Vegetation composition and anthropogenic impact on Nannorrhops communities in Shurku Valley, District Kurram, Pakistan

Phytosociological studies were conducted in the previously unexplored Shurku Valley, Lower Kurram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, between 2021 and 2024. The research revealed that Nannorrhops vegetation is under significant ecological and anthropogenic pressure, primarily due to deforestation and habitat degradation. Understanding these pressures is essential for developing effective conservation strategies aimed at preserving this unique vegetation and maintaining the ecological balance of the region. Vegetation analysis was conducted using the quadrat method with standardized plot sizes for trees, shrubs and herbs. Four distinct plant communities were identified: Nannorrhops-Heteropogon-Olea, Nannorrhops-Olea-Parthenium, Hyparrhenia-Olea-Quercus and Olea-Nannorrhops-Leptorhabdos, classified based on quantitative characteristics. Soil properties across the sites varied from silty loam to sandy textures with near-neutral pH levels. Silty loam was more conducive to Nannorrhops growth, while sandy soils presented ecological challenges requiring adaptive management. Organic matter was moderate and although certain nutrients such as potassium and micronutrients were present in favorable amounts, limitations in nitrogen and inconsistent phosphorus levels highlighted the need for targeted soil interventions. Overall, Nannorrhops vegetation is under considerable biotic stress, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation measures, including habitat restoration, sustainable land management and public awareness efforts. Protecting these plant communities is crucial for sustaining the valley’s biodiversity and ecological resilience.