Flora of Niti Valley: a cold arid region of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Western Himalaya, India

A comprehensive survey of Niti Valley, a cold arid region within the extended buffer zone of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in the Western Himalaya, has identified 495 vascular plant species across 267 genera and 73 families. This study significantly expands the known flora of the reserve by adding 167 species to the existing record of 801, highlighting Niti Valley's role as a transitional zone between the Trans and Greater Himalaya. The survey, conducted from 2011 to 2014, revealed that Asteraceae was the most diverse family (58 species), followed by Poaceae, Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, Brassicaceae, and Rosaceae. This research provides critical insights into the botanical richness of this understudied region, contributing valuable data for conservation efforts in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kumar, A., Mitra, M., Adhikari, B. S., & Rawat, G. S. (2016). Flora of Niti Valley: a cold arid region of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Western Himalaya, India. Check List, 12(1), 1824. https://doi.org/10.15560/12.1.1824