WII Technical Reports/Books/Manuals
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Item Technical guidelines for habitat and prey restoration in snow leopard landscapes(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2017) Rawat, G.S.; Maheshwari, Aishwarya; Sathyakumar, S.Item Developing a Trans-boundary Conservation Landscape for the Eastern Himalaya: an ecological assessment of alpine habitats in Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2006) Rawat, G.S.; Tambe, SandeepAlpine areas of Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR), Sikkim were surveyed during summer-monsoon of 2006 with the following objectives: (i) Conduct a rapid survey of alpine vegetation communities / physiognomic units vis-a-vis alpine habitats, (ii) Characterize and classify the alpine habitats for major faunal groups and assess the anthropogenic pressures and grazing by the domestic livestock, (iii) Identify key floral assemblages / threatened plants of high conservation significance^ and (iv) Suggest a zonation plan and measures for long term conservation and monitoring of alpine habitats and review the trans-boundary issues. The alpine zone in KBR is spread over Greater and trans-Himalaya and covers nearly 48 % of the reserve. This area harbours a large number of rare and threatened mammals such as Himalayan musk deer (Mochus chrysogaster), Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), snow leopard (Uncia uncia) and a variety of avifauna. The land use practices in the BR and adjoining areas of Nepal include traditional livestock (yaks, cow-yak hybrids, horses and sheep) grazing, collection of medicinal and aromatic plants and tourism. The area is contiguous with the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area of Nepal. Both the areas, altogether^ promise an excellent potential for a transboundary peace park. Broad vegetation types and alpine habitats have been classified and described in detaiL Based on broad physiognomy and land forms following broad habitat types have been identified in the alpine zone of KBR: Krummholtz Zone, Alpine Scrub, Alpine Meadows, High Altitude Lakes, Moranic Environs, Inaccessible rocky and cliff areas, Riverine Habitats, and Special Habitats (caves, tallus, colluvial deposits). Dominant vegetation types, human use and wildlife within each habitat have been given. Based on the earlier literature and extensive floral survey a tentative list of vascular plants in alpine areas of KBR has been prepared (Appendix - 2) giving their habit, altitudinal zone and threat status. Several plant species of high conservation value have been identified e.g.9 Schizandra grandiflora (a primitive climber with flowers like miniature Magnolia). Helwiga hinmlaica (bearing flowers at the center of the leaf and endemic to the Eastern Himalaya) Circaeaster aqrestis (Chloranthaceae of uncertain affinity), Pinguicula alpina (an insectivorous plant), Triosteum himalayanum (endemic to Himalaya) and Brachycaulos simplicifolius (an unusual herb of Rosaceae) among others. Various trans-boundary issues in the KBR including trans-boundary cultural ties, trade in medicinal plants, pastoralism, historical barter system, etc have been identified and discussed. Based on the detailed analysis of the issues and field surveys of selected areas along with the frontline staff of KBR various management recommendations have been given which include more multidisciplinary surveys in the KBR, training programmes for the frontline staff of KBR and Himal Rakshaks, notification of botanical hotspots within KBR for future monitoring, and better management of trail and camping sites in KBR. The authorities of Kanchenjunga Conservation Area in Nepal, and PA Managers in India need to begin a dialogue afresh to revive Singalila Transborder Eco-tourism and set up a long term trans-border peace park for joint protection and management involving the local communities.Item Ecology and conservation of the Grasslands of Eravikulam National Park, Western Ghats(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1998) Karunakaran, P.V.; Rawat, G.S.; Uniyal, V.K.An ecological study on the montane grasslands of Eravikulam National Park (ENP), the Western Ghats, was conducted during 1992-1996, with the following objectives: (i). to prepare a complete floristic inventory of the grasslands of ENP, (ii). to identify the grassland communities, their structure, function and successional trends along the anthropogenic gradient, (iii). to determine the forage quantity in different ecological conditions and (iv). to study the effect of fire and tree plantations on the grasslands. : The ENP lies between 10° 5' to 10°20' N and 77° to 77°10' E with an area of 97 km? in the Southern Western Ghats. The average altitude of the plateau is 2000 m and the highest peak, Anamudi, reaches 2695 m. Soil was acidic with pH ranging from 4.6 to 4.8. The climate was dominated by monsoon. During the study period the annual rainfall ranged from 4697 to 5540 mm. Winter days (Nov- Jan) were cooler and frost was common. The two distinct physiognomic units of vegetation are grasslands and sholas, unique to the Western Ghats. 