orders were...Fish diversity in different habitats and their preference for a particular habitat was studied in a freshwater stream Hinval in Western Himalayas of Garhwal region. A total of 7 fish species belonging to 2 orders were recorded. The maximum fish diversity and dominance was reported in the cyprinids. Two species of order Cypriniformes, Tot putitora （Ham.） and Barilius bendelisis （Ham.） were recorded at all the three sites, although they were more abundant at sites I and II. Among the Barilius spp., Barilius bendelisis （Ham.） was the most common at all the study sites, while Barilius barna （Ham.） and Barilius vagra （Ham.） were only found at Ⅰand Ⅱsites. The pool habitat was the most preferred habitat of almost all the species with （＇H＇=0.521-0.594） tbllowed by rapid and riffle habitat respectively.展开更多
The present study deals with the regeneration status of a sub- tropical forest located between 950-1100 m above sea level in Garhwal Himalaya. The vegetation was quantitatively analyzed on four different aspects i.e.,...The present study deals with the regeneration status of a sub- tropical forest located between 950-1100 m above sea level in Garhwal Himalaya. The vegetation was quantitatively analyzed on four different aspects i.e., east, west, north and south. Results of the study indicated that across the aspects, Anogeissus latifolia was dominant in tree, sapling and seedling layers in all the aspects, except north aspect where Pinus roxburghii and Terminalia tomentosa were dominant in tree and seedling layers, respectively. The highest tree layer density （380 plant.ha^-1） was recorded on south aspect and lowest （260 plant.ha^-1） on west aspect. In shrub layer, highest density was on east aspect （1790 plant.ha-1） and lowest on west aspect （970 plant.hal）. Tree and shrub layer diversity ranged between 0.846 to 1.710 and 1.943 to 2.847, respectively. The relative lopping intensity （%） was higher in Anogeissus latifolia （45%- 57% as compared to 4%-33% in other species） which is the most important tree species on all aspects, except north aspect. The present study also reveals that if the current rate of exploitation continues, the species like Anogeissus latifolia may be replaced by other species and drastic changes may occur in species composition and regeneration of the forest. The anthropogenic pressure, aspect and soil nutrients have caused changes in regeneration status and species composition of forests.展开更多
文摘We investigated the floristic composition, phytosociological and regeneration status of Sarkot Van Panchyat （community forest） in Chamoli district of Garhwal Himalaya. A total of 52 plant species of 46 genera and 26 families were recorded, which included 12 trees, 18 shrubs and 22 herb species. Quercus leucotrichophora was dominant tree species in sapling and seedling layers, followed by Lyonia ovalifolia and Rhododendron arboreum. Out of 12 tree species, 7 species in seedling stage and 8 species in sapling stage were recorded in the study area. The 44.41% species in the study area showed good regeneration status, 16.66% species were fairly regenerating, and 8.33% species showed poor regeneration status, while 33% species were not regenerating. Number of individuals from lower girth classes （0--10 cm and 10-30 cm） showed decreasing trend with the increase in size of girth class. Shannon index （H） for trees, shrubs and herbs was recorded as 1.82, 2.24 and 2.41 respectively. Simpsons index （Co） was recorded as 0.21, 0.12 and 0.12 for trees, shrubs and herbs respectively. The forest should be di- vided into compartments for better management purpose and each compartment should be closed for five years to assist regeneration and enrichment planting may also be carried out for sustainable management.
基金Department of Scienceand Technology, Government of India for providing financial support (Grant No. SP/SO/PS-52/2004)and the Uttarakh and Forest Department for providing meteorological data
文摘The present study was undertaken in five major forest types （dominated by Quercus semecarpifolia, Quercusfloribunda, Acer acuminatum, Abiespindrow and Aesculus indica, respectively） between 2400 and 2850 m a.s.1, in a moist temperate forest of the Mandal-Chopta area in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. The aim was to assess the variation in composition and diversity in different vegetation layers, i.e., herb, shrub and tree, among these five forest types. Diversity indices, such as the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, density, total basal cover, Simpson＇s concentration of dominance index, Simpson＇s diversity index, Pielou＇s equitability, species richness, species heterogeneity and r-diversity, were calculated to understand community structures. Dominance-diversity curves were drawn to ascertain resource apportionment among various species in different forest types.
