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Effects of sheep and goat grazing on the species diversity in the alpine meadows of Western Himalaya

Author

Listed:
  • Chandra Prakash Kala

    (Wildlife Institute of India)

  • Sanjay Kumar Singh

    (Wildlife Institute of India)

  • Gopal Singh Rawat

    (Wildlife Institute of India)

Abstract

This paper deals with effects of sheep and goat grazing on plant species diversity, species richness and species composition in two important conservation areas of the Western Himalaya; the Valley of Flowers (VOF) National Park and the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). The VOF is a completely Protected Area as it is devoid of livestock grazing whereas, 20,000 sheep and goats annually graze in GHNP. Both the National Parks possess sub-alpine and alpine vegetation that is distributed in 13 major habitat types. Present investigations indicate that all the habitat types in VOF are higher in plant species diversity and richness compared to habitat types in GHNP. Similarly, all three eco-climatic zones in VOF are higher in species diversity and richness compared to GHNP. Species diversity also decreases with increasing altitude in both the National Parks. The findings of this study are discussed in the light of the management and conservation of alpine meadows of the Western Himalayas.

Suggested Citation

  • Chandra Prakash Kala & Sanjay Kumar Singh & Gopal Singh Rawat, 2002. "Effects of sheep and goat grazing on the species diversity in the alpine meadows of Western Himalaya," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 22(2), pages 183-189, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envsyd:v:22:y:2002:i:2:d:10.1023_a:1015306405212
    DOI: 10.1023/A:1015306405212
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