3: The study area was stratified into eight landscape units viz., slope without rocky outcrops, slope with rocky outcrops, flat top, valley, bog, shola-grassland edge, cattle grazed and scraped areas. Systematic surveys and vegetation parameters such as species association, frequency, diversity, evenness and richness were studied in each landscape unit by laying 5 m radius. 4. 308 plant species were collected from the grasslands, adding 106 new species to the earlier list. 51 species were found to be endemic to the grasslands and 29 were listed as rare and endangered species. There were 64 species common with Eastern Ghats, 30 species with Patanas of Sri Lanka, 35 with Western Himalaya and 35 with Naga and Khasi hills indicating phytogeographical affinities with different biogeographic zones. D! Vegetation association was derived using ‘TABLE TRANSFER METHOD’ and TWINSPAN (computer packages). TABLE TRANSFER method identified 23 vegetation associations and TWINSPAN identified 15 associations. In both the analyses it was found that Chrysopogon zeylanicus and Sehima nervosum were the two dominant species. The diversity index (H’) of the associations ranged from 1.38 in the Artemisia nilagirica-Heteropogon contortus-Cymbopogon flexuosus (cattle grazed area) to 2.90 in Agrostis peninsularis-Eulalia phaeothrix-Chrysopogon zeylanicus in the shola-grassland edges. Vegetation ordination i.e., Canonical Correspondance Analysis (CANOCO) indicated that clay, pH and sand were important environmental factors which determined the species distribution and abundance.6. Biomass study was conducted at three sites in three dominant communities viz., Chrysopogon zeylanicus, Sehima nervosum and Cymbopogon flexuosus. Clipping was done both inside the exclosure and outside to obtain net primary productivity (NPP). The NPP values showed that these grasslands are between tropical and temperate grasslands . Outside the exclosures NPP was maximum at Eravikulam and minimum at Lakkamkudi. But inside the exclosures all the three sites were having nearly equal amount of NPP. Above ground biomass (ANP) was maximum at Eravikulam inside the exclosures and less at Rajamala, where as below ground (BNP) biomass was more at Rajamala and less at Lakkamkudi. Rate of biomass production was more (3.1 g m day!) at Eravikulam inside the exclosure and less (0.8 gm? day!) at Lakkamkudi outside the exclosures. In all the communities monocots contributed more to the ANP (59-97 %) than dicots (3-41%). In Lakkamkudi Pteridium aquilinum (fern) contributed 10 % to the ANP. Sehima nervosum, Heteropogon contortus and Chrysopogon zeylanicus were the three dominant grass species according to ANP. The annual removal of ANP by cattle and wild ungulate from Lakkamkudi was 68 %. Z. Burning (early and late) was done in S. nervosum (Anamudi) and C. zeylanicus (Rajamala) community. It was found that both in the early and late burnt areas no significant changes were noticed on species diversity, richness and evenness. Regarding the structure of the vegetation, cover value of dicots showed significant difference between early and late burnt in different months. Both early and late burning affected the regeneration of Phlebophyllum kunthianum. 8. A comparison of various sites with different density and age of wattle plantations with unplanted area showed that the number of endemic species and food species of Nilgiri tahr decreased with increase in the age of plantation. The increase in weed abundance with the age of plantation indicated more harm to the natural vegetation. The diversity index (H’) was 2.64 in 10 year old plantation and 1.87 in 3 year old. TWINSPAN identified two plant species associations each in unplanted, 3 year old and five year old plantations, and four in 10 year old plantation. 