Natural Vegetation | Uttarakhand State PSC (UKPSC): Preparation - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

 Page 1


Natural Vegetation
A major part of the region is covered with forests constituting enormous
wealth of the region. Forest and tree cover of Uttarakhand constitutes 71.05%
of its total geographic area which is more than as prescribed by National
Forest Policy norms of 60%. There are three main factors which determine
the broad features of vegetation of the region:
 Atmospheric factors
 Edaphic factors
 Biotic factors
With increase in altitude, area under forest cover increases and after a certain
height due to climatic factors it starts decreasing. Following table gives a
glimpse of area under forest cover with increase in altitude.
Altitude (in meters above mean sea level) Forest Cover (in %)
Below 300 12.8
300-600 12.3
600-1200 16.3
1200-1800 22.3
1800-3000 28.8
Above 3000 7.5
 
On the basis of various studies, Uttarakhand can be divided into following
vegetation zones:
Page 2


Natural Vegetation
A major part of the region is covered with forests constituting enormous
wealth of the region. Forest and tree cover of Uttarakhand constitutes 71.05%
of its total geographic area which is more than as prescribed by National
Forest Policy norms of 60%. There are three main factors which determine
the broad features of vegetation of the region:
 Atmospheric factors
 Edaphic factors
 Biotic factors
With increase in altitude, area under forest cover increases and after a certain
height due to climatic factors it starts decreasing. Following table gives a
glimpse of area under forest cover with increase in altitude.
Altitude (in meters above mean sea level) Forest Cover (in %)
Below 300 12.8
300-600 12.3
600-1200 16.3
1200-1800 22.3
1800-3000 28.8
Above 3000 7.5
 
On the basis of various studies, Uttarakhand can be divided into following
vegetation zones:
1. Tropical Dry Forests- This type of forests are found along lower
altitudes having low rainfall. Dhhak, Semal, Gular, Jamun, and Ber are
important species of trees found here.
2. Tropical Humid Deciduous Forests- These are monsoon forests found
along lower areas of Shivalik range and along Dun Valley. They shed their
leaves in dry season. Important species are Sagaun, Palash, Bamboo,
Shahtoot, Anjan, Baheda and Sal. Sal is the most important tree in this
region.
3. Sub tropical Forests (below 1200m) - extending from northwest to
southeast, almost covers entire sub- Himalayan tract of the region. It is
northward extension of sub-deciduous forest belt of Bhabar area. Sal is the
most important species. These forests are commonly found upto about
750m on the southern and 1200m on the northern slopes. Other important
species are Kanju, Semal, Haldu, Khair, and Sissu. The cane brakes and
bamboo brakes are also found in the wet hollows and along the streams.
4. Temperate Forests (1200-1800m) - these forests are generally found
between 1050m and 1900m in southern and between 900m and 1800m on
the northern slopes. The chir pine is dominant tree of this zone. The
undergrowth of the chir pine is very poor. Some species of deciduous
forests are observed occasionally; otherwise the ground surface is covered
with various species of grasses.
5. Sub- Alpine zone (1800-3000m) - the moist coniferous forests with an
admixture of deciduous and broad leaved trees are the dominant vegetation
of the lower sub-alpine zone. Three species of oak can be distinguished as
i) Banj Oak (Quercus incana and Quercus himalayansis), Maru Oak
(Quercus dilatata), and Kharsu Oak (Quercus semecarpfiolia). Burans
(Rhododendron arboreum) associated with banj oak form common
species.
A considerable area is occupied by sub-alpine forests. The main tree species,
mostly of higher sub-himalayan alpine zone are: Silver Fir, Blue Pine,
Spruce, Cypress, Deodar, Birch etc. In general, each forest occupies some
definite localities; between 2000-3000m- Cypress is present, between
2400-3050 m Deodar and from 1900-3100 Blue Pine and Silver Fir is
found.
6. Alpine Vegetation (3000-4500m) - The high level birch forests are
usually found in the tracts lying to the north of the main Himalayan ranges
Page 3


