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Floristic Diversity, Sensitivity and Use Value Analysis in a Part of Western Himalaya Uttarakhand: Conservation Implications

Anita Mehra*, Lalit Mohan Tewari, Hema Joshi

Department of Botany Kumaun University Nainital, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract: The study documents plant diversity, nativity, sensitivity and use value of plant across altitude zone (600-2100 m asl) of Uttarakhand wherein 336 plant species (53 trees, 74shrubs 195 herbs and 14 climber) occur. Of these, 302 species were Angiosperms (250 Dicotyledons and 52 Monocotyledons), 3 Gymnosperms and 31 Pteridophytes. Out of 336 spp. nearly half of these species (153, 46%) are Himalayan natives; of which 34.6% species are near endemics to Himalaya. Nativity across life forms ranges was herbs (74 spp) 36%; (shrubs 4) 56% (trees 38) 71% most of the species (127, 83.11%) exhibited wide geographical distribution (rarity class 1-4) and more than half of these (79, 62.2%) have broad ecological amplitude (rarity class 1-2) an attribute of commonness. 26 species (16.9%) exhibited restricted geographic distribution (rarity class 5-8). Of these, 10 (38.6%) had narrow ecological amplitude (rarity class, 7-8), suggesting high sensitivity. A total of 257 species 138 herb 66 shrub and 53 tree are were recorded ethnobotanically important A total 36 different uses were defined by the informants. We divide these use in 13 broad categories these were fuel wood, fodder, medicinal, timber, edible, ornamental, fertilizer, sacred, Agriculture tool, Bedding, Fencing, NTFPs and other. Use value of plants range 0.10 to 2.25 divided in three category high use value (1.5-2.25) medium use value (0.85-1.5) and low use value (0.10-0.85). According to the recent IUCN criteria 24 species have been categorized into various threat categories viz., one Endangered, one Vulnerable one near threatened and 21 were under least concern.

Keywords: floristic diversity, sensitivity, nativity, rarity analysis, use value, conservation

Received April 11, 2022; Revised May 16, 2022; Accepted May 24, 2022

Citation: Anita Mehra, Lalit Mohan Tewari, Hema Joshi, Floristic Diversity, Sensitivity and Use Value Analysis in a Part of Western Himalaya Uttarakhand: Conservation Implications. Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 10 (5). 311-321. January 2022. doi:10.12691/aees-10-5-7

1. Introduction

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) ranges from Jammu & Kashmir in the north to Arunachal Pradesh and is recognized for its representative, natural, unique and socio-economically important biodiversity. It supports 18,440 species of plants with 25-30% of endemics [1]. Forests play a vital role in preserving the complex environment values having a global impact on the climate. Several studies have established that altitude plays role in regulating species richness patterns [2,3]. The Himalayan mountains, which have been globally known as biodiversity hotspots, provide altitude range that represents the widest bioclimatic gradient in the world [4]. Demand for economically important species has been increased with the increase the population in the region. This has led to the overexploitation and habitat degradation of the biodiversity elements. Endemism and habitat loss were the main criteria for the conservation priority areas like biodiversity hotspots and ecoregions [5]. Threat location and intensity to biodiversity are distributed unevenly, so prioritization is essential to minimize biodiversity loss [6]. As a result, various approaches have been undertaken for defining threat status for biological entities that are higher than species [7]. Species richness, nativity, endemism, rarity, economically important species and anthropogenic pressure aid in the prioritization of species, communities and habitats/landscapes [8]. A few studies on prioritization of the forest communities [8,9,10], for medicinal plants [11,12,13,14,15,16,17]. The forested high altitude (2000–3500 m asl) zone of Uttarakhand represents a significant proportion of provincial (west Himalaya) and regional (Himalaya) plant diversity pool [18]. Richness, diversity, and representativeness are among major attributes contributing to conservation value of timberline flora in Kumaun Himalaya Among habitats, forest edges/open slopes, boulders/ rock crevices, and marshes/moist situations deserve priority attention. [19]. Therefore, such studies on prioritization of communities, habitats and ecosystems are urgently required on local, regional, national and global scales.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Area