9. The study recommends the following research and management strategies for the long term conservation of Shola-Grassland ecosystems and endangered Nilgiri tahr: (a) inclusion of adjecent reserved forests with shola-graslands in the park, (b) boundary verification and better patrolling to check the illegal activities and fire hazards, (c) early burning in selected areas on experimental basis, (d) control of black wattle spreading, (e) eco-development measures for the Lakkamkudi village, (f) better tourism management and (g) long term monitoring of exclosures and representative shola-grassland patches.Item An Ecological assessment of Baan Ganga wetland, Uttaranchal(Uttaranchal Forest Department and Wildlife Institute of India, 2006) Rawat, G.S.; Pandav, Bivash; Mathur, V.B.; Sankar, K.; Hussain, S.A.; Adhikari, B.S.; Sinha, B.C.; Pandav, Bivash; Sivakumar, K.; Padalia, H.; Chaturvedi, R.K.; Babu, M.M.An Ecological Survey of Baan Ganga Wetlands in Haridwar Forest Division, Uttaranchal was conducted during January to November 2006 by a team of faculty and researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Dehra Dun. The study components include rapid assessment of the flora, fauna (mammals, birds and fishes), water and soil quality of the area, mapping of the conservation reserve and designing of interpretive facility for the wetland. 2. Baan Ganga wetland represents a remnant Terai habitat in Uttranchal. Occurrence of endangered swamp deer and a variety of floral and faunal communities typical of Terai habitat amidst human dominated landscape warrants careful co-management approach. A total of 178 plant species were recorded from the Baan Ganga wetlands. Of these, 40 species were hydrophytic, 122 species semi-aquatic and 117 mesophytic. Detailed list of the flora along with their habitat and photographic records have been provided. 3. The survey area faces heavy anthropogenic pressures including heavy livestock grazing, fishing, pollution from the untreated sugar mill effluents, cutting and burning of natural vegetation and agricultural encroachment. Despite several pressures the area continues to attract a variety of wetland birds and has tremendous opportunity for developing a popular eco-tourist destination and thereby creating new opportunities in education, recreation, eco-tourism and research in the area. 4. Based on the rapid ecological surveys on various aspects, following major recommendations are given for the conservation and management of the Baan Ganga area: (i) Maintenance of stream flow all through the year (ii) Traditional fishing as in practice at preset may be continued (iii) Initiate a project to promote aquaculture (iv) Initiate conservation awareness programme for the local people especially about the adverse impact of pesticide use in the agriculture fields around the Baan Ganga. There should be a check on the release of effluents from the industries which are located on the upstream areas. Effluents must be treated before releasing into the natural system (v) Maintain heterogeneity in vegetation types. Aquatic weeds are required to be managed properly in year-wise plan. There should not be any construction along the banks of river which will change the hydrological system hence there will be change in the vegetation types. Cattle grazing needs to be regulated and a proper rotational grazing system needs to be implemented in consultation with the local communities (vi) Control of water hyacinth by utilizing this species as a compost / green manure (vii) Regulate exploitation of Phragmites and Typha and (viii) Develop an interpretation centre highlighting the biological and conservation significance of this area for development of eco-tourism.Item Conservation status of tiger and associated species in the Terai Arc Landscape, India(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2004) Johnsingh, A.J.T.; Ramesh, K.; Qureshi, Q.; David, A.; Goyal, S.P.; Rawat, G.S.; Rajapandian, K.; Prasad, S.The Indian portion of Terai Arc Landscape (TAL), stretching from Yamuna river in the west to Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar in the east, spreads across five states along the Shivaliks and Gangetic plains. This unique Landscape consists of two distinct zones: (i) bhabar, characterized by a hilly terrain with course alluvium and boulders, and sal mixed & miscellaneous vegetation communities and (ii) terai, characterized by fine alluvium and clay rich swamps dominated by a mosaic of tall grasslands and sal forests. The terai, in particular, is listed among the globally important 200 ecoregions for its unique large mammal assemblage. Over the decades as a result of conquest of malaria, establishment of numerous settlements and consequent increase in human population, this Landscape has become highly fragmented and degraded. This has led to the local extinction