An account of pteridophytes of Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand, India
Purushottam Kumar Deroliya, Puneet Kumar, Sushil Kumar Singh and Poulami Ghosh
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 47 | Issue - 3 | Page No. 127 - 134
Published: 31-10-2024
A total of 31 species under 21 genera belonging to 14 families have been recorded with updated nomenclature and protologue citation followed by basionym, fertile period, distribution within the study area, habitat and details of collection from Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand. Pteridaceae is the most dominant family represented by 9 species of 5 genera. Of the all species 16 species are ethnobotanically significant.
Assessment of IUCN threat status of Arachnis senapatiana (Orchidaceae)
L. Ibemhal Chanu, Th. Binoy Singh and Prem Prakash Singh
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 47 | Issue - 3 | Page No. 135 - 138
Published: 31-10-2024
In most cases, information on the distribution, population, and bottlenecks affecting the endemic and threatened plant species are often insufficient. Consequently, assigning the appropriate conservation threat status for these species becomes challenging, as such information is a prerequisite for ensuring the effective conservation of their wild populations. Extensive field surveys were carried out during 2018-2021, all individuals of the species encountered at various locations were counted to estimate the overall population size. Additionally, both exogenous and endogenous factors leading to decline in population and rarity are also discussed. In the present study, the natural population data of Arachnis senapatiana suggest that this species has narrow distribution range and small population size, thus the species is accorded as critically endangered (CR) species as per IUCN threat classification. Key exogenous threats include over-exploitation and habitat degradation resulting from various anthropogenic activities. Endogenous factors include limited seed germination and seedling recruitment in its natural habitat. These factors may be responsible for the narrow distribution range and small population size of A. senapatiana.
Unveiling sacred and ceremonial plants of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh: Role of tribal community towards sustainable management of biodiversity in the NW Himalaya
Monika Chauhan, Vaneet Jishtu, Gurinder Singh Goraya, Raj Kumar Verma, Sher Singh Samant and Brij Bhushan
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 47 | Issue - 3 | Page No. 139 - 150
Published: 31-10-2024
Kinnaura tribe, residing in the rugged terrain around the majestic Kinner Kailash range in Himachal Pradesh, is well known for their diligent nature, warm hospitality, vibrant culture, and deep-rooted religious practices, influenced by both Hinduism and Buddhism. Their socio-economic and religious life revolves around the resident deity, relying on the rich biodiversity of their surroundings for performing rituals and ceremonies. Hence to explore the sacred and ceremonial plants that play essential roles in their beliefs, traditions and attire, an extensive field surveys were conducted from 2020 to 2023. A total of 51 plant species in 25 families were documented for their utilization in various religious ceremonies and festivals. Besides, these plants are also used to adorn their characteristic headwear, which can be referred to as the "The Crown of Kinnaur". Recognizing and respecting cultural practices that involve the sustainable use of plants fosters a strong sense of belonging, encouraging local communities to actively conserve species for future generations. This research delineates the interconnectedness between communities and their environment and contributes to achieving SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and eventually SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Cyperus surinamensis: New distributional record for West Bengal
Umama Khan, Revan Yogesh Chaudhari, Bhupendra Singh Adhikari, Syed Ainul Hussain and Ruchi Badola
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 47 | Issue - 3 | Page No. 151 - 154
Published: 31-10-2024
This paper presents the first report of Cyperus surinamensis, a newly naturalized sedge species, from the Gangetic plains of West Bengal, marking its second record in India. Initially documented in 2013 from the coastal regions of Kerala in India, the species is native to the New World. Its occurrence in West Bengal highlights the expanding range of this species within the Indian subcontinent. The paper provides a comprehensive description of the plant's morphological characteristics along with a map and field photographs to facilitate identification.
The moss Sematophyllum substrumulosum – A new record for India from the Western Ghats
Zepinth Hamenth Williams, Balasubramanian Dhanyasree and Albert Ebenezer Dulip Daniels
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 47 | Issue - 3 | Page No. 155 - 158
Published: 31-10-2024
While documenting the bryoflora of Sirumalai Hills and Nilgiri Hills in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, the moss Sematophyllum substrumulosum was discovered which is a new record for India and only the second record for Asia. A description, photographic plate and a distribution map are provided to help bryologists collect this species elsewhere.
Euphorbia bifida (Euphorbiaceae): An addition to the Indian flora from Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Midigesi Anil Kumar, Pankaj Arvind Dhole, Sarojini Devi Naidu, Mahadevakumar Shivannegowda, Gautam Anuj Ekka and Lal Ji Singh
Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume - 47 | Issue - 3 | Page No. 159 - 164
Published: 31-10-2024
A species of the genus Euphorbia- E. bifida Hook. and Arn. (Euphorbiaceae: subgenus Chamaesyce) is reported for the first time as a new record for Indian flora from the Kamorta Island of Nicobar group of Islands with brief taxonomic description based on our collected specimens. In addition to the description, habitat ecology, details on population distribution, key to the species of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, photos of the collected specimens and the conservation status are also provided.