Search

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]

A great deal of research has been conducted in the mountains; however, most of the scientific information remains scattered with minimal use in the policy and governance. We systematically reviewed and evaluated the published scientific literature on the Himalaya and identified 77,912 research outputs from 12,258 sources. Agriculture and Biological Sciences was dominant field of research followed by Earth Sciences, Medicine, Environmental Sciences and Social Sciences. Number of publications has increased annually in the Himalaya in all research disciplines, especially after 2000 with highest funding from India, China, and USA whereas highest scientific contribution from India, Nepal, USA, UK, and China. In terms of research quality, nearly 45 % of the research papers were published in SCI indexed journals. Cumulative impact factor of research articles has increased consistently whereas average impact factor was higher during 1970–1990. Prominent research themes in the Himalaya includes humans, clinical studies, animalia, genetics, risk assessment, healthcare, tectonics, climate change, earthquakes, rainfall, biodiversity, glaciers etc. Research publications in the Himalaya covers a wide range of aspects like field-based data driven studies, new discoveries and observations, application of new methods and techniques, application of theoretical knowledge, policy, governance etc. The Himalaya which is often termed as a data deficient region is a repository for large volume of scientific and socio-cultural information. This information if curated carefully under a uniform and multidisciplinary framework involving a trans-boundary network of Himalayan nations will provide a powerful tool for evidence-based policies and practice to address emerging environmental challenges in the region. • The Himalaya constitutes the highest and one of the largest mountain ecosystem on the earth. • Bioscience is the dominant field of research followed Geology, Medicine, and Environmental Science. • India, China, USA, and Nepal are the largest contributors in scientific output and funding. • Volume and quality of scientific publications has increased particularly after 2000 in all research themes. • If curated carefully, this information will provide a powerful tool for evidence-based policies and practice. [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 identified 295 plant species into 8 different rarity classes. • Tree diversity decreased and its endemic subset increased along the gradients. • At all altitudes, some species with narrow distributions and others with wide ranges. • The study found 16 most rare species in the studied region. • Rarity analysis species has highlighted conservation priorities at local to regional scale. The assessment of plant rarity patterns and mapping of endemic species is a challenging task, however, this kind of assessment having great conservation significance. In the present study, a classification system of rarity, considering biogeographical, ecological and abundance of species was developed along with assessing the vegetation composition. Following systematic random approach of vegetation sampling, three altitude transects were sampled within each 100 m interval in three possible aspects (North-West, North-East and South-West) in the high-altitude forested zone (2000–3300 m asl) of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS). The study identified a total of 295 plant species (191 genera and 70 families) in the studied region. Considering different attributes of rarity, 8- rarity groups were used for identification of rare and endemic plants. Altogether, most of the species exhibited wide geographical distribution an attribute of commonness, and few of these have narrow distributions due to habitat specificity. The lower altitudinal zone exhibited the maximum floristic diversity (184 spp.; 62.4 %), and minimum in the higher zone (134 spp.; 45.4 %). Tree species richness decreases, and its endemic subset increased along the altitudinal gradient due to remoteness, habitat heterogeneity, isolation of the areas and other environmental factors. A sharp decline was observed in the tree species richness from lower (33 spp.; 84.6 %) to higher altitude (8 spp.; 20.51 %). The species to genera ratio in the entire altitudinal range was 1.2 for trees and 1.6 for shrubs and herbs. Rarity analysis of these native and endemic species has highlighted conservation priorities at local and regional scale. [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]

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]

Invasion by alien species is a global problem and forms one of the major drivers of global change. The researches on plant invasion have grown rapidly across the globe since the mid-twentieth century. However, in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) such studies are inadequate and have not been systematically conducted. Lack of empirical evidences on various described aspects of plant invasion in IHR are likely to aggravate the issue of invasion management in the region. This scenario would become more worst under changing climate. This study analyzed the results of an extensive review of the available information generated through Web of Science and Google scholar. A total of 297 naturalized alien plant species belongs to 65 families in the IHR are reported. Of the total 297 naturalized alien plant species in IHR, maximum species occur in Himachal Pradesh (232; 78.1%) followed by Jammu & Kashmir (192; 64.6%) and Uttarakhand (181; 60.90%). Among various invasive species, Lantana camara, Ageratina adenophora, Parthenium hysterophorus and Ageratum conyzoides have been reported from most of the IHR states and proliferated over larger area. Evidences available in the published studies are indicative that with tourism promotion and increasing roads networks, that passes through forests, many of the alien species in the IHR have started invading forests and even in alpine ecosystems. This study observed expansion of Ageratina adenophora up to 2900 m, which is higher than its reported elevation range (300–2800 m) in west Himalaya. These evidences suggest possible encroachment by alien species in hitherto invasion resilient higher Himalaya, particularly with emerging trends of increasing temperature and human disturbances. The present study also provides a multistage framework for investment on invasion researches in IHR. This will allow developing appropriate management strategies and policy planning for addressing issues pertaining to plant invasions across the IHR states. [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]

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]

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]

