A. K. Das , P. C. Nath , A. D. Khumbongmayum

Abstract

Amentotaxus assamica, belonging to family Taxaceae, is a critically endangered and endemic species in Arunachal Pradesh (North-East India). The species has a limited distribution within the altitudinal range of 1.600 - 2, 000m amsl. The species was reported for the first time in 1928 by D.K. Ferguson from Dallai valley in Lohit District of Arunachal Pradesh. Recently, the same has been collected from the Papum Pare District of the state where it has a good population structure. The plant is found growing within the patches of Chimnobambusa sp. occurring abundantly in the locality. The present study deals with the population structure of Amentotaxus assamica occurring in this pure undisturbed forest stand. The density of seedlings is higher than saplings and trees which reveals good regeneration in this natural stand. No anthropogenic threats were observed in the present natural habitat however, practice of 'jhum' cultivation at the foothills show a possibility of destruction in due course of time. Degradation of this species from the earlier recorded areas due to various anthropogenic threats also justifies the needs for the conservation and protection of Amentotaxus assamica in their natural habitat. The in-situ conservation of the species is required due to its restricted distribution within a particular altitudinal range in that micro-environment. However effective conservation of the species is possible only if the area is included in the existing protected area prevailing in the adjacent region.

Keywords

Amentotaxus assamica, Endagered-endemic Species, Distribution, Population
Structure, Arunachal Pradesh

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A. K. Das , P. C. Nath , A. D. Khumbongmayum

Abstract

Amentotaxus assamica, belonging to family Taxaceae, is a critically endangered and endemic species in Arunachal Pradesh, a state in northeast India. Recently, during the field trips in 2005 for the collection and documentation of plant species, Amentotaxus assamica is collected from the forest of Turoo hill, located near Dev village, Papum Pare district. The plant is found growing within the patches of Chimnobambusa sp., a spiny bamboo species occurring abundantly in the Turoo hill. Studies on population structure of A. assamica reveals that density of seedling (220 ha^-1) is higher than saplings (58 ha^-1) and trees ( 4 7 ha^-1). A total of 13 associated tree species were recorded and their density ruld basal area were determined. No anthropogenic threats were observed in the present natural habitat.

Keywords

Gymnosperm, Amentotaxus Assamica, Distribution And Population Structure,
Conservation

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Pijush Kumar Dutta ¹, B. K. Dutta ¹, A. K. Das ¹, R. C. Sundriyal ¹

Affiliations
1 WWF-India, Western Arunachal Landscape Conservation Programme

Abstract

Alpine timberline, considered to be important ecotone supports rich and highly vulnerable biodiversity and represent one of the most distinct boundaries between forest to tree less alpine areas. It has attracted geographers and ecologist to do research for a long time on the phenomena it encompasses. In recent time, alpine treeline ecotones across most of the world's mountains are being studied because of their potential for monitoring the effects of climate warming on forest ecosystem. Besides, alpine pasture areas in and around timberline zone and commercially important medicinal plants along timberline have also been playing important role as a source of livelihood of mountain communities settled in nearby area. In recent time, with the change in socio-economic aspiration of local mountain communities, there has been a rapid increase in pressure on natural resources in and around timberline area. However, compared to studies of timberline area of European Alps, Andes of South America and mountains of North America, which has reached a very advance stage, very limited studies on timberline of Himalayan mountain range have been carried out. In the present paper, review of timberline research work carried out in the mountain ranges of Europe, North America and Himalaya have been carried out to highlightthe gap in alpine timberline research work in Himalaya.

Keywords

Alpine, Timberline, Ecotone, Biodiversity, Livelihood, Climate Change

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Ram Prasad Sharma ¹, A. K. Das ², A. K. Raina ³

Affiliations
1 Institute of Forestry, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara Campus, Pokhara, Nepal, IN
2 Agriculture and forestry University, Chitwan, Nepal, IN
3 Forest Research Institute, F. S. & L. R. Division, Dehradun

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the influence of metamorphic rocks, soils and physiographic conditions on the growth and distribution of Swertia chirayita and Rubia cordifolia in Lotse Pakha and Bhakarjung community forests of Kaski district, Nepal for sustainable management. Biannual biophysical data and soil samples collection were conducted by establishing permanent sample plots of 2m x 5m for herb species. The study area contains dominantly the medium to coarse grained metamorphic rocks as phyllite and quartzite with numerous discontinuities. The interpretation of biophysical data indicated that the availability of MAPs vary with variation of altitude, slope, aspect, crown cover, rock types and soil properties. The frequency, relative frequency, density and relative density of S. chirayita and R. cordifolia were found to be medium to higher in the study area. The number of S. chirayita found to be higher in greater slope while R. cordifolia in lower slope. The species richness of these species shows higher within the altitudinal range 1700 - 2000 m. These species suitably grows in north-east aspect. The number of S. chirayita was found higher in 0-60 % crown cover but R. cordifolia has no significant trends. The physicochemical properties (soil pH, N, P, K, SOM and texture) of soil and weathered minerals resulted from metamorphic rocks in studied CFs favour the growth and distribution of these species.

Keywords

Altitude, Aspect, Slope, Crown Cover, Associated Species, Ecological Status.

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