Extraction, utilization pattern and prioritization of fuel resources for conservation in Manali Wildlife Sanctuary, Northwestern Himalaya

Fuelwood is the main source of the energy in mountainous regions. Hence, annual wood consumption is very high. Information on fuelwood resources, and their extraction and availability is very scanty. Therefore, present study was carried out to study the diversity of fuelwood species, annual collection, preference and availability of fuel species in the forests. Thirty four species (25 trees and 9 shrubs) were extracted for fuel by the inhabitants. Total collection and species preference was highest for Picea smithiana, Cedrus deodara, Indigofera heterantha, Pinus wallchiana and Sorbaria tomentosa, respectively. Resource use index indicating use pressure was highest for P. smithiana, C. deodara, I. heterantha and Abies pindrow, respectively. Besides native species, some non-native horticultural and agroforestry species such as Malus pumila, P. domestica, Celtis australis, etc. were also being used as fuel. Preferred species showed their availability in eight forest types whereas, population and regeneration status was poor. Therefore, immediate actions are suggested to sustain current and future demand of fuelwood. The afforestation of degraded, uncultivated and marginal lands through high quality and preferred fuel species might reduce pressure on wild and selective species.