AKBAR ET AL (2011), FUUAST J. BIOL., 1(2): 149-160 QUANTITATIVE FORESTS DESCRIPTION FROM SKARDU, GILGIT AND ASTORE DISTRICTS OF GILGIT-BALTISTAN, PAKISTAN MUHAMMAD AKBAR1, MOINUDDIN AHMED1, ALAMDAR HUSSAIN1 MUHAMMAD USAMA ZAFAR1 AND MAYOOR KHAN2 Laboratory of Dendrochronology and Plant Ecology, Department of Botany, Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, Pakistan 2 Wildlife Conservation Society, near Serena Hotel, Jutial, Gilgit, Baltistan, Pakistan Abstract A quantitative forest study of vegetation was conducted in 40 stands from three District of Gilgit-Baltistan. On the basis of phytosociological analysis and maximum important value index, following 5 pure stands and 5 communities of mixed tree species were recognized and quantitatively analyzed. Pinus wallichiana -Juniperus community, Pinus wallichiana-Betula community, Picea-Juniperus community, Picea-Pinus wallichiana, Pinus wallichiana-Pinus gerardiana community, Picea smithiana pure stands, Pinus wallichiana pure stands, Betula pure stands, Juniperus macropoda pure stand and Abies pindrow pure stand . Eighty three plants species of various herbs, shurbs and tree seedlings were observed and identified on the forest floor. Numbers of seedlings were also counted in each stand. These important forests are existing under anthropogenic threat and environmental disturbances .Some of them may easily be managed as indicated by the presence of large number of seedling, however stands with low paucity of seedlings shall need more serious attention. Introduction The importance, locations and climate of District Skardu is briefly described by Akbar et al. (2010). Gilgit is the capital city of Gilgit-Baltistan. The city extends from 35° 55' 0" North, 74° 17' 49" East. The elevation ranges 1600 to 3000 m above sea level and area covered 3800 Km2. It is bounded by Afghanistan in the north, China in the northeast and east Skardu, Astore and Diamer in the south and Ghizar District to the west. Gilgit city is covered with snow mountains. The combination of three great mountains range is also situated in this District. Maximum temperature ranges from -10 to above 40 °C. In summer temperature is hot and cold in winter. The rainfall ranges from 120 to 240 mm. Population of Gilgit city is approximately 216,760 (1998 report). Administratively it is divided into four Tehsil and Shina is the main language of this District. Vegetation of Gilgit is covered with shrub/ herbs, grasses and patches of many forests on mountainous areas. The most forested areas are Jutial, Karghah, Naltar, Haramosh, Bagrot, Joglotgah, Danyore and Pahote. Astore is one of the six districts of the Gilgit Baltistan. It is located at 35° 2'20.30"N, 75° 6'36.91"E covered by 5,092 km² area with elevation from 2600 to 3500m. Astore existed to the west by Diamer, to the north by Gilgit to the east by Skardu and to the south by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Neelum District of Azad Kashmir.The population was 71,666 (1998). Climate of Astore is moderate during summer. In winter it may receive 6 inches to 3ft snow from main valleys to the mountains. The main language spoken in the valley is mostly Shina then Urdu. Due to its unique climatic conditions the valley provides excellent fauna and flora, especially economically important medicinal plants. Main forested areas of this District are Rama, Muhken, Dashken, Guhdae , Chilem and Minimarag. First quantitative and multivariate analysis of the vegetation around Skardu was presented by Ahmed (1976), during a scientific expedition of Northern Areas of Pakistan. This was funded by Planning Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan Science Foundation and National Development and Volunteer Program of Government of Pakistan in (1973). Ahmed and Qadir (1976), Ahmed (1986, 1988) also presented phytosociological investigation from Gilgit to Shandur and Gilgit to Astor respectively, during the same expedition. Ahmed (1988), Ahmed et al. (1989, 1990, and 1991) carried out quantitative vegetational work at Quetta plantation, regenerating juniper, Juniperus execlsa and Pinus gerardiana forests of Baluchistan. Hussain et al.