of species such as one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli) and hog deer (Axis porcinus), for example, west of Sharda river. Despite its ecological richness and faster rate of degradation and species extinction, conservation initiatives are far from desired in this Landscape, perhaps due to inadequate information and lack of coordinated efforts. Given this circumstance, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) submitted a proposal to Save the Tiger Fund (National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, USA) to carry out a survey of TAL on the Indian side, which is ca. 42,700km2 with a forest area of ca. 15,000 km2. Save the Tiger Fund allotted US $53,500 and an 18-month project was initiated in July 2002. The project objectives were to (i) develop spatial data base on the TAL, (ii) assess tiger (Panthera tigris) and large ungulate distribution and status, (iii) describe the status of the Landscape and its vegetation characteristics and (iv) document the socioeconomic conditions of the local people and major disturbance factors. Indian Remote Sensing (1C/1D) satellite images with the spatial resolution of 188m (WiFS) and 23.5m (LISS III) pixel sizes, and Survey of India topographic maps were used for habitat mapping and other spatial database. The study team surveyed the entire Landscape twice between October 2002 and June 2003 for assessing the status of tiger and other associated large mammal species, and habitat conditions. Extensive sampling of 246 foot transects covering 1001.2km and 1530 circular plots, with nested design, were carried out across the TAL. Demographic and socioeconomic profiles of people were derived primarily from the raw data of 1991 Census. Owing to the applied nature of the project, it was decided to hold a two-day workshop to share the findings and to attain synergy among Forest Officials, NGOs and other conservation agencies for implementation in the field. The study revealed that the TAL contains homogenous vegetation communities of eight broad types, but the structural components vary highly across the Landscape. The tiger habitats on the Indian side are in nine blocks (referred as Tiger Habitat Blocks, THB) and the largest block (ca. 4,000 km2) is around Corbett TR. The forests in Kalsi, Dehradun and Haridwar Forest Divisions in Uttaranchal and Bijnor Plantation Division, Bahraich and Shrawasti Forest Divisions in Uttar Pradesh were devoid of tiger. Thirteen corridors that potentially connect these nine blocks have been identified. When connectivity with the Nepal side is taken into account, the nine THBs can be pooled into five larger units (referred as Tiger Units, TU). Among these, TU II, which is in the bhabar tract and includes Corbett TR, is the most intact one. TU IV (Pilibhit FD-Suklaphanta Reserve-Kishanpur WLS-Dudhwa NP- Bardia NP-Katernighat WLS) is the most extensive terai habitat. Each piece of habitat and connectivity in these Units are crucial and at the same time, are threatened by anthropogenic pressures. Ungulate distribution and relative abundance in TAL corresponds to the high variation or heterogeneity in habitat features. However, the overall status of prey (ungulate) availability is reasonably better in this Landscape, largely owing to the interspersion of Protected Areas between Reserve Forests. The evidence is clear that tiger distribution and its abundance are linearly related to wild ungulate prey such as chital (Axis axis) that has wider spatial distribution. Sambar (Cervus unicolor) and wild pig (Sus scrofa) also contribute substantially in deciding the occurrence of tiger in bhabar and terai regions respectively. The domestic dog was identified as a reliable indicator of disturbance that impedes tiger occurrence. Undisturbed hilly (bhabar) areas such as Corbett TR, which usually have many deep nallahs, providing hideouts and abundant prey (sambar, chital and wild pig) support substantial population of tiger. The terai tall grass habitats, which provide adequate cover, as in Kishanpur WLS and Dudhwa NP, with prey such as chital, pig and swamp deer, is the second best. It appears that in a few years time, tigers may cease to exist in habitats like Sohagibarwa-west (THB VIII), an isolated habitat patch in Uttar Pradesh, which is under enormous anthropogenic pressures. Leopards tend to avoid terai habitats and high-density tiger areas, but are still common in areas extirpated of tiger. Data from the Census of India 1991, for 33 tehsils (units of District) within the study area, indicated that the bhabar, largely west of Sharda river, had