Biodiversity Conservation and Management in Kumaon Himalayas : Assessment of Socio-Economic Status and Threat Perception

Socio-economic and threat assessment survey were conducted at 18 oak patches in Kumaon Himalayas. Total 84 Gram sabhas (revenue villages) and 184 villages were surveyed. Human as well livestock population was found to be maximum in Mechh (20,000, 25000 respectively). The mean tree species density was found to be maximum in Gasi (1006.37/ha), while minimum in Kunjakharak (280.25). Tree species diversity was found to be maximum in Munsiyari (2.51), while it was found to be minimum in Mukteshwer (1.01). Mean tree cutting was recorded maximum in Mukteshwer (7.3±1.3), while it was found to be minimum in Kunjakharak (1.3±0.36). Tree lopping was highest in Pandavkholi (8.1±1.3) and found minimum in Pindari and Binayak (0.01± 0.1). Various threat factors were asses and the threats scores were calculated for different sites in Kumaon Himalayas. The most threatened site was recorded as Jageshwer, Gager, Sitlakhet, while least threatened surveyed site was recorded as Duku, Pindari, Sobla etc. The conservation problems and the management recommendation for biodiversity conservation have been discussed in the paper.