基金supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi, vide its Project No. SP/SO/PS-52/2004
文摘The present study was undertaken in moist temperate forest of Mandal-Chopta area in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. The aim of the present study was to understand the regeneration dynamics of the dominant tree species along an altitudinal gradient in naturally regen- erating, restricted access forest. The overall regeneration status was fairly high in the study area. Most of the native canopy and undercanopy domi- nants had frequent reproduction and expanding populations, which sug- gests the stability of forest structure/composition and further expansion of dominant species. The overall regeneration of trees in the forest had a greater contribution of middle and understurey species. Because of infre- quent rep＇roduction and declining populations of some of the dominant native species viz., Abies pindrow, Alnus nepalensis and Betula alnoides, structural/compositional changes in the future are expected in respective forests dominated by them..4bies pindrow and Taxus baccata need im- mediate attention by forest managers for their survival in the area. Seed- lings were found to be more prone to competition from herb and shrubs than saplings.
基金the Department of Science and Technology (SEED Division), Government of India, for providing financial support vide its Project No. SP/YO/022/2008
文摘We studied the regeneration of tree species in the sub-tropical forest of Alaknanda Valley in Garhwal Himalaya, India. The overall regeneration status was fairly good in the study area. Seedling density ranged between 520 and 1,240 seedlings per ha while the density of saplings varied between 400 and 800 saplings per ha. Out of eight sites studied, five sites, viz., A1, A2, B1, B2 and C2 contained the highest number of seedlings （280-480 per ha） and saplings ,（200-440 per ha） for Pinus roxburghfi and remaining three sites viz., C1, D1 and D2 represented the highest number of seedlings （240-400 per ha） and saplings （200-240 per ha） for Anogeissus latifolius. The DBH class distribution of the tree species revealed that the highest number of individuals was concentrated in the lower diameter classes while smallest numbers were found in the higher diameter classes. Species such as Acacia catechu, Anogeissus latifolius, Dalbergia sissoo, Engelhardtia spicata, Lannea coromandelica, Mallotus philippensis and Pinus roxburghii have the larg- est number of saplings and seedlings in the lower DBH classes, suggesting that they have good regeneration potential. Other spec es such as Aegle marmelos, Bauhinia variegata, Bombax ceiba, Cassia fistula, Erythrina variegata, Haldinia ：cordifolia, Mangifera indica, Ougeinia oojeinensis, Phyllanthus emblica, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia alata and Toona hexandra have either no or very small number of saplings in the lower DBH classes which indicates that the status of these species implies poor regeneration.
文摘The Garhwal Himalaya is among the major repositories of immensely valuable wild edible plants and provides food security to the local population.Among the valuable plant species that grow in this region,Paeonia emodi(family Paeoniaceae)is an important wild edible species that found in temperate regions with an altitude range between 1800 and 2800 m.The species is facing a severe threat to its sustainability due to overharvesting,habitat disturbances,and a lack of effort regarding conservation.For the first time,this study investigated anthropogenic pressure,population decline perceptions in the natural habitat,and vulnerability assessment of P.emodi under selected study sites(n=23 villages).A semi structured questionnaire was used to interview approximately 45%of the local inhabitants,including herbal practitioners(Vaidhyas or Dais)of each village.On the basis of demographic characteristics,the perceptions and responses of 464 local people were documented regarding potential causes of deterioration and feasible options for sustainable utilization.Using the weight survey method,we estimated the actual amount of collection based on personal interaction and direct observation.In order to determine the threats status,a rapid vulnerability assessment(RVA)was performed and were used based on the current exploitation and usage.The present study revealed that leaf(100%)was the most frequently harvested part,followed by stem(95.65%),seed(26.09%),root(21.74%)and flower(13.04%).The village Triyuginarayan and Pothivasa recorded the highest collection scores while the purpose of the collection was mostly edible(100%),medicinal(100%),and least commercial(8.70%).According to the literature review and the present survey,the RVA(total=21)is categorized as category II(intermediate side of the RVA index),indicating a degree of vulnerability.The study revealed that P.emodi faces extinction in the Garhwal Himalayas.Growing this species through agro-production techniques may alleviate the pressure on the existing population as a resul
文摘Abstract： We investigated the effect of provenance variation on cone and seed morphology and germination behaviunr under different pretreatments in Picea smithiana. Three categories of cones were recognized： large （13.18 cm×3.30 cm-15.42 cm × 4.35 cm）, medium （10.85 cm × 3.93 cm-12.18 cm× 3.98 cm） and small （7.69 cm× 3.06-10.98 cm× 3.39 cm）. Significant variation was observed for various cone and seed characteristics. Seeds moisture content varied from 44.48% to 56.91%, seed size from 0.64 cmx 0.31 cm （largest seed） to 0.49 cm× 0.10 cm （smallest seed）, and the seed weight from 2.45 g per 100 seeds to 1.36 g per 100 seeds on fresh weight basis of P. smithiana. The highest seed germination （72.0±7.53%） at 10℃ was observed under chilling treatment in Tapovan provenance, while the minimum （15.0±5.71%） seed germination was recorded at 25℃ under control set in Tapovan provenance. Further among all the sources Pandukeshwar consistently had the highest average （38%） percent germination across all treatments. Compared to other temperature regimes and pretreatments, seeds subjected to 10℃ and chilling treatment had the highest germination and took the least time for germination irrespective of provenance effects. Altitude （provenance） had little or no relationship with germination following laboratory treatments. Seeds from Tapovan provenance subjected at 10℃ following chilling treatment may be suggested for further multiplication of this species.
