Research Article | Published: 01 December 1994

Altitudinal Zonation of High Altitude Forests in Kumaun, Central Himalaya, India

R. S. Rawal and Yash Pal Singh Pangtey

Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume: 17 | Issue: 4 | Page No. 332-344 | 1994
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-1994-1441L1 | Cite this article

Abstract

Attempts to assign the altitudinal sequence for the existing forest zones and types within an altitudinal range of 1600-3100 m in Sarju catchment of Kumaun (Central Himalaya) are made. Forests in this region formed a sharp boundary around 3100 m. In general, three forest zones, viz., low altitude zone (1600-2000 m), mid altitude zone (2000-2500 m) and high altitude zone (2500-3100 m) could be recognized arbitrarily. The altitudinal sequence of forest vegetation exhibited a sharp compositional change at mid altitude zone (2000-2500 m). This zone is, therefore, considered as an eco-tone. A less sharp transition (ecotone) was also apparent between 2700-2850 m, separating the stunted and open canopy growth of Sub-alpine forest on upper and huge erected and closed canopy growth of Quercus semecarpifolia forest towards lower limits.

The polar ordination of 51 forest stands by and large indicates a continuity of vegetation. However, more objective examination recognized almost seven existing forest types (Quercus incana forest, Rhododendron arboreum forest, Pinus roxburghii forest, Quercus lanuginose forest, Oak-mixed deciduous forest, Quercus semecarpifolia forest and Sub-alpine forest). The altitudinal pattern of distribution and the major compositional features of these high altitude forests have been compared and discussed with the forests of lower altitudes of Central Himalaya.

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How to cite

Rawal, R.S. and Pangtey, Y.S., 1994. Altitudinal Zonation of High Altitude Forests in Kumaun, Central Himalaya, India. Indian Journal of Forestry, 17(4), pp.332-344. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-1994-1441L1

Publication History

Manuscript Published on 01 December 1994

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