Population Assessment, Mapping and Flowering Response of Rhododendron arboreum Sm. – A Keystone Species in Central Himalayan Region of Uttarakhand, India

Akshay Mamgain, Pradeep Kumar Bhandari, D. P. Semwal, Prem L. Uniyal

Abstract


There has been significant increase in temperature and decline in winter snowfall in the Himalayan region that have greatly influenced the tree growth and accelerated the forest degradation rate. We conducted a study in the central Himalayan region of Uttarakhand with respect to population status of Rhododendron arboreum. This species is a keystone species of montane forest occurring from low altitude (1400 m) to sub-alpine zone (3300 m). Because of increase in average annual temperature, R. arboreum is showing precocious flowering pattern. A total of 43 populations were studied based on observational survey. The plant showed morphological changes in leaves and tree height based on altitude and sunlight received. It was found that lower zones (1400 – 1700 m) and lower–middle zones (1800 – 2000 m) have decreased and disturbed populations of R. arboreum. Most of these areas are now occupied by Pinus roxburghii which is a drought tolerant and adaptable species and has been expanding its range to middle altitude areas (2100 – 2400 m) and becoming a serious threat. However, anthropogenic factors are also responsible for the decline of R. arboreum population in low and lower – middle altitude areas. Remedial measures for maintaining healthy population of R. arboreum have been discussed.

Keywords


Conservation; Distribution; Garhwal; Global Warming; Kumaon; Phenology; Population Decline; Threats.

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