文摘A software (EQK_SRC_PARA) has been developed to estimate spectral parameters of earthquake source spectrum, namely: low frequency displacement spectral level (Ω0), corner frequency above which spectrum decays with a rate of 2 (fc), the cut-off frequency above which the spectrum again decays (fmax) and the rate of decay above fmax (N). A Brune’s source model [1,2] that yield a fall-off of 2 beyond corner frequency is considered with high cut-off frequency factor presented by Boore [3] that fits well for frequencies greater than fmax. The software EQK_SRC_PARA is written in MATLAB and uses input data in Sesame ASCII Format (SAF) format. The obtained spectral parameters have been used to estimate source parameters (e.g., seismic moment, source dimension and stress drop etc.) and to develop scaling laws for the study region. The cut-off frequency “fmax” can also be studied and interpreted to confirm about its origin.
文摘The object of the paper is to provide an insight into the changes in livelihood strategies of the people in the Garhwal Himalayas over time. From sustaining an economy based on transit trade and subsistence agriculture, there has been a shift towards tourism in recent times. This shift has been due to the tradition of pilgrimage to the higher reaches and also due to promotion by the state by developing infrastructure and providing incentives. The paper is divided into four parts. In the first part, the policies of the colonial state and the events leading to the destruction of forests and the impoverishment of the self-sustaining semi-pastoral economy in the Garhwal Himalayas are outlined. It is argued that the destruction of forests and subsequently, the economy of the Himalayas were directly responsible for the large-scale migration to the plains. This also led to further exploitation of forests by the people who were unfamiliar with any other form of livelihood. The paper also discusses the policies of the newly independent Indian state and sees them as an extension of the British policy of large-scale exploitation of Himalayan forests for the purpose of development and economic growth. In the third section, the growth of ecotourism as a direct outcome of the process of deforestation and as resulting fostered monopolies of groups external to the region thereby contributing neither to the income or the development in the area. In addition, there is an added threat to the environment–deforestation, and erosion–a direct outcome of increased and unplanned tourism. Such problems demand state intervention and management of tourism. The conclusion to the paper asserts that in order that the requirements of the society to progress and to sustain itself in its natural habitat are not compromised, it is essential to increase the process of democratization by strengthening local structures and by vesting the community with the autonomy to determine its future. The paper therefore argues that ecotourism in the Himalay
文摘Landslide hazard zonation mapping at regional level of a large area provides a broad trend of landslide potential zones. A macro level landslide hazard zonation for a small area may provide a better insight into the landslide hazards. The main objective of the present work was to carry out macro landslide hazard zonation mapping on 1:50,000 scale in an area where regional level zonation mapping was conducted earlier. In the previous work the regional landslide hazard zonation maps of Srinagar-Rudraprayag area of Garhwal Himalaya in the state of Uttarakhand were prepared using subjective and objective approaches. In the present work the landslide hazard zonation mapping at macro level was carried out in a small area using a Landslide Hazard Evaluation Factor rating scheme. The hazard zonation map produced by using this technique classifies the area into relative hazard classes in which the high hazard zones well correspond with high frequency of landslides. The results of this map when compared with the regional zonation maps prepared earlier show that application of the present technique identified more details of the hazard zones, which are broadly shown in the earlier zonation maps.
