Search

The present study aimed to analyse the population structure, forest composition and regeneration dynamics of Betula utilis D.Don in two core zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. A total of 346 plants species belonging to 198 genera and 82 families were recorded dominated by Asteraceae (24) followed by Rosaceae (21 species) and Ranunculaceae (19 species), respectively. The total tree stand density was ranged between 1133 ind.ha−1 and 2137 ind.ha−1 in the south and north aspect of the each sites. Among tree species B. utilis was showed the dominant tree species with highest density ranged between 663 ind.ha−1 and 1525 ind.ha−1 at north and south aspects of both sites. Highest seedling density (1033 saplings ha−1 and 1783 seedlings ha−1) and sapling density (1033 saplings ha−1 and 1470 saplings ha−1) was recorded for B. utilis in north and south aspects. The density-diameter curve of B. utilis forest resembled a reverse J-shape which exhibits good regeneration with higher number of individuals in seedling and sapling stages, followed by a sharp decline in tree classes. This study suggests urgent need of long term ecological monitoring of timberline zone to assess the significant change in timberline vegetation and development of sustainable management plans.

Present study is an attempt to understand the plant species abundance and habitat preferences using multivariate method in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR), in western Himalaya. Soil, altitude, slope and differences are reported to be the most important parameters shaping the plant community in the mountains. Two representative areas i.e., Pindari–Sunderdhunga–Kafni site (PSK) of Kumaun region and Lata–Tolma–Phagti site (LTP) of Garhwal region with nineteen forest communities in buffer zone of NDBR have been investigated. All the forest communities were analyzed for assessing community composition and species density in relation to environmental variables. Out of 451 plant species recorded from the study sites, there was a dominance of herbs (70.5%) followed by shrubs (17.7%) and trees (11.8%). Maximum tree density in PSK and LTP sites was recorded in Betula utilis (535 ind ha−1) and mixed T. wallichiana–A. pindrow (1211 ind ha−1) communities respectively. The disturbed habitats in low to mid elevation areas are represented by low canopy cover and high seedling density in PSK site and high non-native species density in LTP site. Both the study sites are dominated by Betula utilis, Taxus wallichiana, Abies pindrow in high elevation areas securing high density of native and endemic species. Habitat preferences of different important species indicate their range of distribution and choice of association with other species.

Betula utilis D. Don (Betulaceae), commonly known as Himalayan Birch or Bhojpatra especially in Indian Himalayan Region is socio-culturally and ecologically valued and considered a keystone species which plays a significant role in the functioning of the timberline ecosystem. It forms an integral part of day-to-day life of the Himalayan people, as it is deeply associated with the culture of the locals. The historical uses of Betula utilis and its subsequent over exploitation to meet-out day-to-day requirements, market forces coupled with global warming put pressure on its natural population and have caused loss of habitat in many of its native grooves in the entire Himalayan Region. The decline in the size of population of Betula utilis is due to its area of occupancy, extent of occurrence, potential level of exploitation, effects of introduced taxa and attack of pathogens. Further, it grows in high altitude tree line zone which is almost inaccessible and most vulnerable region due to global warming or climatic shift. In this backdrop, keeping in view the multiple uses of the species, the present study aims to review and document the ecological parameters, traditional uses, commercial aspects and conservation and management concerns of this valuable species.

Fuel-wood burning is a major part of fulfilling energy requirement in rural Uttarakhand India. To analyze CO2 emission from fuel wood burning /consumption rate at the household level at different altitude villages we surveyed seventy-two (N=72) villages in five (N=5) districts in Uttarakhand. The villages were categorized into three categories based on their altitudes (I) 1000-2000mts., (II) 2001-2300 Mtr., (III) 2301- 3200 Mtr. Fuel-wood consumption was estimated by closely calculating the daily actual wood consumed at the household level in villages categorized according to altitude. In the study 351 households were surveyed, of this 28 %, were between 1000-2000mts., 55.8%, of households were sampled in villages between 2001-2300 Mtr., and 16% of households were sampled between 2301 - 3200 Mtr. respectively. The average fuel-wood consumption at households’ level in categories (I) was 11 kg/ day, in category (II) was 14.6 kg/day and in category (III) it was 17.2 kg/day. The overall average value of fuel-wood consumption in all three categories was 14.26 kg/day/ household at the state level. Twenty-nine (N=29) species are primarily being used as fuel-wood in which Litcea monopetela, Bahunia varigata, Grewia, optiva, Pirus pashia, Pinus roxburghii, Quercus leucotricophora and Myrica sapadia, Betula Utilis has a major share. Annual carbon emission from fuel-wood burning in rural areas was also estimated using the formula provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC 1996). The annual carbon emission values for sampled villages in five districts of Uttarakhand (rural) are (I) Almora 1081.4 MtCO2, (II) Bageshwer 479.1 Mt CO2, (III) Champawat 405.6M t CO2(IV) Pithoragarh 829.8 Mt CO2(V) Tehri Garhwal 1025.7 MtCO 2. The total CO2 emission value for all five districts was 3821.6 MtCO2 annually through fuel-wood burning.

Kashmir musk deer Moschus cupreus (KMD) are the least studied species of musk deer. We compiled genetically validated occurrence records of KMD to construct species distribution models using Maximum Entropy. We show that the distribution of KMD is limited between central Nepal on the east and north-east Afghanistan on the west and is primarily determined by precipitation of driest quarter, annual mean temperature, water vapor, and precipitation during the coldest quarter. Precipitation being the most influential determinant of distribution suggests the importance of pre-monsoon moisture for growth of the dominant vegetation, Himalayan birch Betula utilis and Himalayan fir Abies spectabilis, in KMD’s preferred forests. All four Representative Concentration Pathway Scenarios result an expansion of suitable habitat in Uttarakhand, India, west Nepal and their associated areas in China in 2050s and 2070s but a dramatic loss of suitable habitat elsewhere (Kashmir region and Pakistan-Afghanistan border). About 1/4th of the current habitat will remain as climate refugia in future. Since the existing network of protected areas will only include a tiny fraction (4%) of the climatic refugia of KMD, the fate of the species will be determined by the interplay of more urgent short-term forces of poaching and habitat degradation and long-term forces of climate change.

