Assessing anthropogenic pressure and its impact on Hippophae salicifolia pockets in Central Himalaya, Uttarakhand

Natural habitat of Hippophae salicifolia in Central Himalaya is continuously being degraded due to habitat destruction and harvesting. Although logging is prohibited, habitat destruction has increased because of regular road construction, repairing and broadening activities. In addition, Hippophae resources are continuously being harvested by lopping (both partial and complete) for fuelwood, fodder and fruits in higher Himalayan region. This paper presents a detailed analysis of relationship between density, demographic structure, and harvesting of H. salicifolia growing pockets in the five major valleys (Gangotri, Yamunotri, Niti, Mana and Bhyundhar) of Uttarakhand in Central Himalaya, India. A total of 120 quadrats were laid randomly to study population structure, regeneration, sex ratio and lopping using quadrats of 100 m² (24 in each valley) in Hippophae growing patches. Our study shows that the density, size distribution, and regeneration of Hippophae vary considerably among the major valleys. Trees in the Yamunotri valley have the highest density of large trees but the lowest density of seedlings. In contrast, there are few large trees but many seedlings in the Mana valley. The number and size of lopped trees also varied among the valleys. Lopping was greatest in Bhyundhar (11.4%) and Yamunotri (19.7%) and least in Niti (3.9%). The size of lopped trees differed substantially as well. In Bhyundhar, the largest trees were taken while saplings were taken in Yamunotri. Our study revealed that unsustainable harvesting from plants for fuel, fencing and fruits along with road broadening activities in Central Himalaya are the main cause of habitat destruction. Our research highlights the urgent need for in-situ and ex-situ conservation of Hippophae salicifolia so that it’s potential can be harnessed sustainably by rural hill societies for their socio-economic development.