Pant – Samant: Assessment of plant diversity and priorization of communities for conversation in Mornaula Reserve Forest

- 123 -

ASSESSMENT OF PLANT DIVERSITY AND PRIORITIZATION OF

COMMUNITIES FOR CONSERVATION IN MORNAULA
RESERVE FOREST
S. PANT – S.S. SAMANT*

G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Himachal Unit,

Mohal-Kullu 175 126, Himachal Pradesh, India
(phone: +91-1902-225329 Ext. 21 (O); fax: +91-1902-226347)

e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

(Received 4th July2006; accepted 16th August 2007)

Abstract. Assessment of plant diversity of the Reserve Forests of the west Himalaya and prioritization of
communities for conservation have not been given much attention. Therefore, the study has been
conducted in a biodiversity rich Mornaula Reserve Forest between 1500-2200m to analyse the structure,
composition of the forest communities including richness of economically important, native, endemic and
rare-endangered species, and prioritize communities for conservation. A total of 123 sites were sampled.
For each site, habitat characteristics, altitude and dominant species have been given. From the sampled
sites, 289 species (37 trees; 37 shrubs; and 215 herbs) and 31 forest communities have been recorded. The
density of trees ranged from 340-2438 Ind ha-1 and TBA from 19.52-234.31 Ind m2. The densities of
saplings ranged from 340.00-2277.00 Ind ha-1 and seedlings 266.00-1571.00 Ind ha-1; shrubs 357-1156
Ind ha-1 and herbs 21.73-431.04 Ind m-2. The richness of the trees ranged from 3-27, shrubs, 8-36, herbs,
17-145, seedlings, 3-22, and saplings, 2-21. Species diversity for trees ranged from 0.99-2.93, seedlings,
0.86-2.65, saplings, 0.44-2.78, shrubs, 1.94-4.43 and herbs, 1.42-4.66. These recorded values were almost
comparable with the studies conducted in sub-tropical, temperate and sub-alpine regions of the west
Himalaya. In some cases the values were slightly higher than the reported values. The communities have
been prioritized for conservation based on the species richness, nativity, endemism, economically
important and rare-endangered species. Among, all the prioritized communities, Rhododendron arboreum
community supports maximum species including native, endemic, economically important and rare-
endangered species. In view of the high socio-economic and conservation values of the identified
communities, monitoring of these communities at least for a period of five years and development of
appropriate strategy and action plan for the conservation and management have been suggested.
Keywords: Reserve Forest, communities, diversity, native, rare-endangered, socioeconomic,
prioritization, conservation

Introduction
The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is very well known throughout the globe due to
its representative, unique, natural, and socio-economically important flora and fauna
[1]. Due to this peculiar feature, the eastern Himalaya has been identifies one of the
biodiversity Hot Spots [2]. This rich biodiversity is being utilized by the inhabitants of
the region for medicine, as wild edible (food), fodder, fuel, timber, in making
agriculture tools, religious and various other purposes [3, 4, 1]. With the increasing
human population, the demand of the economically important biodiversity is increasing
fast. Collection of fodder and fuel species from the forests has been identified one of the
chronic problems in the IHR for the degradation of forest [5]. The anthropogenic
pressures including heavy grazing coupled with the natural calamities have lead the
degradation of natural habitats of many species to a great extent. Such practices are
discoursing the moisture loving species and promoting the hardy and spiny species
having least value for the society. This loss of biodiversity and changing pattern of

APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 5(2): 123-138.

http://www.ecology.uni-corvinus.hu ● ISSN 1589 1623
 2007, Penkala Bt., Budapest, Hungary
 Pant – Samant: Assessment of plant diversity and priorization of communities for conversation in Mornaula Reserve Forest
- 124 -

vegetation has necessitated assess the biodiversity of the region and prioritize habitats,
communities and species for conservation.
In general, structural and functional diversity of the some parts of the IHR have been
evaluated by various workers [6-33]. However, the protected areas of the IHR including
Reserve Forests have been very poorly evaluated for the structural and functional
diversity [34] except a few studies carried out in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
(NDBR) and Askot Wildlife Sanctuary (AWLS) [35-39]. Further, studies integrating
compositional, structural and functional diversity, native, endemic, economically
important and rare-endangered species, and prioritization of community for
conservation have been attempted in a few protected areas [37, 38]. Therefore, the
attempt has been made to; (i) study the site/habitat characteristics; (ii) assess the
diversity and distribution pattern of the species; (iii) delineate forest communities; (iv)
study the distribution pattern of economically important, native, endemic and rare-
endangered species within the identified communities; and (v) prioritize communities
for conservation.

Materials and methods

Identification and selection of transects, sites and habitats
Four transacts i.e., (i) Harinagar to Nartola; (ii) Bercheula-Lohanigaon-Mornaula;
(iii) Khakar-Bheutania-Tarani; (iv) Dole-Damar-Mornaula were selected along the trails
of the villages on account of typical topography and inaccessibility of the area. The sites
were selected on each and every accessible aspect along transacts between 1500-2200m.
The habitats were identified on the basis of physical characters and dominance of the
vegetation. Sites having closed canopy with high percent of humus and moisture were
considered as moist habitats whereas low percent of the same as dry habitats. The sites
having >50% boulders of the ground cover had been considered as bouldary habitat, and
the sites facing high anthropogenic pressures considered as degraded habitats.

Survey, sampling, identification and analysis of data

The field surveys and samplings were conducted between 2002 and 2004 within the
selected sites along the transacts. In each site, a plot of 50x50m was laid. Trees, saplings
and seedlings were sampled by randomly placed 10, 10x10m quadrates; shrubs by 10,
5x5m quadrates; herbs by 20, 1x1m quadrates in each plot. The size and number of
quadrates was determined following [40]. For the collection of data from these
quadrates standard ecological methods [41, 42, 40, 43, 35, 39, 38] were followed. From
each site, samples of each species were collected and identified in the Institute with the
help of florulas and research papers [44, 45, 46, 29].
For trees, basal area and Importance Value Index (IVI) have also been computed. IVI
has been calculated as the sum of relative frequency, relative density and relative basal
area. The abundance data of different sites were pooled to get community averages in
terms of density, total basal area and IVI. Communities were identified based on the
IVI. A species contributing 50 % or >50 % of the total IVI in a particular site/habitat is
considered as a single species dominated community, <50 % of the total IVI is named
as a mixed community.

APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 5(2): 123-138.

http://www.ecology.uni-corvinus.hu ● ISSN 1589 1623
 2007, Penkala Bt., Budapest, Hungary
 Pant – Samant: Assessment of plant diversity and priorization of communities for conversation in Mornaula Reserve Forest
- 125 -

Species diversity (H’) and Concentration of dominance (Cd)

Species richness is the total number of species in a particular community. Species
diversity was determined by Shannon Wiener’s information statistic (H’) [47] and
concentration of dominance by [48]

Identification of native, endemic and rare-endangered species

Native species were identified following [49, 1, 50, 28, 29]. The species having their
origin in the Himalayan region have been considered as natives. Endemism is based on
the distribution range of the species [51, 1, 36]. The species restricted to the IHR have
been considered as endemic whereas those with extended distribution to neighbouring
countries/States as near endemic. Rare-Endangered species has been identified based on
habitat specificity, population size, distribution range and anthropogenic pressures [52,
53, 36].

Prioritization of communities
Based on the occurrence of number of species (species richness), economically
important, native, endemic and rare-endangered species, within the communities,
prioritization of the communities for conservation has been done.

Results and discussion

Site and habitat characteristics
Site/habitat characteristic, dominant species, altitude, slope and aspect of all four
transects are presented (Table 1). The altitude ranged between 1500-2200m and
majority of the study sites fall in northeast aspect. In all five habitats i.e., shady moist,
dry, riverine, bouldary, and degraded were represented in the area (Table 1).

Community diversity and distribution pattern

Thirty-one forest communities have been identified between 1500-2200m in the
Mornaula Reserve Forest (MRF). The community types, altitudinal distribution, sites
and habitat representation and major tree associates are presented in (Table 2).
Rhododendron arboreum community represented maximum sites (26), followed by
Quercus leucotrichophora (18 sites), and Pinus roxburghii (16 sites), and the remaining
communities showed less representation of sites. Among the communities
Rhododendron arboreum, Quercus leucotrichophora, Pinus roxburghii, Quercus
floribunda, Cupressus torulosa, and Quercus leucotrichophora-Rhododendron
arboreum mixed, showed comparatively wide altitudinal range of distribution.

APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 5(2): 123-138.

http://www.ecology.uni-corvinus.hu ● ISSN 1589 1623
 2007, Penkala Bt., Budapest, Hungary
 Pant – Samant: Assessment of plant diversity and priorization of communities for conversation in Mornaula Reserve Forest
- 126 -

Table 1. Physical characteristics of sites in the MRF

Transact 1: Nartola to Harinagar
S.No. Altitude Slope Habitat Aspect Dominant Species
(m) (°) (s)
1 2130 10 D E Quercus floribunda & Quercus leucotrichophora
2 2130 20 B E Quercus leucotrichophora & Quercus floribunda
3 2130 5 B SW Quercus floribunda & Quercus leucotrichophora
4 2130 15 B S Rhododendron arboreum & Quercus floribunda
5 2130 20 B N Rhododendron arboreum & Quercus floribunda
6 2130 25 B NE Quercus floribunda & Betula alnoides
7 2120 20 B SE Betula alnoides, Quercus floribunda, Lyonia ovalifolia
8 2120 25 B SE Rhododendron arboreum, Quercus floribunda, Alnus
nepalensis
9 2120 45 B NE Quercus leucotrichophora, Rhododendron arboreum,
Betula alnoides
10 2125 25 D S Quercus leucotrichophora
11 2120 15 B NE Quercus leucotrichophora & Quercus floribunda
12 2115 10 C NE Quercus floribunda
13 2115 30 B NE Quercus floribunda
14 2120 30 B NW Rhododendron arboreum
15 2125 15 B SE Rhododendron arboreum
16 2125 20 B E Quercus leucotrichophora & Rhododendron arboreum
17 2125 35 B SE Rhododendron arboreum & Quercus leucotrichophora
18 2070 45 B NE Abies pindrow
19 2070 40 B NW Abies pindrow & Quercus leucotrichophora
20 2125 40 B NW Quercus leucotrichophora & Rhododendron arboreum
21 2125 40 B E Rhododendron arboreum & Quercus leucotrichophora
22 2120 35 B SW Abies pindrow
23 2125 5 D NW Rhododendron arboreum & Quercus leucotrichophora
24 2120 20 C SE Persea duthiei & Rhododendron arboreum

Transact 2: Bercheula – Lohanigaon-Mornaula

S.No. Altitude Slope Habitat Aspect Dominant Species
(m) (°) (s)
1 1900 40 A S Pinus roxburghii
2 1860 10 C E Rhododendron arboreum, Daphniphyllum himalayense
3 1870 40 B N Rhododendron arboreum, Aesculus indica, Quercus
floribunda
4 1870 40 A NE Pinus roxburghii
5 1890 20 C NE Rhododendron arboreum
6 1900 40 A NE Pinus roxburghii
7 1890 20 C NW Alnus nepalensis
8 1970 45 B NE Rhododendron arboreum
9 1970 40 B NE Rhododendron arboreum
10 1960 40 D NW Pinus roxburghii
11 1960 40 B W Cedrus deodara
12 1950 50 B E Cupressus torulosa
13 2050 20 B S Cedrus deodara
14 2060 30 C SE Rhododendron arboreum
15 2040 20 C SE Alnus nepalensis
16 2070 40 A S Quercus leucotrichophora
17 2090 35 A S Pinus roxburghii
18 2095 45 B NW Rhododendron arboreum

APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 5(2): 123-138.

http://www.ecology.uni-corvinus.hu ● ISSN 1589 1623
 2007, Penkala Bt., Budapest, Hungary
 Pant – Samant: Assessment of plant diversity and priorization of communities for conversation in Mornaula Reserve Forest
- 127 -