(1991) studied vegetation of Lesser Himalayan Pakistan. Ahmed and Naqvi (2005) and Ahmed et al (2006) presented results from Picea smithiana forest and structure and description of various forests belonging to various climatic zones of Pakistan.Siddiqui et al.(2009, 2010) described Pinus ruxburghii and moist temperate forest of Pakistan.Wahab et al.(2008, 2010) and Khan et al (2010) analyzed pine forests and Monotheca buxifolia forests of Dir District while Khan et al (2010) and Ahmed et al.(2009) presented structure and quantitative description of Quercus baloot and Olia ferruginea forests of Chitral .Ahmed et al (2010) summarized the status of vegetation analysis in Pakistan Hussain and Mustafa (1995) investigated the ecological study of plant and animal relation from Nasirabad Hunza Pakistan. Rasool (1998) worked on the protection of medicinal plants of Northern Areas of Pakistan. Shinwari and Gillani (2003) also reported the sustainable harvest of medicinal AKBAR ET AL (2011), FUUAST J. BIOL., 1(2): 149-160 150 plants from Astor. Wali and Khatoon. (2007) listed the detail of economically important species of Bagrot Gilgit. Ahmed et al. (2010) studied the floristic composition and communities of deodar forest from Himalayan range of Pakistan. Akbar et al. (2010) also studied the phytosociology and structure of Skardu District. Hussain et al.(2010) presented Phytosociology and structure of Central Karakorum National park. Beside this work no detailed phytosociological investigation were carried from Skardu, Gilgit, and Astore forested area therefore present work is presented to explore and provide further information from 40 forested locations of these areas. This information can be used for conservation and management of forest in GilgitBaltistan. Materials and Methods PCQ method of (Cottam & Curtis 1956) was used in various forests of Skardu, Gilgit and Astore for quantitative sampling. In each stand 20 points were taken at 20-meter intervals. Vegetation sampling was carried out according to the criteria that it contained trees at least 60 cm Dbh (diameter at breast high); with no sign of recent disturbances and covering at least two hectors in area. Lower plants were neglected. Phytosociological attributes (relative density, relative frequency & relative basal area) and absolute values (density ha-1 and basal area of species m2/ha -1) were calculated, according to the method described by Mueller-Dombois & Ellenberg (1974) and Ahmed and Shaukat (2012).Geographical coordinates and aspect were recorded using GPS and angles were recorded using by slope meter. Importance Value Index (Brown & Curtis, 1952) was used to rank each species and the plant species with the highest importance value in the stand was considered the dominant species. The plant community was named on the basis of dominant species and the floristic composition. Using a circular plot (1.5 m diameter) at each sampling point frequency and relative frequency of tree seedling, shurbs and herbs were recorded. Plants samples were collected from the field and identified with the help of flora of Pakistan (Nasir & Ali, 1972) AKBAR ET AL (2011), FUUAST J. BIOL., 1(2): 149-160 151 Results and Discussion Geographical quardinates and other environmental characteristics of each site are given in Table.1, phytosociological attributes and absolute values are presented in Table-2 while complete list of plants are presented in Table.3.On the basis of phytosociological analysis, importance value index and floristic compositions following communities and pure stands were identified. 1. Pinus wallichiana -Juniperus community 2. Pinus wallichiana -Betula community 3. Picea-Juniperus community 4. Picea-Pinus wallichiana community 5. Pinus wallichiana-Pinus gerardiana community 6. Picea smithiana pure stands. 7. Pinus wallichiana pure stands. 8. Betula utilis pure stands. 9. Juniperus macropoda pure stand. 10. Abies pindrow pure stand. 