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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.

In recent years, a number of studies have reported invasion by alien species, however, global studies on invasion or expansion of native species are still limited, and such studies are completely lacking from the Himalayan region. The study aims to find the direction of correlation between the expansion of a native species (Polygonum polystachyum Wall. ex Meisn.) and plant species richness in the alpine ecosystem of Indian Himalaya. We have carried out vegetation sampling in selected invaded and un-invaded areas along an elevation gradient (3000–4100 m a. s. l.) over a period of four years. Three different sites i.e., Valley of Flower National Park (VoFNP), Lata-Khark and Hemkund Sahib Trek in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR) were selected for the study. The range of plant diversity was analysed to be 1.2–2.1 in invaded plots, and 2.4–3.7 in un-invaded plots/sites. Average population density of P. polystachyum varied significantly (p < 0.001) between invaded and un-invaded sites, and ranges from 11.1–67.1 individual / meter2 in invaded sites and 0.0–3.8 ind / m2 in un-invaded sites. The result of mixed effects model revealed significant decrease (p < 0.01) in species richness and increase in density and abundance (p < 0.01) of P. polystachyum in the invaded sites during 2015–2018, which imparts negative impacts on plant diversity, particularly on high value threatened medicinal plants.

BackgroundThe present study exhibited forest structure, plant species composition and regeneration pattern in temperate zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR), western Himalaya along the different altitudinal gradient (2600 to 3600 m asl). The diverse ecosystems of the NDBR contain a tremendous array of floral and faunal diversity, many of which are rare and endangered species. ResultsA total of 223 species of vascular plants (Angiosperm, Gymnosperm and Pteridophytes) were identified within the study area. Rosacaeae (17.69 %) family was exhibited dominant followed by Asteraceae (14.97 %) and Ranunculaceae (12.93 %). Among all the plant species, Betula utilis had highest tree density (724 & 324 individuals ha-1 in each site) and contributed maximum dominance of species cover (44 % and 36 % ) at Tolma and Ghangaria sites followed by Pinus wallichiana (24 %) and Cedrus deodara (15 %), respectively. In Ghangaria site, 56 % tree species showed fair regeneration, 22 % good, 11% exhibited poor and remaining (11 %) indicated no regeneration while at Tolma site, 40 % species showed fair regeneration, 40 % good and remaining 20 % no regeneration. ConclusionOur results suggest to monitor the change in vegetation structure, species composition and regeneration pattern, we should establish permanent study plots in different forest types located along the elevational gradients for an effective and comprehensive monitoring programme to tracks the response of changing climate at both community and species level. Therefore, it is necessary to development of appropriate weather and meteorological station in this sensitive and ecologically important area for regional projection of micro climatic condition and generation of scientific data on changing vegetation composition and advancement of the native species.

The Himalayan ecosystem has global significance for supporting unique and rich ecological and socio-cultural diversity as well as a range of ecosystem services important for the very survival of human beings. However, constant anthropogenic pressure, unsustainable developmental practices and climate change led to the transformation of irrational land-use practices that have seriously compromised the ecosystem productivity and livelihood of the mountain communities. Considering the above, integrated land use planning, effective land use policy and legislation is a key element to address unsustainable land-use practices in the Himalayan ecosystem. Realising the increasing trend of degradation of natural resources and associated livelihood challenges for rural communities, a comprehensive scientific framework was developed for improving the functionality of marginal degraded land. A total of twelve tree species used for a variety of purposes prioritised by local communities based on ecological, social and economic value were selected for plantation on marginal degraded land belonging to the village community. Significant improvement in survival rate, growth, and circumference of planted tree species was observed across the sites after ten years of the plantation. The plantation activities enhanced the net productivity of degraded landscape while increasing characteristics of soil leading to increment in water percolation, improve soil moisture and decreased runoff. Total biomass accumulated by tree species planted in three selected sites within the period significantly contributed to carbon sequestration thus reducing the adverse impact of changing climate. The provisioning services in the form of fuel, fodder, and grasses obtained from developed landscapes reduced the drudgery and workload of marginal communities. The study advocates interdisciplinary knowledge production, enrich social learning among stakeholders, improved understanding of current and future challenges associated with land-use practices and relevant policy implications for sustainable land management in the region.