Transact 2: Bercheula – Lohanigaon-Mornaula

S.No. Altitude Slope Habitat Aspect Dominant Species
(m) (°) (s)
19 2090 40 E SW Pinus roxburghii
20 2090 40 A W Pinus roxburghii
21 2100 20 B W Rhododendron arboreum
22 2090 35 B N Rhododendron arboreum & Myrica esculenta
23 2095 35 B SE Cupressus torulosa
24 2070 35 C NW Rhododendron arboreum & Alnus nepalensis
25 2070 35 A W Pinus roxburghii
26 2095 45 B E Myrica esculenta
27 2095 25 B SW Cupressus torulosa
28 2095 35 B SE Myrica esculenta
29 2080 45 B SW Cupressus torulosa
30 2105 60 B N Rhododendron arboreum
31 2105 50 B NW Rhododendron arboreum
32 2110 40 B NE Rhododendron arboreum
33 2110 25 B W Rhododendron arboreum
34 2120 35 C SE Persea duthiei & Litsea umbrosa
35 2115 20 C NE Betula alnoides & Rhododendron arboreum
36 2115 20 B N Rhododendron arboreum & Lyonia ovalifolia
37 2105 25 B NE Betula alnoides & Rhododendron arboreum
38 2105 20 B NE Rhododendron arboreum
39 2100 5 C SE Acer cappadocicum & Persea duthiei
40 1990 10 C SE Quercus floribunda
41 1985 40 B NE Quercus leucotrichophora
42 1990 15 B S Rhododendron arboreum
43 2105 15 B E Quercus floribunda & Quercus leucotrichophora
44 2110 15 D SW Quercus floribunda

Transact 3: Khakar-Bheutania-Tarani
S.No. Altitude Slope Habitat Aspect Dominant Species
(m) (°) (s)
1 2010 15 C E Quercus floribunda
2 2020 45 A S Quercus floribunda
3 2030 35 A E Quercus floribunda & Quercus leucotrichophora
4 2060 45 B NE Rhododendron arboreum
5 2080 35 C E Rhododendron arboreum & Betula alnoides
6 2100 35 A SE Quercus floribunda
7 2100 50 B NE Rhododendron arboreum
8 2075 35 C NE Rhododendron arboreum
9 2100 25 D N Rhododendron arboreum
10 2100 45 C NE Rhododendron arboreum
11 2100 40 B NW Rhododendron arboreum
12 2110 25 B NW Quercus leucotrichophora
13 2115 25 B NW Quercus leucotrichophora
14 2110 5 B E Persea duthiei & Rhododendron arboreum
15 2015 50 A S Rhododendron arboreum & Quercus floribunda
16 2010 40 C N Rhododendron arboreum
17 2030 40 A E Pinus roxburghii
18 1940 30 B N Quercus floribunda
19 1960 45 D N Pinus roxburghii
20 1960 50 D SW Pinus roxburghii
21 1940 35 D E Quercus floribunda

APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 5(2): 123-138.

http://www.ecology.uni-corvinus.hu ● ISSN 1589 1623
 2007, Penkala Bt., Budapest, Hungary
 Pant – Samant: Assessment of plant diversity and priorization of communities for conversation in Mornaula Reserve Forest
- 128 -

Transact 3: Khakar-Bheutania-Tarani
S.No. Altitude Slope Habitat Aspect Dominant Species
(m) (°) (s)
22 1960 55 A SW Pinus roxburghii
23 1950 50 A E Pinus roxburghii
24 1940 10 C SE Daphniphyllum himalayense
25 1650 50 B N Quercus leucotrichophora
26 1650 70 B SW Quercus leucotrichophora
27 1720 40 A SW Quercus leucotrichophora
28 1790 45 B NW Quercus leucotrichophora
29 1790 60 B SW Myrica esculenta & Quercus leucotrichophora
30 1790 30 C NE Quercus leucotrichophora & Rhododendron arboreum
31 1800 65 B NW Quercus leucotrichophora
32 1840 50 B W Quercus leucotrichophora
33 1860 70 A S Pinus roxburghii

Transact 4: Dol-Damar-Mornaula
S.No. Altitude Slope Habitat Aspect Dominant Species
(m) (°) (s)
1 1960 15 A E Quercus leucotrichophora
2 1950 50 B N Cedrus deodara
3 1910 15 C N Cedrus deodara
4 2030 30 A S Pinus roxburghii
5 2030 65 B SE Cupressus torulosa
6 2025 40 C SE Quercus leucotrichophora
7 2025 35 A SE Quercus leucotrichophora
8 2070 50 B S Quercus leucotrichophora
9 2060 70 A SW Quercus leucotrichophora
10 2080 50 B SW Rhododendron arboreum
11 2080 50 B NW Myrica esculenta
12 2085 45 A SW Pinus roxburghii
13 2100 40 B N Rhododendron arboreum
14 2100 10 B N Quercus leucotrichophora & Rhododendron arboreum
15 2105 15 D NE Quercus leucotrichophora & Rhododendron arboreum
16 2110 30 B NE Rhododendron arboreum
17 2120 15 C NE Rhododendron arboreum
18 2110 20 C NE Persea odoratissima
19 2110 15 B E Litsea umbrosa & Rhododendron arboreum
20 2110 15 B E Rhododendron arboreum & Quercus floribunda
21 2110 10 C SE Persea odoratissima
22 2110 45 B E Rhododendron arboreum
Abbreviations used: SR= Site representation; A= Dry habitat; B= Moist habitat; C= Riverine habitat; D=
Degraded habitat; and E= Bouldary habitat; E=East; N=North; W=West; S=South; NE=North east; SE=South
east; NW=North west; SW=South west; and SE=South east

APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 5(2): 123-138.

http://www.ecology.uni-corvinus.hu ● ISSN 1589 1623
 2007, Penkala Bt., Budapest, Hungary
 Table 2. Community types, distribution and major tree associates
Community types SR Altitud. Habitat Density (Ind/ha) TBA Major associate species

Pant – Samant: Assessment of plant diversity and priorization of communities for conversation in Mornaula Reserve Forest
range (s) (Ind m2)
(m)
Trees Seedlings Saplings Shrubs Herbs
Abies pindrow 3 2120- B 1128 964 1644 9522 72.19 135.49 Litsea umbrosa, Quercus floribunda
2200
Acer cappadocicum-Persea 1 2100 C 1100 1348 1290 9240 51.54 125.20 Symplocos chinensis, Aesculus indica,
duthiei-Quercus floribunda mixed Rhododendron arboreum
APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 5(2): 123-138.