1. Pinus-Juniperus community: This community was distributed at Skardu district (Stands 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10, 12) with the elevation from 3414 to 3700 m. The slope angle ranged between 15° to35° (Tabe.1). Due to illegal cutting the canopy was mostly open but in some areas it was closed. In few stands moderate canopy was also observed. Soil texture was silt and loamy in both Basho and Gasing. Ground surface was covered with dense vegetation but mostly the trees were tilted and disturbed due to higher elevation and snow fall for the larger part AKBAR ET AL (2011), FUUAST J. BIOL., 1(2): 149-160 152 of the year. In Memosh and Hargosil, soil erosion was rampant. Boulders were scattered in all stands. Pinus wallichiana was the first dominant species with importance value ranging from 63.2 to93%, density from 73.34 to 180/ha and basal area 1 to 42.38 m2/ha. Second dominant species was Juniperus excelsa with importance value ranging between 12.2 to 24.4%, 7.68 to 129.3/ha density and 0.7 to 14.63m2/ha basal area. Betula utilis appeared in seven stands (3,4,5,8,9,10,12) with 4.36 to 34.39% importance value, 3.2 to159.4/ha density and 0.22 to2.35m2/ha basal area. Understorey flora comprised of 57 species including herbs, shurbs and seedlings of tree species. Anaphalis nepalensis, Astragalus zanskarensis, Berberis orthobotrys, Heracium lanceolantum,Oxyria digyna, Pinus wallichiana, Potentilla anserina, Rosa webbiana, Tanacetum artiemisiodes, Taraxacum baltistanicum, Thymus lineraris, and Lentopodium himalayanum were frequently distributed in all the stands. Tanacetum fruticulosum was only found in Basho-B (Stand-2) while 70% similarities were found in others floristic composition among stands. Table 1. Characteristics of sampling sites of Skardu, Gilgit and Astore Districts Stn Main Location and sites Lat Long Ele Slope (N) (E) (M) Aspect (o) Canopy 1 Skardu District Basho-A 35.17 75.38 3700 NE 35 Mdr 2 Basho-B 35.17 75.38 3550 NE 30 Opn 3 Gasing-A 35.09 75.98 3500 E 25 Mdr 4 Gasing-B 35.09 75.98 3400 W 20 Cls 5 Gasing-C 35.09 75.98 3600 N 27 Opn 6 Hargosil-A 34.75 76.14 3586 E 20 Sct 7 Hargosil-B 34.68 76.15 3463 N 15 Opn 8 Memosh-A 34.71 76.18 3463 NE 35 Opn 9 Memosh-B 34.72 76.17 3414 E 30 Opn 10 Memosh-C 34.73 76.18 3477 E 23 Mdr 11 Ganji-A 35.56 74.98 3310 SE 15 Cls 12 Ganji-B 35.56 74.98 3472 SW 35 Cls 13 Ganji-C 35.56 74.98 3585 SE 37 Cls 14 Ganji-D 35.60 74.96 3374 SE 35 Cls Gilgit District 15 Kargah-A 35.76 74.17 3255 NE 43 Mdr 16 Kargah-B 35.74 74.19 3427 E 33 Opn 17 Kargah-C 35.72 74.18 3216 SE 25 Opn 18 Jutial-A 35.90 74.75 3250 N 40 Mdr 19 Jutial-B 35.90 74.74 3250 N 40 Mdr 20 Naltar-A 36.09 74.11 2930 S 36 Mdr 21 Naltar-B 36.08 74.11 3401 S 40 Mdr 22 Naltar-C 36.11 74.18 2893 Pln 5 Mdr 23 Naltar-D 36.11 74.18 2893 Pln 5 Mdr AKBAR ET AL (2011), FUUAST J. BIOL., 1(2): 149-160 153 24 Danyore 35.90 74.42 3736 NE 45 Opn 25 Joglotgah-A 36.07 74.24 3523 W 35 Mdr 26 Joglotgah-B 36.07 74.22 3055 Pln 5 Mdr Astore Distrit 27 Rama-A 35.20 74.48 3508 NE 40 Opn 28 Rama-B 35.20 74.48 3464 NW 45 Mdr 29 Rama-C 35.20 74.48 3275 S 35 Opn 30 Rama-D 35.20 74.48 3016 S 15 Mdr 31 Mushken-A 35.49 74.72 2691 E 40 Mdr Table 1. Continue… 32 Mushken-B 35.48 74.73 2719 SE 35 Cls 33 Mushken-C 35.48 74.74 2659 NE 25 Cls 34 Mushken-D 35.48 74.74 3078 NE 40 Mdr 35 Mushken-E 35.49 74.75 2639 NE 30 Opn 36 Dashken 35.46 74.77 2616 E 45 Mdr 37 Gudaie 35.17 74.97 3775 N 50 Cls 38 Chelim-A 35.03 75.10 3458 SE 45 Cls 39 Chelim-B 35.01 75.07 3559 E 40 Mdr 40 Chelim-C 35.00 75.06 3596 E 20 Sct Note: Stn= Stand number Lat=Latitude,Long=Longitude,Ele=Elevation, Opn=open,Mdr=Moderate,Sct=Scatted,Cls=Close ,Pln=Plain 2. Pinus-Betula community: This community was recorded from Ganji,C and D on South East facing slope in District Skardu with close canopy and Chelim,B on East facing in District Astore with moderate canopy. Pinus wallichiana appeared as dominant species attending from 71.35 to 82.6% IVI, 70.51 to 168.5/ha density and 6.77 to16.8m2/ha basal area while the co-dominant angiospermic tree Betula utilis showed IVI from 28.65 to 39.77%, density 29.49 to 63.91/ha and from2.63 to 3.68 m2/ha basal area. The slope angle ranged from 35° to 40° and elevation ranged from 3374 to 3585 m. As far as ground flora of these three locations is concerned Bergenia stracheyi, Lenotopodium sp, Bistorta affinis, and Potentilla sp commonly distributed in all stands but in Chelim C (Stand-40) Solidigo vlgaurea, Tanacetum falconeri, Sedum sp, and Polygonum alpinum recorded and Berberis orthobotrys was found only in Ganji .C(Stand-13). 