文摘In this study, we investigated the specific gravity of wood samples collected from a total of 31 woody spe- cies, consisting of 20 trees, 10 shrubs and one species of bamboo from sub-tropical regions of Garhwal Himalayas, In- dia. Results show that among these woody species, the specific gravity of trees ranged from 0.34 for Erythrina suberosa to 0.83 for Albizia procera. For shrub species the specific gravity of Ricinus communis was 0.39 and that of Dodonaea viscosa 0.93. The average specific gravity of trees was 0.58 and of shrubs 0.66.
文摘The yield production and energy budget of agroecosystem was carried out at three different climatic regions, i.e., tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate in Garhwal Himalaya, India. The total human population was the highest （1 140） in tropical region, followed by 464 in temperate region, and 374 in sub-tropical region. Livestock population had also a similar trend with human population in each climatic region, which was 870, 290, and 188 in the tropical, temperate, and sub-tropical regions, respectively, in winter season, the crop production was the highest （2 332 kg hat yr-l） for Triticum aestivum in tropical region followed by 1 716 kg ha^-1 yr^-1 in sub-tropical region, and 1 473 kg ha^-1 yr^-1 in temperate region. The associated crops were Itordeurn vulgate, Brassica caml ＇stris, and Pisum sativa. However, in summer season, the most contributing crop was Oryza sativa, which had also the highest production in tropical region followed by sub-tropical region, and temperate region, i.e., 1 160, 1096, and 1 076 kg ha^-1 yr^-1, respectively. Other growing crops were Elusine coracana, Vigna mugo, Glycine soja, and Echnochlolafrumentaceae. Brassiea rugosa was the only crop grown in tropical region between the period of winter and summer season. The total root production of crops in each climatic region was the highest in tropical region （1 846.2 kg ha^-1 yr^-1）, followed by temperate region （1 841.5 kg ha^-1 yr^-1） and sub-tropical region （1442.5 kg ha^-1 yr^-1）. However, shoot components of crops were 20 241.5, 17 847.0, and 1 188.3 kg ha^-1 yr^-1, which recorded parallel to root in each climatic region. The root and shoot components of weed decreased with increasing altitudes, which were 105.39 and 1150.5 kg ha^-1 yr^-1 in tropical region, 94.55 and 1147.5 kg ha^-1 yr^-1 in sub-tropical region, and 73.33 and 871.5 kg ha^-1 yr^-1 in temperate region for root and shoot, respectively. In the energy inputs, the most contribution was of compost in each climatic region. Among the region, the highest
文摘We estimated variation in the allocation of metabolites （phenol, sugar, and electrical conductance） in seed, fruit and seedling leachates of 25 populations of Grewia. oppositifolia. Higher quantity of phenolics and higher electrical conductance were observed in plants from lower-middle altitudes but this was not correlated significantly with germination, survival, or plant height. On the other hand, sugar content in fruit pulp leachates was greatest in higher elevational populations and these sources also recorded higher germination, survival, and plant height under nursery conditions. Thus we recommend that germplasm （seed） should be collected from moderately higher elevational sources for nursery as well as future breeding strategies of this potential agroforestry tree crop of the central Himalaya.
基金supported by University Grants Commission(UGC)New Delhi under a Major Research Project[grant number:39-925/2010(SR)]to SSP.
文摘Aims To explain how plant community copes with a recurring anthropogenic forest fire in Himalayan Chir pine forest,it is important to understand their postfire regeneration strategies.The primary aim of the study was to know:(i)how fire impact soil seed bank composition and(ii)how much soil seed bank composition differs with standing vegetation after the forest fire.Methods Soil samples were collected from burned and adjoining unburned sites in blocks using three layers down to 9 cm depth immediately after a forest fire and incubated in the net-house for seedling emergence.Same sites were revisited during late monsoon/early autumn season to know the species composition of standing vegetation recovered after a forest fire.Important Findings Soil contained viable seeds of>70 species.The average seed bank density was 8417 and 14217 seeds/m^(2) in the burned and unburned site,respectively.In both sites,it decreased with increasing soil depth.Overall fire had no significant impact on seed density;however,taking individual layers into consideration,fire had a significant impact on seed density only in the uppermost soil layer.The species richness of soil seed bank and standing vegetation was 73 and 100,respectively(with 35 shared species),resulting in a similarity of about 40%.In contrast,>80%species in soil seed bank was found similar between burned and unburned sites.Further,there were no significant differences in species richness of standing vegetation in burned(87 spp.)and unburned(78 spp.)sites.Our results showed that fire had an insignificant impact on soil seed bank composition and restoration potential of a plant species from seeds.The understory herb and shrub plant community’s ability to form a fire-resistant viable soil seed bank and capable to recover in the postfire rainy season,explains how they reduce the risk of recurring fire damage in maintaining their population.