Natural Vegetation
A major part of the region is covered with forests constituting enormous
wealth of the region. Forest and tree cover of Uttarakhand constitutes 71.05%
of its total geographic area which is more than as prescribed by National
Forest Policy norms of 60%. There are three main factors which determine
the broad features of vegetation of the region:
 Atmospheric factors
 Edaphic factors
 Biotic factors
With increase in altitude, area under forest cover increases and after a certain
height due to climatic factors it starts decreasing. Following table gives a
glimpse of area under forest cover with increase in altitude.
Altitude (in meters above mean sea level) Forest Cover (in %)
Below 300 12.8
300-600 12.3
600-1200 16.3
1200-1800 22.3
1800-3000 28.8
Above 3000 7.5
 
On the basis of various studies, Uttarakhand can be divided into following
vegetation zones:
1. Tropical Dry Forests- This type of forests are found along lower
altitudes having low rainfall. Dhhak, Semal, Gular, Jamun, and Ber are
important species of trees found here.
2. Tropical Humid Deciduous Forests- These are monsoon forests found
along lower areas of Shivalik range and along Dun Valley. They shed their
leaves in dry season. Important species are Sagaun, Palash, Bamboo,
Shahtoot, Anjan, Baheda and Sal. Sal is the most important tree in this
region.
3. Sub tropical Forests (below 1200m) - extending from northwest to
southeast, almost covers entire sub- Himalayan tract of the region. It is
northward extension of sub-deciduous forest belt of Bhabar area. Sal is the
most important species. These forests are commonly found upto about
750m on the southern and 1200m on the northern slopes. Other important
species are Kanju, Semal, Haldu, Khair, and Sissu. The cane brakes and
bamboo brakes are also found in the wet hollows and along the streams.
4. Temperate Forests (1200-1800m) - these forests are generally found
between 1050m and 1900m in southern and between 900m and 1800m on
the northern slopes. The chir pine is dominant tree of this zone. The
undergrowth of the chir pine is very poor. Some species of deciduous
forests are observed occasionally; otherwise the ground surface is covered
with various species of grasses.
5. Sub- Alpine zone (1800-3000m) - the moist coniferous forests with an
admixture of deciduous and broad leaved trees are the dominant vegetation
of the lower sub-alpine zone. Three species of oak can be distinguished as
i) Banj Oak (Quercus incana and Quercus himalayansis), Maru Oak
(Quercus dilatata), and Kharsu Oak (Quercus semecarpfiolia). Burans
(Rhododendron arboreum) associated with banj oak form common
species.
A considerable area is occupied by sub-alpine forests. The main tree species,
mostly of higher sub-himalayan alpine zone are: Silver Fir, Blue Pine,
Spruce, Cypress, Deodar, Birch etc. In general, each forest occupies some
definite localities; between 2000-3000m- Cypress is present, between
2400-3050 m Deodar and from 1900-3100 Blue Pine and Silver Fir is
found.
6. Alpine Vegetation (3000-4500m) - The high level birch forests are
usually found in the tracts lying to the north of the main Himalayan ranges
usually between 2900-3600m. Above the birch and silver fir forests, there
is often a gradual transition through xerophytic bush land into alpine
pastures. These alpine forests are found upto about 4200m and sometimes
may be seen in small patches even above.
7. Bugyals the Alpine Medows - The alpine pastures are main vegetal cover
on the high altitudes. The transition to pasture lands begins at an altitude of
around 3500m. Alpine trees are found scattered between these bushes.
These grasslands are also called Bugyals, Payars or Teents. During
summer when snow melts in these areas, marshes are formed in which
various species of flowers and grasses grow. The main species include
Anemones, Brahmkamal, Vatsanan, Jentions, Shalampanja, Som,
Primulas, Nirvashi, Rudravanti, Vishkandar Arenaria etc. Medicinal plants
like Kut, Mamiri, Ratanjyoti and aromatic plants like Guggal, Jatamasi,
Bill, also found here. Pastoralists visit these areas during summer and it is
also called ‘ Heaven of Pastoralists’. They are known by different names
like Anwal, Palsi, Chalghumantu, Gujjar,and Gaddi. Because of these
bugyals Pithoragarh district is known for sheep raring. Here Rajrambha,
Burfu Choti, Nagling, Trishuli, Hardeval, Latudhra, Bambadhura,
Nandagon, Chhota Kailash and Swiyiteela are well known for sheep
rearing. Following are some important Bugyals of Uttarakhand:
 Auli- located at a distance of 15km from Joshimath, known for
adventures sports specially winter sports. Various kinds of flower and
velvety grasses cover it. Surrounded by Nandadevi, Kamet, Mana,
Neelkanth, Dunagiri and Hathi-Gauri peaks.
 Bageja- this bugyal is located at the height of 12000 feet, in Deval block
of Chamoli district. On its one side lies Satopanth, Nanda Ghungti,
Chaukhamba, Trisul and on the other side - Katyur valley, Kausani,
Ranikhet and Gwaldam.
 Kafni- also a gacier, this bugyal is located in Bageshwar district. It is
covered with grasses and several species of flowers.
 Kedar Kantha- located in Mori block of Uttarkashi district, it is famous
for its flowers and grasses. This is also a famous trek for adventure
sports lovers. It remains snow covered during winters.
 Dyara- located 10 km away from Uttarakashi town, Raithal is its base
station. Apart from grasses and flowers it is famous for Butter Festival.
 Maneg- this Bugyal is in Uttarkashi district, adjacent to Sartal, at a
Page 4


