Impact of human influences on the vegetation of the Western Himalaya

Summary Effects of human influences on the vegetation of the Western Himalaya have been reviewed. Impacts of forest management practices, over-grazing, surface mining, defence and development operations, and road building activities, are severe in the region. This has created an alarming situation for soil and water conservation. Increased soil loss and runoff pose a threat to various reservoirs built for various uses and have increased hazards of erosion and floods in the Indus and Ganga basin regions.Nomenclature follows Hooker (1872–1897) and Gupta (1968).     

西喜马拉雅地区气候变化与果蝇分布界限的移动(英文)

在长时间尺度上研究环境变化条件下的种群动态,有助于确定不同物种如何对新的生物和非生物条件做出反应。采纳类似的采集方法在相同的地点,分别于1961－1962年和2003－2004年在西喜马拉雅地区对果蝇种类进行了两次野外调查,对两次调查获得的种类的相对丰富度和优势度指数进行了比较。最近50年的气象数据显示西喜马拉雅平均气温（Tave）发生了显著变化,对该地区的果蝇种类组成及分布界限产生了影响。本研究发现在低海拔的地带Drosophila nepalensis及其他一些冷适应种类的数量明显下降;而Drosophila ananassae及其他一些暖适应种类则进入了低海拔和中海拔地带。D. nepalensis的丰富度与所调查地点的平均气温负相关(r = -0.93±0.03),而对于D. ananassaez则是相反趋势(r=0.90±0.05)。据此认为长期（42年）的气候变化已对西喜马拉雅地区的果蝇种类的分布格局产生了影响。     

Energy determines broad pattern of plant distribution in Western Himalaya

Several factors describe the broad pattern of diversity in plant species distribution. We explore these determinants of species richness in Western Himalayas using high‐resolution species data available for the area to energy, water, physiography and anthropogenic disturbance. The floral data involves 1279 species from 1178 spatial locations and 738 sample plots of a national database. We evaluated their correlation with 8‐environmental variables, selected on the basis of correlation coefficients and principal component loadings, using both linear (structural equation model) and nonlinear (generalised additive model) techniques. There were 645 genera and 176 families including 815 herbs, 213 shrubs, 190 trees, and 61 lianas. The nonlinear model explained the maximum deviance of 67.4% and showed the dominant contribution of climate on species richness with a 59% share. Energy variables (potential evapotranspiration and temperature seasonality) explained the deviance better than did water variables (aridity index and precipitation of the driest quarter). Temperature seasonality had the maximum impact on the species richness. The structural equation model confirmed the results of the nonlinear model but less efficiently. The mutual influences of the climatic variables were found to affect the predictions of the model significantly. To our knowledge, the 67.4% deviance found in the species richness pattern is one of the highest values reported in mountain studies. Broadly, climate described by water–energy dynamics provides the best explanation for the species richness pattern. Both modeling approaches supported the same conclusion that energy is the best predictor of species richness. The dry and cold conditions of the region account for the dominant contribution of energy on species richness.     

Sharing from the Same Bowl: Resource Partitioning between Sympatric Macaque Species in the Western Himalaya,India

International Journal of Primatology - Comparative studies of closely related species with similar ecological requirements are essential to understand the behavioral adaptations that allow them to...     

Ranunculus uttaranchalensis (Ranunculaceae): a new species from Western Himalaya,India

A new species of the genus Ranunculus, R. uttaranchalensis, is described from Gangotri National Park, Uttaranchal in Western Himalaya, India. It is distinguished from the closely allied R. lobatus in having radical leaves sub‐cordate with hairy lamina base and petiole hairy above; cauline leaves sessile, 3–7 lobed with linear to narrowly lanceolate lobes; sepals usually reddish brown, externally hairy; petals rounded‐obovate and oblong, receptacle glabrous except 1–3 hairs at the top.     

