Integrating Ecosystem Conservation and Plant Systematics-New Approaches for Biodiversity Conservation

This paper reviews the effect of ecosystem degradation on species occurrences and distribution in the Himalayan region and how ecosystem restoration can help in species migration and recruitment. The author is of the opinion that plant systematics as a science has to be integrated with the study of various ecosystems as they exist in the hilly regions and studying how ecosystem functioning helps in the survival of species. Impact assessment studies are required if most of the endangered species are to be protected for the future.

Due to constraints of time and resources, a rapid inventory technique is suggested, in which information from various sources can be dove tailed into a data base and selected centers identified for species conservation. A list of a few selected locations are suggested as starting points for conservation of both species and ecosystems.