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Lepcha P, Gaira KS, Pandey A, Chettri SK, Lepcha J, Lepcha J, Joshi R, Chettri N. Elevation determines the productivity of large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) cultivars in Sikkim Himalaya. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21673. [PMID: 38066028 PMCID: PMC10709556 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47847-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) is an economically important cash crop that provides a livelihood option for the rural communities in Sikkim Himalaya. However, its production has declined drastically over the past few decades due to climate change and other factors affecting the livelihood of marginal cardamom-dependent farmers in the region. Climate change causes a shift in elevational distributions of mountain species, and it is pivotal to understand its effect on yield and yield-related traits for economically important plant species like large cardamom. For this, we randomly studied 41 large cardamom cultivation sites in Sikkim (India) with elevations ranging between 975 and 2069 m asl and evaluated the yield-related traits (number of capsules per spike, capsule length, capsule width, fresh capsule weight, dry capsule weight, number of seeds per locule, fresh seed weight, and dry seed weight) in five cultivars (Dzongu Golsey, Sawney, Seremna, Ramsey, and Varlangey). We observed a significant variability (P < 0.05) for morphometric traits in each of the five cultivars cultivated in different elevations. The cultivation of low-elevation cultivars like Seremna and Dzongu Golsey (suitable in elevation < 975 m) has shifted upward to mid (975-1515 m) and high-elevation (> 1515 m), while cultivation of high-elevation Ramsey cultivar (suitable in elevation > 1515 m) has shifted downward (< 1515 m). The Dzongu Golsey, Sawney, and Seremna cultivated in mid-elevation (975-1515 m) performed better in terms of yield-related traits than the same cultivars cultivated in high-elevation (> 1515 m) and showed moderate to high negative correlation between elevation and yield-related traits, indicating the negative effect of elevation on their yield. Likewise, Ramsey and Varlangey cultivated in high elevation (> 1515 m) performed better than the one cultivated in mid-elevation (975-1515 m) and depicted moderate to high positive correlation between elevation and yield-related traits, suggesting a positive influence of elevation on their yield. Although there is an elevational shift in the cultivation of large cardamom cultivars, the elevation influences the performance of the large cardamom cultivars, and it also suggests cultivating the cultivars in their suitable elevation range for better productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrush Lepcha
- GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Sikkim Regional Centre, Pangthang, Post Box 24, Gangtok, 737101, Sikkim, India
- Department of Botany, Sikkim University, P. O, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim-737102, India
| | - Kailash S Gaira
- GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Sikkim Regional Centre, Pangthang, Post Box 24, Gangtok, 737101, Sikkim, India.
| | - Aseesh Pandey
- GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, 263643, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Chettri
- GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Sikkim Regional Centre, Pangthang, Post Box 24, Gangtok, 737101, Sikkim, India
| | - Jarina Lepcha
- GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Sikkim Regional Centre, Pangthang, Post Box 24, Gangtok, 737101, Sikkim, India
| | - Jhony Lepcha
- GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Sikkim Regional Centre, Pangthang, Post Box 24, Gangtok, 737101, Sikkim, India
| | - Rajesh Joshi
- GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Sikkim Regional Centre, Pangthang, Post Box 24, Gangtok, 737101, Sikkim, India
| | - Nakul Chettri
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Post Box. 3226, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Sigdel SR, Liang E, Rokaya MB, Rai S, Dyola N, Sun J, Zhang L, Zhu H, Chettri N, Chaudhary RP, Camarero JJ, Peñuelas J. Functional traits of a plant species fingerprint ecosystem productivity along broad elevational gradients in the Himalayas. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shalik Ram Sigdel
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research Chinese Academy of Sciences 100101 Beijing China
| | - Eryuan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research Chinese Academy of Sciences 100101 Beijing China
| | - Maan Bahadur Rokaya
- Institute of Botany Czech Academy of Sciences, Zamek 1, 252 43 Průhonice Czech Republic
- Department of Biodiversity Research Global Change Research Institute Czech Academy of Sciences, Bělidla 986/4a, 603 00 Brno Czech Republic
| | - Samresh Rai
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research Chinese Academy of Sciences 100101 Beijing China
| | - Nita Dyola
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research Chinese Academy of Sciences 100101 Beijing China