Influence of altitude on the distribution pattern of flora in a protected area of Western Himalaya

IntroductionDistribution pattern and diversity of flora was compared along an altitudinal gradient using the stratified random sampling design for identifying major plant communities of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary of Garhwal Himalaya, India. The reconnaissance of flora is presented, along with the analysis of the distribution of species, genera, and families within five (5) altitudinal zones. Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary which is situated in the Indian Himalayas harbours a rich variety of flora and fauna. The Himalayas are recognized for diverse vegetation distributed over a wide range of topographical conditions.ResultsThe analysis of diversity within five (5) altitudinal zones was carried out and a total of 324 plant species, representing 219 genera belonging to 92 families, were found. The dominant family was Asteraceae; the co-dominant family was Rosaceae, followed by Lamiaceae and Ranunculaceae. Eight (8) families were observed in all the altitudinal zones, while forty (40) families were observed in a single altitudinal zone, and the remaining forty-four (44) families were found in more than one (1) altitudinal zone. Most of the tree species were contagiously distributed, but a few of them were randomly distributed in all the altitudinal zones. The shrubs and herbs were contagiously distributed in all the altitudinal zones. The correlation analysis (P < 0.05) between altitude and number of species showed that altitude is negatively correlated with tree (r = −0.96), shrub (r = −0.61), and herb species (r = −0.20). As per the cluster analysis of tree layer, altitudinal zone - III (2450–2650 m) and altitudinal zone - IV (2900–3100 m) were found most similar. Altitudinal zone–V (3350–3550 m) was found to be dissimilar from the other zones for herbs.ConclusionsAlthough species composition varies with altitude, but there is a complex relationship between species richness and altitudinal gradient. A decreasing pattern in both species richness and family richness for trees, shrubs and herbs, was recorded with increasing altitude. The predominant factors underlying this variability in plant species and biogeography appear to be climatic and specific to each taxonomic group.     

Cytomorphological studies in some members of tribe Paniceae (Poaceae) from district Kangra of Himachal Pradesh (Western Himalayas)

The present paper deals with cytological studies on the population basis of 21 species belonging to 9 genera of tribe Paniceae of family Poaceae from cytologically unexplored area of Western Himalayas i.e. district Kangra of Himachal Pradesh for the assessment of genetic diversity of grass flora. On world-wide basis, the chromosome counts have been made for the first time for three species such as Brachiaria remota (n = 16), Digitaria granularis (n = 36) and Isachne albens (n = 5). Similarly, on India basis, altogether new records are made for two species such as Echinochloa cruspavonis (n = 27) and Paspalum distichum (2n = 50). A comparison of the different euploid cytotypes studied at present for Digitaria adscendens, D. setigera and Oplismenus compositus revealed significant variations in their morphology, depicting increase in some of the characters of polyploid cytotypes. The course of meiosis has been observed to be normal in all the studied populations with high pollen fertility except for two species such as Paspalum dilatatum and P. distichum marked with abnormal meiosis and reduced pollen fertility.     

Population Genetic Study of Fagopyrum tataricum from Western Himalaya Using ISSR Markers

Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to analyze genetic diversity and relatedness of 15 germplasms of Fagopyrum tataricum. Samples representing 75 individuals were collected from a range of altitudes in the Western Himalaya. The 13 ISSR primers revealed 98.1% polymorphism among populations, whereas average polymorphism was extremely low (2.18%) within populations. The coefficient of population differentiation was 0.9750, with limited gene flow (N _m) of 0.0128. The average PIC value of the ISSR markers was high (0.812), with a marker ratio of 0.65 and marker index of 6.66. The genetic diversity of F. tataricum significantly correlated with altitude and gene diversity, Shannon’s index, and the percentage of polymorphic bands. The genetic diversity among populations showed broad genetic base and provided a developmental strategy for crop improvement.     

Phytochemical Diversity of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. from Western Himalaya

Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. (Rutaceae), commonly known as ‘curry leaf tree’, is a popular spice and condiment of India. To explore the diversity of the essential‐oil yield and aroma profile of curry leaf, growing wild in foot and mid hills of north India, 58 populations were collected during spring season. M. koenigii populations were found to grow up to an altitude of 1487 m in north India. Comparative results showed considerable variations in the essential‐oil yield and composition. The essential‐oil yield varied from 0.14 to 0.80% in shade‐dried leaves of different populations of M. koenigii. Analysis of the essential oils by GC and GC/MS, and the subsequent classification by statistical analysis resulted in four clusters with significant variations in their terpenoid composition. Major components of the essential oils of investigated populations were α‐pinene ( 2 ; 4.5–71.5%), sabinene ( 3 ; <0.05–66.1%), (E)‐caryophyllene ( 11 ; 1.6–18.0%), β‐pinene ( 4 ; <0.05–13.6%), terpinen‐4‐ol ( 9 ; 0.0–8.4%), γ‐terpinene ( 8 ; 0.2–7.4%), limonene ( 7 ; 1.1–5.5%), α‐terpinene ( 6 ; 0.0–4.5%), (E)‐nerolidol ( 14 ; 0.0–4.1%), α‐humulene ( 12 ; 0.6–3.5%), α‐thujene ( 1 ; 0.0–2.5%), β‐elemene ( 10 ; 0.2–2.4%), β‐selinene ( 13 ; 0.2–2.3%), and myrcene ( 5 ; 0.5–2.1%). Comparison of the present results with those in earlier reports revealed new chemotypes of M. koenigii in investigated populations from Western Himalaya. The present study documents M. koenigii populations having higher amounts of sabinene ( 3 ; up to 66.1%) for the first time.     

