Assessment of Anthropogenic Pressures on Sub-alpine and
Alpine Habitats of Baidani-Ali: Preliminary Results
- Dr. S.Sathyakumar, Reader
Abstract
An assessment of the anthropogenic pressures on the sub-alpine and alpine habitats in Baideni-Ali was
initiated in May 2002 as part of the project entitled "Studies on the animal-habitat interactions in the buffer zone
of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve". These habitats are characterized by
`treeline'-Krummholz-alpine meadow ecotone that are inhabited by threatened fauna such as the Blue Sheep, Himalayan musk deer, Serow,
Himalayan tahr, Himalayan Monal and Koklass pheasants. Based on reconnaissance and secondary
information, an area of ca. 80
Km2 covering Bedni-Ali-Roopkund (3,000 to 5,200m) in the western region of the Nanda
Devi BR was selected as the intensive study area. To assess the biotic pressure on these habitats, 312
permanent plots have been laid along seven transects (1.6 to 2.0 km) that represented the area in terms of altitude,
aspect, slope and human use. Data on vegetation, abundance and habitat use by ungulates, pheasants and
livestock were collected using standard methods. Density estimates for trees and saplings in the study area
ranged from 131 to 683/ha. and 39 to 535/ha. respectively. About 500 cattle, buffaloes, horses and mules grazed
close to `treeline' from June to September, while 4,500 sheep and goats used the study area during July-August.
Livestock dung density estimates varied from 255 to 1,489 dung/ha. Based on preliminary analysis, the
different transect areas have been tentatively classified into three zones of human and livestock use gradients
viz., low, medium and high. Investigations on the abundance and habitat utilization by wild ungulates and
pheasants vis-à-vis human and livestock use are being planned using the transects and permanent plots laid.
Exclosure studies to assess impacts of livestock grazing in alpine habitats have been initiated.
| Project Title | : | Studies on animal-habitat interactions in the Buffer Zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. |
| PIs & Co-PIs | : | Dr. S. Sathyakumar & Dr. G.S. Rawat |
| Researchers | : | R.S. Negi, TA |
| Funding Agency | : | MoEF Sponsored |
| Date of Initiation & Completion | : | 11.02.2002 to 10.02.2005 |