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Long-term experiments are essential in understanding the ecological consequences of global land use and climate change. Further, it is well established that longterm data sets are prerequisites for effective management of forest resources and biodiversity conservation. In view of this, the present study attempts to contribute to major global long-term ecological monitoring (LTEM) networks and the status of LTEM studies in India with a special focus on Indian Himalayan Region. Over the last 40 years, around 103 countries from the America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia have been engaged in LTEM studies on various aspects of biodiversity, monitoring and predicting climate change impacts in a range of ecosystems, including the mountains. The temporal distribution of past studies on the subject shows a gradual increasing pattern (3 papers in 1992) with a peak during 2021 (105 papers). The established LTEM networks across the globe provide a significant empirical basis for understanding ecosystem structure and dynamics. Literature indicates plenty of permanent monitoring plots from India, mostly from southern India, and their significant contribution to ecosystem understanding. Himalayan regions are important sites for monitoring biological and socio-ecological responses to environmental perturbations, including climate change. LTEM studies are lacking in the IHR; only a few sites have been established, mostly in alpine ecosystems. This review identifies research gaps, opportunities with respect to LTEM studies, and the possibilities for strengthening long-term research and observation in India in general and the Himalaya in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species richness, distribution and community structure in cold desert regions across the world are poorly understood because of their inaccessibility and remoteness. Similarly, the structure and composition of forest resources, including other management units (i.e., agroforestry and forestry systems), have hardly been studied in the cold desert of the Lahaul valley. However, such information is a prerequisite to understanding the trends and changes in the vegetation distribution under global climate change scenarios, especially considering the sensitivity of plant species in high-altitude areas of the Himalayan region. High anthropogenic activity has exerted tremendous pressure on available forest resources, including other management units in the cold desert of the Lahaul valley. Standard ecological methods were used to obtain an ecological (i.e., status, structure, composition and vegetation patterns) understanding of the region for biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability. The present study was aimed at understanding the trend, structure and composition of plant species in the cold desert region of the western Himalaya. A total of 64 species (27 trees and 37 shrubs) of vascular plants were recorded in the present study. Tree diversity demonstrated greater variation along the gradients and slope aspects. Salix fragilis trees, with a 102 tree ha−1 density and a few trees of Populus nigra, were found to be sparsely distributed under the agroforestry system on the south-facing slopes in Khoksar. In Jahlma, Salix fragilis grew in an agroforestry system with a density of 365 tree ha−1. However, in Hinsa, Juniperus polycarpos was a dominant tree species in the agroforestry system, with a density of 378 tree ha−1. On the north-facing slopes in Kuthar, a higher number of trees and bushes were present due to natural regeneration maintained by farmers along the edges of terraced agricultural fields. The south-facing slopes showed a relatively lower species richness and diversity as compared to north-facing slopes at similar locations due to relatively less favourable growth conditions under sun-exposed, extremely xeric soil conditions. The highest level of species turnover was found between the altitudes of 2400 m and 3000 m. Betula utilis showed the highest adaptability at higher altitudes (>3500 m). The vegetation analysis results and information generated in the present study are useful for gaining an ecological understanding of the cold desert ecosystem in the Lahaul valley. Sustainable forest resource management, including other management units (e.g., agroforestry and forestry systems), is crucial for improving the vegetation pattern, structure and function of the cold desert ecosystem, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity and ecosystem service conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the knowledge of Collaborative Adaptive Stewardship (CASt) to advance Invasive Alien Plants (IAPs) management in South Africa. This concept promotes the involvement of private landowners and other stakeholders in the management and action processes, hence promoting social inclusivity, job creation, and sustainable biodiversity stewardship. It demonstrates that landowners are major stakeholders in IAPs management, thereby practising biodiversity stewardship in the 80% of privately owned lands of the country. The involvement of landowners in the management process aids in the prevention of further expansion of IAPs, the mitigation of risks (such as fire and flooding), and the maintenance of ecosystem functionality and landscape-scale connectivity. CASt fosters synergy among many stakeholders for the management of IAPs and long-term sustainable biodiversity stewardship. In South Africa, a number of landowners have entered into stewardship agreements as a result of