Species richness, distribution pattern and conservation status of higher plants in the Spiti cold desert of trans-Himalaya, India

Abstract

This paper addresses the diversity status and distribution of higher plants in the Spiti cold desert of the trans-Himalaya in India. Ecological surveys to measure species richness were conducted using random sampling. The vegetation is quite sparse, with patchy distribution. A total of 166 species in 101 genera and 37 families were recorded at sites from 3100–5200 m above mean sea level. The highest species richness was from 3400 to 3700 m. Nine species of threatened medicinal plants were observed, particularly from 3700 to 4000 m. A number of rare and endemic plants were found in several habitats, particularly from 3400 to 4300 m, mostly in localized pockets or with a very narrow distribution. Given the sparse vegetation and status of rare, endemic and threatened plants, effective strategies are required for sustainable management and conservation of plant species in the Spiti cold desert.

Keywords:

• SPECIES RICHNESS
• DISTRIBUTION
• THREATENED PLANTS
• SPITI COLD DESERT
• TRANS-HIMALAYA