Threat to the Sustainability of Podophyllum Hexandrum Royle in the forests of Gulmarg, Kashmir

Deforestation had a marked impact on frequency, density and abundance of Podophyllum hexandrum . In general, east and south zones of Gulmarg were found highly affected zones due to higher rate of human interference and other socio-economic activities such as construction of roads, tourist huts, hotels, overgrazing, hence, exhibited lesser and fewer no. of medicinal plants, confirming that deforestation and land use change are the main factors causing habitat loss for medicinal plants. The north and south zones were found comparatively protected zones with more vegetation.