Ethnobotanical and antibacterial study of Primula plants traditionally used in the indigenous communities of Western Himalaya,Pakistan

BackgroundThe upper belt of Azad Kashmir is a hilly, mountainous, and remote area where the indigenous communities mainly believe in traditional medicines for the treatment of different ailments. This study aimed to conserve scientifically and culturally important medicinal knowledge of Primula species in Azad Kashmir, Western Himalaya, Pakistan. The additional objective was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of these plants against pathogenic bacteria.MethodsThe ethnomedicinal data of Primula species was explored by conducting structured interviews with 40 informants of the study area, especially asking about the medicinal uses of Primula species. The indigenously used Primula species were further analyzed for their antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria by using disc diffusion assay supplemented with a more robust minimum inhibitory concentration assay.ResultsEthnomedicinal data revealed that indigenous communities living in upper regions of Azad Kashmir use 5 Primula species for the treatment of various disorders. The highly cited disease category was ophthalmic disorders. P. denticulata and P. macrophylla were the most cited plant species with higher use reports such as 104 and 93, respectively. One or more extracts of different parts of Primula species showed a noteworthy antibacterial activity against one or more tested bacteria.ConclusionThis study provides novel information regarding several categories of traditional uses and antibacterial activity of Primula species in Azad Kashmir, Western Himalaya. The need for novel and more effective drugs derived from natural products is more important than ever, making future studies on herbal remedies both justified and urgently required.     

The alien flora of Kashmir Himalaya

Compilation of alien flora from phytogeographically distinct regions is of immediate relevance not only for better understanding the patterns of plant invasion but also for explicating the processes promoting invasion at local, regional or global scales. Despite being at higher risk of invasion by plants because of its European colonial past, south Asia has received very little attention in respect of characterization of its alien flora. This paucity of baseline data necessitated compilation of the first catalogue of alien flora from the Kashmir Himalaya—a phytogeographically distinct south Asian region nestled in the northwestern folds of Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. Total alien flora of the region is represented by 571 plant species, belonging to 352 genera and 104 families. It constitutes a relatively higher (29%) proportion of the total flora of the region. Families with largest number of alien representatives are Poaceae (60 species), Asteraceae (54 species), and Brassicaceae (30 species). However, families such as Amaranthaceae (83%) and Chenopodiacae (71%) show higher percentage of aliens relative to their total number of plant species in the region. Most of the alien plant species (38%) trace their origin to Europe, followed by Asia (27%) and Africa (15%). Present study also reports, for the first time, occurrence of seven plant species in this region. Each alien plant species is provided with information on the origin, habit, mode/purpose of introduction, current invasion status, altitudinal range and the primary published source.     

Genetic Structure of Indian Valerian (Valeriana jatamansi) Populations in Western Himalaya Revealed by AFLP

Valeriana jatamansi Jones is a natural tetraploid species indigenous to the Indian Himalaya. To assess its genetic diversity and population structure, we analyzed six natural populations from the western Himalayan region using amplified fragment length polymorphism. An analysis of molecular variance found that 93% of the genetic variation of V. jatamansi was within populations and 7% among populations. The correlation between genetic and geographic distances (r = 0.14) was not significant. Though the populations are well separated, the lack of distinct genetic variation between populations may be due to either recent rapid fragmentation from a wide and continuous area resulting in genetically similar populations or wide dispersal of seed by wind, since the follicles are feathery. Polyploidy may be the reason for the lack of genetic impoverishment due to fragmentation.