Vasishth, Amol(Dr.)Bhatt, PranjaliButola, B.S.(Dr.) (Member)Riyal, M.K.(Dr.) (Member)Lal, Pankaj(Member)2024-08-062024-08-062023Th310https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810212886Title: “Assessment of Tree Diversity, Ethnobotanical Exploration and Consumption Pattern of Fuelwood and Fodder Species at different altitudes of Chakrata region, Dehradun Uttarakhand” The present investigation was conducted in three different altitudes Lower (700-1200 m asl), Middle (1200-1700 m asl) and Upper (1700-2200 m asl)) of Chakrata region of Dehradun district. The study was proposed to assess tree diversity, ethnobotanical uses of plants, fuelwood and fodder consumption patterns at different studied altitudes. Maximum density was observed for Quercusleucotrichophora (142.5/ha) and minimum for Morusserrata, Prunusceracoides, Lanneacoromandelica, Ficusreligiosa each (5/ha) along the altitudinal gradient 700-2200m asl in both the land use system (Forestry and Agroforestry). In the agroforestry land use system, the maximum (52.08, 35.63, and 58.66) IVI was recorded for Grewiaoptiva at lower, middle, and upper altitudes, respectively. In the forest land use system, the maximum IVI was recorded for Acacia catechu (53.34) at lower and Quercusleucotrichophora (77.40 & 81.57) at middle and upper altitudes. Along 700-2200m asl altitudinal gradient, Margalef index (1.99-2.87 and 1.25-1.64), Menhenik index (1.043-1.45 and 0.63-0.78) Simpson Diversity Index (0.88-0.91 and 0.76-0.86), Shannon-Weiner Index (0.23-2.52 and 0.48-1.97) and Pielo equitability (0.096-0.957 and 0.251-0.948) were observed in agroforestry and forest land use system, respectively. A total of 80 ethnobotanical plants belonging to 45 families were recorded from all three altitudes. The most represented families were Solanaceae and Rosaceae followed by Asteraceae. Analysis of habit for ethnobotanical plants showed that herbs (42%) shared the largest proportion followed by trees (33%) and shrubs (16%). Among plants parts used for the ethnobotanical purpose, leaves were found to be a frequently used part accounting for 26% followed by the roots with 21%. Average fuelwood consumption/HH/Day (kg) was recorded 14.13, 15.62 and 19.80 at lower, middle and higher altitude respectively. Average fodder Consumption/Day (kg) was recorded 25.98, 29.54 and 30.72 ACU at lower, middle and upper altitude respectively. Locals and forests are connected to one another and locals' reliance on surrounding forest causes the forests to deteriorate, which in turn affects the biodiversity of the area. The primary reason being rural residents depend on the forest for their livelihood and are compelled to move to cities in search of work is a lack of employment options.EnglishThesis