Recent Biogeographic classification of India [20] has included entire Uttarakhand and some part of Himachal Pradesh under west Himalaya province. Geographically Indian Himalaya is broadly divided in north western (Jammu Kashmir and Himanchal parade), central Himalaya (Uttarakhand) and north eastern Himalaya (north east state and Darjeeling district of West Bengal). The study site of present study was located in central Himalaya represented by only state of Uttarakhand. Present study was carried out in Kumaun Himalaya (Pithoragarh district) (Figure 1) covering an altitude of 600 to 2100 m asl. with Latitude (N) 29° 37’ 0.36’’ and Longitude (E) 80° 09’ 42.05’’. Temperature ranging between the maximum of 30.3°C and minimum (-) 1.7°C. Humidity is highest during the monsoon months and particularly so during the rainy months of July and August. Climate of study area were divided into three distinct seasons, namely summer (April-June), rainy (July–September), and winter (November– February). The rainfall pattern in the region is largely governed by the monsoon rains (July–September), which account for about 60–80% of the total annual rainfall of the study area. study site supports a variety of forest vegetation. The river valleys are dominated by Sal forests, while increasing elevation Chir pine replaces the Sal forests followed by Quercus leucotrichophora (Banj) in the upper ridges of the study area (Figure 2).

Figure 1. Location of study area

Figure 2. Land Use/Land Cover Map showing location of Forest Inventory Plots Laid

2.2. Methodology - Vegetational Analysis

Vegetation data was gathered by quadrat method [21]. For Vegetation assessment (50 x 50 m) plot was marked in Sal, Pine, Oak and Deodar Forest of watershed. Inside one plot ten (10 ×10 m) quadrats for tree species laid randomly and inside the 10 ×10m quadrat 2 (5 x 5 m) quadrats for shrubs and 4 (1 x 1 m) quadrats for herbs were laid.

2.2.1. Floristic Diversity

Identification of plants in the field was made with the help of floras, research papers and reports [22,23,24]. The nativity of the species has been identified with the help of various research papers [25,26,27,28]. The species having their origin from Himalayan region have been considered as natives, whereas remaining species have been considered as non-natives [29,30].

2.2.2. Use value Calculation

For ethnobotanical study method of Philips and Gentry [31] followed. Ethnobotanical data collection was done by in a series of one hectare plot in different forest type in watershed. An event is define as the process of asking one information on one day about the use of one species. information gathered by two method one walk in wood method in these case local name and use of plant in field were asked another method information about ethnobotanical use of plant were collected by with the help of photograph or plant material.

Figure 3. Method of calculating Use value of species

calculated by following formula-

Use value of each species s for each informant i UVis define as UVis= ∑Uis/ nis.

Uis equal the number of uses mentioned in each event by informant I nis equal the number of events for species ‘s’ with informant ‘i’.

Overall use value for each species s, UVs is then-

ns= no of informants interviewed for species ‘s’.

2.2.3. Endemic Taxa and Analysis of Sensitivity

Taxa with spatial range restriction in the Himalaya (i.e. Indian Himalaya, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan Himalaya) were considered Himalayan endemics and the ones with range extension slightly beyond the Himalaya were referred as "near-endemics" [19,32]. All such taxa were analyzed for their sensitivity (i.e. taxa endangered at different degrees). All such species were analyzed for their rarity ranking as measure of sensitivity towards endangerment. The rarity analysis approach of Rabinowitz [33] was used with modifications as suggested in Rawal & Dhar [19].

The following three broad ecological attributes of a taxon were considered to define rarity: Geographical Range (GR): considering spatial range extension of taxa, the following two groups were made: (I) wide range (WGR), e.g., all broad range endemic taxa; and (2) restricted range (RGR), e.g., all narrow range endemic taxa.

Ecological Amplitude (EA): used in rather narrow sense to express the range of adaptation of a taxon at localized conditions. This was assessed by the occurrence of taxa along altitude and habitat ranges. On the basis of field observations and other information available on altitude and habitat ranges of taxa, the following two categories were made: (I) broad ecological amplitude (BEA)-taxa extending over wide altitude range and/ or ranging over two or more habitat types; and (2) narrow ecological amplitude (NEA)

Habitat type restricted altitude range and/or confined to one habitat type. Local Abundance (LA): determines the rarity of taxon for area in question. Species were put into two arbitrary abundance classes: (I) locally abundant (LA)-high relative density (> 10% trees, >5% shrubs, > 1% herbs); and (2) locally scarce (LS)- low relative density ≤10% trees, 55% species and 50% generic representation.

