Indices for disturbance assessment in Banj Oak (Quercus leucotrichophora)forests of Central Himalayas

Anvita Pandey, Vishal Singh and Rajesh Thadani, Centre for Ecology Development and Research, Dehradun, India

Background/Question/Methods
We assessed the impact of small scale chronic disturbances on structure and function of Quercus leucotrichophora (commonly known as banj oak) forests. The method included the mapping of study area and disturbance categories using ArcGIS and developing disturbance indices to categorize forests based on research conducted in the field. Four disturbance categories were defined based on the indices and ten plots of 400m2 in each disturbance regime was marked for study. Therefore, 40 plots of 400m2 was studied at different altitude ranging between 1600m-2200m for species diversity, density, basal area and regeneration status. Canopy cover was calculated using densiometer and understory cover was measured using Point Line intercept Method (PLIT).
Results/Conclusions
The study showed that maximum banj oak tree density was in undisturbed forests (435 ind ha-1) and decreased to almost 50% in degraded forests (222.5 ind ha-1). Density in moderately disturbed-A forest site was close to undisturbed forests (412.5 ind ha-1) and but performed better in terms of regeneration. Maximum number of banj oak seedlings was present in moderately disturbed-A forest (3720 ind ha-1) followed by undisturbed forests (2900 ind ha-1). Several important studies have been done but indices based on different parameters are not available so far. The disturbance indices has been created on the basis of canopy cover, understory, litter removal and grazing. This paper provides indices for forest disturbance and prioritise area for conservation and management.