S. K. Barik , Evanylla Khar Lyngdoh , H. B. Naithani

Abstract

The paper presents a comprehensive account on taxonomic identity, niche characteristics and distribution pattern of two important bamboo species of Meghalaya viz., Phyllostachys mannii Gamble and Sinarundinaria griffithiana (Munro) C.S. Chao & Renvoize. The altitudinal distribution of both the species, and stand micro-environmental variables and soil characteristics indicate similar niche of the species. Both the species follow three-phase growth sequence. Based on the culm height, diameter and sheath morphology, it was concluded that Phyllostachys mannii, Phyllostachys assamica and Phyllostachys bambusoides are synonyms instead of being independent species as has been argued by many earlier workers. The distribution map of Phyllostachys mannii and Sinarundinaria griffithiana in Meghalaya shows extremely restricted distribution. Phyllostachys mannii has a restricted distribution world-wide and is confined to Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland of India, Yunnan province of China, and Myanmar. Sinarundinaria griffithiana has also extremely restricted distribution in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and hills of West Bengal in India, Bhutan, Laos, Myanmar, China and Vietnam. Hence, based on their global distribution pattern, both the species may be termed as Endemic to South-East Asia.

Keywords

Phyllostachys Mannii Gamble, Sinarundinaria Griffithiana (munro) C.s. Chao &
Renvoize, Restricted Range Bamboos, Taxonomic Identity, Ecological Niche, Distribution,
Meghalaya

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A. Chettri , S. K. Barik , H. N. Pandey , M. K. Lyngdoh

Abstract

The pattern of forest fragmentation was studied in Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim (KBR) and tree diversity was correlated with fragment size. A total of 23 forestfragments were identified in the KBR after intensive survey, of which ten fragments were in temperate forest, 12 in sub-alpine forest and one in sub-tropical forest. Maximum numbers of fragments were in 2-6 ha size classes. Landslide, wind storm and grazing by livestock herds were identified as the causes of forest fragmentation in KBR. The fragmentation of forest significantly impacted species composition, and community structure of trees in the forest, as evidenced from the differences in these attributes between the fragments and adjacent continuous forests.

Keywords

Forest Fragmentation, Tree Diversity, Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve,
Sikkim

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Sudipto Chatterjee , Sonali Ghosh , Jayanta Sarma , S. K. Barik , B. K. Tewari , Kulen Chandra Das

Abstract

Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) are a category of forests where communities have a stake or ownership and are increasingly getting recognized global recognition. CCAs across the globe are now being documented fortheir biological values, management regimes and conservation significance. Case studies were conducted in three states in North East India to document some of the CCAs in the region.

Keywords

Community Conserved Areas, North-east India, Ownership, Management Regimes

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