Status and Distribution of Anthropogenic Pressure in Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary in Western Himalaya, India

Abstract

Biomass extractions, in the form of fuel wood and fodder collection are the main source of anthropogenic pressure in the Himalayan forest. The study aimed at assessing the status of available forest resources, current levels of pressure on them and sustainability of current land use practices in selected villages in the fringe of Kedarnaath Wildlife Sanctuary. Oak was the most dominating species in this landscape, with Importance Value Index (IVI) 63.19, 59.82 and 93.69 in three different sites. Both Quercus leucotricophora and Quercus semecarpifolia were most preferred fodder tree species. Out of the total lopped trees Q. leucotricophora accounted for 44.9% and 44.2% in the forest around village Giria and Gadgu respectively, whereas Q. semecarpifolia contributed 39.3% to the total lopped trees in the forest around the Khark. With increase population pressure on the surrounding forest, repeated and heavy lopping of different fodder tree species take place. This is evident in the present study where 45-62% of the lopped trees in the sampling site showed maximum damage rating i.e. more than 75% of the main branches lopped. Regeneration of tree species have been disturbed due to the unsustainable harvesting and lack of awareness mainly on slow growing and commercially important species like Taxus baccata. Majority of cut/lopped trees falling in the girth class (CBH < 30 cm) at the study site shows harvesting of young regenerating trees to support cash crop threatening the regeneration of forest ecosystem. Fuelwood plantation in the degraded lands around villages through people’s participation, introduction of alternate fuel devices and employment opportunities through promoting eco-tourism have been suggested to minimize the dependence of local people on biomass resources and ensure the biodiversity conservation in the KedarnathWildlife Sanctuary.