Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: Forests in the Western Himalayas provide numerous ecosystem services, but unsustainable utilization and human disturbances threaten their long-term sustainability. A reconnaissance survey in the temperate region of Western Himalayas assessed tree species composition, regeneration, and structure across various disturbance regimes. The study involved 180 sample plots, laid out randomly and systematically along altitudinal, aspect, and disturbance gradients over the course of a year. Species richness was highest in mid-altitudinal broad-leaved forests. Tree density ranged from 550 to 1450 trees ha⁻¹, and total basal cover values varied between 52.83 and 118.24 m² ha⁻¹. Rhododendron arboreum and Lyonia ovalifolia were the most widely distributed tree species in the study area. Diversity decreased with increasing disturbance and altitude, and showed a positive correlation with canopy cover and tree diversity (r = 0.659). Canopy cover, in particular, provided a favorable environment for juvenile development, as indicated by its positive correlation with sapling density (r = 0.494) and seedling density (r = 0.459). Conversely, it showed a negative correlation with the TBC and density of cut stumps (-0.605 and -0.500, respectively). An asymmetrical, inverse ‘J’ shaped distribution (positively skewed) reflected the scarcity of mature trees (individuals of higher dbh) in almost all forest types. Recruitment of new tree species outside conventional habitats may result in compositional changes in many forest types. The study concluded that minimizing human interventions is crucial to prevent habitat loss and that afforestation is needed for species with low importance values and no regeneration.
Authors: Shikha Semwal, Hind Kuniyal, Om Tiwari, Chandra Sharma
Institution: Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University
Language: English
Subfield: Forestry
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4413845584