Abstract:
Taxus wallichiana is an important keystone species of the moist temperate forest ecosystems in Kashmir region having considerable conservation significance.Current study was designed to investigate the distribution pattern, community structure, phytosociological attributes, associated flora and conservation status of Taxus wallichiana in the temperate forests of Muzaffarabad division Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan. Objectives of this research included to develop GIS based maps to reveal the spatial distribution of Taxus in AJK and demarcate the highly fragmented and rapidly declining habitat of Taxus wallichiana on the basis of GIS for conservation management. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) revealed that Taxus wallichiana populations were found in altitudinal range of 1300-2800 m. GIS analysis revealed that the majority of the Taxus wallichiana sites were located having Concave curvature reflecting a found at north facing slopes. GIS analysis showed that forest sites of Muzaffarabad and Jhelum valley district healthier Taxus populations characterized with higher DBH values and better regeneration. An average stem density value was recorded as 371/ha for Taxus wallichiana in the study whereas an average basal area cover value was calculated as 132.12 cm. A total of 154 plant species belonging to 113 Genera and 50 families were recorded as associated flora with Taxus wallichiana. Predominant associated species included Abies pindrow, Viburnum grandiflorum, Picea smithiana and Quercus semecarpifolia. The average values of Simpson's diversity index and Shannon Wiener index were found to be 0.97 and 3.71 respectively. The average value of species richness was 1.21, species evenness was 2.13 and species maturity index was 54.26. Hemicryptophytes were the dominant life form of the investigated area whereas microphylls were the dominant leaf size. Current study identified overgrazing, deforestation, overexploitation, and soil erosion as serious threats to the Taxus wallichiana. We recommend immediate conservation measures in the state of AJK including seedling plantation, establishment of nurseries, controlling grazing and erosion as well as regular monitoring and community awareness in the region.
Page(s):
11-11
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Abstract Book on Second International Conference on Recent Approaches in Plant Sciences (RAPS-23) 4-5 May 2023 , Volume: 0, Issue: 0, Year: 2023