| | - Jian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research Chinese Academy of Sciences 100101 Beijing China
| | - Lin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research Chinese Academy of Sciences 100101 Beijing China
| | - Haifeng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research Chinese Academy of Sciences 100101 Beijing China
| | - Nakul Chettri
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), GPO Box 3226 Kathmandu Nepal
| | - Ram Prasad Chaudhary
- Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology (RECAST) Tribhuvan University Kathmandu Nepal
| | - J. Julio Camarero
- Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (IPE‐CSIC), Avda. Montañana, 1005, 50059 Zaragoza Spain
| | - Josep Peñuelas
- CSIC, Global Ecology Unit CREAF‐CSIC‐UAB E‐08193 Bellaterra Catalonia Spain
- CREAF Cerdanyola del Vallès, E‐08193 Catalonia Spain
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Chaudhary S, Uddin K, Chettri N, Thapa R, Sharma E. Protected areas in the Hindu Kush Himalaya: A regional assessment of the status, distribution, and gaps. Conservat Sci and Prac 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sunita Chaudhary
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development Kathmandu Nepal
- Macquarie University Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Kabir Uddin
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development Kathmandu Nepal
| | - Nakul Chettri
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development Kathmandu Nepal
| | - Rajesh Thapa
- University of New England Armidale New South Wales Australia
| | - Eklabya Sharma
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development Kathmandu Nepal
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Dyola N, Sigdel SR, Liang E, Babst F, Camarero JJ, Aryal S, Chettri N, Gao S, Lu X, Sun J, Wang T, Zhang G, Zhu H, Piao S, Peñuelas J. Species richness is a strong driver of forest biomass along broad bioclimatic gradients in the Himalayas. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nita Dyola
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Shalik Ram Sigdel
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Eryuan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Flurin Babst
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment University of Arizona Tucson Arizona USA
- Laboratory of Tree‐Ring Research University of Arizona Tucson Arizona USA
| | | | - Sugam Aryal
- Friedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐Nürnberg Institut für Geographie Erlangen Germany
| | - Nakul Chettri
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Kathmandu Nepal
| | - Shan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Xiaoming Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Jian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Gengxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Haifeng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Shilong Piao
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Josep Peñuelas
- CREAF Barcelona Spain
- CSIC Global Ecology Unit CREAF‐CSIC‐UAB Barcelona Spain
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Sharma P, Chettri N, Wangchuk K. Human-wildlife conflict in the roof of the world: Understanding multidimensional perspectives through a systematic review. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:11569-11586. [PMID: 34522325 PMCID: PMC8427619 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-wildlife conflicts have intensified by many folds and at different levels in recent years. The same is true in the case of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), the roof of the world, and a region known for its wealth in biodiversity. We present a systematic literature review (SLR) using the search, appraisal, synthesis, and analysis (SALSA) framework; and for spatial and network analysis, we employed the VOSviewer software. The review-covering 240 peer-articles within a span of 27 years (from 1982 to 2019)-revealed that in the last decade, there was a 57% increase in publications but with a disproportionate geographical and thematic focus. About 82% of the research concentrated on protected areas and large carnivores and mega herbivores played a big role in such conflicts. About 53% of the studies were based on questionnaires, and the main driver reported was habitat disturbance of animals due to land-cover change, urbanization, and increase in human population. On the management front, the studies reported the use of traditional protection techniques like guarding and fencing. Our analysis of 681 keywords revealed a prominent focus on 'human-wildlife conflict,' 'Nepal,' 'Bhutan,' 'Snow Leopard,' and 'Leopard' indicating the issue linked with these species and countries. The involvement of 640 authors from 36 countries indicates increasing interest, and Nepal and India are playing key roles in the region. As for the spatial analysis that was conducted, while it showed regional variations, there were conspicuous limitations in terms of having a transboundary focus. Thus, particular attention ought to be paid to building transboundary partnerships and improving management interventions; there is also a pressing need to understand the patterns of human-wildlife convergence, especially involving meso-mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashanti Sharma