The present study was carried out to investigate the population density, collection pattern and documentation of ethnobotanical knowledge of threatened medicinal plants (TMP) used by the inhabitants of Buffer zone villages in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR). A total of 36 TMP species belonging to 20 botanical families have been identified that are used in the treatment of various diseases in traditional health care system (THCS). The average population density of TMP species was ranges maximum for Allium stracheyi (0.71–1.64 Ind/m2) followed by Pleurospermum angelicoides (0.52–1.56 Ind/m2) and Arnebia benthamii (0.82–1.41 Ind/m2), respectively in the Biosphere Reserve (BR). Allium stracheyi (0.98), Angelica glauca (0.91), Picrorhiza kurroa (0.89), Arnebia benthamii (0.87), Allium humile (0.82), Pleurospermum angelicoides (0.81), Bergenia stracheyi (0.80) with higher use value (UV) were the most used medicinal plants in the villages of BR. The study could be a pilot to reinforce the conservation measures across the Protected Area Network (PAN) by understanding the traditional knowledge of local inhabitants, dynamics of anthropocentric activities and its resultant impacts on medicinal plant diversity.

This paper examines sustainability of cash crops production systems as compared to traditional cereal cropping patterns in terms of their energy efficiency, ecological suitability, economic profitability, and social acceptability. The consistent supply of labor and energy are the most significant requirements for substantial growth of agricultural productivity in Himalayan region. For output–input ratio in terms of monetary efficiency, cash crops performed better (3.16–3.56) as compared to traditional crops (1.57–3.31), whereas the energy output–input ratio of traditional crops was found more efficient (1.63–4.72) as compared to cash crops (1.26–2.36). The monetary input and output analysis of Rabi crops was estimated to be 23.39% and 25.3% of Kharif crops, respectively; Similarly, variance in energy input (27.3%) and output (32.44%) analysis was observed between Rabi and Kharif crops, respectively. Energy input in the form of manure accounted >90% of total energy input, while other inputs (

Environmental disasters and socio-ecological vulnerability associated with human capacity in any disaster affected region of the world is considered as a key factor in understanding the occurrence of environmental disasters, and consequently, in developing and applying adequate strategies for prevention. The identification of risks and the factors responsible for vulnerability are crucial in analysis and framing strategies for coping and adaptation to the situation. The present paper focuses on identification of potential indicators for disaster risk assessment, socio-economic and cultural vulnerability of local people while striving to cope with shocks of disaster and adaptation and coping strategies of people to mitigate the impact of disaster in Kedarnath valley of Uttarakhand. Based on the long term research and assessment of potential cost-effective bio-resources available locally, this article recommends some of the priority interventions and technology packages for the immediate implementation as well as capacity building of the community to make them economically sustainable and future-ready to respond swiftly towards such catastrophe with less negative impact. Only appropriate strategic framework and their implementation can sustain the human as well as biodiversity in the fragile Himalayan landscape.

Mountains across the globe are unique areas for assessing climate change impacts on biodiversity, glaciers and fresh water supply, food production and overall human well-being. The livelihood and food security of the people inhabiting the mountainous parts of the state of Uttarakhand falling in the central Himalayan region of India largely depend on closely interlinked and climate-sensitive sectors, viz. agriculture, livestock and forestry. Understanding peoples’ perceptions of climate change impacts could help designing and implementation of adaptation strategies at the local level. Traditional knowledge of the farming communities for sustainable use of natural resources is gaining credence in recent times. Here we present an analysis of farmers’ perceptions and traditional knowledge in adapting to climate change impacts on agroecosystems in central Himalaya and suggest mechanism for integration of these in developing appropriate locally nuanced adaptation strategies.

In central Himalaya, medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are important component of traditional health care systems and supplementary source of income of the marginal farmers. Unfortunately, many of these plants have become threatened due to various environmental, socio-economic and institutional hindrances. Attempts have been made at different levels to address this issue through various means. In-situ practical training of the farmers is one of the measures taken to strengthen knowledge and skill of the farmers and other stakeholders associated with non-government organizations (NGOs) and government departments for conservation and management of MAPs. Plant scientists and experts involved in this field discussed the methods regarding cultivation, conservation, processing, and marketing with diverse stakeholders. The documentation and analyses of action research approach (quantitative and qualitative) and data generated through the series of training programs have created scope for sharing of experiences and knowledge. Studies conducted during 2005–2014 have identified the need for further research and government involvement to strengthen the infrastructure and extension inputs for the development of medicinal plant sector.

The present study was aimed to determine the allelopathic effect of aqueous extract of above ground (AG) and below ground (BG) part of four medicinal plants (MAPs) viz., Picrorhiza kurroa, Asperagus racemosus, Ocimum sanctum and Valeriana wallichii on germination and seedling growth of some traditional food and oilseed crops. The aqueous extract of AG and BG part of the studied MAPs at 2 % significantly reduced the germination, plumule and radicle growth of the selected pulse and oil seed crops in bioassays. The results of the present experiments revealed that MAPs have inhibitory effect on food and oilseed crops owing an occurrence of allelochemicals.