Pant, S S and Samant, S S (2012) Diversity and regeneration status of tree species in Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary, north-western Himalaya. Journal of Tropical Ecology, 53 (3). pp. 317-331.

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Abstract

The Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary (KhWLS) located in the Kullu district of northwestern Himalaya and covering an area of 14 km2 has not been explored for documenting the structure and composition of vegetation. In this study we examine the site/habitat characteristics, assess the diversity of tree species, delineate forest tree communities, assess the regeneration pattern of tree species, and suggest conservation measures. Sixty-five sites were sampled between 1640 - 2400 m asl and for each site, habitat characteristics, altitude and dominant species were noted. Seventeen forest tree communities were recorded. Cedrus deodara community was the most widely distributed followed by Quercus leucotrichophora, Abies pindrow and Quercus semecarpifolia communities. Cedrus deodara community had maximum density of trees (1468 Ind ha-1), seedlings (1290 Ind ha-1) and saplings (1172 Ind ha-1), while Picea smithiana community recorded the maximum total basal area (186.2 m2 ha-1). Of the 17 forest tree communities identified, eight showed maximum regeneration of the dominant species, six showed maximum regeneration of the co-dominant species indicating the possibility of at least partial replacement of the dominant species by the co-dominant species in the future; and three communities showed poor or no regeneration of the dominant species indicating a total replacement of the dominants in the coming years. Long term monitoring of these tree communities for their conservation management is suggested.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Conservation, Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary, diversity, regeneration, species richness, species diversity and structural pattern.
Subjects:	Plant sciences
Divisions:	UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User:	Dr. Aparna Maitra Pati
Date Deposited:	17 Jan 2013 05:42
Last Modified:	17 Jan 2013 05:42
URI:	http://ihbt.csircentral.net/id/eprint/1278

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