Structural diversity, vegetation dynamics and anthropogenic impact on lesser Himalayan subtropical forests of Bagh District, Kashmir.

Patterns of species composition and diversity in the lesser Himalayan subtropical forests of Kashmir were studied in relation to environmental variables and underlying anthropogenic influence. Simpson’s diversity ranged from 0.85 to 1.96; Menhinick’s diversity, 1.49 to 1.37; evenness, 0.23 to 0.61; average species richness per site, 36 to 40 and maturity index, 41 to 44. Deterrended correspondence analyses (DCA) revealed the altitude as the most influential factor controlling species distribution pattern. Diversity values were similar to the other Himalayan forests, whereas density, basal area and seedling count were very low. 89.6% of the human population was dependent on forest resources for fuel and energy requirements. Annual fuel wood consumption was 6.7 metric tons, 2.2 kg capita -1 day -1 . High deforestation and disturbed regeneration patterns were indicated by a stem/stump ratio of 1.9; a tree density of 344ha -1 ; tree basal area of 69.3m²ha -1 and only 212 seedlings ha -1 . A sharp decline in forest vegetation attributes occurred with increased levels of human and livestock interference.

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