Vegetation diversity of Kashmir and its sustainable use

Abstract

A unique biospheric unit, in terms of altitudinal, topographic, and edaphic heterogeneity, in northwestern Himalayas, the Kashmir Himalayan region offers vast array of habitats which are characterized by their own suite of species and physiognomic characteristics. While the floristic explorations in the region started nearly two centuries ago, but yet owing to the tough terrain and arduous topography, many of its areas still remain uncharted. The natural vegetation of the region exhibits a greater diversity and varies from rich marsh and aquatic vegetation in plains to lush evergreen conifers on slopes. Occupying the major proportion of its landscapes, its terrestrial vegetation ranges from domesticated plant systems in valley floor to forests and grasslands in mountains. From fulfilling basic human subsistence requirements to economic well-being, this rich floristic diversity also contributes immensely to food and habitat needs of wild and domesticated animals. However, undue human interference via habitat fragmentation, urbanization, ill-planned economic development, overgrazing, and deforestation has affected this region badly and puts numerous species at edge. In this scenario, the sustainable utilization of natural resources assumes greater significance and while authorities have taken certain conservation measures but yet the situation is disappointing. The present paper while providing a snapshot of various conservation threats concludes by listing few conservation measures.