A study on community structure was carried out along three altitudinal gradients viz., Lower (3000–3200m), Middle (3200–3400m) and upper (3400–3600m) asl in Sindh Forest Division (Sonamarg) and Tangmarg Forest Divisions (Gulmarg) in sub alpine zone of North Western Kashmir Himalayas, India. The floristic structure revealed that Betula stands at Sonamarg forests supported 48 species belonging to 26 families on South Eastern aspect and 53 species belonging to 28 families on South Western aspect, whereas Gulmarg forest was represented by 54 species of 28 families. The overall community structure of Betula stands depicted that Asteraceae, Poaceae, Rosaceae and Lamiaceae were the dominant families in these timberline forests. The dispersion showed that 65.48% species were contagiously distributed, 25.67 and 8.85% species showed random and regular distribution. Betula utilis shared the top niche with the dominance of 61.56 and 76.27% on SE and SW aspect at Sonamarg, and 71.81% at Gulmarg. Species richness decreased with elevation and species diversity of the forest was relatively low, the decrease in these parameter with increasing altitude can be directly related to high grazing pressure, harsh climatic conditions, topography and snow, which covers these areas for longer times especially during the growing season.

The present study was carried out in Himachal Pradesh of the Western Himalayas, India to obtain information on the wild edible plants used by the migratory shepherds. The shepherds started their migration in July from Chitkul, Rakchham, Batseri, Sangla and Kamru of district Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh). Questionnaire for the survey, personal field visits and participatory observations were used to collect information about the use of various plants by the migratory shepherds. The shepherds move in a group of 5 to 6 comprising their own family members and size of the flock (of sheep and goats) varied from 654 to 990. The migration route followed from their villages to Churdhar ranges (mid hills) and to Sirmour ranges (low hills). It was observed that in all 50 species were used by shepherds enroute from high hills to low hills. In high hills, 23 species, in mid hills 31 species and in low hills 34 species were found to be used as livelihood source. Some of the plants, besides being used as fruits and vegetables, are also used as herbal tea (bark of Betula utilis) and condiments. Morchella esculenta was found to be one of the delicacies used for food in their tribe. The documentation of plant resources and the indigenous knowledge of shepherds highlighted in the present study is a step in raising awareness about the importance of these edible plants and their further conservation. Key words: Edible plants, sheep, goats, shepherds, seasonal migration, Himachal Pradesh.

Alnus nitida (Himalayan Alder) is a monophyletic species of family Betulaceae. It is distributed in the mountainous ranges of Hindu Kush and western Himalayan of the Sino-Japanese belt. Family Betulaceae has a cosmopolitan distribution with 2 genera (Betula and Alnus) and 95 species. Previously, the family was divided into Betulaceae (Alnus, Betula) and Corylaceae (Carpinus, Corylus, Ostrya, and Ostryopsis). Various species of the family are used for different purposes such as timber, lumber, and household utensils production across the globe. Many species have been studied against for their therapeutic potential against various ailments, i.e. obesity, cancer, tuberculosis. Stem bark of Betula utilis is used for spiritual purpose as well as to treat various diseases. Himalayan Alder is among those species that offers numbers of ecosystem services. A. nitida being a riparian species is cultivated by farmers along the stream sides of their fields to control soil erosion. Wood is used by local people for the formation of different pots. Nodulation and biomass production are also the prominent characteristics of the family. Some studies revealed that Alnus acts as an indicator species of eastern North America for dry period. Ethno-ecological surveys have revealed that Alder is preferred by local communities in several ways such as fuel, fodder, and construction purposes. The species is ecofriendly to form a phyto-social association with about 146 species in its geographical range in Pakistan. The nitrogen fixation capability makes it more suitable for agroforestry and inter-cropping. Alder can be used as an alternate to discourage shift cropping and to enhance the ecofriendly and high yield techniques of inter-cropping. Alder has prominent role in the absorption of heavy metals and boost up water quality. Since few years population of this important species is continuously decreasing and facing problem of extinction due to drought, developmental projects, deforestation, and other anthropogenic activities. This chapter provides a baseline for further comprehensive studies on its molecular genetics, phyto-chemistry, and conservation priorities for this and many other associated species.

Western Himalayan timberline are mainly dominated by Betula utilis (Himalayan birch) and closely associated with Abies spectabilis, Quercus semicarpifolia and Taxus baccata and formed the ecotone between the coniferous forest and alpine areas. Himalayan birch is socio-culturally and ecologically valued and considered a keystone species which plays significant role in the functioning of timberline ecosystem. A total of 13 timberline ecotone of pure Himalayan birch forests were selected to assess the magnitude of threat on dominant plant species using rapid threat assessment and rapid vulnerability assessment. It form the basis to design appropriate criteria, indicators and scores (ranging from 1 to 4) to rank the plant species under various threat categories. Besides, phytosociological studies were undertaken for assessment of species diversity, density and regeneration potential. The paper highlighted individual of Himalayan birch is declining in adult stages, however growth and vigor observed in seedling and sapling stages. Despite, Himalayan birch was found the most vulnerable species with a threat score of 29 followed by Taxus baccata and Juniperus communis. The annual exploitation of Himalayan birch estimated about 927.10 ​kg capita−1 yr−1 fuelwood and 551.15 ​gm capita−1 yr−1 bark by the people involved in collection of Ophiocordyceps sinensis. The current trends of unsustainable exploitation would facilitate the decline in population of the some ecological important species particularly Himalayan birch. Therefore, this study suggests the appropriate policies and strategies for conservation and management of Himalayan birch on one hand and socio-economic development of local communities on the other.