Aesculus indica-Litsea umbrosa- 1 1985 B 710 1285 1310 8100 38.83 46.21 Quercus floribunda, Acer cappadocicum
Quercus leucotrichophora mixed Carpinus viminea
Alnus nepalensis 2 1890- C 1215 693 1265 4525 131.65 229.76 Rhododendron arboreum, Lyonia ovalifolia,
2040 Litsea umbrosa, Daphniphyllum himalayense,
http://www.ecology.uni-corvinus.hu ● ISSN 1589 1623

Carpinus viminea
Betula alnoides 3 2105- B, C 1282 1556 1470 10528 55.47 155.71 Persea odoratissima, Quercus floribunda,
2115 Daphniphyllum himalayense, Ulmus
 2007, Penkala Bt., Budapest, Hungary

wallichiana, Rhododendron arboreum

Cedrus deodara 4 1910- B, C, D 1033 712 758 8863 103.65 122.89 Quercus leucotrichophora, Ilex dipyrena,
2050 Myrica esculenta
Cupressus torulosa 5 1695- B, C 973 947 692 8710 181.23 112.83 Quercus leucotrichophora, Rhododendron

- 129 -
2095 arboreum
Daphniphyllum himalayense 1 1940 C 1010 710 690 5630 75.35 82.52 Litsea umbrosa, Aesculus indica, Ilex dipyrena
Litsea umbrosa-Rhododendron 1 2110 B 1010 837 370 8500 61.85 124.27 Stranvaessia naussia, Acer cappadocicum,
arboreum-Quercus Quercus floribunda
leucotrichophora mixed
Myrica esculenta 1 2080 B 760 697 1580 9490 21.73 81.78 Rhododendron arboreum, Quercus
leucotrichophora
Myrica esculenta-Quercus 1 1790 B 590 635 860 5300 32.30 35.33 Myrica esculenta, Quercus leucotrichophora,
leucotrichophora-Rhododendron Rhododendron arboreum
arboreum mixed
Myrica esculenta-Rhododendron 3 2060- B, C 1543 884 1125 5315 102.80 189.54 Quercus leucotrichophora, Quercus floribunda
arboreum mixed 2095
Persea duthiei 2 2120 C 1055 983 2120 8515 94.55 99.67 Persea odoratissima, Daphniphyllum
himalayense, Litsea umbrosa, Quercus
leucotrichophora
Persea duthiei-Rhododendron 1 2110 B 1060 960 777 2070 40.05 109.69 Ilex dipyrena, Viburnum mullaha, Pyrus pashia
arboreum mixed
Persea odoratissima 3 2110 B, C 846 914 2277 5807 109.18 132.42 Litsea umbrosa, Quercus floribunda, Meliosma
pungens
 Community types SR Altitud. Habitat Density (Ind/ha) TBA Major associate species
range (s) (Ind m2)
(m)
Trees Seedlings Saplings Shrubs Herbs

Pant – Samant: Assessment of plant diversity and priorization of communities for conversation in Mornaula Reserve Forest
Pinus roxburghii 16 1840- A, B, C, 1453 1488 625 8930 243.78 138.73 Rhododendron arboreum, Quercus
2090 D, E leucotrichophora, Acer oblongum, Quercus
floribunda
Pinus roxburghii-Quercus 1 2070 A 1200 732 830 357 76.48 142.39 Rhododendron arboreum, Symplocos chinensis
leucotrichophora mixed
Quercus floribunda 9 1940- A, B, C, 1907 983 2242 9856 431.04 190.35 Quercus leucotrichophora, Myrica esculenta,
APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 5(2): 123-138.

2130 D Daphniphyllum himalayense

Quercus floribunda-Quercus 2 1990- B 1240 572 1378 4265 36.20 127.57 Rhododendron arboreum, Lyonia ovalifolia
leucotrichophora mixed 2130
Quercus floribunda- 3 1940- B, D 1222 747 747 7263 128.18 117.75 Quercus leucotrichophora, Persea duthiei,
http://www.ecology.uni-corvinus.hu ● ISSN 1589 1623

Rhododendron arboreum mixed 2105 Symplocos chinensis, Lyonia ovalifolia

Quercus leucotrichchophora- 1 2130 B 1250 960 960 704 28.88 133.89 Lyonia ovalifolia, Symplocos chinensis, Pyrus
 2007, Penkala Bt., Budapest, Hungary

Quercus floribunda mixed pashia

Quercus leucotrichophora 18 1650- A, B, C, 1930 1371 722 10153 182.79 158.31 Pinus roxburghii, Quercus floribunda, Myrica
2130 D esculenta, Rhododendron arboreum
Quercus leucotrichophora- 3 1790- B, C 1607 1571 1078 6603 61.75 156.76 Myrica esculenta, Betula alnoides, Quercus
Rhododendron arboreum mixed 2125 floribunda, Litsea umbrosa
Rhododendron arboreum 26 1860- B, C, D 2438 1171 657 11056 264.25 234.31 Pinus roxburghii, Myrica esculenta, Acer

- 130 -
2125 oblongum, Aesculus indica, Quercus floribunda
Rhododendron arboreum - 6 1990- B 1977 1362 1003 10580 110.99 175.43 Lyonia ovalifolia, Persea odoratissima,
Quercus floribunda mixed 2130 Quercus leucotrichophora
Rhododendron arboreum-Alnus 1 2070 C 1080 674 830 4630 43.28 195.35 Quercus floribunda, Persea duthiei, Betula
nepalensis mixed alnoides
Rhododendron arboreum-Betula 1 2080 C 1420 910 350 9310 69.50 221.66 Persea duthiei, Alnus nepalensis, Stranvaessia
alnoides mixed naussia, Quercus leucotrichophora
Rhododendron arboreum-Myrica 1 2090- B 1290 1066 888 4460 330.75 154.12 Quercus floribunda, Cedrus deodara,
esculenta mixed 2100 Cupressus torulosa, Quercus leucotrichophora
Rhododendron arboreum-Persea 1 2110 B 920 1319 1880 5450 42.03 104.69 Quercus leucotrichophora, Litsea umbrosa
odoratissima mixed
Quercus floribunda- 1 2015 A 1110 266 340 4530 91.95 85.64 Ilex dipyrena, Lyonia ovalifolia
Rhododendron arboreum- Pinus
roxburghii-Quercus
leucotrichophora mixed
Rhododendron arboreum-Quercus 1 2125- C, D 340 557 1510 6710 43.48 19.52 Pinus roxburghii, Symplocos chinensis
leucotrichophora mixed 2160
Abbreviations used: SR= Site representation; A= Dry habitat; B= Moist habitat; C= Riverine habitat; D= Degraded habitat; and E= Bouldary habitat
 Pant – Samant: Assessment of plant diversity and priorization of communities for conversation in Mornaula Reserve Forest
- 131 -

Vegetation composition
Species richness
In all, 289 species (37 trees; 37 shrubs; and 215 herbs) were recorded. Richness of
trees ranged from 3-27; shrubs from 8-36, herbs from 17-145, seedlings from 3-22, and
saplings from 2-21. The values for trees were higher than the earlier reported values
[54, 20, 22] but comparable to the values reported by [36, 38, 39] from high altitude
areas, and also comparable to the sub-tropical and temperate regions (i.e., 9-28) [14,
33]. For shrubs, the values were slightly higher than earlier records, (4-22) from
subtropical and temperate forests [22, 23, 15]. For herb layer, the values were higher
than previous records [54]. The high richness of trees and shrubs may be due to diverse
habitats and suitable edaphic and climatic factors supporting growth and survival of the
species.