3. Results

3.1. Floristic Structure

A total sum of 336 species of vascular plants (Angiosperms, Gymnosperms and Pteridophytes) belonging to 278genera and 98 families were recorded from present study. Of these, 302 species were Angiosperms (250 Dicotyledons and 52 Monocotyledons), 3 Gymnosperms and 31 Pteridophytes. They were distributed in different life forms, i.e., trees (53spp.), shrubs (74spp.), herbs (195spp.) and climber (14spp.). Amongst the families maximum species were represented in Asteraceae (37 spp.) followed by Poaceae (23spp.), Fabaceae (22 spp.), Lamiaceae (21 spp). Out of 336 plants 189 (56%) were native and 147 (44%) were nonnative. Out of 56% (189 spp) species native to India and Himalaya region in which contribution of Himalayan (native) taxa was nearly 80% (153 spp.). Native species representation in families varied considerably. For example, families like Rosaceae (84%), Rutaceae (80%), Ranunculaceae (80%), Urticaceae (67%) Pteridaceae (67%) and Moraceae (63%) showed relatively high percentages of native taxa. Others, such as Fabaceae (36%), Asteraceae (36%), Orchidaceae (40%), Poaceae (26%) and Solanaceae (20%) showed low percentage of native taxa. Similarly, native species percentage in different genera varied considerably. watershed flora was better represented (45%) Compared to temperate elements (42%) and less from alpine elements in timberline flora (58%).

Ethnobotanical important (Use value) - A total of 257 species 138 herb 66 shrub and 53 tree are were recorded ethnobotanically important belonging to 87 families. Detail example of calculating use value illustrated in Table 1- explain the technique with typical example of Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus (Fagaceae) It shows data from 3 event with one informant. the number of uses was totaled for each event and each use is averaged across event. The mean value are transferred to Table 2. Table 2 listed the UVis value of Quercus leucotrichophora for each 5 informant interviewed, by category and by total.

So, the Use value (UVs) of Quercus leucotrichophora is 2.13 .in the same way use value of 257 plants were calculated (appendix 1). A total 36 different uses were defined by the informants. We divide these use in 13 broad categories these were fuel wood, fodder, medicinal, timber, edible, ornamental, fertilizer, sacred, Agriculture tool, Bedding, Fencing, NTFPs and other. In present study 139 species used as fodder, 67 as fuel wood, 129 used as medicinal, 32 as timber, 46 as edible, 8 as ornamental, 7 as fertilizer,12 as sacred, 32 as agriculture tool, 12 as cattle bedding, 9 as Fencing, 5 species used as NTFPs and 6 species used miscellaneous listed under other use (Figure 4). Use value of plants range 0.10 to 2.25 divided in three category high use value (1.5-2.25) /medium use value (0.85-1.5) and low use value (0.10-0.85). Plants have high use value show huge pressure because they used very strongly by people in watershed. A total17 plant fall under high use value Aegle marmelos, Quercus leucotrichophora, Diploknema butyracea, Cedrus deodara, Boehmeria rugulosa, Mallotus philippensis, Emblica officinalis, Celtis australis, Ougeinia oojeinensis, Pinus roxburghii, Zanthoxylum armatum, Melia azedarach, Grewia oppositifolia, Rhododendron arboretum, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia chebula, and Quercus glauca, 40 plants come under a moderate use value and 200 plants come under moderate use value.

3.2. Analysis of Rarity

Out of 336 spp nearly half of these species (153, 46%) are Himalayan natives; of which 34.6% species are near endemics to Himalaya. Nativity across life forms ranges was herbs (74 spp) 36%; (shrubs 4) 56% (trees 38) 71% most of the species (127, 83.11%) exhibited wide geographical distribution (rarity class 1-4) and more than half of these (79, 62.2%) have broad ecological amplitude (rarity class 1–2) an attribute of commonness. 26 species (16.9%) exhibited restricted geographic distribution (rarity class 5–8). Of these, 10 (38.6%) had narrow ecological amplitude (rarity class, 7–8), suggesting high sensitivity (Table 3). Analysis revealed that 125 taxa (59.1%) are locally abundant (rarity class 1,3,5,7) and 85 (68%) species of these had broad ecological amplitude, a feature contributing to commonness of taxa at local level (rarity class 1,5). 28 taxa (18.3%) were locally scarce and with narrow ecological amplitude (rarity class 4, 8), hence are at high risk of becoming endangered locally. A few examples across life forms include: trees- Diploknema butyracea, Acer oblongum, Ilex dipyrena, Paris polyphylla, Swertia chirayita and Malaxis acuminata.