基金funded in part by the College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana,MissoulaThe logistical support and research assistance provided by the Mountain Shepherds Initiative and the Nanda Devi Campaign based in Uttarakhand were paramount
文摘In the Garhwal of Uttarakhand, India, the Bhotiya, an ethnically and culturally distinct tribal group, were historically engaged in seasonal migration(i.e. transhumance) to take advantage of scarce mountain resources and trade relations with Tibet. This livelihood practice has all but disappeared.Households are adapting to these changing circumstances by engaging in the collection and sale of the valuable alpine medicinal fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis, widely known as Cordyceps. The collection of this fungus has exploded, emerging as a lucrative yet high-risk livelihood strategy for many Bhotiya communities.The Bhotiyas' historic herding and trade-based interactions and knowledge of these alpine environments where Cordyceps are found uniquely positions them to access this valuable biological resource. Elsewhere in the Himalayan region, some households are earning as much as two-thirds of their income from the collection of Cordyceps; in China Cordyceps is now listed as an endangered species due to intense over-exploitation in the Tibetan Plateau.This paper seeks to fill the void in the scientific literature on the social, ecological and economic aspects of the emerging Cordyceps trade in the Garhwal. Our study investigates the socio-spatial dimensions of Cordyceps collection in the high alpine meadows. We document how a fusion of local knowledge and practice with alpine mountain systems has served to reinvigorate the economic integrity of mountain communities at a time of rapid socioeconomic change and to reimagine a new relationship between alpine resources and community well-being.The article offers suggestions to address the sustainability of both Cordyceps collection and livelihood activities which hinge on this fungus population. We find a need for(1) community-based conservation measures that are rooted in(2) secure resource access rights for local communities to continue sustainable collection and sale of Cordyceps and(3) participatory-and science-based processes for determining appropriate local collecti
文摘Fish diversity in different habitats and their preference for a particular habitat was studied in a freshwater stream Hinval in Western Himalayas of Garhwal region. A total of 7 fish species belonging to 2 orders were recorded. The maximum fish diversity and dominance was reported in the cyprinids. Two species of order Cypriniformes, Tot putitora （Ham.） and Barilius bendelisis （Ham.） were recorded at all the three sites, although they were more abundant at sites I and II. Among the Barilius spp., Barilius bendelisis （Ham.） was the most common at all the study sites, while Barilius barna （Ham.） and Barilius vagra （Ham.） were only found at Ⅰand Ⅱsites. The pool habitat was the most preferred habitat of almost all the species with （＇H＇=0.521-0.594） tbllowed by rapid and riffle habitat respectively.
文摘The present study deals with the regeneration status of a sub- tropical forest located between 950-1100 m above sea level in Garhwal Himalaya. The vegetation was quantitatively analyzed on four different aspects i.e., east, west, north and south. Results of the study indicated that across the aspects, Anogeissus latifolia was dominant in tree, sapling and seedling layers in all the aspects, except north aspect where Pinus roxburghii and Terminalia tomentosa were dominant in tree and seedling layers, respectively. The highest tree layer density （380 plant.ha^-1） was recorded on south aspect and lowest （260 plant.ha^-1） on west aspect. In shrub layer, highest density was on east aspect （1790 plant.ha-1） and lowest on west aspect （970 plant.hal）. Tree and shrub layer diversity ranged between 0.846 to 1.710 and 1.943 to 2.847, respectively. The relative lopping intensity （%） was higher in Anogeissus latifolia （45%- 57% as compared to 4%-33% in other species） which is the most important tree species on all aspects, except north aspect. The present study also reveals that if the current rate of exploitation continues, the species like Anogeissus latifolia may be replaced by other species and drastic changes may occur in species composition and regeneration of the forest. The anthropogenic pressure, aspect and soil nutrients have caused changes in regeneration status and species composition of forests.