Richness of native and endemic species

Of the total 289 species, 206 species were native to the Himalayan Region; 83
species were non-natives; 117 species were near endemic; and only two species i.e.,
Goldfussia dalhoussiana, and Onychium fragile were endemic. Of the natives, 29
species were trees, 26 species were shrubs and 151 species were herbs. The high
percentage of native species in the area may be due to unique topography,
inaccessibility and distance from road heads.
Among all the communities, Rhododendron arboreum community supports
maximum, native and endemic species, followed by Quercus leucotrichophora,
Quercus leucotrichophora, Quercus floribunda, Rhododendron arboreum-Quercus
floribunda mixed, Pinus roxburghii, Quercus floribunda-Rhododendron arboreum,
Cupressus torulosa, Betula alnoides, Persea duthiei, Cedrus deodara, Myrica
esculenta-Rhododendron arboreum mixed, and Alnus nepalensis, communities
(Table 3).

Table 3. Richness of economically important, native, endemic, near endemic and rare
endangered species in prioritized communities
Community types No. of Species
Native Economically Endemic Near Rare
important endemic endangered
Rhododendron arboreum 119 127 2 33 6
Quercus leucotrichophora 97 98 2 25 6
Quercus floribunda 73 85 1 21 5
Rhododendron arboreum- 70 90 1 18 4
Quercus floribunda mixed
Pinus roxburghii 67 59 1 16 3
Quercus floribunda- 55 104 1 14 5
Rhododendron arboreum mixed
Cupressus torulosa 55 69 1 19 2
Betula alnoides 51 67 1 20 2
Persea duthiei 51 52 1 18 4
Cedrus deodara 46 59 1 11 1
Myrica esculenta-Rhododendron 45 68 1 18 2
arboreum mixed
Alnus nepalensis 43 58 1 10 4

APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 5(2): 123-138.

http://www.ecology.uni-corvinus.hu ● ISSN 1589 1623
 2007, Penkala Bt., Budapest, Hungary
 Pant – Samant: Assessment of plant diversity and priorization of communities for conversation in Mornaula Reserve Forest
- 132 -

Structural pattern
In general, density, TBA, and IVI of trees and density of saplings, seedlings, shrubs
and herbs have been presented (Table 2). The tree density in the communities ranged
from 340-2438 Ind ha-1, TBA ranged from 19.52-234.31 Ind m2, sapling density from
340.00-2277.00 Ind ha-1 and seedling density from 266.00-1571.00 Ind ha-1; shrub
density ranged from 357-1156 Ind ha-1 and herb density from 21.73-431.04 Ind ha-1;
Tree density and TBA were slightly higher than the earlier reported values (320-1670
Ind ha-1 and 360-1787.50 Ind ha-1) from low and high altitude forests of west Himalaya
[10, 8, 11, 16, 54, 22, 36]. The total shrub density for MRF is lower than the reported
range for the Pindari area [20], Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary [30] from sub-tropical and
temperate zone in Kumaun Himalaya [18]. Total herb density was ranged from (21.73-
431.04 Ind m-2) for MRF, which was higher than from the reported value (0.3-17.70
tiller m-2) [55] but lower when compared to the Pindari and NDBR [36]. This may be
due to the diversity in habitats and mild climatic conditions supporting diversity of
herbaceous species and also high density of trees in the MRF. A positive correlation
between and the total basal area and richness (r=0.34, p<0.05, n=31) (Fig. 1) was
observed. This indicates that the increase in the species number increases the total basal
cover.

y = 5,6712x + 72,992
250 R2 = 0,3468

200
Tree Richness

150

100

50

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
TBA
Ind m 2

Figure 1. Correlation between Total Basal Area and Richness

Species diversity (H’)

Species diversity of trees ranged from 0.99-2.93, seedlings from 0.86-2.65, saplings
from 0.44-2.78, shrubs from 1.94-4.43 and herbs from 1.42-4.66. The diversity of trees
was highest in the Rhododendron arboreum community (2.93), followed by Quercus
floribunda (2.90), Rhododendron arboreum-Quercus floribunda mixed (2.68), and
Quercus leucotrichophora (2.65), communities. The diversity of shrubs was highest in
Quercus leucotrichophora community (4.43), followed by Rhododendron arboreum
(3.49) and Pinus roxburghii (3.37), communities. The diversity of saplings was highest
in Rhododendron arboreum (2.78), followed by Quercus floribunda (2.74),
Rhododendron arboreum -Quercus floribunda mixed (2.73), communities. Diversity of

APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 5(2): 123-138.

http://www.ecology.uni-corvinus.hu ● ISSN 1589 1623
 2007, Penkala Bt., Budapest, Hungary
 Pant – Samant: Assessment of plant diversity and priorization of communities for conversation in Mornaula Reserve Forest
- 133 -

seedlings was highest is Betula alnoides (2.65) communities, followed by

Rhododendron arboreum -Quercus floribunda mixed (2.33), and Pinus roxburghii
(2.21). Herb diversity was highest in Rhododendron arboreum (4.66), followed by
Quercus leucotrichophora (4.48), and Pinus roxburghii (4.08). These values were
comparable to the previous records for various regions of west Himalaya [8, 54, 20, 39,
38].

Concentration of dominance (Cd)

Concentration of dominance of trees ranged from 0.06-0.49, seedlings from 0.08-
0.45, saplings from 0.07-0.68, shrubs from 0.03-1.00 and herbs from 0.01-0.52.
Concentration of dominance of trees was highest in Myrica esculenta community
(0.49), followed by Pinus roxburghii (0.46), Daphniphyllum himalayense (0.44) and
Quercus leucotrichophora-Quercus floribunda mixed and Abies pindrow (0.41),
communities, it was lowest in Quercus floribunda community (0.06). For shrubs, it was
highest for Abies pindrow community (1.00), followed by Pinus roxburghii-Quercus
leucotrichophora mixed (0.15), Persea duthiei-Rhododendron arboreum mixed (0.11),
communities, and lowest for Rhododendron arboreum community (0.03). For herbs, it
was highest for Rhododendron arboreum-Myrica esculenta mixed community (0.52),
followed by Quercus floribunda (0.31), Persea duthiei-Rhododendron arboreum mixed
(0.12) communities. These values were comparable to the previous records [8, 9].

