Impact of Anthropogenic Disturbances on Ecology of Pinus gerardiana Wall in Indian Himalaya: A Review

Abstract

Chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana Wall.) has a restricted distribution in India, though it is an important ecological and economic species in the Himalaya. This species is restricted in dry temperate region of NorthWestern Himalaya and lack of regeneration has threatened species existence in the Himalaya. Because, large numbers of biotic and abiotic factors have affected P. gerardiana in these forests; hence, there is a crucial need to review the status of species the region. One of the important site factor is the collection of cone/seed by local villagers from most of the trees, while few trees those grows in remote areas and steep slopes, which cannot be harvested, only provide seeds for the regeneration. Young trees are scarce or entirely lacking, the mature trees predominate in its natural zone. Phytosociological study shows the high endemism of the Pinus gerardiana in its natural zone. Overall more than 70% of the area was covered by this species and rest by other species. Therefore, the productivity and sustainability of chilgoza pine has to be ensured.