The recent declaration of 'UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration' recognizes the need to massively accelerate global restoration of degraded and human altered ecosystems to provide multiple environmental benefits, including mitigation of climate change impacts. Commitment to various global obligations like UNCCD and SDG-15 to achieve land degradation neutrality, sustainable land management and enhanced resilience of vulnerable populations and ecosystems requires concerted efforts at national, regional and local levels. In view of strengthening the efforts towards achieving the land neutrality the present study attempts to provide the status of 8 restoration sites located across sub-tropical to temperate region of Pithoragarh and Champawat districts in west Himalaya, which now contributes to ex-situ and in-situ biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, soil conservation and sustenance of local inhabitants, etc. The results of survival percentage revealed that most of the species planted at Jajut site showed better survival with an average of 69% as compared to Digtoli (59%) and Naikina (62%) after 3 years of plantation. Quercus leucotrichophora showed maximum survival percentage (72%) at all the sites followed by Q. glauca (63%), whereas minimum survival (49%) was observed in Zanthoxylum armatum at Naikina site. At Champawat site, height of all planted species increased significantly (p < 0.05) in 2021 as compared to 2011. The carbon stock value increased from 40.02 Mg ha−1 in 2011–65.53 Mg ha−1 in 2021. Increase in carbon stock and carbon sequestration in restoration areas over past 10 years shows higher potential of native species for carbon storage and prospective role of restoration sites in long term carbon sink. The study also attempts to bring the results of restoration activities, implications and benefits to draw some prescription to support the policy and practice interface. The mentioned case studies would be helpful to understand the good practices of restoration for ecological & socio-economic connect, and furtherance of efforts towards land restoration and biosphere integrity across Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). • The present study attempts to provide the status of 8 restoration sites in west Himalaya. • Planted species survived at the rate of 49–72% and varied among the species. • The carbon stock value increased from 40.02 Mg ha−1 in 2011–65.53 Mg ha−1 in 2021. • Restoration areas showed the potential of native species in carbon storage and sequestration. • The studies would be helpful to understand the good practices of restoration for ecological & socio-economic connect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses maintaince of biodiversity of the alpine ecosystem in Western Himalaya, India; amidst natural and anthropogenic perturbations. It mentions polygonum polystachyum is colonizing and disrupting plant diversity within the region. It also mentions increasing intensity of harvesting of medicinal plants and change in climatic conditions have already adversely affected the species habitats.

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]

The present study aims to document detail information of some of the selected wild edible having enormous potential for livelihood enhancement and socio-economic development by making a variety of value added products. To this end, some of the wild edibles of central Himalaya were selected and prioritized for harnessing their economic potential along with their detail information in terms of distribution, ethnobiology, phenophases and appropriate time of harvesting so as to make communities well aware about the resource availability and their harvesting period round the year. The cost-benefit analysis of each value added product prepared from selected wild edibles was worked out in detail and these analyses revealed that total monetary output, as well as the net return, is very high for all value added products prepared. Since wild edible fruits or other edible parts can be collected from wild free of cost except labour is involved in collection of these wild edibles bio-resources. In addition, information on a participatory action research framework & approaches for promoting participatory conservation of these wild edible species were also highlighted for appropriate management of these resources. The present attempt provides a practical example of sustainable utilization of wild edibles, their potential in livelihood improvement of local people, distribution and phenophases and availability in natural conditions, participatory conservation of these wild edibles may help policy planners at the regional and national levels to link livelihood/socio-economic development with conservation. [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]

Community Forests (CFs) are considered as an important means of forest management, biodiversity conservation, poverty reduction and ecological sustainability all across the world. Present study is an attempt to understand if CFs in west Himalayan part of India (referred as Van Panchayat) is effective in performing such role of conservation and sustainable flow of goods and services. A total of 31 representative Van Panchayat Forests (VPFs) in western Himalaya were investigated to assess: (i) the ecological condition, and (ii) their status of management. In addition review of available literature was also carried out to understand global trends of knowledge on CFs, and to specifically know the focus of studies on VPs in the study region. A total of 1158 documents on CFs were obtained, of which 91 pertained to VPs/VPFs. These 91 studies were considered for detail assessment. Analysis of published literature on VPFs indicated larger leaning towards management and governance. However, in recent years (2011 onward) a shift towards ecological processes and climate change mitigation was noticed. Overall, the studied VPFs indicated the deteriorating state of ecological health. However, the forests having proper management had better ecological health i.e., higher species richness, tree density and regeneration. Species richness and contribution of native species was found high in VPFs established before 1980. Analysis across the elevation range reveals higher level of disturbances in VPFs located below 1500 m asl. While higher elevation (above 1500 m asl) performing better both with respect to ecological health and management status. The findings of the study call for urgent attention to bring back the glory of VPFs through policy interventions. Analysis of literature and primary observation suggest that the VPFs in west Himalaya with their existence for over 9 decades are fading the glory due to mismatched policy and practice priorities. The scenario can be changed with appropriate interventions to make these VPFs more relevant for local people as well as the emerging global targets of conservation and sustainable development. • Assessment was made on ecological condition and management status of VPFs. • Out of 1158 documents reviewed on CFs across the globe, 91 are related to VPFs. • Results reveals poor management and ecological health of most of the studied VPFs. • Ecological health of VPFs situated above 1500 m is comparatively better to < 1500 m. • Community rights and financial incentives is essential for better management of CFs. [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]