Effect of Altruistic Surrogacy of Treefall on Herbaceous Flora Colonisation in Subalpine Forest of Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim, India

A study on herbaceous flora colonization in the subalpine forests of Khangchendzonga National Park, Eastern Himalayas, reveals that fallen logs and associated pits and mounds play a crucial role in facilitating plant colonization. The research indicates that at least 13.50 trees with diameters of 50 cm or more per 0.25 ha are necessary for successful colonization, with pit colonization being more prevalent than on logs or mounds. Summer species were found to be superior colonizers compared to spring-ephemeral species, and wind-dispersed seeds predominated in the colonization process. The study suggests that including other colonization sites like pits, mounds, and tree stumps could further enhance the altruistic surrogacy of available areas, providing insights into plant survival mechanisms under changing climatic conditions.

Chettri, A. (2025). Effect of Altruistic Surrogacy of Treefall on Herbaceous Flora Colonisation in Subalpine Forest of Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim, India. Indian Journal of Ecology. https://doi.org/10.55362/ije/2025/4621