Diversity, extraction and status of fodder species in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, West Himalaya, India

Abstract

In view of the increasing demand for forests resources, particularly fodder and fuel species, and the rapid loss of biodiversity from forests in the Indian Himalayan region, studies assessing diversity and extraction trends, species preference and probability of use (PU) in forests are urgently required. A new approach was used to examine extraction trends of fodder species in a botanical hot spot (Gori Valley) of Askot Wildlife Sanctuary in Kumaun Himalaya, India. In all, 115 species from 100 genera and 51 families were found to be used as fodder, of which 39% were native to the Himalaya. Fodder is collected in winter and summer from woody species and in the rainy season from forbs and grasses. The low altitude village use pattern does not vary due to similarities in species and forest communities in this area, whereas it varied considerably at higher altitudes. Similar, the total number of species used was very low at both low and high altitude villages, whereas the quantity collected was very high in both areas. The PU and Resource Use Index (RUI) varied considerably between seasons. Overall, forbs, grasses and trees showed the highest PU and RUI, indicating high preferences and pressures. Forbs and grasses were preferred over woody species. The high availability of preferred species suggests that they are not under threat of disappearing, whereas the low density of the remaining species indicates their possible extinction from natural habitats in the near future. Thirty-five species were absent from the studied communities, indicating their restricted habitats. Appropriate strategies for the conservation and management of fodder species are suggested.