Plant Community Composition and Structure of Chenab Valley in a Part of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve

A comparative analysis of the Chenab Valley within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve reveals higher plant community diversity and structural integrity than other parts of the reserve. The study identified eight forest communities, including Berberis shrub and bamboo associations, with tree density ranging from 203 to 545 trees per hectare and basal area from 17.5 to 71.7 m²/ha. Species richness and diversity were notably higher in the valley, particularly in undercanopy species like Rhododendron and Taxus, which facilitate regeneration of Chinnobambusa falcata. However, anthropogenic pressure has hindered the progression of seedlings and saplings to mature girth classes, despite a steady population of evergreen and deciduous species. The study highlights the Chenab Valley's ecological resilience but underscores the need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate human impacts on forest regeneration.

MAJUMDAR, A., & ADHIKARI, B. S. (2012). Plant Community Composition and Structure of Chenab Valley in a Part of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Notulae Scientia Biologicae, 4(3), 45–56. https://doi.org/10.15835/nsb437942