Cold desert regions harbor a unique habitat for a number of high-value medicinal plants (HMPs) and due to inaccessibility of medical facility, inhabitants of this region are highly dependent on medicinal plants. Over the years, with increasing demand for trade, extraction pressure on natural populations of these HMPs has grown substantially. This consequently has made such plants threatened in their natural habitats. However, quantification of threat intensity is lacking. For the first time, this study has attempted to identify and assess the ecological and threat status of HMPs from the cold desert area of Johar valley, West Himalaya, India. For ecological assessment, rigorous field surveys were conducted along the elevation gradient. The intensity of threat was evaluated by using rapid threat assessment (RTA) approach. A total of 22 threatened and high-value medicinal plants (THMPs) were identified from the region. Results of RTA placed Betula utilis and Nardostachys jatamanasi in the highest th...

This paper communicates an analytical exploration of the vegetation above tree line in Nandiar valley western Himalayas with respect to climatic, edaphic and topographic factors. The alpine pasture stretches above the tree limits between elevations of 2850–3800 m. Thirteen stands were selected on the basis of physiognomy of vegetation in 2014–15. The leading life form and leaf spectra were therophytes and microphyll respectively. Four plant communities were identified through two ways indicator species analysis at cut level 2. Bray-Curtis ordination showed that maximum stands have common species. Detrended correspondence analysis grouped species having similar habitats in ordination space. Canonical correspondence analysis constrained species along different environmental variables. The significant result were contribution by phosphorous (P = 0.01) and wind speed (P = 0.08). Few plant species like Betula utilis and Podophyllum emodi are threatened due to its medicinal collection. The alpine pasture of Nandiar valley is under severe stress due to anthropogenic and grazing factors. Overall, this research article call for greater attention to the types of conservation actives occurring and the ways they are working together to protect and recover the global alpine biodiversity.

Rural communities in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan are dependant on natural capital for their livelihoods. Climate change impacts on ecosystem could have serious consequences for these communities but little research has been done to explore these potential impacts. In this study, we used Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) models to model current and potential future distribution of major timber species (Abies densa, Pinus wallichiana, Tsuga dumosa), fuelwood species (Quercus spp, Betula spp, Betula utilis, Rhododendron spp, Rhododendron arboreum) and an important non-timber resource (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) in Bhutan Himalayan region. Models were based on species presence and absence data from 575 plots and a new high-resolution climate dataset developed for Bhutan. Future projections were based on IPCC's representative concentration pathway (RCP 8.5) for the 2080s in Bhutan. Mean annual temperature and precipitation of driest quarters were found to be the most influential variables in modelling the current distribution of these species, with the distribution of most of the species projected to decrease significantly and shift to higher elevations. The current distribution of Ophiocordyceps sinensis was modelled to decrease by 79% at the national level with only 21% range overlap between current and future distributions. Current distribution of timber species like Abies densa and Tsuga dumosa were modelled to decline by 98% and 99% respectively at national level with very low range overlaps between current and future distribution suggesting high species vulnerability to climate change. In contrast, fuel wood species like Betula spp, Quercus spp, Rhododendron arboreum all exhibited less vulnerability to climate change with over 50% of their current range overlapping with future distribution across Bhutan and in the Nikachu watershed. These potential changes in distribution patterns of these species could impact on the functions and ecosystem services provided by these species and socio-economic conditions of rural communities reliant on these species for their livelihoods in Bhutan. Lower rates of global greenhouse gas emissions and adoption of adaptation measures and management interventions can reduce these potential impacts.

Developing sustainable adaptation pathways under climate change conditions in mountain regions requires accurate predictions of treeline shifts and future distribution ranges of treeline species. Here, we model for the first time the potential distribution of Betula utilis, a principal Himalayan treeline species, to provide a basis for the analysis of future range shifts. Our target species Betula utilis is widespread at alpine treelines in the Himalayan mountains, the distribution range extends across the Himalayan mountain range. Our objective is to model the potential distribution of B. utilis in relation to current climate conditions. We generated a dataset of 590 occurrence records and used 24 variables for ecological niche modelling. We calibrated Generalized Linear Models using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and evaluated model performance using threshold-independent (AUC, Area Under the Curve) and threshold-dependent (TSS, True Skill Statistics) characteristics as well as visual assessments of projected distribution maps. We found two temperature-related (Mean Temperature of the Wettest Quarter, Temperature Annual Range) and three precipitation-related variables (Precipitation of the Coldest Quarter, Average Precipitation of March, April and May and Precipitation Seasonality) to be useful for predicting the potential distribution of B. utilis. All models had high predictive power (AUC ≥ 0.98 and TSS ≥ 0.89). The projected suitable area in the Himalayan mountains varies considerably, with most extensive distribution in the western and central Himalayan region. A substantial difference between potential and real distribution in the eastern Himalaya points to decreasing competitiveness of B. utilis under more oceanic conditions in the eastern part of the mountain system. A comparison between the vegetation map of Schweinfurth (1957) and our current predictions suggests that B. utilis does not reach the upper elevational limit in vast areas of its potential distribution range due to anthropogenically caused treeline depressions. This study underlines the significance of accuracies of current environmental niche models for species distribution modelling under climate change scenarios. Analysing and understanding the environmental factors driving the current distribution of B. utilis is crucial for the prediction of future range shifts of B. utilis and other treeline species, and for deriving appropriate climate change adaptation strategies.