incentives and subsidies for IAPs management. The benefits should be contingent on private landowner actions to IAPs management; this will support biodiversity stewardship. This study serves as a foundation for collaborative IAPs management and will be crucial in achieving long-term sustainability goals (e.g., economy, society and environment) to protect biodiversity and ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the rural areas of the Himalaya, ethnobotanical knowledge is crucial for preserving plant diversity and treating a variety of diseases. Ethno-veterinary medicines can provide leads for drug development, but probably a more practical and lucrative exercise would be to develop a preferred preparation by pharmacological research, and the ensuing medication can be returned to the society with extra impact. Further, this valuable knowledge base has now become obsolete due to industrialization, urbanization and, above all, lack of recognition by the younger generations. Therefore, there is a dire need to review, document and authenticate the valuable traditional knowledge of ethno-medicinal plants for human welfare. By comprehending the traditional knowledge system, the current study conducted in Jammu and Kashmir, India, could serve as a pilot to document the sustainable exploitation of regularly utilized bioresources and would provide crucial leads for the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medicines. The importance of traditional and indigenous knowledge is acknowledged on a worldwide scale for its coexistence principles and sustainable use techniques. In view of this, the present study is an attempt to document the ethno-veterinary plants used by the tribal communities of Western Himalaya. This study also provides the scientific validation of herbal medicines used in ethno-veterinary practices through a reverse pharmacological approach. A total of 59 informants were selected through a non-probability sampling method. Detailed information on the medicinal plants used in ethno-veterinary practices along with their habits and habitats, part/s used, remedy preparation methods, additives/ingredients used during preparation and administration, dosages administered, and route of administration was collected. Data was analyzed for the Relative Frequency of Citations (RFC), Use Values (UV), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and Jaccard Index (JI). Further, a reverse pharmacological approach was used for scientific validations of the documented herbal knowledge of plant species. During the study, 56 plant species belonging to 54 genera and 39 families were documented. Asteraceae was the dominant family followed by Lamiaceae, Amaranthaceae and Fabaceae. Life forms were dominated by herbaceous species and leaves were the most common plant parts used. The highest Relative Frequency of Citations (RFC) and Use Values (UV) were recorded for Brassica rapa L. (Brassicaceae). The Pearson correlation coefficient between RFC and UV shows a strong positive correlation between the proportion of uses of a plant species within a sample of informants and the number of times that a particular use of a plant species was mentioned by the informant. Studies of the biological activity of ethno-veterinary plants can provide clues of promising leads for the isolation and identification of useful compounds that may be developed into pharmaceuticals for human welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are a few regions in the world, where climate change impacts are more intense than other regions of the world, and Himalaya is the case. The Himalaya, one of the biodiversity hotspot regions and provider of ecosystem services to billion of people all across the world. Present study reviewed and synthesized climate change studies in the Himalayan region in general and Indian Himalayan region (IHR) in particular. Analysis of the literature indicates exponentially increase in climate change studies 2005 onward in the IHR, and maximum are from Jammu and Kashmir (105) followed by Uttarakhand (100) and Himachal Pradesh (77). Among the subject types, maximum climate change impact was studied on water resources/glacier retreat (141 studies) followed by agriculture (113) and forests/biodiversity (86). Increasing temperature, frequent drought spells, erratic rainfall and declining snowfall are commonly reported indicators of climate change. For instance, temperature is reported to increase by 1.5 °C in the Himalaya than an average increase of 0.74 °C globally in last century; however, it varied in eastern (0.1 °C per decade and western Himalayas (0.09 °C per decade. An increase in temperature between 0.28 and 0.80 °C per decade was reported for North-western Himalaya and 0.20–1.00 °C per decade for Eastern Himalaya. The higher altitude of Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan zone are reported to be warming at higher rates. Many of the glaciers were reported to be retreating in both eastern and western Himalaya. Heavy rainfall is becoming very common in the region often accompanied by cloudbursts that aggravate flood situation many times. Perception-based studies of the region reported to provide firsthand and detailed descriptions of climate change indicators and impacts from rural and remote areas, where no instrumental data are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to identify the fatty acid composition in Prinsepia utilis seeds collected from diverse populations of Western Himalaya, India. The seeds contained higher saturated fatty acid (SFA43.09%; Average of all populations) followed by polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA - 29.57%) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA - 25.53%), however variations among growing populations was measured. The correlation analysis reveals a significant (p < 0.05) negative connection between 10-Octadecenoic acid methyl ester (FA1), and altitude. Edaphic factors like available nitrogen showed significantly (p < 0.05) but the negative correlation with cis-11-Eicosenoic acid, methyl ester (FA10; p < 0.001), Docosanoic acid, methyl ester (FA11; p < 0.05), Heptadecanoic acid, methyl ester (FA14; p < 0.05), and Tricosanoic acid, methyl ester (FA29; p < 0.05). Antioxidant activity did not show any variation in the seed oil of different populations but varied among the concentrations (5-50 µL) used. IC50 values of DPPH activity was significantly (p < 0.05) varied connect ranged from 11.31-24.21 µL/mL among the different populations. These variations in fatty acid composition and IC50 values of the DPPH activity can be one of the indicators for selecting a promising population that would be harnessed for its potential in nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study is an attempt to understand the distribution pattern of five dominant invasive alien plants in forests of the Hat-Kalika watershed in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, Kumaon Himalaya. The results of the study revealed that among selected five invasive alien plants, only Ageratina adenophora was present in all studied forests with its highest relative density (48%) and relative abundance (22%) in Banj-oak dominated forest. Lantana camara was present in lower elevation forests i.e. Sal and Sal-Pine dominated forest in the region, with maximum relative density (51%) in Sal forest. Bidens pilosa, Erigeron karvinskianus, and Oxalis corniculata showed their highest relative density in Sal-Pine dominated, Banj-Oak, and Mixed broadleaved & conifer forest, respectively. All the species preferred high and medium level of disturbance in the studied forests. The results of the study concludes that A. adenophora, which formed dense populations in all studied forests should be given special attention, to control further infestation of the species in natural forests of the region. Study found that many native plant species have density close to that of invasive alien species. Therefore, these native species should be used to restore the degraded forest areas after attempting eradication of invasive alien plant species, for better forest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Altitude is a determining factor of vegetation composition, ecosystem properties and processes, and availability of soil nutrients. Present study examined soil nutrients at two depths i.e. 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm along altitudinal gradients (1800–4000 m asl) in the Indian western Himalaya. Results of the study reveals an increase in organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), and total potassium (TK) along an altitudinal gradient, indicating that low temperature limits the cycling of organic matter at high altitudes. A significant positive relationship of soil nutrient parameters with altitude was observed for moisture content, OC, TN, TK, C:N ratio; however, it was negatively significant for pH. All the soil nutrients were higher for 0–15 cm depth than 15–30 cm across the altitudinal gradients. The tree species richness decreased with the increasing altitude. TN, OC, and TK were found at maximum levels in a broad-leaved forest (i.e. Betula utilis) at 4000 m, followed by Pinus wallichiana (3600 m) and Abies pindrow (3000 m). This indicates that broad-leaved forests contributed strongly to carbon sink in the high-altitude region of the Himalaya. It is concluded that forest stand structures and abiotic factors govern soil nutrients concentrations along altitudinal gradient in the Himalayan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountains are important global sites for monitoring biological and socioecological responses to climate change, and theHimalaya has some of the world'smost rapid and visible signs of climate change. The increased frequency and severity of climate anomalies in the region are expected to significantly affect livelihoods of indigenous communities in the region. This study documents the perceptions of indigenous communities of climate change in the western Himalaya of India. The study highlights the power of knowledge and understanding available to indigenous people as they observe and respond to climate change impacts. We conducted a field-based study in 14 villages that represent diverse socioecological features along an altitudinal range of 1000-3800m MSL in the western Himalaya. Among the sampled population, most of the respondents (.95%) agreed that climate is changing. However, people residing at low- and high-altitude villages differ significantly in their perception, with more people at high altitudes believing in an overall warming trend. Instrumental temperature and rainfall from nearby meteorological stations also supported the perception of local inhabitants. The climate change perceptions in the region were largely determined by sociodemographic variables such as age, gender, and income as well as altitude. A logistic regression, which exhibited significant association of sociodemographic characteristicswith climate change perceptions, further supported these findings. The study concluded that the climate change observations of local communities can be usefully utilized to develop adaptation strategies