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain DevelopmentKathmanduNepal
| | - Nakul Chettri
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain DevelopmentKathmanduNepal
| | - Kesang Wangchuk
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain DevelopmentKathmanduNepal
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Dorji T, Wangdi J, Shaoliang Y, Chettri N, Wangchuk K. Mithun (Bos frontalis): the neglected cattle species and their significance to ethnic communities in the Eastern Himalaya - A review. Anim Biosci 2021; 34:1727-1738. [PMID: 33902178 PMCID: PMC8563247 DOI: 10.5713/ab.21.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This review consolidates the available information on the socio-economic and ecological significance of Mithun in the lives of ethnic communities in the Eastern Himalaya. Methods Standard guidelines were followed for the review and data collection was carried out at three stages; literature search, literature screening, and literature review and analysis. Results Records indicate a long association of Mithun with the ethnic groups. Mithun serves as a symbol of pride and local currency for barter trade in the ethnic society. Its utilities range from being used as a bride price to settling legal disputes. Several cultural festivals and local ceremonies are celebrated around this bovine. Due to its semi-wild nature, this animal also has an ecological role to conserve broad leaf sub-tropical forests. However, it remains neglected and has not received policy attention, leading to a stagnated growth. The institutions for Mithun research and development are also weak. Furthermore, the species is under threat from new diseases and habitat alteration triggered by climate change. Conclusion Founded on the current state of knowledge, there is a need for institutional development, strengthening institutional linkages, and promoting regional cooperation among Mithun rearing countries for further research and development of this unique cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tashi Dorji
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, GPO Box: 326, Katmandu, Nepal
| | - Jigme Wangdi
- Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture and Forest, GPO Box: 11001, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Yi Shaoliang
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, GPO Box: 326, Katmandu, Nepal
| | - Nakul Chettri
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, GPO Box: 326, Katmandu, Nepal
| | - Kesang Wangchuk
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, GPO Box: 326, Katmandu, Nepal
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Thapa S, Baral S, Hu Y, Huang Z, Yue Y, Dhakal M, Jnawali SR, Chettri N, Racey PA, Yu W, Wu Y. Will climate change impact distribution of bats in Nepal Himalayas? A case study of five species. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Uprety Y, Chettri N, Dhakal M, Asselin H, Chand R, Chaudhary RP. Illegal wildlife trade is threatening conservation in the transboundary landscape of Western Himalaya. J Nat Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Sharma P, Chettri N, Uddin K, Wangchuk K, Joshi R, Tandin T, Pandey A, Gaira KS, Basnet K, Wangdi S, Dorji T, Wangchuk N, Chitale VS, Uprety Y, Sharma E. Mapping human‒wildlife conflict hotspots in a transboundary landscape, Eastern Himalaya. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Pereira LM, Davies KK, Belder E, Ferrier S, Karlsson‐Vinkhuyzen S, Kim H, Kuiper JJ, Okayasu S, Palomo MG, Pereira HM, Peterson G, Sathyapalan J, Schoolenberg M, Alkemade R, Carvalho Ribeiro S, Greenaway A, Hauck J, King N, Lazarova T, Ravera F, Chettri N, Cheung WWL, Hendriks RJJ, Kolomytsev G, Leadley P, Metzger J, Ninan KN, Pichs R, Popp A, Rondinini C, Rosa I, Vuuren D, Lundquist CJ. Developing multiscale and integrative nature–people scenarios using the Nature Futures Framework. People and Nature 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. Pereira
- Centre for Complex Systems in Transition Stellenbosch University Matieland South Africa
- Stockholm Resilience Centre Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Kathryn K. Davies
- National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research Hamilton New Zealand
| | - Eefje Belder
- Agrosystems Research Wageningen University and Research Wageningen The Netherlands
| | | | | | - HyeJin Kim
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐Leipzig Leipzig Germany
- Institute of Biology Martin Luther University Halle‐Wittenberg Halle (Saale) Germany
| | - Jan J. Kuiper
- Stockholm Resilience Centre Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
| | - Sana Okayasu
- PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency Den Haag The Netherlands
| | - Maria G. Palomo
- Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia‐CONICET Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Henrique M. Pereira
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐Leipzig Leipzig Germany
- Institute of Biology Martin Luther University Halle‐Wittenberg Halle (Saale) Germany
- CIBIO (Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources)–InBIO (Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology) Universidade do Porto Vairão Portugal
| | - Garry Peterson
- Stockholm Resilience Centre Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
| | | | | | - Rob Alkemade
- PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency Den Haag The Netherlands
- Environmental Systems Analyses Group Wageningen University and Research Wageningen The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Nicholas King
- Research Unit for Environmental Science & Management North‐West University Potchefstroom South Africa
| | - Tanya Lazarova
- PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency Den Haag The Netherlands
| | - Federica Ravera
- Chair in Agroecology and Food Systems – University of VictoriaCentral University of Catalunya Vic Spain
- Department of Geography University of Girona Girona Spain
| | - Nakul Chettri
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development Kathmandu Nepal
| | - William W. L. Cheung
- Institute for the Oceans and FIsheries The University of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
| | - Rob J. J. Hendriks
- Department of Strategy, Knowledge and Innovation Nature‐Inclusive Society GroupMinistry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality The Hague The Netherlands
- Institute for Water and Wetland Research Radboud University Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Grigoriy Kolomytsev
- Department of Animal Monitoring and Conservation I.I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology NAS of Ukraine Kyiv Ukraine
| | - Paul Leadley
- Ecologie Systématique Evolution Bâtiment 360Univ. Paris‐Sud, AgroParisTechCNRSUniversité Paris‐Saclay Orsay France
| | - Jean‐Paul Metzger
- Department of Ecology Institute of Biosciences University of Sao Paulo Sao Paulo Brazil
| | | | - Ramon Pichs
- Centre for World Economy Studies (CIEM) Havana Cuba
| | - Alexander Popp
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)Member of the Leibniz Association Potsdam Germany
| | - Carlo Rondinini
- Global Mammal Assessment programme Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Isabel Rosa
- School of Natural Sciences Bangor University Bangor UK
| | - Detlef Vuuren
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
- PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency Den Haag The Netherlands
| | - Carolyn J. Lundquist
- National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research Hamilton New Zealand
- Institute of Marine Science University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
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Kandel P, Chettri N, Chaudhary RP, Badola HK, Gaira KS, Wangchuk S, Bidha N, Uprety Y, Sharma E. Plant diversity of the Kangchenjunga Landscape, Eastern Himalayas. Plant Divers 2019; 41:153-165. [PMID: 31453415 PMCID: PMC6702437 DOI: 10.1016/j.pld.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Kangchenjunga Landscape (KL) in the Eastern Himalayas is a transboundary complex shared by Bhutan, India, and Nepal. It forms a part of the 'Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot' and is one of the biologically richest landscapes in the Eastern Himalayas. In this paper, we use secondary information to review and consolidate the knowledge on the flora of the KL. We reviewed 215 journal articles, analysed the history of publications on the flora of the KL, their publication pattern in terms of temporal and spatial distribution and key research areas. Our review shows that the landscape has a long history of botanical research that dates back to the 1840s and progressed remarkably after the 1980s. Most of the studies have been carried out in India, followed by Nepal and Bhutan. The majority of these have been vegetation surveys, followed by research on ethnobotanical aspects and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). This paper describes the forest types and characteristic species of the KL and details the species richness, diversity and dominant families of seed plants. A total of 5198 species of seed plants belonging to 1548 genera and 216 families have been recorded from the landscape, including 3860 dicots, 1315 monocots and 23 gymnosperms. Among families, Orchidaceae is the most diversely represented family in terms of species richness. This paper also draws attention to the threatened and endemic flora of the KL, including 44 species that are threatened at national and global level and 182 species that are endemic. Finally, the paper reviews the major challenges facing the KL, the conservation efforts and practices that are currently in place and recommends systematic and comprehensive floral surveys, particularly long-term data collection and monitoring and transboundary collaboration, to address the existing knowledge gaps on floral diversity of the KL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratikshya Kandel