A study was conducted to estimate the biomass and soil carbon stock in various sites of Abies pindrow (Silver fir) - Picea smithiana (Spruce) and Betula utilis (Bhojpatra) forests of district Shimla, Himachal Pradesh during the year 2014-2015. In Fir-Spruce mixed forests, the amount of carbon stock at Larot site for above ground, below ground, under storey and litter was 287.39 tC/ha, 57.48 tC/ha, 2.22 tC/ha and 0.92 tC/ha respectively. Whereas, values of these components at Khirki site were 267.31 tC/ha, 53.46 tC/ha, 3.65 tC/ha and 0.85 tC/ha respectively. The biomass as well as the carbon stock was higher at Larot site than Khirki site. The soil organic carbon stock (tC/ha) at 10-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-45 cm was 27.05, 24.91 and 18.35 respectively at Larot site. Whereas, these values for different depths were 27.36 tC/ha, 22.02 tC/ha and 19.01 tC/ha respectively for Khirki site. The value of total soil carbon stock was little more (70.31 tC/ha) at Larot site than Khirki site (68.39 tC/ha). In case of Bhojpatra forests, the amount of carbon stock at Larot site for above ground, below ground, under storey and litter was 75.32 tC/ha, 18.83 tC/ha, 11.38 tC/ha and 1.57 tC/ha respectively. In Bhojpatra forests, understorey i.e. biomass of shrubs and herbs contribute about 11.63% to the total biomass in the forest. The soil organic carbon stock (tC/ha) at 10-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-45 cm was 19.54, 15.43 and 11.88 respectively for this site. The soil organic carbon stock decreased with increasing the soil depth.

The alpine treeline ecotone is an important component of mountain ecosystems of the Nepal Himalaya; it plays a vital role in the livelihood of indigenous people, and provides ecosystem services. However, the region faces a problem of paucity of data on treeline characteristics at the regional and landscape scales. Therefore, we used Remote Sensing (RS), and Geographic Information Science (GIS) approaches to investigate cross-scale interactions in the treeline ecotone. Additionally, European Space Agency land cover map, International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) land cover map, ecological map of Nepal, and United States Geological Survey Shuttle Radar Topography Mission-Digital Elevation Model were used to analyze treeline pattern at the regional scale. Digital Globe high-resolution satellite imagery of Barun (eastern Nepal) and Manang (central Nepal) were used to study treeline patterns at the landscape scale. Treeline elevation ranges from 3300-4300 m above sea level. Abies spectabilis, Betula utilis, and Pinus wallichiana are the main treeline-forming species in the Nepal Himalaya. There is an east to west treeline elevation gradient at the regional scale. No slope exposure is observed at the regional scale; however, at the landscape scale, slope exposure is present only in a disturbed area (Manang). Topography and human disturbance are the main treeline controlling factor in Barun and Manang respectively.

A landscape level survey of vegetation structure and composition was conducted along the treeline ecotone in Western Himalaya in the states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. We used a combination of field surveys and remote sensing data (Landsat MSS and TM images) to quantify the extent and distribution of various classes of forests, forest cover, patterns of vegetation structure and composition and recent changes in forest cover along the treeline ecotone. Total area under the treeline ecotone (3000–4000 m) in these states comes to ca. 11587 km2, of which Himachal Pradesh has higher representation (6818.4 km2). In terms of extent, conifers (Abies and Pinus) occupy the largest cover followed by brown or Kharsu oak (Quercus semecarpifolia) and birch (Betula utilis). Mean tree density was 553 individuals ha−1 which ranged between 440 and 690 individuals ha−1. Average elevation of the treeline was approximately 3615 m above mean sea level, and the maximum altitude of tree growth was 4200 m. Time series analysis of remote sensing data reveals that there has been no altitudinal shift in the upper treeline during the last 40 years, although forest canopy cover has increased or decreased significantly within a protected area and outside, respectively.

The present study was aimed to anticipate how forest composition, regeneration, biomass production, and carbon storage vary in the ridge top forests of the high mountains of Garhwal Himalaya. For this purpose five major forest types—(a) Pinus wallichiana, (b) Quercus semecarpifolia, (c) Cedrus deodara, (d) Abies spectabilis, and (e) Betula utilis mixed forests—were selected on different ridge tops in the Bhagirathi Catchment Area of the Uttarkashi District of Garhwal Himalaya. The highest species richness (10 species) and stand density (804 ± 184.5 stems ha−1) were recorded in Abies spectabilis forests, whereas lowest species richness (4 species) and species density (428 ± 144.7 stems ha−1) were found in Quercus semecarpifolia forests. The total basal cover (TBC) values were maximum (91.1 ± 24.4 m2 ha−1) in Cedrus deodara forests and minimum (26.5 ± 11.7 m2 ha−1) in Pinus wallichiana forests. The highest total biomass density (TBD) (464.2 ± 152.5 Mg ha−1) and total carbon density (TCD; 208.9 ± 68....

With main purpose of developing a coherent baseline information of timberline forests of Sikkim, Eastern Himalaya, we investigated, (i) forest structure and composition, (ii) regeneration status of dominant timberline tree species between timberline and treeline, (iii) influence of environmental variables in species composition, and (iv) relationship between environmental variables and ecological attributes. The study was conducted along the timberline stretch of Dzongri landscape nested within the Khangchendzonga National Park (UNESCO's World Heritage Site, 2016), a core zone of Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (in UNESCO WNBRs, 2018), Sikkim, India. We employed quadrat method to sample 9 contiguous sites to capture all possible variations in timberline composition. Transect method was used to study the regeneration of woody taxa between timberline to treeline. In total, 20 woody species belonging to 10 genera and 6 families were recorded. Among these, Abies densa, Rhododendron lanatum and Sorbus microphylla exhibited higher dominance, comprising of 50% of the total importance value index (IVI) weightage. Betula utilis the common treeline species in much of the western and central parts of Himalaya was absent here. Tree density in studied timberline was significantly higher than its western Himalayan counterparts of Indian Himalayan region. Environmental variables viz., elevation, slope, and humus were observed determinants of species composition across the study area. The species dominance correlated negatively (p

Himalayan birch (Betula utilis D. Don) is a long-lived, broadleaf tree species native to the Himalayas. However, it has received limited attention for dendroclimatological studies. Based on 49 tree-ring cores from 41 Himalayan birch trees at two sites in the Langtang National Park, central Nepal, a 458-year chronology (back to AD 1552) was developed. To date, this is the longest for this species in the Himalayas despite a low sample depth before AD 1785. The chronology statistics show the potential of Himalayan birch for dendroclimatology, as indicated by a positive correlation with precipitation in May and March–May (p

