Structural Variation in Community-managed Forests of Kumaun Central Himalaya, India

The present study examines variations in species composition and plant diversity along the elevation gradients in Community Managed Forests of the Kumaun Central Himalaya. These forests are managed by local communities for their daily needs, including fuel wood, fodder, timber, medicines, and non-timber forest products. A total of 104 plant species were recorded across all elevations. Tree richness varies from 4 to 21, and diversity ranged between 0.60±0.45 and 1.96±0.73. Tree richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity were significantly high (p<0.05) at low elevations, while tree density and basal area were not significant (p<0.05) along the elevational gradient. Shrub density was significantly high (p<0.01), whereas all other parameters did not show significant variations. Herb density also did not vary significantly along the elevational gradient, but the herb diversity index (2.92±0.15) was significantly high (p<0.01) at mid-elevation. The overall distribution pattern revealed that lower-altitude forests exhibited high tree diversity and density, whereas higher elevations supported lower species richness. A negative relationship was observed between elevation and tree species diversity (R² = 0.96). Thus, these community forests need immediate attention for conservation and management to ensure the continuous supply of resources to the people residing in the region.