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Nakul Chettri
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Ram P. Chaudhary
- Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology (RECAST), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Hemant Kumar Badola
- G B Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development (GBPNIHESD), Sikkim, India
| | - Kailash S. Gaira
- G B Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development (GBPNIHESD), Sikkim, India
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Nature Conservation Division, Department of Forest and Park Services, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Namgay Bidha
- Nature Conservation Division, Department of Forest and Park Services, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Yadav Uprety
- Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology (RECAST), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Eklabya Sharma
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Pala NA, Sarkar BC, Shukla G, Chettri N, Deb S, Bhat JA, Chakravarty S. Floristic composition and utilization of ethnomedicinal plant species in home gardens of the Eastern Himalaya. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 2019; 15:14. [PMID: 30782184 PMCID: PMC6380006 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-019-0293-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Home gardens are popular micro land-use system and are socioeconomically linked with people for their livelihood. In the foothill region of Eastern Himalaya, very less documentations are available on species richness of the home gardens, particularly on the ethnomedicinal plants. We assumed that the home garden owners of the study site are domesticating ethnomedicinal plants which are not easily accessible to them in the wild due to distant forest. This study was planned to explore and document the diversity and population status of ethnomedicinal plants in the home gardens along with its ethnomedicinal use. METHODS The present study was conducted in the home gardens of Cooch Behar district of West Bengal from May 2017 to May 2018. A multidisciplinary approach like collection of plant specimen, interview with structured questionnaire for documenting the utilization pattern, and quadrat methods for population study was applied. We selected 150 study sites randomly in the village cluster. The owners of the gardens were the respondents for the household survey. The study documented diversity, population size, and medicinal uses of ethnomedicinal plant species identified by the garden owners growing or being grown in their gardens. RESULTS A total of 260 plant species were reported, of which, 53 were utilized for different ethnomedicinal applications. These 53 species were represented by 35 families and 45 genera. Most of these ethnomedicinal species were woody perennials (37.73%). Cocus nucifera dominated the list with highest number of use followed by Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. The use value of the species varied from 0.006 to 0.53, while the fidelity value (%) ranged from 2.29 to 93.75%. The leaves of the plants were mostly used for ethnomedicinal applications (19 species) followed by fruits (12 species) and bark (9 species), and the least was the root (7 species). We documented 20 different ailments/diseases cured by using these plants. In some cases, more than one species are used to cure a disease or ailment. As many as 10 species were used to cure only stomach-related problems. Some more diseases like cough and cold and jaundice were treated using six and four species, respectively. CONCLUSION This documented list of 260 plant species including 53 ethnomedicinal ones from the home gardens of the study area indicates that these gardens are key in maintaining diversity and source of healthcare system in agricultural dominant landscape. Documenting such ecological status and traditional applications becomes a prerequisite for developing conservation and management strategies of home gardens to be included in the mainstream conservation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazir A. Pala
- Department of Forestry, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, WB India
| | - Biplov C. Sarkar
- Department of Forestry, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, WB India
| | - Gopal Shukla
- Department of Forestry, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, WB India
| | - Nakul Chettri
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), GPO Box 3226, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Shovik Deb
- Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, WB India
| | - Jahangeer A. Bhat
- School of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry, College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Fiji National University, Koronivia, PO Box 1544, Nausori, Fiji Islands
| | - Sumit Chakravarty