Background Limited health facilities and malnutrition are major problems in the Karakorum Range of Northern Pakistan, often resulting in various human disorders. Since centuries, however, local communities in these areas have developed traditional methods for treating various ailments and local foods capes that can be significant for devising public health and nutritional policies. This study was intended to document the ethnobotanical knowledge of the local peoples in the Tormik Valley, especially in the medical and food domains. Methods Field trips were undertaken in 14 different villages of the study area from 2010 to 2012. Ethnobotanical data were gathered using semi-structured interviews and group conversation with 69 informants. Details about local uses of plant species were recorded along with demographic characteristics of the visited communities. Relative frequency citation index (RFCi) and preference ranking index (PRi) tools were applied to determine the cultural significance of the reported species. Results Sixty-three plant species, with a predominance of Asteraceae and Fabaceae family members, as well as their detailed folk uses were documented. Forty-three percent of the species were used to treat various diseases, 21 % were consumed as wild fruits and vegetables and 53 % of the species had multipurpose applications. Thymus linearis Benth, Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. turkestanica L. and Convolvulus arvensis L. were found to be the most utilized medicinal plant species, i.e. those with significant RFCi values (0.54, 0.51 and 0.48, respectively). Betula utilis D. Don was the most versatile taxon (seven different ways of utilization); being this species a common and easily accessible subalpine tree and then under anthropogenic pressure, the implementation of concrete strategies aimed at its in-situ and ex-situ conservation is strongly recommended. Conclusion The valleys in the Karakorum Mountains in the Northern Pakistan host significant Traditional Knowledge on local food and medicinal plant species, which need to be reconsidered and cautiously re-evaluated by ethnopharmacologists, and public health/nutrition actors. Furthermore, germane trans-disciplinary investigations are suggested to ensure the dynamic conservation of precious local knowledge systems, as well as plant diversity in Pakistani mountain regions.

Four communities, formed as a result of locally varying site conditions, were identified and studied along the timberline ecotone in part of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS). Communities on the vicinity of pilgrimage site and along gentler slopes were highly disturbed having sharp timberlines, while those located far and in the steep slopes were less affected, forming a little broader transition. The tree density ranged from 340 to 780 trees/ha, while the basal cover of communities varied greatly and ranged from 6.4 to 55.1 m 2 /ha. Birch dominated community had lowest basal area among all the communities, while mixed community had the highest. In all the respective communities, from subalpine zone, density and basal area was higher than that of timberline zone. The Importance Value Index (IVI), which used to determine the overall importance of each species in the community structure, of dominant species at timberline was more than 200 in all the communities, except in the mixed community. Influence of the anthropogenic disturbances was apparent on the regeneration performance of all the studied tree species. Rhododendron campanulatum was the dominant shrub species of the area and formed krummholz, while distribution of other species varies greatly with forest type. The shrub density decreased from high to low disturbance, while the herbaceous species density increased with prevalence of a few species favoring the high disturbance (grazing). The shrub and herb species richness was higher in the ecotone zone. Some uncommon species like Balanophora involucrata and Aralia cissifolia were also found at timberline. Three species of Lady’s Slipper orchid were reported together from Betula utilis community at timberline ecotone.

The present study was carried out to assess floristic diversity, community composition and regeneration status of different forests in Nanda Devi National Park after prohibition of human activities in 1983 with a view to understand the impact of ban, and provide a basis for assessing subsequent changes on plant diversity and composition. The comparison of the present study with the earlier studies conducted in 1993 and 2003, indicated positive changes on plant diversity, forest composition and ecological conditions of the National Park. A total of 409 taxa belonging to 203 genera and 71 families (377 Angiosperms, 7 Gymnosperms and 25 Pteridophytes) were documented from the National Park. Two types of forest communities, i.e. Betula utilis along timberline, and mixed forest of Abies spectabilis with B. utilis form the dominant forests inside the National Park. Proportionate distribution of individuals in seedling, sapling and tree layers showed considerable variation in the population structure of different communities. Maximum species richness was observed in Dibrugheta (128) followed by Dharansi (43) and Sarsopatal (34) among the studied alpine meadows of this National Park. The present results could be a pilot to strengthen conservation measures across the Protected Area Network by understanding the impact of the ban on anthropogenic activities, and is also useful for future assessment of floristic diversity and forest composition in the National Park.

The timberline ecotone experiences a large number of micro-habitats manifested by the action of snow, wind, topography, aspect and anthropogenic pressures and exhibits a sharp ecological gradient of biotic and abiotic components. These changes in micro-habitat, such as compaction of soil, replacement of herbs with grasses and consequent increase in root growth, impede the growth of tree species and affected the sensitive taxa at timberline. During baseline information collection on the structure and composition of timberline vegetation at a timberline ecotone in outer fringes of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, we came across all three species of Cypripedium at a single site, i.e. birch (Betula utilis) forest. This is the first report of these three species (C. cordigerum, C. elegans and C. himalaicum) occurring at a single locality.

Treelines are temperature sensitive transition zones that are expected to respond to climate warming by advancing beyond their current position. Response to climate warming over the last century, however, has been mixed, with some treelines showing evidence of recruitment at higher altitudes and/or latitudes (advance) whereas others reveal no marked change in the upper limit of tree establishment. To explore this variation, we analysed a global dataset of 166 sites for which treeline dynamics had been recorded since 1900 AD. Advance was recorded at 52% of sites with only 1% reporting treeline recession. Treelines that experienced strong winter warming were more likely to have advanced, and treelines with a diffuse form were more likely to have advanced than those with an abrupt or krummholz form. Diffuse treelines may be more responsive to warming because they are more strongly growth limited, whereas other treeline forms may be subject to additional constraints.

