Variation in Diversity Pattern of Plants along Environmental Variables at Qazi Nag Range, Kashmir Region, Western Himalaya

Abstract

Species composition and abundance patterns in eighteen forest sites from 1700m to 3400m elevation were studied to evaluate species diversity and richness at Qazi Nag Range, Kashmir region, Western Himalaya. Evaluation of species diversity was determined by Shannon-Weiner's index of diversity (H') Sheldon evenness index (E) and Margalef species richness index (R'). Species diversity values ranged from 3.497 to 2.773 at 1700m and 3400m respectively whereas species richness varied from 1.83 (1700m) to 0.8 at 3200m. The species diversity and richness values were recorded higher from 2300 to 2600 m having best combination of heat and precipitation which ensure survival of more species. Diversity values declined towards upper and lower reaches, which might be due to flow of individuals from both upslope and low-lying areas. Correlation analyses showed that the environmental variables as altitude and potassium were found negatively correlated with diversity index while pH, EC Organic matter and soil saturation were recorded positively correlated with species diversity. This study highlights the importance of local and landscape scale environmental variables on species diversity and vegetation patterns in Kashmir Region, Western Himalaya