significantly lower human density (334/km2) and higher percentage of forest cover (36%). The corresponding figures for terai (east of Sharda river) are 436/km2 and 17% respectively. It appears that the bhabar areas, at present, are in a better position to buffer firewood dependency of the people. Human population increase, ever growing habitat encroachments, poaching, firewood extraction and bhabar grass (Eulaliopsis binata) collection for rope making, stealing of tiger and leopard kills, and boulder mining causing enormous disturbances and fragmentation are the major problems identified. The extensive empirical information (distribution and abundance) collected on vegetation parameters, ungulates and tiger can be used as baseline data to initiate monitoring programmes. In addition, the monitoring should include establishment of adequate number of one-hectare plots and line transects for periodic evaluation of habitat conditions and prey abundance respectively. The study recommends that Chilla-Motichur and Gola river corridors should be established on priority basis and the conservation status of THB IV containing Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve-Pilibhit FD-Kishanpur WLS should be strengthened. If done, the former will constitute the largest (ca. 8000km2) tiger and elephant habitat anywhere along the foothills of the Himalaya and the latter will ensure the future of one of the finest terai habitats (ca. 1200km2). Initiation of a conservation programme like establishing Rajaji-Shivalik Tiger Reserve is urgently needed to eliminate boulder mining in Yamuna river to ensure the ranging and occurrence of tigers between Shivalik FD and the Kalesar-Simbalbara forests, the western most limit of tiger distribution range. Raising of fuel wood plantations with community participation, use of fuel-efficient chulas, resettling of gujjars (migratory pastoralists) and eight key villages, shifting of one factory and weaning people from bhabar grass collection and conservation education programmes are also recommended. There was a consensus in the two-day workshop held on 6-7 November 2003 in WII that the Nepal model, with a strong scientific foundation and involvement of local people, needs to be adapted for the Indian side of TAL. Cross border cooperation between India and Nepal is a must to ensure the long-term conservation of tiger and its habitat in this LandscapeItem Developing predictive models for climatic change and vegetation structure in Western Himalaya(NATCOM, WINROCK International India and Wildlife Institute of India, 2004) Adhikari, B.S.; Rawat, G.S.The present study deals with the impact of climate change on the structural and functional attributes (biomass and productivity) of the vegetation along an altitudinal gradient (1600-3700m asl), within watersheds and among different forest types in Garhwal Himalaya. The study provides an insight on the vegetation of Garhwal Himalaya with special reference to temperature and comparison with Kumaun Himalayan forests. Among all watersheds (Dharamganga, Dogadda, Asiganga, Bhatwari and Gangotri), 18 major forest types were identified. Out of 81 sites, most of the sites were dominated by kharsu oak (Quercus semecarpifolia) forest (# 25) followed by banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) forest (#8) and mixed-broadleaved, conifer-broadleaved and oak-conifer forests (each #7). The species richness and density were highest (8 and 510 trees ha-1) for horse chestnut, while the total basal area was highest for banj oak forest (74.5 m2 ha-1). The total biomass was highest for horse chestnut forests (487.0 t ha-1), productivity for oak-conifer forest (20.0 t ha-1 yr-1) followed by deciduous broadleaved forest (19.6 t ha-1 yr-1), while the litter fall for deciduous broadleaved forest (6.6 t ha-1 yr-1). The carbon allocation in biomass was highest in horse chestnut forests (243.5 t C ha-1), oak-conifer forest (10.0 t ha-1 yr-1) in productivity and deciduous-broadleaved forest (3.3 t ha-1 yr-1) in litter fall. The total carbon storage was high (196-344 t ha-1) for horse chestnut, oak-conifer, tilonj oak (Quercus floribunda), deciduous-broadleaved, silver fir and kharsu oak forests, intermediate (125-195 t ha-1) for chir pine (Pinus roxburghii), toon (Cedrella toona), mixed-broadleaved, tilonj oak-mixed, conifer-broadleaved, mixed oak and deciduous-conifer forests and low (<125 t ha-1) for alder(Alnus nepalensis), banj oak, deodar(Cedrus deodara), kai (Pinus wallichiana)l and birch (Betula utilis) forests. The carbon accumulation was extremely high (11.4-13.1 t ha-1 yr-1) in