Climate warming is expected to induce treelines to advance to higher elevations. Empirical studies in diverse mountain ranges, however, give evidence of both advancing alpine treelines and rather insignificant responses. The inconsistency of findings suggests distinct differences in the sensitivity of global treelines to recent climate change. It is still unclear where Himalayan treeline ecotones are located along the response gradient from rapid dynamics to apparently complete inertia. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge regarding sensitivity and response of Himalayan treelines to climate warming, based on extensive field observations, published results in the widely scattered literature, and novel data from ongoing research of the present authors. Several sensitivity indicators such as treeline type, treeline form, seed-based regeneration, and growth patterns are evaluated. Since most Himalayan treelines are anthropogenically depressed, observed advances are largely the result of land use change. Near-natural treelines are usually krummholz treelines, which are relatively unresponsive to climate change. Nevertheless, intense recruitment of treeline trees suggests a great potential for future treeline advance. Competitive abilities of seedlings within krummholz thickets and dwarf scrub heaths will be a major source of variation in treeline dynamics. Tree growth–climate relationships show mature treeline trees to be responsive to temperature change, in particular in winter and pre-monsoon seasons. High pre-monsoon temperature trends will most likely drive tree growth performance in the western and central Himalaya. Ecological niche modelling suggests that bioclimatic conditions for a range expansion of treeline trees will be created during coming decades.

A bioclimatic model was used to simulate distributions of the dominant tree species on the Tibetan Plateau. The model is based on physiological constraints to alpine plant growth. The bioclimatic variables used in this model are: minimum temperature in the coldest month, maximum temperature in the warmest month, accumulated growing-season warmth, and minimum value of soil moisture availability in the growing season. A comparison was made between simulated current distributions of tree species and their actual natural distributions on the Tibetan Plateau. It was shown that there is good agreement between simulated current and actual natural distributions. The simulated current distribution areas of tree species such as Abies spectabilis, Picea likiangensis var. linzhiensis, Pinus densata, Larix griffithiana were a little larger than their actual distributions. For Quercus aquifolioides and the relict species Betula platyphylla, simulated areas were a little smaller than their actual distributions. Future distributions of dominant tree species were predicted under a climate scenario with a CO2 concentration of 500 ppmv in the year 2100. The distribution areas of Abies spectabilis, Picea likiangensis var. linzhiensis, Pinus densata, Larix griffithiana and Quercus aquifolioides would shift and extend towards the north and west under the future climate scenario. For Betula utilis, the distribution areas would shift towards the north but they would shrink.

Canopy gap disturbances are important processes that maintain forest structure and diversity. We investigated the distribution and characteristics of canopy gaps in Wolong Nature Reserve around Wuyipeng, Sichuan. The results showed that small-scale gaps were the predominant types of disturbance. The average gap density was 12.5 km -1 . The distribution pattern of gaps was aggregated on south facing slopes and was approximately homogeneous on north facing slopes. Conifer trees were the primary gap-makers in this forest that was dominated by Abies faxoniana, Tsuga chinensis, Betula utilis, both in abundance and diameter rank. The decay class distribution of gap-makers indicated that the mode of gap formation and gap-maker species changed with age of the forest; the contribution of conifer species to gap formation decreased with time and broadleaf species increased. Moreover, the proportion of gaps caused by cutting and tree falls decreased while the proportion caused by standing dead and broken trunks increased. Association analysis of the mode of gap formation showed that there were significant negative associations between trees that were cut and tree falls and between snapped trunks and tree falls. Association coefficients for trees that were cut were relatively high with all other modes of gap formation, but there were no other significant associations between other modes of gap formation.

In Nepal, the red panda (Ailurus fulgens) has been sparsely studied, although its range covers a wide area. The present study was carried out in the previously untapped Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape (CHAL) situated in central Nepal with an aim to explore current distributional status and identify key habitat use. Extensive field surveys conducted in 10 red panda range districts were used to estimate species distribution by presence-absence occupancy modeling and to predict distribution by presence-only modeling. The presence of red pandas was recorded in five districts: Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Myagdi, Baglung and Dhading. The predictive distribution model indicated that 1,904.44 km2 of potential red panda habitat is available in CHAL with the protected area covering nearly 41% of the total habitat. The habitat suitability analysis based on the probability of occurrence showed only 16.58% (A = 315.81 km2) of the total potential habitat is highly suitable. Red Panda occupancy was estimated to be around 0.0667, indicating nearly 7% (218 km2) of the total habitat is occupied with an average detection probability of 0.4482±0.377. Based on the habitat use analysis, altogether eight variables including elevation, slope, aspect, proximity to water sources, bamboo abundance, height, cover, and seasonal precipitation were observed to have significant roles in the distribution of red pandas. In addition, 25 tree species were documented from red panda sign plots out of 165 species recorded in the survey area. Most common was Betula utilis followed by Rhododendron spp. and Abies spectabilis. The extirpation of red pandas in previously reported areas indicates a need for immediate action for the long-term conservation of this species in CHAL.

Bamboos in the understory of Abiesfaxoniana Render & Wilson forests in China impede tree regeneration when they are mature. However, bamboos die back every few decades and may synchronize tree seedling establishment on the forest floor. Tree seedling regeneration patterns were studied beneath 20 canopy gaps and adjacent closed forest in an old-growth A. faxoniana forest where understory bamboos died back in 1976. Most seedlings of A. faxoniana, Acercaudatum Wallich, and Betulautilis D. Don in gaps established 2 years after dieback of the bamboo Fargesiadenudata Yi. Acercaudatum seedlings in gaps were taller than those of B. utilis or A. faxoniana, and B. utilis seedlings were fourfold more abundant in gaps than the other species. All species (except A. caudatum) had greater seedling densities in gaps, but there were no density differences among species beneath closed forest. Bamboo cover and maximum culm height were greater under gaps than forest, and it takes bamboo seedlings about 18 years to grow to full height. Bamboo seems to reduce the success of an advanced regeneration strategy and promotes synchronized seedling establishment in gaps after it dies back.