Natural Vegetation
A major part of the region is covered with forests constituting enormous
wealth of the region. Forest and tree cover of Uttarakhand constitutes 71.05%
of its total geographic area which is more than as prescribed by National
Forest Policy norms of 60%. There are three main factors which determine
the broad features of vegetation of the region:
 Atmospheric factors
 Edaphic factors
 Biotic factors
With increase in altitude, area under forest cover increases and after a certain
height due to climatic factors it starts decreasing. Following table gives a
glimpse of area under forest cover with increase in altitude.
Altitude (in meters above mean sea level) Forest Cover (in %)
Below 300 12.8
300-600 12.3
600-1200 16.3
1200-1800 22.3
1800-3000 28.8
Above 3000 7.5
 
On the basis of various studies, Uttarakhand can be divided into following
vegetation zones:
1. Tropical Dry Forests- This type of forests are found along lower
altitudes having low rainfall. Dhhak, Semal, Gular, Jamun, and Ber are
important species of trees found here.
2. Tropical Humid Deciduous Forests- These are monsoon forests found
along lower areas of Shivalik range and along Dun Valley. They shed their
leaves in dry season. Important species are Sagaun, Palash, Bamboo,
Shahtoot, Anjan, Baheda and Sal. Sal is the most important tree in this
region.
3. Sub tropical Forests (below 1200m) - extending from northwest to
southeast, almost covers entire sub- Himalayan tract of the region. It is
northward extension of sub-deciduous forest belt of Bhabar area. Sal is the
most important species. These forests are commonly found upto about
750m on the southern and 1200m on the northern slopes. Other important
species are Kanju, Semal, Haldu, Khair, and Sissu. The cane brakes and
bamboo brakes are also found in the wet hollows and along the streams.
4. Temperate Forests (1200-1800m) - these forests are generally found
between 1050m and 1900m in southern and between 900m and 1800m on
the northern slopes. The chir pine is dominant tree of this zone. The
undergrowth of the chir pine is very poor. Some species of deciduous
forests are observed occasionally; otherwise the ground surface is covered
with various species of grasses.
5. Sub- Alpine zone (1800-3000m) - the moist coniferous forests with an
admixture of deciduous and broad leaved trees are the dominant vegetation
of the lower sub-alpine zone. Three species of oak can be distinguished as
i) Banj Oak (Quercus incana and Quercus himalayansis), Maru Oak
(Quercus dilatata), and Kharsu Oak (Quercus semecarpfiolia). Burans
(Rhododendron arboreum) associated with banj oak form common
species.
A considerable area is occupied by sub-alpine forests. The main tree species,
mostly of higher sub-himalayan alpine zone are: Silver Fir, Blue Pine,
Spruce, Cypress, Deodar, Birch etc. In general, each forest occupies some
definite localities; between 2000-3000m- Cypress is present, between
2400-3050 m Deodar and from 1900-3100 Blue Pine and Silver Fir is
found.
6. Alpine Vegetation (3000-4500m) - The high level birch forests are
usually found in the tracts lying to the north of the main Himalayan ranges
usually between 2900-3600m. Above the birch and silver fir forests, there
is often a gradual transition through xerophytic bush land into alpine
pastures. These alpine forests are found upto about 4200m and sometimes
may be seen in small patches even above.
7. Bugyals the Alpine Medows - The alpine pastures are main vegetal cover
on the high altitudes. The transition to pasture lands begins at an altitude of
around 3500m. Alpine trees are found scattered between these bushes.
These grasslands are also called Bugyals, Payars or Teents. During
