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.
Corylus jacquemontii is one of the ecologically and economically important high value multipurpose tree in Indian Himalaya Region. Continued over-exploitation and habitat degradation of the species for fodder, fuel, food and medicinal purposes have caused rapid depletion from natural habitats. Therefore, twenty five populations of the C. jacquemontii were assessed in Lahaul & Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba and Kullu districts of Himachal Pradesh. Soil sampled from each population were analyzed. The density of the species was highest in dry slope habitat. Total tree density had a significant positive correlation with organic carbon of soil (r=0.42, P<0.05 and n=25). C. jacquemontii seedling density had significant negative correlation with altitude (r =-0.43, P<0.05 and n=25) and pH (r=-0.60, P<0.05 and n=50). Most of the populations had poor regeneration of species. MaxEnt model predicted 3300 Km 2 suitable area for reintroduction of species in Himachal Pradesh. Precipitation of driest peroid emerged as a major factor in determining the distribution of potential habitats of C. jacquemontii. Therefore, mass multiplication using seed germination protocol, their establishment in identified habitats and regular monitoring of the habitats with the active participation of local inhabitants, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and Forest Department are essentially required.
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