Socio economic and conservation values of the forest communities

Among all the communities, Rhododendron arboreum community (208 species; 127
economically important, 119 native, 2 endemic, 33 near endemic, and 6 rare-endangered
species), followed by Quercus floribunda-Rhododendron arboreum mixed (98 species,
104 economically important species, 55 native, 1 endemic, 14 near endemic, and 5 rare
endangered species); Quercus leucotrichophora (179 species, 98 economically
important, 97 native, 2 endemic, 25 near endemic, and 6 rare endangered species);
Rhododendron arboreum-Quercus floribunda mixed (127 species, 90 economically
important, 70 native, 1 endemic, 18 near endemic, and 4 rare endangered species);
Quercus floribunda (150 species, 85 economically important, 73 native, 1 endemic, 21
near endemic, and 5 rare endangered species); Cupressus torulosa (116 species, 69
economically important, 55 native, 1 endemic, 19 near endemic, and 2 rare endangered
species), Myrica esculenta-Rhododendron arboreum mixed ( 97 species, 68
economically important, 45 native, 1 endemic, 18 near endemic, and 2 rare endangered
species), Betula alnoides ( 93 species, 67 economically important, 51 native, 1 endemic,
20 near endemic, and 2 rare endangered species), Cedrus deodara (80 species, 59
economically important, 46 native, 1 endemic, 11 near endemic, and 1 rare endangered
species), Pinus roxburghii (144 species, 59 economically important, 67 native, 1
endemic, 16 near endemic, and 3 rare-endangered species); Alnus nepalensis (77
species, 58 economically important, 43 native, 1 endemic, 10 near endemic, and 4 rare
endangered species); and Persea duthiei (92 species, 52 economically important, 51
native, 1 endemic, 18 near endemic, and 4 rare endangered species), communities
(Table 3). This clearly indicates the high socio-economic and conservation values of
these communities, hence, need prioritization for conservation. The key species of the
prioritized communities are Rhododendron arboreum, Myrica esculenta, Selinium
tenuifolium, Heracleum candicans, Buplerum longicaule, Berberis aristata, Sarcococa

APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 5(2): 123-138.

http://www.ecology.uni-corvinus.hu ● ISSN 1589 1623
 2007, Penkala Bt., Budapest, Hungary
 Pant – Samant: Assessment of plant diversity and priorization of communities for conversation in Mornaula Reserve Forest
- 134 -

saligna, Viburnum cotinifolium, Quercus leucotrichophora, Q. floribunda, Hypericum

oblongifolium, Salvia lanata, Artemisia nilagarica, Acorus calamus, Origanum vulgare,
Melothria heterophylla, Persea duthiei, P. odoratissima, Carpinus viminea, Pyrus
pashia, Michelia kisopa, Zanthoxylum armatum, Cypripedium cordigerum, Cedrus
deodara, Cupressus torulosa, Taxus baccata subsp. wallichiana, Habenaria
edgeworthii, H. intermedia, Prinsepia utilis, Delphinium denudatum, Skimmia laureola,
Bergenia ligulata, Ulmus wallichiana, Hedychium spicatum, Pimpinella acuminata,
Goldfussia dalhoussiana, Onychium fragile, and Lepisorus excavatus. The richness of
economically important species in these communities indicates high anthropogenic
pressure, which may lead to habitat degradation and extirpation of the species in near
future. A significant positive relationship (r= 0.50, p< 0.01, n=31) has been found
between the number of useful species and number of rare-endangered species,
indicating that the use pattern of the species is directly proportional to the rarity of the
species (Fig. 2.). If the rate of exploitation of the economically important species from
these communities continues, there is much probability of extinction of these species
from their natural habitats in near future and may lead to ecosystem imbalance.
Therefore, there is an urgent need to initiate steps for the conservation of high value
communities.

y = 0.0497x - 0.4359
7 R2 = 0.5084
No. of rare-endangered species

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140

No. of economically important species

Figure 2. Correlation between Economically Important and Rare-Endangered Species

Prioritization of the forest communities for conservation and management

The conservation values of the communities are presented in (Fig. 3.) Amongst the
communities, the Rhododendron arboreum community was ranked first, followed by
Quercus leucotrichophora, Quercus floribunda, Rhododendron arboreum-Quercus
floribunda mixed, Quercus floribunda-Rhododendron arboreum mixed, Pinus
roxburghii, Cupressus torulosa, Betula alnoides, Myrica esculenta-Rhododendron
arboreum mixed, Persea duthiei, Cedrus deodara, and Alnus nepalensis, communities.
The prioritized communities represent the maximum numbers of economically
important as well as native, endemic and rare-endangered species.

APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 5(2): 123-138.

http://www.ecology.uni-corvinus.hu ● ISSN 1589 1623
 2007, Penkala Bt., Budapest, Hungary
 Pant – Samant: Assessment of plant diversity and priorization of communities for conversation in Mornaula Reserve Forest
- 135 -

RA
116 QL
118 287
QF
126 RA-QF mixed
QF-RA mixed
228
134 PR
CT
141 BA
185 ME-RA mixed
PD
146
CD
183
146 AN
179

Figure 3. Prioritization of Forest communities with their Conservation Values

RA= Rhododendron arboreum; QL=Quercus leucotrichophora; QF=Quercus floribunda; RA-QF= Rhododendron arboreum-
Quercus floribunda mixed; QF-RA= Quercus floribunda-Rhododendron arboreum mixed; PR=Pinus roxburghii; CT=Cupressus
torulosa; BA=Betula alnoides; ME-RA mixed= Myrica esculenta-Rhododendron arboreum mixed; PD=Persea duthiei;
CD=Cedrus deodara; and AN=Alnus nepalensis

Conclusions
The present study provides comprehensive information on site characteristic,
habitats, community diversity, vegetation distribution pattern and forest composition of
the species including richness of economically important, native, endemic and rare-
endangered species, prioritization of communities for conservation. Based on the
results, it can be concluded that the area has high potential in terms of number of
species and communities. The occurrence of high number of native, endemic,
economically important and rare-endangered species enhance the conservation as well
as socio-economic values of the MRF. The day to day need of forest resources
particularly fuel and fodder species has increased the pressure on forest trees and shrubs
to a great extent. Furthermore, the over-exploitation of species for fuel, fodder,
medicine, food (wild edibles), and house building may lead to the extirpation of these
species from the area. Therefore, there is a need to develop adequate strategy and action
plan for the conservation and management of habitats, species, and communities, so that
sustainable utilization of the species could be ensured.

