Study on Arboreal Floristic Diversity, Phytosociology and Conservation Strategy of Endangered Species in Chandi Beat of Majathal Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh, Western Himalaya

Abstract

Himachal Pradesh, a land of snow-abode mountains is significant for its natural wealth and unique habitat, flora, and fauna. Majathal Wildlife Sanctuary, the site of the present study was located in Solan and Shimla districts (Wildlife Division, Shimla) of Himachal Pradesh spread over an area of 37.71 sq km. Phytosociological studies for arboreal flora were conducted in the Chandi beat, of the sanctuary by using the quadrate method and quantitative analysis. The altitude of this beat varied from 625m to 1960m amsl. Total number of plant species recorded in the study area was 155, belonging to 46 families and 97 genera. The dominant families included Fabaceae, Moraceae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae, Lamiaceae, and Rosaceae. Pinus roxburghii recorded the highest value of IVI and is the most dominant tree species in the forest followed by Quercus leucotrichophora. Results revealed that the range of Concentration of dominance (C) 0.04-0.06, Index of Diversity (H) 2.55-3.58, Richness index (R) 3.47-7.78 and Evenness Index (E) 0.84-0.93 was for trees and range of Concentration of dominance (C) 0.03-0.04, Index of Diversity (H) 3.37-3.86, Richness index (R) 6.22-6.12 and Evenness Index (E) 0.91-0.93 for shrubs at different elevation in Chandi beat. There were three woody plant species found as threatened category plant according to CAMP, 2013 i.e., Pleurolobus gangeticus, Oroxylum indicum and Zanthoxylum armatum which require conservation efforts suggested except Zanthoxylum armatum which has shown a good population in nature. Phytosocial and floristic diversity study on woody plants was not done before in this sanctuary so it will provide baseline information on the biodiversity status of the woody vegetation of the sanctuary and encourage conservation efforts, sustainable utilization of resources, and bio-perspective.