deciduous-broadleaved, oak-conifer and horse chestnut forests. Along altitudinal gradient the species richness was highest at 1800, 2300, 2400 and 2500m; density at transition place (1700m) and between 2100-2800m and total basal area at 2700 and 2800m. However, biomass between 2400-3200m, productivity between 2700-3100m and litter fall between 2700-3200m was highest. The allocation of carbon was highest for all the parameters (biomass, productivity and litter fall) was highest at 2800m (kharsu oak/oak-conifer forest) followed by altitude 2700m (kharsu oak/silverfir (Abies pindrow)/oak-conifer forests). Among watersheds, Dogadda having the highest biomass, productivity and litter fall followed by Dharamganga, while Gangotri have the least values for biomass, productivity and litter fall and allocation of carbon was following the same pattern. At a regional scale (both Kumaun and Garhwal, the relationships between temperature and structural and functional attributes are: i) the density declines at 2750m and at 11.1C MAT, ii) the total basal area declines at 2650m and at 11.5C MAT, and iii) the biomass, productivity and litter fall decline at 3050m and at 9.7C MAT.Item Radio-tracking of western tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus) in Great Himalayan National Park, India(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2001) Ramesh, K.; Sathyakumar, S.; Rawat, G.S.Attempts were made to radio-tag western tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus) to study the habitat use and movement pattern in Great Himalayan National Park, India. Fall net and leg-hold noose were used to trap birds. One female tragopan was caught in the leg-hold noose in May 1999, and was radio-tagged using necklace type collar. Both home-in and triangulation methods were adopted to record radio-locations and the home range was estimated using Minimum Convex Polygon method. The habitat use was studied by overlaying radiolocations and home range polygons on the spatial layer on vegetation, digital elevation model, aspect and slope, and also by studying random plots. Though trapping was tried for three months (April - June) with total trap efforts of 256 man-days and 6694 trap hours, trap success was very low for western tragopan (of just one bird). The overall home range of the radio-tagged bird was estimated to be 31.6 ha and for summer and autumn, the home range was 20.5ha and 4.7ha respectively. The bird moved between the elevation ranges 2530m and 2710m in summer and between 2440m and 2530m in autumn, and in both the seasons the bird was using broad leaf dominated forests with moderate level of canopy cover and shrub density. Though conclusive results could not be drawn from a study based on just one individual, the findings appear to largely concur with the earlier studies on the species and its congeners.Item Vegetation characteristics and patterns of livestock grazing in Changthang Plateau, Eastern Ladakh(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2002) Rawat, G.S.; Adhikari, B.S.The Changthang plateau in the eastern Ladakh, covering an area of ca. 21,000 km2 and mean altitude of ca. 4500 m above sea level, forms the western extension of the Tibetan plateau. Owing to cold arid environment, unique geology and palaeo-history this area harbours interesting assemblages of flora and fauna. Besides, the area supports a reasonably high biomass of domestic livestock comprising sheep, goats, yaks, donkeys and horses belonging to the Changpa herders, a nomadic pastoral community. According to official estimates the number of livestock in the area has almost doubled since 1970s. Although livestock grazing has been an age-old practice on this plateau, very little baseline information exists on the vegetation characteristics, ecology and current herding practices in these rangelands. We studied the floristic structure, community composition and availability of forage (graminoids, forbs and shrubs) in ca. 300 km2 area of Tso Kar basin, Changthang plateau during August-September 2001. Changpa herders were interviewed to get information on their livestock holding patterns and patterns of seasonal movement. 