Plant species diversity along altitudinal gradient of Chamkhar River Basin, Central Bhutan

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Vol. 8 No. 1 (2024)
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Articles

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KARMA THUKTEN ♥
1. Center for Forest Science and Technology, Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training. 32001 Lamaigoempa, Bumthang, Bhutan. 2. Department of Forests and Park Services, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. Thimphu, Bhutan

Abstract

Abstract. Thukten K. 2024. Plant species diversity along altitudinal gradient of Chamkhar River Basin, Central Bhutan. Asian J For 8: 81-87. Chamkhar River Basin in Bumthang District, Bhutan, plays an important role in water discharge due to the presence of forest vegetation at elevation range between 2,000-6,800 masl. This study was carried out between June-October 2023 to assess the plant species diversity, composition and abundance of vegetation along the Chamkhar River Basin representing different forest types and altitudes. In this study, 13 grids comprising 38 plots (one grid had 3 sampling plots) were established along Chamkhar River Basin through systematic sampling. The plots within the grid were selected to include tri-confluence formed by tributaries joining the Chamkhar River for the water discharge assessment. As many as 108 species and 1,294 individuals of trees, 154 species and 1,959 individuals of shrubs, and 101 species and 1,136 individuals of herbs, totaling of 363 species, 233 genera and 100 families were enumerated from different altitudes and across 4 different forest types (Blue Pine, Mixed Conifer, Cool and Warm Broadleaved forest) across the 38 sampling plots. Mixed Conifer and Blue Pine forests form the major forest type in the upstream ecosystem, while Cool Broadleaved and Warm Broadleaved forests form the major downstream ecosystem. The species richness and diversity were found higher in the Broadleaved forests at a lower altitude than in Blue Pine and Mixed Conifer forests at a higher altitude. However, species abundance did not show any definite pattern. The results of this study might be useful to better manage Chamkhar River basin and also serve as a baseline data for any future research along the Chamkhar River.

2017-01-01

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