and mitigation planning in the Himalayan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild edibles and non-cultivated plants were significantly contributing to nutritional security and livelihood in rural areas of Himalayan region. The rich nutritional value and diversity of secondary metabolites in these plants escaped proper recognition; hence, warranted systematic and research investigation. The present study focuses on the assessment of nutritional composition of three underutilized wild edible fruits i.e. Prinsepia utilis Royle, Prunus persica L. and Neolitsea pallens D.Don. growing wildly in Western Himalaya. The seed kernels of all the selected species were found to be rich sources of nutrients (e.g., lipids, carbohydrates and proteins), minerals (e.g., phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron and sodium) and energy value. Edible oil obtained from seed kernels of P. utilis and P. persica were found rich in essential fatty acid (linolenic acid), important unsaturated (omega-6 & omega-9) and saturated fatty acids. Among these, seed kernels of P. utilis possessed maximum quantity of carbohydrate (20.6%) and crude fiber (14.57%), whereas, fat content (70.40%) and energy value (720k cal/100 g) were found maximum for Neolitsea pallens. The results of this study indicated potential of selected species in combating nutritional insecurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the impact of threats, identification, prioritization and predicting conservation pockets are vital for the conservation and management of threatened species. This study investigated the diversity and distribution through inventorization and analysis of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorized threatened plants and their prioritization for conservation. A total of 456 threatened taxa belonging to 233 genera coming under 87 families were recorded as threatened under various threat categories of IUCN. Among lited taxa, 64 species were falls under higher risk of extinction categories of IUCN viz. Critically endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable with 13, 28 and 23 species respectively. Maximum number of threatened plants was found (84 species) in family Fabaceae followed by Cyperaceae (65 species) and Poaceae (36 species). Richness of threatened plants was found maximum in the Sikkim (203) followed by Himachal Pradesh (190) and Jammu & Kashmir (189). Major causes of depletion of threatened taxa were anthropogenic activities such as habitat loss, overgrazing, deforestation, over-exploitation and unsustainable harvesting of medicinal plants. Therefore, conservation of all the inventorized 64 threatened plants is needful at its earliest. Thus the strategies for the conservation of threatened species must be directed towards those species facing highest risk of extinction, biologically distinct and ecologically valuable for the ecosystem as well having socio-economic significance. Considering this, prioritization of the threatened species was done following existing methodologies. Among the threatened taxa, Angelica glauca, Coptis teeta, Lilium polyphyllum, Nardostachys jatamansi, Aconitum heterophyllum and Gentiana kurroo etc. are ranked at apex, thus needs higher priority for conservation. The study further indicate that six species such as Angelica glauca, Coptis teeta, Gymnocladus assamicus, Illicium griffithii, Piper pedicellatum and Saussurea costus are endemic, having restricted distribution, however highly traded in the IHR. Thus, it is proposed that these species must be taken under special apprehension for conservation planning. Besides this for the conservation of higher risk of extinction species, grid mapping of targeted species was done for identifying specific distribution areas for effective conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Status of Long-Term Ecological Monitoring (LTEM) in India was reviewed. • Protocol developed for establishing LTEM in forests ecosystem in Indian Himalaya. • Criteria and indicator approach was developed for LTEM in forests ecosystem. • Long-term ecological plots were established in diverse forests for monitoring. Abstract The Himalaya, as provider of range of goods and ecosystem services, is vital for sustaining the life of billions of people. Recognition as one of the Global biodiversity hotspot implies its global significance. The forest ecosystems and plant biodiversity in the region is predicted to respond to the rapid warming and the human induced perturbations. However, documentation of these responses and likely consequences is meagre so as to provide a basis for future comparison. Realizing the importance of understanding relationships of climate change (CC) and forest biodiversity, systematic collection of data sets, covering various aspects of environment was attempted through establishing Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) and monitoring. The LTERs in general, have emerged to be important to improve our understanding on spatio-temporal variations happening in a particular ecosystem. Indian National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC) sets out National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) to conserve Himalayan ecosystem from the brunt of climate vulnerabilities. Considering importance of Himalaya forests and their sensitivity to CC impacts, NMSHE has stressed on undertaking Long-Term Ecological Monitoring (LTEM) and development of monitoring protocol with forest biodiversity specific parameters and indicators. In this context first of its kind attempt have been made to develop