PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS WITHIN THE RANGE OF GREY GORAL IN PAKISTAN AND AZAD KASHMIR

Abstract

Phytosociological analysis of habitat, spread over some 5,000 km2, exploited by almost half the global population of endangered Himalayan grey goral (Naemorhedus goral, order: Artiodactyla, sub-order: Ruminantia, family: Bovidae) was carried out using line transect method, two way ordination using TWINSPAN and Sorenson’s coefficient of similarity. Study suggests a high overall species diversity (99; trees 22, shrubs 24, herbs 31, grasses 52) and in different stands (22–77). The canopy was fairly open and trees (3.80-44.42%), shrubs (6.20-68.73%) and herbs/grasses (9.89–59.54%) contributed different covers in different stands. Trees and shrubs constituted perennial layers, while herbs and grasses dry up during autumn and winter. Pinus roxburghii was indicator species of habitat. Most of the other species exhibited a low constancy, except Dodonaea viscose (77.28%), Carissa opaca, Acacia modesta, Myrsine africana, Aristida cyanatha, Cynodon dactylon. Eight vegetative communities were established, each having its own species composition and distributed in different tracts and shared high similarity indices. Habitat loss was not directly responsible for past population decline yet serious management and monitoring is required in the wake of expected increased grazing and wood cutting stresses.