- Department of Forestry, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, WB India
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Gurung J, Chettri N, Sharma E, Ning W, Chaudhary RP, Badola HK, Wangchuk S, Uprety Y, Gaira KS, Bidha N, Phuntsho K, Uddin K, Shah GM. Evolution of a transboundary landscape approach in the Hindu Kush Himalaya: Key learnings from the Kangchenjunga Landscape. Glob Ecol Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Kandel P, Tshering D, Uddin K, Lhamtshok T, Aryal K, Karki S, Sharma B, Chettri N. Understanding social-ecological interdependence using ecosystem services perspective in Bhutan, Eastern Himalayas. Ecosphere 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pratikshya Kandel
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD); P.O. Box 3226 Kathmandu Nepal
| | - Dago Tshering
- Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN); P.O. Box 325, Lhado Lam Thimphu Bhutan
| | - Kabir Uddin
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD); P.O. Box 3226 Kathmandu Nepal
| | - Tshering Lhamtshok
- Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN); P.O. Box 325, Lhado Lam Thimphu Bhutan
| | - Kamal Aryal
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD); P.O. Box 3226 Kathmandu Nepal
| | - Seema Karki
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD); P.O. Box 3226 Kathmandu Nepal
| | - Bikash Sharma
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD); P.O. Box 3226 Kathmandu Nepal
| | - Nakul Chettri
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD); P.O. Box 3226 Kathmandu Nepal
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Aryal KP, Poudel S, Chaudhary RP, Chettri N, Chaudhary P, Ning W, Kotru R. Diversity and use of wild and non-cultivated edible plants in the Western Himalaya. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 2018; 14:10. [PMID: 29378614 PMCID: PMC5789610 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-018-0211-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Local people in the Himalayan region use a wide range of wild and non-cultivated edible plants (WNEPs) for food, spice, medicinal, and cultural purposes. However, their availability, use, status and contribution to livelihood security are poorly documented, and they have been generally overlooked in recent agro-biodiversity conservation and management programmes. The study aimed to investigate WNEP diversity and current status in a part of the Kailash Sacred Landscape-a transboundary landscape shared by Nepal, India and PR China-in terms of collection, use, management and conservation initiatives. METHODS Multiple methodologies and tools were used for data collection. A series of participatory tools (45 key informant interviews, 10 focus group discussions, a crop diversity fair, direct observation of species through a transect walk and rapid market assessments) was followed by a household survey (195 respondents) and complemented by a literature review. RESULTS The study recorded 99 WNEPs belonging to 59 families of which 96 were angiosperms, one gymnosperm and two pteridophytes. Species were used for food, spice, medicine, rituals and income generation. Thirty-five species had multiple uses, including these: 40 species were used for fruit and 31 for vegetables. WNEPs contribute significantly to daily food requirements, especially the vegetables. The use value of Dryopteris cochleata was found highest (0.98) among frequently used vegetable species. The values of informant consensus factor were found maximum for worms in the stomach (0.99) and minimum for skin disease treatment (0.67). Nearly 85% of households depended exclusively on WNEPs for at least more than a month per year. Results on the importance and use of different species, gender roles in WNEP activities and conservation approaches are presented. CONCLUSIONS People living in the Kailash Sacred Landscape depend significantly on WNEPs, and this is especially critical in times of food shortage. The WNEPs have considerable potential as an important supplement to cultivated food crops. Farmers prioritise species with multiple use values and popular vegetables. However, there are numerous challenges and interventions needed to ensure conservation and management of species and their continued availability to support food security and local livelihoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Prasad Aryal
- Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kritipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), GPO Box 3226, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Ram Prasad Chaudhary
- Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kritipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Nakul Chettri
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), GPO Box 3226, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Wu Ning
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), GPO Box 3226, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Rajan Kotru