Acknowledgements. The authors are thankful to Dr. U. Dhar, Director, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan
Environment & Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora for facilities and encouragement. One of the
authors (SP) is thankful to Dr. S.C. Arya for his help during field surveys.

REFERENCES

[1] Samant, S.S. Dhar, U., Palni, L.M.S. (1998a): Medicinal Plants of Indian Himalaya:
Diversity Distribution Potential Values. – Gyanodaya Prakashan, Nainital.
[2] Myers, N. (1990): The biodiversity Challenge: expanded ‘hot spots’ analysis. – Envir.
10(4): 243-256.

APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 5(2): 123-138.

http://www.ecology.uni-corvinus.hu ● ISSN 1589 1623
 2007, Penkala Bt., Budapest, Hungary
 Pant – Samant: Assessment of plant diversity and priorization of communities for conversation in Mornaula Reserve Forest
- 136 -

[3] Samant, S.S., Dhar, U. (1997): Diversity, endemism and economic potential of wild
edible plants of Indian Himalaya. – International Journal of Sustainable Development and
World Ecology 4: 179-191.
[4] Samant, S.S. Dhar, U. Rawal, R.S. (1998b): Biodiversity status of a protected area of
west Himalaya. 1-Askot Wildlife Sanctuary. – Journal of Sustainable Development and
World Ecology 5: 194-203.
[5] Singh, S.P. (1998): Chronic disturbance, a principal cause of environmental degradation
in developing countries. – Environmental Conservation 25 (1): 1-2.
[6] Saxena, A.K. Pandey, U., Singh, J.S. (1978): On the ecology of oak forest in Nainital
Hills, Kumaun Himalaya. In: J.S. Singh and B. Gopal (eds.): Glimpses of ecology. –
International Scientific Publication, Jaipur, pp. 167-180.
[7] Saxena, A.K. (1979): Ecology of vegetation complex of north western catchment of river
Gola. – Ph.D. Thesis submitted to Kumaun University, Nainital.
[8] Saxena, A.K., Singh, J.S. (1982a): A phytosociological analysis of woody species in
forest communities of a part of Kumaun Himalaya. – Vegetatio 50: 3-22.
[9] Saxena, A.K., Singh, J.S. (1982b). Quantative profile structure of certain forests in the
Kumaun Himalaya. – Proceedings of Indian National Science Academy 91: 529-549.
[10] Ralhan, P.K. Saxena, A.K., Singh, J.S. (1982). Analysis of forest vegetation at and
around Nainital in Kumaun Himalaya. – Proceedings of Indian National Science
Academy. B. 48: 122-138.
[11] Tewari, J.C. (1982): Vegetational analysis along altitudinal gradients around Nainital. –
Ph.D. Thesis submitted to Kumaun University, Nainital, India.
[12] Upreti, N. (1982): A study on phytosociology and state of regeneration of oak forest at
Nainital. – Ph.D. Thesis submitted to Kumaun University Nainital. India.
[13] Saxena, A.K., Singh, J.S. (1984): The population structure of certain Himalayan forest,
associations and implications concerning their future composition. – Vegetatio 50: 3-22.
[14] Upreti, N. Tewari, J.C., Singh, S.P. (1985): Oak forests of Kumaun Himalaya:
composition, diversity and regeneration. – Mountain Research and Developm. 5:163-164.
[15] Tewari, J.C., Singh, S.P. (1985): Analysis of woody vegetation in a mixed oak forest of
Kumaun Himalaya. – Proceedings of Indian National Science 51(3): 332-347.
[16] Kalakoti, B.S. Pangtey, Y.P.S., Saxena, A.K. (1986): Quantitative analysis of high
altitude vegetation of Kumaun Himalaya. – Journal of Indian Botanical Society 65: 384-
396.
[17] Singh, J.S., Singh, S.P. (1987): Forest vegetation of the Himalaya. – Botanical Review,
52-53.
[18] Singh, J.S., Singh, S.P. (1986): Structure and function of the Central Himalayan oak
forests. – Proceedings of Indian National Science 96: 159-189.
[19] Singh, R.S. Ralhan, P.K., Singh, S.P. (1987): Phytosociology and population structure of
oak-mixed conifer forest in a part of Kumaun Himalaya. – Environment and Ecology
5(3): 475-487.
[20] Bankoti, N.S. Rawal, R.S. Samant, S.S., Pangtey, Y.P.S. (1992): Forest vegetation of
inner hill ranges in Kumaun, Central Himalaya. – Tropical Ecology 33 (1): 41-53.
[21] Singh, J.S., Singh, S.P. (1992): Forest of Himalaya: Structure, Functioning and Impact of
Man. – Gyanodya Prakashan, Nainital.
[22] Rawal, R.S. Bankoti, N.S., Pangtey, Y.P.S. (1994): Broad community identification of
high altitude forest vegetation in Pindari catchment of Kumaun. – Proceedings of Indian
National Science B. 60(6): 553- 556.
[23] Rawal. R.S., Pangtey, Y.P.S. (1994a): Distribution and structural- functional attributes of
trees in the high altitude zone of central Himalaya, India. – Vegetatio 112: 29-34.
[24] Rawal, R.S., Pangtey, Y.P.S. (1994b): High altitude forests with special reference to
timberline in Kumaun, central Himalaya. – In: Y.P.S. Pangtey, R.S. Rawal (eds),
Altitudes of the Himalaya. Gyanodaya Prakashan, Nainital, pp. 353-399.

APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 5(2): 123-138.

http://www.ecology.uni-corvinus.hu ● ISSN 1589 1623
 2007, Penkala Bt., Budapest, Hungary
 Pant – Samant: Assessment of plant diversity and priorization of communities for conversation in Mornaula Reserve Forest
- 137 -

[25] Rawal, R.S., Pangtey, Y.P.S. (1994c): Altitudinal zonation of high altitude forests in
Kumaun, central Himalaya, India. – Indian Journal of Forestry 17(4): 332-344.
[26] Tewari, A. (1998): Tree layer analysis of three major forests forming species of Kumaun
Central Himalaya. – Journal of Economic and Taxonomic Botany 11(1): 23-28.
[27] Joshi, H.C. Arya, S.C., Samant, S.S. (1999): Diversity, distribution and indigenous uses
of medicinal and edible plants in a part of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve I. – Himalayan
Biosphere Reserves (Biannual Bulletin) 1(1&2): 49-65.
[28] Samant, S.S. Joshi, H.C., Arya, S.C. (2000a): Diversity, nativity and endemism of
vascular plants in Pindari area of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve-II. – Himalayan
Biosphere Reserves 2(1&2): 1-29.
[29] Samant, S.S. Dhar, U., Rawal, R.S. (2000b): Assessment of fuel resource diversity and
utilization patterns in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary in Kumaun Himalaya, India for
conservation and management. – Environmental Conservation 27(1): 5-13.
[30] Rawat, G.S. Sathyakumar, S., Prasad, S.N. (1999): Plant species diversity and community
structure in the outer fringes of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Himalaya:
Conservation implications. – Ind. For. 125(9): 873-882.
[31] Rawat, G.S. Kala, C.P., Uniyal, V.K. (2001): Plant species diversity and community
composition in the Valley of Flowers, National Parks, Western Himalaya. – In: P.C.
Pande and S.S. Samant (eds.), Plant Diversity of the Himalaya. Gyanodaya Prakashan,
Nainital. pp. 277-290.
[32] Bankoti, N.S. Tewari, L.M. (2001): Analysis of forest vegetation at and around Soni-
Binsar area in Kumaun Himalaya. – In: P.C. Pande, and S.S. Samant (eds), Plant diversity
of the Himalaya, Gyanodaya Prakashan, Nainital pp. 363-376.
[33] Rawat, R.S. (2001): Phytosociological studies of woody vegetation along an altitudinal
gradient in a montane forest of Garhwal Himalaya. – Indian Journal of Forestry, 24(4):
419-426.
[34] Pant, S. (2005): Plant Diversity and Ethnobotany of Mornaula Reserve Forest in Kumaun,
West Himalaya. – Ph.D. Thesis submitted to Kumaun University, Nainital. India.
[35] Dhar, U. Rawal, R.S., Samant, S.S. (1997): Structural diversity and representativeness of
forest vegetation in a protected area of Kumaun Himalaya, India: implications for
conservation. – Biodiversity and Conservation 6: 1045 -1062.
[36] Samant, S.S. Joshi, H.C. Arya, S.C., Pant, S. (2002): Studies on the structure,
composition and changes of the vegetation in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve of West
Himalaya. – Final Technical Report submitted to Ministry of Environment and Forests,
New Delhi.
[37] Joshi, H.C., Samant, S.S. (2004). Assessment of forest vegetation and prioritization of
communities for conservation in a part of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, West
Himalaya, India I. – International Journal of Sustainable Development and World
Ecology 11: 326-336.
[38] Samant, S.S., Joshi, H.C. (2005): Plant diversity and conservation status of Nanda Devi
National Park and comparisons with highland National Parks of Indian Himalayan
Region. – International Journal of Biodiversity Science and Management 1: 65-73.
[39] Kersaw, K.A. (1973): Quantitative and dynamic plant ecology. – Second edition. Edward
Arnold Limited, London.
[40] Curtis, J.T., Intosh, Mc. (1950): The interrelation of certain analytic and
phytosociological characters. – Ecology 31: 434-455.
[41] Greig-Smith, P. (1957): Quantitative plant ecology. – Academic Press, New York.
[42] Mueller-Dombois, D., Ellenberge, H. (1974): Aims and methods of vegetation ecology. –
John Willey and Sons, New York.
[43] Osmaston, A.E. (1927): A Forest Flora for Kumaun. – International Book Distributors,
Dehra Dun (Reprinted 1978).
[44] Naithani, B.D. (1984 & 85): Flora of Chamoli, Vol I - II. Botanical Survey of India –
Howrah, New Delhi.

APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 5(2): 123-138.

http://www.ecology.uni-corvinus.hu ● ISSN 1589 1623
 2007, Penkala Bt., Budapest, Hungary
 Pant – Samant: Assessment of plant diversity and priorization of communities for conversation in Mornaula Reserve Forest
- 138 -

[45] Samant, S.S. (1987): Flora of Central and South Eastern Parts of Pithoragarh District.
Vol. I & II. – Ph. D. Thesis submitted to Kumaun University, Nainital.
[46] Shannon, C.E., Wiener, W. (1963): The Mathematical Theory of Communication. –
University of Illinois Press, Urbana.
[47] Simpson, E.H. (1949): Measurement of diversity. – Nature, 163-688.
[48] Anonymous (1883): Index Kewensis Plantarum Phanerogamarum Vol. 1-2 (1883-1885)
and 15 Suppl. (1886-1970). – Clarendron Press, Oxford.
[49] Samant, S.S. (1999): Diversity, nativity and endemism of vascular plants in a part of
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in west Himalaya I. – Himalayan Biosphere Reserves
(Biannual Bulletin) 1(1&2): 1-28.
[50] Dhar, U., Samant, S.S. (1993). Endemic diversity of Indian Himalaya I. Ranunculaceae
and II. Paeoniaceae. – Journal of Biogeography 20: 659-668.
[51] Samant, S.S. Dhar, U. Rawal, R.S. (1996): Natural resource use by some natives within
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in west Himalaya. – Ethnobotany 8: 40-50.
[52] Samant, S.S., Pal, M. (2003): Diversity and conservation status of medicinal plants in
Uttaranchal State. – Indian Forester 129(9): 1090-1108.
[53] Adhikari, B.S. Rikhari, H.C. Rawat, Y.S., Singh, S.P. (1991): High altitude forest:
composition, diversity and profile structure in a part of Kumaun Himalaya. – Tropical
Ecology 32 (1): 86-97.
[54] Chandra, R. Upadhyaya, V.P., Bargali, S.S. (1989): Analysis of herbaceous vegetation
under Oak and Pine Forests along an altitudinal gradient in central Himalaya. –
Environment and Ecology 7(3): 521-525.

APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 5(2): 123-138.

http://www.ecology.uni-corvinus.hu ● ISSN 1589 1623
 2007, Penkala Bt., Budapest, Hungary