According to the recent IUCN criteria (2021), 24 species have been categorized into various threat categories viz., Endangered (Acer oblongum) Vulnerable (Paris polyphylla ) near threatened (Aegle marmelos) and 21 were under least concern Saccharum spontaneum, Hydrocotyle javanica, Viola Pilosa, Geranium wallichianum, Roscoea purpurea, Bergenia ciliate, Berberis aristate, Viburnum mullaha, Zanthoxylum armatum, Rhododendron arboretum, Cupressus torulosa, Cinnamomum tamala, Carpinus betulus Aesculus indica, Carpinus viminea, Cedrus deodara, Syzygium cumini, Pyrus pashia, Terminalia chebula, Xylosma longifolia and Ilex dipyrena.

Table 1. Informant 1 – All the Quercus leucotrichophora uses mentioned in 3 separate events

Table 2. Use value of Quercus leucotrichophora (UVis) for informants 1to 5

Figure 4. Distribution of species in different use category

Table 3. Defining rarity and conservation priority classes at different spatial scales [19]. Rarity increases from 1 to 8; conservation priority: I highest and IV lowest. Attributes are coded as: WGR-wide geographical range; RGR- restricted geographical range; BEA-Broad Ecological Amplitude; NEA-Narrow Ecological Amplitude; LA-Locally Abundant; LS-Locally Scarce

4. Discussion

4.1. Floristic Diversity and Ethnobotanical Important

Uttarakhand has about 4700 species of flowering plants under 213 families and 1503 genera (Uniyal et al. 2007), accounting roughly for 27 percent of total Indian angiospermic flora. Osmaston [23] had described 816 species of trees, shrubs and climbers over 94 families from the erstwhile forests of Kumaon Civil Division. Naithani [34] reported 1934 species of flowering plants distributed in 892 genera and 163 species from the Chamoli District. Floristic Inventory The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) has been explored in general by various workers for its floral elements mostly at the district, state and even at the country levels [35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44]. Kala & Gaur [45] prepared a checklist of 691 species under 417 genera and 109 families in and around the Gopeshwar town. In view of the above, an attempt has been made to investigate the research site (600 to 2100m asl in Kumaun Himalaya) floristic diversity. Outcome of the present study was 336 species of vascular plants (Angiosperms, Gymnosperms and Pteridophytes) belonging to 279 genera and 98 families were recorded from present study area. Of these, 302 species were Angiosperms (250 Dicotyledons and 52 Monocotyledons), 3 Gymnosperms and 31 Pteridophytes. Out of these total species, trees (53spp.), shrubs (74spp.), herbs (194spp.) and climber (14spp.). Occurrence of 335 species of vascular plants in a comparatively smaller area possibly points out at the uniqueness of the area in many aspects including topography and climate. Hooker [46] described Orchidaceaae, Leguminaceae (Fabaceae), Gramineae (Poaceae), Rubiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Acanthaceae, Compositae (Asteraceae), Cyperaceae, Labiatae (Lamiaceae) and Urticaceae as 10 dominant families of India. whereas in present study Asteraceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Urticaceae, Pteridaceae, Moraceae, Acanthaceae and Orchidaceae were dominant families of study area. A total 16 anthropogenic sensitive taxa (medicinal plants) was recorded in timberline fiora of Kumaun [19]. In present study a total 17 anthropogenic sensitive taxa (multiple use plants) was recorded. various workers to explore, identify and prepare a record of plant resources of the Himalayan region. This will help in developing approaches for the conservation and management of species that are under high anthropogenic pressures [47]. The notable medicinal plants of Indian Himalaya were Aegle marmelos, Azadirachta indica, Berberis asiatica, B. aristata, Boerhaavia diffusa, Justicia adhatoda, Gloriosa superba, Syzygium cumini, Asparagus racemosus, Tinospora cordifolia, Terminalia arjuna, chebula, T. bellirica, S. chirayita, etc. [48]. In present study Aegle marmelos, Quercus leucotrichophora Diploknema butyracea, Cedrus deodara, Boehmeria rugulosa, Mallotus philippensis, Emblica officinalis, Celtis australis, Ougeinia oojeinensis, Pinus roxburghii, Zanthoxylum armatum, Melia azedarach, Grewia oppositifolia, Rhododendron arboretum, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia chebula, and Quercus glauca were recorded as multiple use species. Amongst the reported economically important species, 683 species are used as fodder, 262 species as fuel, 159 species as timber/house building, 148 species as religious, 43 species as fiber, 50 species for making agricultural tools, 23 species as dye and 201 species as ornamental [49]. in present study 139 species used as fodder, 67 as fuel wood, 129 used as medicinal, 32 as timber, 46 as edible, 8 as ornamental, 7 as fertilizer,12 as sacred, 32 as agriculture tool, 12 as cattle bedding, 9 as fencing, and 5 species used as NTFPs. The maximum ethnobotanically useful species are distributed in tropical and subtropical zone (i.e., upto 1800 m) [50], present study also presented the diversity of multi-use plants decreases with the increasing altitude.