summer when snow melts in these areas, marshes are formed in which
various species of flowers and grasses grow. The main species include
Anemones, Brahmkamal, Vatsanan, Jentions, Shalampanja, Som,
Primulas, Nirvashi, Rudravanti, Vishkandar Arenaria etc. Medicinal plants
like Kut, Mamiri, Ratanjyoti and aromatic plants like Guggal, Jatamasi,
Bill, also found here. Pastoralists visit these areas during summer and it is
also called ‘ Heaven of Pastoralists’. They are known by different names
like Anwal, Palsi, Chalghumantu, Gujjar,and Gaddi. Because of these
bugyals Pithoragarh district is known for sheep raring. Here Rajrambha,
Burfu Choti, Nagling, Trishuli, Hardeval, Latudhra, Bambadhura,
Nandagon, Chhota Kailash and Swiyiteela are well known for sheep
rearing. Following are some important Bugyals of Uttarakhand:
 Auli- located at a distance of 15km from Joshimath, known for
adventures sports specially winter sports. Various kinds of flower and
velvety grasses cover it. Surrounded by Nandadevi, Kamet, Mana,
Neelkanth, Dunagiri and Hathi-Gauri peaks.
 Bageja- this bugyal is located at the height of 12000 feet, in Deval block
of Chamoli district. On its one side lies Satopanth, Nanda Ghungti,
Chaukhamba, Trisul and on the other side - Katyur valley, Kausani,
Ranikhet and Gwaldam.
 Kafni- also a gacier, this bugyal is located in Bageshwar district. It is
covered with grasses and several species of flowers.
 Kedar Kantha- located in Mori block of Uttarkashi district, it is famous
for its flowers and grasses. This is also a famous trek for adventure
sports lovers. It remains snow covered during winters.
 Dyara- located 10 km away from Uttarakashi town, Raithal is its base
station. Apart from grasses and flowers it is famous for Butter Festival.
 Maneg- this Bugyal is in Uttarkashi district, adjacent to Sartal, at a
distance of 35km from Rajgarhi, can be reached by tracking.
 Panwali Kantha- this is a group of Bugyals, in Tehri Garhwal district,
along Yamunotri-Kedarnath rout, extending over 65km. Matya bugyal
and Panwali bugyal are most important ones. It has been declared as a
Reserve Bio Park.
 Bedni- located along the route to Rupkund, bedni is famous for beauty
of its grasslands and flowers. It is believed that Vedas have been written
here.
 Valley of Flowers- located in the district of Chamoli, got into
prominrnce after famous British explorer, Frank Smith visisted here in
1931, along with Holdsworth and published his work ‘Valley of
Flowers’. Between July and September, when flowers comes into full
bloom, this region becomes most picturesque. This is only place in the
world having such a variety of flowers.
 Chopta- Located in Rudraprayag district, along Ukhimath- Gopeshwar
route at the height of 3800m amsl.
 Kush-Kalyan- This Bugyal is located in Uttarkashi district, at elevation
of 4500m along Uttarkashi-Gangotri Highway.
 Madmaheshawar- Famous as Kasni Khark, at the elevation of 3300m
along Guptkashi-Kaligarh road.
 Harkidun- Located at the elevation of 3600m, in foothills of
Bandarpunchh, in Uttarkashi district.
 Kalpnath- Located at the elevation of, 2135m, in Chamoli district, along
Badrinath-Rishikesh Highway.
Timber Line -This is defined as the altitude beyond which trees are
replaced by grassland vegetation. At height above 9000 feet in
Uttarakhand due to low temperatue and winter snow cover, only seasonal
grasses and flowers grow and no trees with timber are found.
Snow Line- This is defined as the altitude beyond which land remains
under permanent snowcover. The temperature is very low such that snow
does not melts even during summers.
Bugyals grow between timber line and snow line
 