long-term ecological monitoring protocol along with suitable criteria and indicators for the Indian Himalaya, and demonstrate it through documenting base line data of established LTEM plots in diverse forest types in the Indian western Himalaya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is considered as a rich repository of the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs), and has diverse traditional and modern base of therapeutic knowledge. Inhabitants of the region are traditionally well familiar with the healing properties of the available plants and therefore, dependency on medicinal plants for primary healthcare forms integral part of their life. Besides, modern pharmaceutical industries are also relying upon medicinal plants for developing new drugs or searching novel biomolecules. However, over-harvesting and habitat loss of MAPs has reduced its population in the wild, and threatened the sustainability of a number of species in IHR. This calls for an urgent attention and requires selection of suitable criteria and indicators towards encouraging long-term economic and environmental sustainability of the MAP sector. In this context, this study focuses on identifying four major sustainability parameters; i.e. economic, environmental/ecological, socio-cultural and governance, with 11 criteria and 48 indicators. The criteria and indicators approach is expected to be useful in assessing the impacts and monitoring the developmental initiatives in the MAP sector. Further, the study also prioritized potential MAP species for linking cultivation and conservation with livelihood opportunity in Western Himalaya. A total of 152 potential MAP species were identified based on medicinal value, market demand, availability and uses in traditional herbal system. Of these, 43 potential MAPs have been prioritized for cultivation and conservation in Western Himalaya. In addition, distribution and diversity of threatened MAPs of IHR has been documented and presented in a manner to develop strategies for sustainability of the sector at state and national levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnobotanical knowledge plays a significant role in plant diversity conservation and the curing of various ailments in remote rural areas of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). A total of 53 plant species from 27 families have been documented from the Byans valley and are used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases. Valley inhabitants have maintained a symbiotic relationship between natural resources and their cultural belief system by developing sacred forests/groves which conserve the region's plant diversity pool. Information on sacred natural sites and traditional beliefs was documented in order to understand the environmental and conservationist implications of these rules and practices. The study provides comprehensive information about eroding traditional knowledge and biodiversity conservation practices. This study could be a pilot to strengthen the conservation practices and sustainable utilization of frequently used bioresources by understanding the traditional knowledge system and conservation ethics of tribal communities in the Himalayan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A plethora of information is available on biomass utilization for household energy need in different parts of world; however such information in cold desert region is very limited. The present study is first of its kind to provide information on biomass utilization, fuelwood species diversity, their regeneration status, and likely impact of fuelwood harvesting in cold desert area of the Kailash Sacred Landscape (KSL) in Indian part. Per Capita Fuelwood Consumption (PCFC) was maximum (5.4 ± 0.30 kg/capita/day) for villages at higher altitude (3800 m) as compared to low altitude (3000 m) village (2.2 ± 0.36 kg/capita/day) for present study. The energy values follow similar trend; maximum for higher altitude (106.4 MJ/capita/day) and minimum for low altitude (43.3 MJ/capita/day). The inhabitants use a total of 14 woody species (3 trees, 11 shrubs) as fuelwood in the cold desert part of KSL. Among these, with high Probability of Use (PU) Juniperus communis (0.86), Pinus wallichina (0.48) and Abies pindrow (0.47) emerged as preferred species and thereby having very high pressure. Likewise, the Resources Use Index (RUI) for fuelwood consumption remained high for Juniperus communis (759.5), Pinus wallichaina (479.2) and Abies pindrow (391). The regeneration status of preferred species and availability (i.e. density) of other species suggested that the long-term persistence of preferred fuelwood species in the landscape is in question. The study provides evidences that the exiting forests, alpine arid scrublands and pasture may face serious problem of degradation in near future if the current trends of fuelwood harvesting continues. This calls for policy and programme level interventions to protect the fuelwood resources and provide better options of energy to poor inhabitants of cold desert area in KSL part of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study documents plant diversity within a forested high altitude zone (2000-3500 m asl) of Uttarakhand wherein 1471 plant species (106 trees, 233 shrubs and 1132 herbs) occur. The lowest belt, 2000-2500 m exhibited the highest diversity (815 spp.; 55.4%). A sharp decline in tree and shrub species representation was apparent with increasing altitude (low altitude: 88.7% and 66.5%; high altitude: 15.1% and 27.4%, respectively), while herb species