Relationship between plant species richness and aboveground biomass in Gunde and Maidi lake of Pokhara valley, Kaski, Nepal

Abstract

The present study was carried out in two subtropical wetlands, namely Gunde and Maidi lakes wetland of Pokhara valley from an ecological and socio-economic perspectives. Biomass estimation of plant species was done by harvest method and species composition by quadrat method. Altogether 27 species representing 13 families and 26 genera were recorded along with 15 species from Gunde and 23 species from Maidi lake having 12 species common to both lake. Among them, Elechoris palustris, Phragmites sp. Leersia hexandra followed by Rotala rotundifolia were dominant species. The highest species richness recorded 10 species/m2 in Maidi, slightly higher than Gunde, i.e. 9 species/m2. The species richness recorded was ranged from 3-9 species/m2 in Gunde and 2-10 species/m2 in Maidi lake and biomass was 54.09-295.04g/m2 and 71.10-363.34g/m2 respectively. A weakly hump-shaped pattern was observed between biomass and species richness. Maximum species richness was found in biomass interval between ca. 100-120g/m2 when all data were combined. The background information about socio-economic condition of both lakes reflect partial dependency of people on wetland resources and increasing awareness towards contemporary issues. Principle threats to the lake include: siltation, eutrophication, agricultural runoff and lake area encroachments. Suggested management approaches include integrated land use planning, shoreline campaigning awareness among local people, demarcation of lake boundary and conservation through wise use of available resources. Key words: siltation, conservation eutrophication species composition socio-economy