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), GPO Box 3226, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Uprety Y, Poudel RC, Gurung J, Chettri N, Chaudhary RP. Erratum to: Traditional use and management of NTFPs in Kangchenjunga Landscape: implications for conservation and livelihoods. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 2017; 13:26. [PMID: 28476124 PMCID: PMC5420164 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-017-0152-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yadav Uprety
- Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | - Ram C Poudel
- Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Janita Gurung
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Nakul Chettri
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Ram P Chaudhary
- Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Chaudhary S, Chettri N, Uddin K, Khatri TB, Dhakal M, Bajracharya B, Ning W. Implications of land cover change on ecosystems services and people’s dependency: A case study from the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal. Ecological Complexity 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecocom.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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18
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Uprety Y, Poudel RC, Gurung J, Chettri N, Chaudhary RP. Traditional use and management of NTFPs in Kangchenjunga Landscape: implications for conservation and livelihoods. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 2016; 12:19. [PMID: 27142597 PMCID: PMC4855762 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-016-0089-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2016] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs), an important provisioning ecosystem services, are recognized for their contribution in rural livelihoods and forest conservation. Effective management through sustainable harvesting and market driven commercialization are two contrasting aspects that are bringing challenges in development of NTFPs sector. Identifying potential species having market value, conducting value chain analyses, and sustainable management of NTFPs need analysis of their use patterns by communities and trends at a regional scale. We analyzed use patterns, trends, and challenges in traditional use and management of NTFPs in the southern slope of Kangchenjunga Landscape, Eastern Himalaya and discussed potential implications for conservation and livelihoods. A total of 739 species of NTFPs used by the local people of Kangchenjunga Landscape were reported in the reviewed literature. Of these, the highest number of NTFPs was documented from India (377 species), followed by Nepal (363) and Bhutan (245). Though the reported species were used for 24 different purposes, medicinal and edible plants were the most frequently used NTFP categories in the landscape. Medicinal plants were used in 27 major ailment categories, with the highest number of species being used for gastro-intestinal disorders. Though the Kangchenjunga Landscape harbors many potential NTFPs, trade of NTFPs was found to be nominal indicating lack of commercialization due to limited market information. We found that the unsustainable harvesting and lack of marketing were the major constraints for sustainable management of NTFPs sector in the landscape despite of promising policy provisions. We suggest sustainable harvesting practices, value addition at local level, and marketing for promotion of NTFPs in the Kangchenjunga Landscape for income generation and livelihood improvement that subsequently contributes to conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadav Uprety
- />Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu Nepal
| | - Ram C. Poudel
- />Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), Khumaltar, Lalitpur Nepal
| | - Janita Gurung
- />International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Khumaltar, Lalitpur Nepal
| | - Nakul Chettri
- />International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Khumaltar, Lalitpur Nepal
| | - Ram P. Chaudhary
- />Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu Nepal
- />Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu Nepal
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Kandel P, Gurung J, Chettri N, Ning W, Sharma E. Biodiversity research trends and gap analysis from a transboundary landscape, Eastern Himalayas. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japb.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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Chettri N, Sharma E. Reconciling Mountain Biodiversity Conservation and Human Wellbeing: Drivers of Biodiversity Loss and New Approaches in the Hindu-Kush Himalayas. Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy 2016. [DOI: 10.16943/ptinsa/2016/v82i1/48378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Sharma E, Chettri N, Oli KP. Mountain biodiversity conservation and management: a paradigm shift in policies and practices in the Hindu Kush-Himalayas. Ecol Res 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s11284-010-0747-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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