representation did not vary (50.0-47.6%). Species to genera ratio (S/G) for entire altitude zone was 1.63 for trees, 1.97 for shrubs and 2.21 for herbs. S/G changed with elevation, but the patterns varied across growth forms. Of the total, 387 (26.3%) species were recorded from the study transects which included 52.5% (203 spp.) Himalayan natives. Rarity analysis of these natives has highlighted conservation priorities at local to regional scale. Attributes of vegetation have been described across systematically sampled 100 m altitude bands in five transects covering treeline ecotone. Altitudinal patterns varied across the transects, except for seedlings, which tended to decrease with altitude regardless of the transect. The study strongly reflects heterogeneity in patterns across altitude transects and life forms. We have used ß diversity and species turn-over to shed light on local and regional conservation implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines sustainability of cash crops production systems as compared to traditional cereal cropping patterns in terms of their energy efficiency, ecological suitability, economic profitability, and social acceptability. The consistent supply of labor and energy are the most significant requirements for substantial growth of agricultural productivity in Himalayan region. For output-input ratio in terms of monetary efficiency, cash crops performed better (3.16-3.56) as compared to traditional crops (1.57-3.31), whereas the energy output-input ratio of traditional crops was found more efficient (1.63-4.72) as compared to cash crops (1.26-2.36). The monetary input and output analysis of Rabi crops was estimated to be 23.39% and 25.3% of Kharif crops, respectively; Similarly, variance in energy input (27.3%) and output (32.44%) analysis was observed between Rabi and Kharif crops, respectively. Energy input in the form of manure accounted >90% of total energy input, while other inputs (<10%) are contributed in the form of seeds, and animal and human power for all the crops. The study also highlighted the significance of traditional crops and factors responsible for their declining cultivation in the mountain region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, forest biomass (fuelwood, leaf fodder, leaf-litter and non-timber forest products) consumption patterns have been evaluated in the villages of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya, India. The average fuelwood consumption in the selected villages was estimated at 3.14 kg/capita/day and its energy equivalent was found 52.74 MJ/capita/day. The average leaf fodder and leaf-litter consumption was estimated at 2.70 and 2.40 kg/unit/day, respectively, and the same pattern was estimated for energy equivalent. People's perception on impacts of conservation measures and resources utilization rights were also analysed. Our results emphasized the need for regular assessment of forest resources, particularly in protected areas, where access to natural resources have been denied due to legal restrictions. The study could be a pilot to strengthen the conservation measures across the protected area network by understanding the dynamics of anthropocentric activities and their subsequent impacts on forest resources. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Protected farming is an alternative new technique for seasonal and off-seasonal vegetable cultivation, particularly in high-altitude region, and can be successfully employed for niche areas of agriculture. Experimentation on vegetable crops under protected conditions was carried out to see the feasibility of their farming at different altitudes in the central Himalayan region. For evaluating the suitable conditions required for the cultivation of vegetables, three treatments, viz., polyhouse, shade net, and plastic-mulch, were selected in comparison to open condition at both the altitudes. Capacity building through organizing training program was adopted for demonstration and dissemination of this technology to rural farmers of the region. The yield of selected vegetables was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) high under protected cultivation, and the productivity of vegetables has been observed to increase from 15.85% to 932.20% as compared to that in open field condition at both the altitudes. As a result of capacity building, a number of households (78) at high and low altitudes (41) adopted seasonal and off-seasonal vegetable cultivation through protected cultivation technology at various levels. This is the first study of its kind, and in the present case, we demonstrated that protected cultivation is an alternative and efficient technology for seasonal and off-seasonal vegetable cultivation, particularly at high-altitude region. The production of vegetable seedling is gradually changing from open field nurseries to protected raised bed or seedling tray production after obtaining technical know-how. It is hoped that the improved capacities of local farmers would help in spreading this technology through adoption of protected cultivation in the central Himalaya and other high-altitude region of other countries having similar environmental and socio-economic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed at understanding the fodder utilization pattern, energy budget, and problems related to fodder biomass harvesting in six villages located along an altitudinal gradient (1200–3000 m.a.s.l.) in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary (GWS). Forests provided 68% of total fodder used compared to 32% from agriculture. The