1. High elevation treelines 1.1 The task 1.2 Previous works 2. Definitions and conventions 2.1 The life form 'tree' 2.2 Lines and transitions 2.3 Limitation, stress and disturbance 2.4 Altitude-related and other environmental drivers 2.5 Treeline nomenclature 3. Treeline patterns 3.1 Treeline taxa 3.2 The summit syndrome and other treeline depressions 3.3 Mass elevation effect 3.4 Treeline elevation 3.5 Time matters 3.6 Forest structure near treeline 4. Treeline climate 4.1 Specific aspects of treeline climatology 4.2 Criteria to define temperature regimes at treeline 4.3 Treeline temperatures in different bioclimatic regions 4.4 Seedbed and branch temperatures 4.5 Whole forest temperatures 5. Global mountain statistics based on treeline elevation 5.1 Mountain geostatistics 5.2 Elevational belts 5.3 Global treeline ecotones 6. Structure and stature of treeline trees 6.1 Foliage properties 6.2 Wood properties 6.3 Bark properties 6.4 Root traits 6.5 Tree stature 6.6 Dry matter allocation in treeline trees 7. Growth and development 7.1 Tree growth near treeline 7.2 Xylogenesis at treeline 7.3 Apical growth dynamics 7.4 Root growth 7.5 Phenology at treeline 8. Evolutionary adjustments to life at treeline 8.1 Phylogenetic selection 8.2 Genotypic responses of growth and development 8.3 Genotypic responses of physiological traits 9. Reproduction, early life stages and tree demography 9.1 Amount and quality of seeds at high elevation 9.2 Germination, seedling and sapling stage 9.3 Tree demography at treeline 10. Freezing and other forms of stress 10.1 Stress at treeline in a fitness context 10.2 Mechanisms and principles of freezing resistance 10.3 Freezing resistance in treeline trees 10.4 Other forms of stress at treeline 11. Water, nutrient and carbon relations 11.1 Tree water relations during the growing season 11.2 Nutrient relations 11.3 Carbon relations 12. Treeline formation - currently, in the past and in the future 12.1 Causes of current treelines 12.2 Treelines in the recent past 12.3. Treelines in the distant past (Holocene) 12.4 Future treelines References Taxonomic index Subject index

Patterns of tree species distribution and their structural-functional features were studied along an altitudinal gradient in the Indian Central Himalaya. The forest vegetation falls within three formation types: low to mid-montane sclerophyllous, broad-leaved forests; mid-montane deciduous forests; and high-montane mixed stunted forests. Deciduous tree species formed a considerable (49%) portion of the high altitude forests between 1500–3300 m. The upper limit of forests ranges from 3000 to 3300 m, and three taxa are commonly found at tree line: an evergreen, needle-leaved gymnosperm (Abies pindrow Spach.), an evergreen, broad-leaved sclerophyllous oak (Quercus semecarpifolia Sm.), and a deciduous, broad-leaved birch (Betula utilis Don). The high altitude forests differed from the low altitude forests of Central Himalaya in their greater proportion of microphanerophytes. Vernal flowering is common at this elevation in Central Himalaya. In general, in their elevational distribution and structural-functional attributes, these high altitude forests are similar to other forests of cool temperate zones in Himalaya.

Based on comprehensive evaluations and analyses of existing literature and data sources, a review of geographical and ecological aspects of the upper timberline in the Himalayan mountain system is presented. Upper timberline elevations increase along two gradients: a NW-SE gradient corresponds to higher temperature sums at same elevations along the mountain arc. However, mean temperatures of the warmest month are higher at timberlines in the NW, which develop at lower elevations than expected since extreme winter cold, later snow melt, and shorter growing seasons overcompensate the advantage of higher summer temperatures. A second gradient is developed in peripheral-central direction from the Himalayan south slope to the Great Himalayan range and the Tibetan highlands. Increasing timberline elevations along this gradient are related to the combined effects of continentality and mass-elevation, both leading to higher temperature sums. Juniperus tibetica stands in S-Central Tibet even reach 4600–4800 m, the most elevated timberline in the northern hemisphere.

Present study was conducted to explore and document the non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in the Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) Nepal Himalaya, and to assess their conservation status. The field data was collected from June 21 to July 15, 2004. Primary information of NTFPs was based on Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) which included field observation, interviews and focus group discussion. Altogether 103 species of NTFPs belonging to 40 families and 74 genera, used for food, firewood, fodder, buildings construction, incense, and medicines were recorded from the study area. Out of them, 21 species were found to be dominant, 29 species abundant, 35 species common, 14 not so common and 4 species rare. Furthermore, 17 species of lichens belonging to six families and eight genera were also recorded. Impact on the vegetation was mostly due to the disturbance by tourism, animal grazing, building of houses, fuel wood and timber collection. Ecological study of the representative NTFPs showed that number of medicinal plants was comparatively low in all the areas investigated. Arenaria sp., Rhododendron sp., Juniperus sp., Abies spectabilis. , Pinus wallichiana ., Betula utilis , Lyonia ovalifolia ., Arundinaria sp ., Zanthoxylum armatum ., Dactylorhiza hatagirea , Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora , Ferns, Mushrooms, etc. have been found to be directly or indirectly affected by tourists and guides/porters. Key words: Sagarmatha; NTFPs; Conservation status; Impact; Tourism. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v7i7.3833 Scientific World Vol.7(7) 2009 pp.85-91

