Author(s):

Amir Bhat, Khan PA, Qaiser KN, Mughal AH, Ara S and Mir SA

Abstract: The present investigation entitled “Role of protected areas in conservation of shrub biodiversity in Kashmir Himalaya” was carried out during the year 2014-15 & 2015-16, in two protected areas viz., Dachigam National Park (DNP) and Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary (OAWS) along with their adjoining unprotected areas in Srinagar and Anantnag districts of Kashmir valley respectively. Each protected and unprotected area were divided was into north and south aspects. Each aspect was then further sub divided into three different altitudinal ranges viz. A₁ (1600-2100m), A₂ (2100-2600m) and A₃ (2600-3100m) covering different forests of protected as well as unprotected areas. Random sample plots of size 5x5m were laid in each altitudinal range on different aspects of protected and unprotected areas to study the structural and functional parameters of shrubs. One time sampling was done to assess the shrub phytosociology. The results revealed that density (tillers/m²), basal area (cm²/m²) and frequency (%) shrub vegetation in each protected and unprotected areas was maximum at middle altitude and south aspect exhibited the highest values among different altitudinal ranges and aspects, respectively. A total of (17) shrub species were recorded during the entire study period. Among the shrubs, Berberis aristata, Daphne mucronata, Gualtheris tricophyla, Parroptios jacquemontii and Rosa webbiana were recorded with maximum findings (8), followed by Berberis lyceum and Cotoneaster acuminatus (5) sites. Lonicera quinquelocularis was the least recorded shrub specie with only one representation across the 12 forest sites of protected and unprotected areas of Dachigam National Park and Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary.

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