highest average fodder consumption was observed in the village Osla (38.8 ± 3.7 kg/household/day) in subalpine region and the lowest in Gainchwangaon (31.3 ± 2.3 kg/household/day) in subtropical region. As the altitude increased from subtropical to subalpine, the amounts of leaf fodder collected increased and a similar trend was also observed for fodder consumption pattern by the livestock in the study area. The labor energy spent in fodder collection was recorded as a maximum (620.06 MJ/household/year) for the village of Naitwar in the subtropical region and a minimum (364.84 MJ/household/year) for the village of Osla in the subalpine region. The period of intensity of grazing and lopping at present is decided in arbitrary fashion by the authorities of the GWS in the absence of quantitative information on spatial variability in the availability and collection of fodder. The detailed quantitative information on the amount of fodder collection and consumption in different vegetation zones and associated labor costs presented in this study would be quite helpful in developing GWS management plans which favor grazing regimes not detrimental to the biodiversity and ecosystem services of currently healthy forests and alpine meadows and which reduce deforestation and the drudgery of village women folk through developing agroforestry on village common/private degraded lands in the Garhwal Himalayan region. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Nutritional and energy value of an underutilized wild edible Viburnum mullaha was determined. Vitamin analysis confirmed that the fruit contains high amounts of vitamin C (122.27 mg/100 g), vitamin B2 (0.14 mg/g), and vitamin E (13.47 mg/g). Macronutrient profile revealed that Viburnum mullaha is a rich source of carbohydrates (18.4 g/100 g), proteins (11.3 g/100 g), and lipids (18.4 g/100 g). It was calculated that 100 g of fruit berries can provide an average of 284.4 kcal (1185.7 kJ) energy. Analysis of magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, and manganese estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometer confirmed that fruit berries of Viburnum mullaha can be utilized for developing various edible products. This is the first study ever on the biochemical analysis and nutritional value of this species; hence, it will provide nutritional statistics that scientific societies and the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries can use for their expanding investigations of the ultrasonically assisted technique described here in food and medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional crop diversity and landraces in agricultural land use in Himalaya have great significant for long-term sustainability of agroecosystems, together with conservation and management of the surrounding landscape. Traditional crop varieties and races, which evolved over time through trial and error, not only provide basic nutritional requirements, but also food security. Loss of crop biodiversity has taken place over recent years, principally and inadvertently related to changing lifestyle, growing demand for cash crops in regional markets and burgeoning apple farming, whose acreage has increased with a concomitant decline in area under traditional crops. For sustainable landscape development, on-farm conservation of traditional crop diversity is urgently needed. An empirical study was done to understand the causes and consequences of declines in crop biodiversity and production, effect of apple farming on traditional crops and changing lifestyles of traditional people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Influence of environmental factors on tree species diversity and composition studied. • α-diversity indices showed humped shaped distribution of tree along altitude. • Evenness index showed inverted humped shaped distribution of tree along altitude. • Study revealed strong relationship of tree diversity with environmental and anthropogenic factors. Understanding patterns in forest communities and its driving factors play a critical role in ecological studies. In view of this, present study attempts to understand the role of environmental and anthropogenic factors towards shaping species diversity and composition along the altitudinal gradient (700–3800 m asl) in Indian western Himalaya. A total of 51 tree species (28 families) were recorded; Pinaceae (5) and Fagaceae (5) were the species rich families. α-diversity indices i.e., Margalef's richness index (R), Shannon index (Hʹ) and Simpson index showed a humped shaped distribution, whereas Evenness index (E) showed an inverted humped shaped distribution along the altitude range. Based on non-metric dimensional scaling (NMDS), four different community types were identified. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed a strong relationship of tree species composition with environmental (41.73% variation) and anthropogenic factors (17.35% variation). RDA further indicated that the bulk density (BD), disturbance index (DI), mean diurnal temperature range (Bio2) and solar radiation (SR) are significantly associated with sub-tropical (below 1200 m) and lower temperate forest (1200–1700 m) types. Likewise, soil organic carbon (SOC), precipitation of the driest quarter (Bio17) and pH were significantly associated with upper temperate (1700–2900 m), and subalpine forest composition (>2900 m). Both NMDS classification and RDA ordination clearly demonstrate spatial variability in composition of tree community and environmental properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We derived a spatial map of inherent forest vulnerability using ground based observation. • This study was undertaken at 1 km2 resolution using nine forest vulnerability indicators. • Temperate and mixed forests showed higher forest vulnerability compared to subtropical pine & broadleaf and subalpine forests. • Elevation, population density, slope, rainfall, temperature, and aspect are major drivers of forest vulnerability assessment in the Himalaya. Forest vulnerability assessment with ground realities/ data has great implications for adaptation and management planning at local and regional scale. However, such assessments are still limited across globe including the Himalaya. In view of this, present study derived a spatial map of inherent forest vulnerability using ground based observation and information in the western Himalaya. Based on literature and data availability, we selected nine forest vulnerability indicators under four domains i.e., ecological (species richness, and NDVI), climate (temperature, rainfall), topographic (slope, aspect, elevation), disturbances (forest fragmentation) and social (population density). Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which is a multi-criteria decision method, was used for weighting the vulnerability indicators. Based on AHP, forest vulnerability index (FVI) was developed using general linear model approach. The FVI index was further classified into four different categories i.e., low, medium, high and very high. The results revealed maximum (37%) forest grids under medium vulnerable profile followed by 31% (high) and 21% (low) vulnerable grids. In general, temperate and mixed forests show higher forest vulnerability in the region, whereas subtropical pine, broadleaf and subalpine forests falls under lesser vulnerable forest grids. These results exhibited that elevation (15.4%), population density (15.1%), slope (14.5%), rainfall (13.7%), forest fragmentation (12.9%), temperature (12.3), and aspect (11.4%) are the major drivers of forest vulnerability, particularly for the Himalayan region. To validate the results, we compared the developed FVI in present study with ground based FVI already generated in previous studies from the region, and found higher similarity in the assessments. The spatial forest vulnerability maps generated in the present study provides a realistic profile of vulnerable forests in Indian western Himalaya, which can be used for developing adaptation measure and management planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Integrated vulnerability of community forests assessed using index based approach. • FVI was developed by integrating 14 indicators of six different domains. • Results revealed high vulnerability of low and mid zone community forests. • This study conclude local level adaptations cannot be based on global level studies. • This study indicates community forests require urgent attention by concerned government. The Himalaya is often referred to as forested landscape, which provides a range of ecosystem services vital for sustaining life of billions of people. The region is recognized amongst the 35 global biodiversity hotspots for its unique and rich biodiversity. Also, the region is highly vulnerable to perturbations due to anthropogenic disturbances and climate change. Especially the forests in the region are subject to stress from such perturbations. The higher dependency of communities on forests and changing climate has impacts on structure and function of forest ecosystems. This has severe implications for forest dependent communities. Therefore, vulnerability assessment of forests is urgently needed to understand the likely consequences of these changes and responses. Such information would help in developing better management and conservation planning. Earlier studies on vulnerability assessment of forests and forest-dependent people have failed to acknowledge the importance of spatial and temporal aspects of vulnerability investigated through field based observations. Realizing this, present study focuses on forest vulnerability assessment through field based observations along an altitudinal gradient (700–3400 m) in the Indian west Himalaya. This study, for the first time, provides vulnerability assessment of community forests at local scale following integrated approach of multiple indicators across diverse domains. The vulnerability indicators have been identified through a systematic analysis and extensive review of the available literature. A total of 14 indicators in six domains (viz. forest, climate, anthropogenic, topographic, soil and management practices) were identified to assess inherent vulnerability of Community Forests (Van Panchayats) in the target region. Furthermore, Forest Vulnerability Index (FVI) was calculated by integrating the selected indicators across domains. The results revealed high vulnerability at low altitude (<1200 m) forests. Disturbance index, expansion of invasive species and people dependency has emerged as the major factors responsible for forest vulnerability in the region. The value of FVI declined significantly (R2 = 0.51, p < 0.001) with increasing altitude range. The study also analysed perceptions of inhabitant community regarding dependency on forest resources, management practices and status of community forest in the studied area. The outcomes of this study would help in developing management interventions and strategies to ensure sustainable management of forest resources in the targeted landscape in particular and Indian Himalaya in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]