Diversity, representativeness and biotic pressure on plant species along alpine timberline of western Arunachal Pradesh in the Eastern Himalaya, India

• Published in: Current science (Bangalore) 2013-09, Vol.105 (5), p.701-708
• Main Authors: Dutta, Pijush Kumar, Dutta, B. K., Sundriyal, R. C., Das, Ashes Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biodiversity; Biodiversity conservation; Environmental conservation; Forest conservation; Nature conservation; Plant biodiversity; Plants; RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS; Species; Timberlines; Wildlife conservation
• ISSN: 0011-3891

The timberline being an ecotone area is considered to be among the most prominent vegetation zones in high-mountain areas. However, the timberline in the Eastern Himalaya has not been studied adequately though it supports rich vegetation and is considered one of the most important hotspots of biodiversity. More humid conditions in the Eastern Himalayan timberline compared to Western Himalaya provide a more conducive environment for tree growth and as a result the upper limit of timberline in this sector goes up to 4570 m, which is much higher in comparison to timberline limit of 3600 m in the Western Himalayan region. We recorded a total of 122 plant species from timberline zone belonging to 29 families with 56 species being common to areas above and below the timberline zone. It is interesting to note that 77% of the total recorded plants was found distributed within the Himalayan region, while 28% was confined to Eastern Himalayan region only. Eleven species required significant conservation measures. Collection of firewood by herders and unregulated grazing by local communities were found to be the most common threats in the study sites. Considering most of these areas are under traditional control of local communities, pro-community approach for conservation of biodiversity of these areas has also been discussed.