Maling bamboo (Yushania maling) overdominance alters forest structure and composition in Khangchendzonga landscape, Eastern Himalaya

Research reveals that the overdominance of Maling bamboo (Yushania maling) in Khangchendzonga National Park, part of the Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot, significantly alters forest structure and composition. A study across 69 plots (2400–3400 m asl) found that bamboo-dominated areas exhibit markedly lower species richness, density, and seedling density in shrub and herb layers compared to non-bamboo plots. Generalized Additive Models confirmed a strong negative correlation between bamboo density and species diversity (p < 0.0001). These findings underscore the ecological threat posed by Y. maling, necessitating its managed removal for both conservation and economic benefits, such as handicraft production. The study also calls for long-term research to assess impacts on soil dynamics.

Gaira, K. S., Pandey, A., Sinha, S., Badola, H. K., Lepcha, J., Dhyani, P. P., & Chettri, N. (2022). Maling bamboo (Yushania maling) overdominance alters forest structure and composition in Khangchendzonga landscape, Eastern Himalaya. Scientific Reports, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-08483-8