4.2. Rarity Distribution and Conservation Priorities

Taxa Of the representative native taxa (189 spp.), 153 (76.5%) were endemic (Himalayan endemic 11%; near-endemic 61.9%). Occurrence of 56.25% native elements of which a high proportion (61.9%) is of near endemic species in studied transects in itself reflects 'extent of rarity' [19,32,51]. The diversity and abundance of endemics and native species increases with elevation in IHR [41,52,53], Considering the attributes of rarity, we suggest various priority classes for conservation initiatives. For instance, of the recorded native plants 16.9% taxa with restricted geographical distribution reflect higher susceptibility to endangerment at Himalayan level. This susceptibility at regional scale goes further high with narrowing of ecological amplitude (11.7 of native taxa). At the local level, 18 taxa with recorded low abundance and narrow ecological amplitude deserve greater attention [19]. However, 6 species Diploknema butyracea, Acer oblongum, Ilex dipyrena, Paris polyphylla, Swertia chirayita and Malaxis acuminata with restricted global distribution, narrow ecological amplitude and scarce local population (rarity class 8), exhibit sensitivity both at local to regional scale, are suggested as most critical and top ranking priority taxa.

Present study shows that the forested (700–2100 m asl) zone of Uttarakhand represents a significant proportion of provincial (west Himalaya) and regional (Himalaya) plant diversity pool the broad patterns of floristic diversity distribution vary across altitude zones and life forms; of the total plants recorded from study area 45.8% are Himalayan natives, and rarity analysis of these natives reveals 16.6 % taxa with restricted geographical distribution reflect higher susceptibility to endangerment at regional scale, whereas 37.9% taxa with narrow ecological amplitude and scarce local abundance deserve conservation support at local level; Richness, diversity, and representativeness are among major attributes contributing to conservation value of flora in Kumaun Himalaya. More than one third of study area flora is susceptible to endangerment Considering the entire Himalaya, 10 taxa deserve priority attention. Whereas 18 taxa are of major concern at local level.

Table 4. Rarity and conservation priority classes at different spatial scales BEA-Broad Ecological Amplitude; NEA-Narrow Ecological Amplitude; LA-Locally Abundant; LS-Locally Scarce

Figure 5. Use value across priority classes at different spatial scales

Present study documented the sensitivity of species on the basis of matrix (rarity ranking as measure of sensitivity towards endangerment) and use value (use value give us idea about the use of species by community and pressure on it) which reflect a strong correlation in priority class and use value, high priority species group have high pressure in community level (Table 4), these species need special attention for conservation. conservation of high use value and highly sensitive class required . At spatial scales rarity increases from 1 to 8; conservation priority: I highest and IV lowest. Use value also increase with increasing rarity (Figure 5). Monitoring and conservation of these plants urgently required.

5. Conclusion

The study concludes the following:

(i) The forested altitude (600-2100 m asl) zone of Uttarakhand represents a significant proportion of provincial (west Himalaya) and regional (Himalaya) plant diversity pool; (ii) 336 plant species (53 trees, 74shrubs 195 herbs and 14 climber) recorded from study area. (iii) of the total plants recorded from study area 45.8% are Himalayan natives, and rarity analysis of these natives reveals 16.6 % taxa with restricted geographical distribution reflect higher susceptibility to endangerment at regional scale, whereas 37.9% taxa with narrow ecological amplitude and scarce local abundance deserve conservation support at local level; (iv) Plants have high use value show huge pressure because they used very strongly by people in study area. A total17 plant fall under high use value 40 plants come under moderate use value and 200 plants come under low use value. (v) species of higher sensitivity classes show high use value this positive correlation helps in making strategy of conservation of these species.

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank and dedicate this article to Late Dr. Ranbeer Singh Rawal, former Director, GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBPNIHE), for his guidance and encouragement.

References

Appendix 1. Endemic taxa in different forest type of Kumaun Himalaya (Life form, Nativity, Altitude range and Endemism and Use value)

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