142 sites covering various landscape units, viz., sandy plains, marsh meadows, moist meadows, scrub steppe on the lower and higher slopes, fell-fields, and stream courses were intensively searched for the vascular plants. Each site was sampled for plant species, % cover, and abundance using 10 random quadrates of one m2. In all 232 species of vascular plants belonging to 38 families and 101 genera were collected and recorded from the study area. Poaceae (39 species), Asteraceae (27 species), Cyperaceae (25 species), Brassicaceae (14 species), Fabaceae (12 species) and Ranunculaceae (12 species) were the dominant families. Analysis of Raunkiaer’s life-forms reveals that the area is dominated by two growth forms viz., Hemi-cryptophytes (largely perennial grasses and sedges, and (ii) Chamaephytic i.e., dwarf herbs and matted shrubs whose shoots die back periodically (23.47 %). Various landscape units have been compared in terms of Prominence Value (an index of forage availability) of graminoids, forbs and shrubs. It is interesting to note that the study area had a very high (1:2) monocot : dicot ratio. We believe that the current stocking densities of livestock in the study area are at the peak and condition of rangelands are still good. Further immigration of refugee herders, increase in the livestock population and ill planned developmental activities may cause rapid degradation of pastures thereby hampering both the pastoral practices and wildlife in the region. Conservation implications of the findings and need for participatory approach of the rangeland management have been discussed.Item Vegetation surveys in the Indian Trans-Himalaya: a report on the surveys conducted during summer 2000(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2000) Rawat, G.S.; Adhikari, B.S.; Rana, B.S.Ladakh and adjacent trans-Himalayan ranges harbor a typical vegetation characterized by steppe formations, sedge-grass meadows and herbaceous communities. A few attempts have been made to classify and describe the major plant communities of the trans-Himalaya in the past. However, most of the descriptions are based on local information from a few pockets. A complete account of life form distribution and ecological characteristics from the entire range is not available. Keeping this in view, we conducted an extensive survey of vegetation in the trans-Himalaya with a view to address the following questions: (i) how similar or dissimilar are the vegetation communities found within various trans-Himalayan ranges viz., north of Pir-Panjal (Lahul), Zanskar, Changthang, Ladakh mountains, and Karakoram region, (ii) what are the proportions of various growth forms (lichens, mosses, graminoids, forbs and shrubs) within the communities of these ranges, and (iii) which are the unique, rare or endemic species within each range and what are the possible threats to such species ? We sampled the vegetation and related abiotic variables systematically along the Rohtang - Leh - Nubra road following a `Rapid GRADSECT’ approach. Data on various parameters were collected at four levels, viz., (i) General physiognomy, cover types and landscape features within 100 m x 2 km belts, (ii) Community composition of woody species and cover abundance of different life forms at a regular intervals of 2 kms, (iii) Species composition at and around 5 high passes covering various aspects and landforms, and (iv) Species composition and cover abundance around a high altitude brackish water lake. The preliminary findings of the survey include: (i) 10 distinct physiognomic units viz., Herbaceous meadow (HM), Sedge meadow (SM), Mixed scrub or steppe (MS), Riverine scrub (RS), Sparse vegetation including degraded slopes (SV), Woodland/Plantation (WP), Cultivation/Habitation (CH), Grasslands i.e., area dominated by grasses (GR) and cushionoid vegetation including mosses and lichens (CV). were identified along with their percent coverage within various sectors and also along the GRADSECT, (ii) 9 major woody communities along the Gradsect were identified, viz., Juniper woodland, Artemisia dracunculus - A. maritima, Caragana, Eurotia, Caragana - Eurotia, Artemisia gmelinii - A. salsoloides, Hippophae - Myricaria, Salix lindleyana, Lysium ruthinicum, and Ephedra gerardiana, (iii) High passes (Rohtang, Baralacha La, Lachulung La, Tanglang La, and Khardung La ranging from 3900-5500 m asl) represented different geological formations and therefore distinct plant communities. General vegetation cover, species richness, density and diversity decreased with increasing altitude and latitude, and (iv) The banks of Tso Moriri (brackish water lake) were dominated by Carex melanantha, Carex nivalis and a few other herbs which was quite different from the banks of fresh water lakes and other marsh meadows of the alpine regions.Item Rapid survey and mapping of medicinal plants in forest divisions of Garhwal region, Uttarakhand : Executive summary(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and Uttarakhand Forest Department, 2012) Rawat, G.S.