Tree species composition, stand structure and distribution patterns across three Kashmir Himalayan forests, India

Abstract

Himalayan ecosystems provide a unique opportunity to analyze the determinants of species richness across large elevation gradients. Understanding forest diversity and structure is fundamental to set conservation priorities. A quantitative assessment of tree species was conducted in Kashmir Himalayan forests to ascertain their composition, stand structure and distribution in 143 plots of 50 × 50 m2. Altogether, 13 species were recorded, ranging from five in subalpine (SA) forests to 10 in mixed conifer (MC) forests. There was a compositional dissimilarity among forest types. Pinus wallichiana was the most important species in low-level blue pine (BP) forests, whereas Abies pindrow prevailed in mid-elevation MC and high-elevation SA forests. Pinaceae contributed around 98% of stems and was the most speciose family, followed by Sapindaceae and Betulaceae. Stand density and basal area differed among forest types and were significantly correlated with elevation and slope. The tree diameter class distribution displayed an approximate reverse J-shaped pattern indicating the influence of disturbance. As the first two axes of the canonical correspondence analysis explained more than 93% of the inertia in the species-environment relation, elevation and slope are the main drivers of species distribution. Information about these forest attributes could provide better ecological insights for sustainable forest management.

Status of Biodiversity in a Protected Area of Kashmir Himalaya: Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary

“…The Kashmir Himalaya is located in the extreme northwest of the Himalayas with varied geography and considerable area under forests, meadows and glaciers (Dar and Khuroo 2020). It is among the ecologically complex and biologically diverse ranges within the Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot accounting for an extensive range of habitats (Dar and Parthasarathy 2022). Owing to its topographical variations and habitat heterogeneity with a broad altitudinal gradient, the valley supports a rich floristic diversity (Mir et al 2020).…”