The study intended to describe the alpine vegetation of a protected area of the northwestern Himalaya and identify the important environmental variables responsible for species distribution. We placed random plots covering different habitats and altitude to record species composition and environmental variables. Vegetation was classified using hierarchical cluster analysis and vegetationenvironment relationships were evaluated with Canonical Correspondence Analysis. Four communities, each in alpine shrub and meadows were delineated and well justified in the ordination plots. Indicator species for the different communities were identified. Maximum species richness and diversity were found in community IV among shrub communities and community II among the meadows. Studied environmental variables explained 61.5% variation in shrub vegetation and 59.8% variation in meadows. Soil variables explained higher variability (~35%) than spatial variables (~21%) in both shrubs and meadows. Altitude, among the spatial variables and carbon/nitrogen ratio and nitrogen among the soil variables explained maximum variation. About 40% variations left unexplained. Latitude and species diversity among the other variables had significant correlation with ordination axes. Study showed that altitude and C/N ratio played a significant role in species composition. Extensive sampling efforts and inclusion of other non-studied variables are also suggested for better understanding.

Abstract-Olea ferruginea

Sustainable utilization and conservation of the threatened species is a major challenge for conservationists. For the conservation and reintroduction of species, comprehensive information on the ecological elements, potential habitats and pharmaceutical importance of the species is essentially required. This has necessitated initiating studies on habitat and population ecology of the threatened species. In view of the above, the present study investigated populations of Gentian kurroo representing different habitats and aspects in Himachal Pradesh. Among the populations, mean density of G. kurroo 80.75 Ind per 100m 2 and range varied from 63.0-110.0 Ind 100m-2. The density showed direct relation with soil, slope, aspect and habitat. The particular geographical distribution of the species was sub tropical indicated species habitat specificity. Biological features, aspects, slope and pressure contributed to the critical population status of the G.. kurroo. The present investigation clearly showed that G.. kurroo populations occurred in fragmented pattern in the subtropical ecosystem. Species re-introduction should therefore carefully select suitable habitat with suggested setting in this study. The present study confirmed that population ecology, habitat distribution modelling provide assistance in the species recovery plan. The study would not only help in ecorestoration of the species and habitats but also in recovering the species population and improving its conservation.

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The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is known as the repository of biodiversity. It supports 8,000 species of angiosperms. The orchidaceae is among the dominant family of angiospecies and highly evolved family among the monocotyledon. The species of this family are facing tremendous pressure due to habitat degradation, overexploitation and changing environmental conditions. Therefore, while exploring the floristic diversity of Parvati Valley, attempts have also been made to explore the orchid diversity and analyze for diversity, distribution patterns, nativity, endemism, threat categories and indigenous uses. Total 19 species of the orchids representing 13 genera were recorded between 1100-3600 m amsl. Of these, 13 species were natives, 6 species near endemic and 5 species non-natives. These species represented in grassland, shady moist, forests, alpine meadows, moist rocks and bouldary habitats. These species were used for curing various diseases/ailments by the inhabitants of the valley. Due to habitat degradation the populations of these species are decreasing fast. The over exploitation, habitat degradation and changing environmental conditions of these species has led rapid population depletion. Therefore, appropriate strategy has been suggested for the conservation and management of these orchids.

The native communities of the Indian Himalayan Region are largely dependent on plant resources for their sustenance. Among the economically important plants, wild edibles are consumed as raw, roasted, boiled, fried, cooked or in the form of oil, spice and seasonal material i.e., jams and pickles. The local communities have rich knowledge base indigenous uses and traditional practices, but require proper documentation for their long time conservation. The present study is an attempt to assess the wild edibles of Pangi valley, located in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh. Total 124 wild edibles, representing 68 genera and 41 families were recorded. Of these, 09 species were represented by trees, 33 shrubs, 77 herbs, 1 fern and 03 fungi. Of the total species, 63 species were native, 10 near endemic, 03 endemic and other are non-native to the Indian Himalayan Region. Various parts namely, whole plants, stem, rhizome, tuber, bark, aerial part, leaves, flowers, fruits, roots, etc. were used by tribal communities in various forms. Over utilization and habitat degradation may result in local extinction. Therefore, for the conservation of these species, studies on habitat ecology, development of conventional and in vitro propagation protocols; introduction in the natural habitats and awareness among the tribal communities have been suggested.

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