Page 5


Natural Vegetation
A major part of the region is covered with forests constituting enormous
wealth of the region. Forest and tree cover of Uttarakhand constitutes 71.05%
of its total geographic area which is more than as prescribed by National
Forest Policy norms of 60%. There are three main factors which determine
the broad features of vegetation of the region:
 Atmospheric factors
 Edaphic factors
 Biotic factors
With increase in altitude, area under forest cover increases and after a certain
height due to climatic factors it starts decreasing. Following table gives a
glimpse of area under forest cover with increase in altitude.
Altitude (in meters above mean sea level) Forest Cover (in %)
Below 300 12.8
300-600 12.3
600-1200 16.3
1200-1800 22.3
1800-3000 28.8
Above 3000 7.5
 
On the basis of various studies, Uttarakhand can be divided into following
vegetation zones:
1. Tropical Dry Forests- This type of forests are found along lower
altitudes having low rainfall. Dhhak, Semal, Gular, Jamun, and Ber are
important species of trees found here.
2. Tropical Humid Deciduous Forests- These are monsoon forests found
along lower areas of Shivalik range and along Dun Valley. They shed their
leaves in dry season. Important species are Sagaun, Palash, Bamboo,
Shahtoot, Anjan, Baheda and Sal. Sal is the most important tree in this
region.
3. Sub tropical Forests (below 1200m) - extending from northwest to
southeast, almost covers entire sub- Himalayan tract of the region. It is
northward extension of sub-deciduous forest belt of Bhabar area. Sal is the
most important species. These forests are commonly found upto about
750m on the southern and 1200m on the northern slopes. Other important
species are Kanju, Semal, Haldu, Khair, and Sissu. The cane brakes and
bamboo brakes are also found in the wet hollows and along the streams.
4. Temperate Forests (1200-1800m) - these forests are generally found
between 1050m and 1900m in southern and between 900m and 1800m on
the northern slopes. The chir pine is dominant tree of this zone. The
undergrowth of the chir pine is very poor. Some species of deciduous
forests are observed occasionally; otherwise the ground surface is covered
with various species of grasses.
5. Sub- Alpine zone (1800-3000m) - the moist coniferous forests with an
admixture of deciduous and broad leaved trees are the dominant vegetation
of the lower sub-alpine zone. Three species of oak can be distinguished as
i) Banj Oak (Quercus incana and Quercus himalayansis), Maru Oak
(Quercus dilatata), and Kharsu Oak (Quercus semecarpfiolia). Burans
(Rhododendron arboreum) associated with banj oak form common
species.
A considerable area is occupied by sub-alpine forests. The main tree species,
mostly of higher sub-himalayan alpine zone are: Silver Fir, Blue Pine,
Spruce, Cypress, Deodar, Birch etc. In general, each forest occupies some
definite localities; between 2000-3000m- Cypress is present, between
2400-3050 m Deodar and from 1900-3100 Blue Pine and Silver Fir is
found.
6. Alpine Vegetation (3000-4500m) - The high level birch forests are
usually found in the tracts lying to the north of the main Himalayan ranges
usually between 2900-3600m. Above the birch and silver fir forests, there
is often a gradual transition through xerophytic bush land into alpine
pastures. These alpine forests are found upto about 4200m and sometimes
may be seen in small patches even above.
7. Bugyals the Alpine Medows - The alpine pastures are main vegetal cover
on the high altitudes. The transition to pasture lands begins at an altitude of
around 3500m. Alpine trees are found scattered between these bushes.
These grasslands are also called Bugyals, Payars or Teents. During
summer when snow melts in these areas, marshes are formed in which
various species of flowers and grasses grow. The main species include
Anemones, Brahmkamal, Vatsanan, Jentions, Shalampanja, Som,
Primulas, Nirvashi, Rudravanti, Vishkandar Arenaria etc. Medicinal plants
like Kut, Mamiri, Ratanjyoti and aromatic plants like Guggal, Jatamasi,