The remoteness of Manang District, Central Nepal has resulted in continued use of wild plants to meet daily needs. Local people were interviewed during 2002-2006 regarding the uses of plants as sources of fence and fuelwood. The People of Manang have been using 16 plant species (eight trees and eight shrubs) which belong to nine families and 10 genera for fence and fuelwood. The highest number of species belonged to Berberidaceae (4 species), followed by Cupressaceae (3 species), Rosaceae and Pinaceae (2 species each). Taxaceae, Elaeagnaceae, Betulaceae, Salicaceae and Juglandaceae were represented by one species each. Among 16 species recorded, eleven species including Berberis lycium , Hippophae salicifolia , Juniperus indica , Rosa macrophylla , etc., were used as fence and 11 species including Betula utilis , Juniperus indica , Pinus wallichiana , etc., were used as a source of fuelwood. Some plants are used as both fence and fuelwood. Fence plants protect crop field from damage by livestock and wild animals and prevented soil erosion by wind. The local people of TankiManang, Manang, Braka, Munji do not collect fuelwood, and furniture wood from their nearby forest these days as they did in the past and now collect from the next village (Hongde and Pisang forest). This a good example of awareness towards conservation and forest management. The forests near their villages are now named as ‘community forest'. There is a continued need for awareness among the people about forest use and its role in the environment. Key words: Awareness; Community forest; Livestock; Manang; Wild plants. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v5i5.2666 Scientific World , Vol. 5, No. 5, July 2007 107-111

Species richness normally decreases with increasing elevation. However, a hump and a plateau have been documented in species richness curves in the Nepal Himalaya. We sampled species richness and composition in 80 plots located in the north and south aspects of the dry valley of Manang, a trans-Himalayan inner valley of Nepal, between 3000 and 4000 masl. We used regression and ordination to relate species richness and composition to the physical environment. Pinus wallichiana, Juniperus indica, Abies spectabilis, Betula utilis and Salix species are the dominant tree species. B. utilis is found only in the moist north aspect and Juniperus species are more common in the dry south aspect. Moisture is the most important determinant of species richness and composition. At the local level, our results show a plateau in species richness at the elevation range of 3000–4000 masl. There were significantly more species on the north aspect than on the south. Key words: aspect, altitude, beta-diversity, ordination, species richness, soil moisture Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.4(6) 2007 p.57-64

1 The present paper describes some fossil remains of the Betulaceae from collections made by Middlemiss, Stewart and the author from the Lower Karewa Deposits of Kashmir, exposed along the Pir Panjal side of the valley at Liddarmarg, Ningal Nullah and Laredura. The material includes fossil leaves belonging toBetula utilis, Betula alnoides, Betula sp. A (which does not compare with any modern species of the Himalayas),Alnus nepalensis,Alnus nitida and a few female cones ofBetula sp. andAlnus sp. (which could not be determined specifically on account of the fragmentary nature of the specimens); a number of impressions, which favourably compare with thin sheets from the outer bark ofBetula utilis are also present. 2. Of the four well-determined species, only one(Betula utilis) occurs in the Kashmir Valley at the present time; the other three species, though still occurring in the neighbouring regions, are absent from the Kashmir Valley proper, the northern slopes of the Pir Panjal Range and the southern slopes of the Main Himalayas. 3. The past and present distribution of the Betulaceae is briefly discussed. 4. A comparison of the past and present distribution of the Betulaceae does not alter the general conclusions, which were derived by the author from the general distribution of the Karewa flora as a whole.

An investigation of vegetation and prominent flora from Begnash to Tara Hill (a very popular trekking route of Annapurna Conservation Area) was carried out. The vegetation is exposed to different levels of human-induced disturbances. The route followed ascends gradually from Begnas passing through different vegetated areas. The altitude of the study area ranges from 1000 to 3000 masl. The vegetation of the study area comprises different types of forests such as hill sal (Shoresa robusta), Schima-Castanopsis, alder, lower temperate mixed broad leaved forest, oak, upper temperate – mixed broad-leaved, Rhododendron, Betula utilis, pine and juniper and arid bushes. Schima wallichii, Castanopsis indica, Quercus semecarpifolia, Rhododendron arboreum, Ilex dipyrena, Pandanus nepalensis, Daphne bholua, Lithocarpus pachyphylla, Pterocarpus santalinus, etc. are the prominent flora of the study area. Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(1): 43-46, 2003

Analysis of the satellite imagery reveals two different perspectives of the vegetation ecotone dynamics in Gangotri catchment. On one hand, there is evidence of upward shift in the alpine tree and vegetation ecotone over three decades. On the other hand, there has been densification happening at the past treeline. The time series fAPAR data of two decades from NOAA-AVHRR confirms the greening trend in the area. The density of trees in Chirbasa has gone up whereas in Bhojbasa there is no significant change in NDVI but the number of groves has increased. Near Gaumukh the vegetal activity has not shown any significant change. We found that the treeline extracted from satellite imagery has moved up about 327±80m and other vegetation line has moved up about 401±77m in three decades. The vertical rate of treeline shift is found to be 11m/yr with reference to 1976 treeline; however, this can be 5m/yr if past toposheet records (1924 – 45) are considered as reliable reference. However, the future IPCC scenario based bioclimatic fundamental niche modelling of the Betula utilis (a surrogate to alpine treeline) suggests that treeline could be moving upward with an average rate of 3m/yr. This study not only confirms that there is an upward shift of vegetation in the alpine zone of Himalayas, but also indicate that old vegetation ecotones have grown denser

(1) Regeneration patterns of Abiesfaxoniana, Betula utilis and B. albosinensis in central Sichuan, China were interpreted by stand structural analysis (age, size, horizontal patterning) of tree populations in old-growth ( > 250 years) stands. (2) Seedlings, saplings and young trees were scarce in stands where bamboo (Sinarundinaria fangiana) impeded tree regeneration. Shrub density and woody plant species richness were lower in stands with high bamboo cover. (3) Regeneration patterns indicate that A. faxoniana and B. utilis relative densities were similar where bamboo was dense and that A. faxoniana was more than twice as abundant as B. utilis where bamboo cover was low or absent. Bamboos seem to impede A.faxoniana regeneration more than that of B. utilis. Both species regenerated in canopy gaps, but A. faxoniana less so than B. utilis where bamboos were dense. This produces higher Betula density in bamboo stands. Sizes of young patches of B. utilis tended to be larger than patches of A.faxoniana. Partitioning of gaps by size may contribute to coexistence of A. faxoniana and B. utilis in old-growth stands.