Quantitative Analysis Temperate Coniferous Forest at Chame, Manang, Central Nepal

Abstract

A quantitative vegetation study was undertaken in the forest of Chame located between Bagarchhap and Bratang. It is a head quarter of Manang district which lies on northern part of Annapurna Conservation area. The study was carried out in both north and south facing slopes ranging from 2400m asl to 2800m asl. Field sampling was conducted in two seasons, one in July and other in November. Random sampling method was used and altogether 49 quadrates of size (10m X 10m) were laid in four sites. In total 55 species were recorded from all four sites. Number of species was found higher in site II (2500m-2600m) & IV (2700m-2800m). Frequency, density, coverage, Importance Value Index, species diversity and soil parameters were analyzed. Considering the Importance Value Index, Pinus wallichiana was most dominant one followed by Picea smithiana. Species richness was calculated in terms of number of species and diversity index values, which were found highest in site IV. Similarity index was found highest between site I (2400m-2500m) & IV (2700m-2800m). Soil analysis showed moderate acidic in nature.

Statistical analysis showed that there was significant positive relation between total density and total basal area of trees but negative correlation between total densities of shrubs/sapling. Similarly negative relation was obtained between shrub density and herb species richness. However species richness increased with increase in radiation index. On the whole present study revealed that biotic factor plays a leading role in composition and vegetation distribution other than factors such as soil characters, nutrients, climate, temperature, etc.