Bill, also found here. Pastoralists visit these areas during summer and it is
also called ‘ Heaven of Pastoralists’. They are known by different names
like Anwal, Palsi, Chalghumantu, Gujjar,and Gaddi. Because of these
bugyals Pithoragarh district is known for sheep raring. Here Rajrambha,
Burfu Choti, Nagling, Trishuli, Hardeval, Latudhra, Bambadhura,
Nandagon, Chhota Kailash and Swiyiteela are well known for sheep
rearing. Following are some important Bugyals of Uttarakhand:
 Auli- located at a distance of 15km from Joshimath, known for
adventures sports specially winter sports. Various kinds of flower and
velvety grasses cover it. Surrounded by Nandadevi, Kamet, Mana,
Neelkanth, Dunagiri and Hathi-Gauri peaks.
 Bageja- this bugyal is located at the height of 12000 feet, in Deval block
of Chamoli district. On its one side lies Satopanth, Nanda Ghungti,
Chaukhamba, Trisul and on the other side - Katyur valley, Kausani,
Ranikhet and Gwaldam.
 Kafni- also a gacier, this bugyal is located in Bageshwar district. It is
covered with grasses and several species of flowers.
 Kedar Kantha- located in Mori block of Uttarkashi district, it is famous
for its flowers and grasses. This is also a famous trek for adventure
sports lovers. It remains snow covered during winters.
 Dyara- located 10 km away from Uttarakashi town, Raithal is its base
station. Apart from grasses and flowers it is famous for Butter Festival.
 Maneg- this Bugyal is in Uttarkashi district, adjacent to Sartal, at a
distance of 35km from Rajgarhi, can be reached by tracking.
 Panwali Kantha- this is a group of Bugyals, in Tehri Garhwal district,
along Yamunotri-Kedarnath rout, extending over 65km. Matya bugyal
and Panwali bugyal are most important ones. It has been declared as a
Reserve Bio Park.
 Bedni- located along the route to Rupkund, bedni is famous for beauty
of its grasslands and flowers. It is believed that Vedas have been written
here.
 Valley of Flowers- located in the district of Chamoli, got into
prominrnce after famous British explorer, Frank Smith visisted here in
1931, along with Holdsworth and published his work ‘Valley of
Flowers’. Between July and September, when flowers comes into full
bloom, this region becomes most picturesque. This is only place in the
world having such a variety of flowers.
 Chopta- Located in Rudraprayag district, along Ukhimath- Gopeshwar
route at the height of 3800m amsl.
 Kush-Kalyan- This Bugyal is located in Uttarkashi district, at elevation
of 4500m along Uttarkashi-Gangotri Highway.
 Madmaheshawar- Famous as Kasni Khark, at the elevation of 3300m
along Guptkashi-Kaligarh road.
 Harkidun- Located at the elevation of 3600m, in foothills of
Bandarpunchh, in Uttarkashi district.
 Kalpnath- Located at the elevation of, 2135m, in Chamoli district, along
Badrinath-Rishikesh Highway.
Timber Line -This is defined as the altitude beyond which trees are
replaced by grassland vegetation. At height above 9000 feet in
Uttarakhand due to low temperatue and winter snow cover, only seasonal
grasses and flowers grow and no trees with timber are found.
Snow Line- This is defined as the altitude beyond which land remains
under permanent snowcover. The temperature is very low such that snow
does not melts even during summers.
Bugyals grow between timber line and snow line
 
Table 12.1: Bugyals of Uttarakhand
Bugyal District Bugyal District
Bedni Chamoli Patar Nachoniya Chamoli
Kwari Pass Chamoli Gorson Chamoli
Auli Chamoli Pandusera Chamoli
Rudranath Chamoli Nandankanan Chamoli
Satopant Chamoli Ghastali Chamoli
Ratakon Chamoli Laxmiban Chamoli
Kailabugya Chamoli Jalisera Chamoli
Manpe Chamoli Raja Khark Chamoli
Hunya Bugyal Chamoli Bheti Bugyal Chamoli
Manani Chamoli Chaumasi Chamoli
Khadu Khark Chamoli Chambakhar-Dectoli Chamoli
Latakhark Chamoli Dang Khark Chamoli
Kora Khark Chamoli Bagchi Bugyal Chamoli
Awin Khark Chamoli Dhaman Sain Bugyal Chamoli
Anwal Lodi Chamoli Suthing Chamoli
Har Ki Dun Uttarkashi Devdamini Uttarkashi
Dayara Uttarkashi Panwali Kantha Uttarkashi
Kedar Khark Uttarkashi Tapovan Uttarkashi
Barmi Bugyal Rudraprayag Dudhatoli Chamoli-Pauri