Conservation of Pinus gerardiana (Chilghoza pine) - A case study of Hudur valley, district Diamir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Conservation of Pinus gerardiana (Chilghoza pine) - A case study of Hudur valley, district Diamir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Islam Ullah Shah, Anwar Ali, Ayaz Khan and Sultan Muhammad
ABSTRACT
The current study on "Conservation of Pinus gerardiana (Chilghoza pine): A case study of Hudur valley, District Diamir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan" was carried out in Chilghoza forest of Hudurd valley, District Diamer. The study area is situated in the foothills of Hindukush Mountain Range at an elevation of 2500 to 5000 m with an area of 334.295 km2. The main objective of the study is to find out the current status of Chilghoza forest in Huder Valley. Data on Pinus gerardiana was collected through Point-Centered Quarter Method from 80 sample plots. Four stands of Chilghoza forest were selected randomly for the enumeration of data from different locations and aspects. In each stand a transect line was laid out and after every 30 m twenty plots were taken for collection of data on species composition, their DBH and heights. This data was used to estimate growing stock and carbon stock in the study area. Pinus gerardiana is present in all four stands as the leading dominant specie. Average Density of all stands was calculated as 342.88 trees/ha with basal area 55.34144 m2/ha. The average volume of all stands was calculated as 132.324m3/ha. The distribution of Pinus gerardiana is satisfactory in almost all the stands however the distribution of associated species are poor. Due to poor distribution and gaps in small size middle and in large classes, Juniperus excels and Quercus ilex seem to be losing ground in this forest due to anthropogenic activities including felling, grazing, sliding, burning and other natural factors. The study recommends devising a proper management plan for Chilghoza forests in consultation with local communities.
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March 2013
Vol. 63, Iss. 1
