Oral Session - Conservation Planning Chair(s): Theobald, David¹, ¹ Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Thursday, April 1, 2004 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Apollo Room 2

Patterns of plant species distribution across landscape units and elevation in the Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh, India. Kala, Chandra Prakash¹, ¹ G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi, Katarmal, Almora, Uttaranchal, India

ABSTRACT- Vegetation distribution in eight landscape types was studied along an altitudinal gradient in the Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh, India. I used the point intercept method for vegetation sampling. Six plant communities were distinguished by cluster analysis. Of these 6 communities, three communities were dominated by shrub species. Table-lands were the landscape type with the highest species diversity followed by undulating areas and river-beds. The number of plant species varied with elevation peaking at 4000-4500 m a.s.l., followed by a sharp decline. Most plant species were restricted to one landscape unit which reflects the specific ecological requirements of these species.

KEY WORDS: Landscape type, Altitudinal gradient, Plant community, Species diversity, Trans-Himalaya