3. Picea-Juniperus community: This community was situated in two location of sampling area Jutial-A on North facing with 40° slope at District Gilgit while another was found in Dashken district Astore on East facing with 45° slope angle. The canopy was moderate in both stands. The elevation ranged from 2616-3150 m, Piciea smithiana showed higher IVI ranged from 70.25 to82.6%, density 78.2-161.7/ha while co-dominant Juniperus excelsa contained from 29.75 39 to77% IVI, 29.66 to 73.51/ha density and 1.66 to14.05m2/ha basal area. Thirty species including seedling of dominant tree species were observed from the ground floor surface of these sampling site in which few species like Picea smithiana seedlings, Lentopodium sp, Fragaria nubicola, Geranium pratense, and Anaphalis virgata were found in both stands .Jutial-A (stand-18) sampling site indicated quite different species composition in which Thymus sp,Urtica dioca,Viola rupestrs,Bistorta affinis,Berginia stracheyi and grasses were abundant in 80% circular plot. There were no any seedlings of codominant tree species in circular plots. 4. Picea-Pinus community: This community was distributed at Rama-C (Stand-29) on south facing with 45° slopes and at Mushken (Stand-32) on South East facing with 35° slopes. The canopy was closed in Mushken AKBAR ET AL (2011), FUUAST J. BIOL., 1(2): 149-160 154 while in Rama it was open due to illegal cutting. The elevation ranged from 2719 to3275 m.Ground surfaces was covered with dense vegetation in Rama where as scattered boulders and dead fallen trees were observed in Mushken. Picea smithiana attained from 38.16 to 61.04% IVI, 43.05 to 45.24/ha density and 3.57 to 3.18 m2/ha basal area while in this community Pinus wallichiana showed from 38.96 to 61.84% IVI, from 23.05-94.71/ha density and 3.17 to 5.96 m2/ha basal area. During the ground flora analysis,16 pants species were recognized in which Fragaria nubicola, Geranium sp, Taraxacum sp, Trifolium sp, Urtica dioca, and Viola ruperstris was common in both stands. Potentilla anserina, Colutea nepalensis, Lonicera coerulea, Ribes alpestre, Rubus irritans, Rumex sp,and seedlings of trees was found only in Mushken while Inula rhizocephala, Juniperus communis, and Lentopodium sp, were recorded in Rama. 5. Pinus wallichiana-Pinus gerardiana community: Mushken E sampling site (Stand-35) situated on North East facing with 30° slopes. The canopy was open at 2639 m above sea level. Pinus wallichiana attained 63.4% IVI, 56.04/ha density and 6.02 m2/ha basal area while the co-dominant species Pinus gerardiana received 36.3% IVI, 41.41/ha Density with (1.9m2/ha) basal area. Table 2. Phytosociological attributes, rank, and absolute values of 40 stands in District Skardu, Astore and Gilgit Absolute Values Phytosociological Attributes Main Location and sites Stn. Skardu District 1. Basho-A 2. Basho- B 3. Gasing-A 4.Gasing-B 5.Gasing-C 6.Hargosil- A 7. Hargosil- B 8.Memosh-A 9. Memosh-B 10. Memosh- C Name of Species -1 BAm2 ha-1 R.F R.D R.B.A IVI Rank D/ha Pinus wallichiana Juniperus excelsa Pinus wallichiana Juniperus excelsa 75.3 24.2 77.8 22.2 91.7 8.93 92.5 7.14 96.66 3.34 91.32 8.67 87.8 12.2 87.3 12.7 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 184.3 18.06 159.5 12.26 42.38 14.63 32.39 3.09 Pinus wallichiana Juniperus excelsa Betula utilis Pinus wallichiana Juniperus excelsa 49.2 35.8 15.7 39.3 30.8 67.6 21.3 10.1 35.1 24.1 73.73 16.67 10.59 39.12 11.41 63.2 24.4 12.4 28.1 22.2 1st 2nd 3rd 2nd 3rd 132 41.69 20.83 141.7 95.63 16.17 3.7 2.35 10.38 3.02 Betula utilis Pinus wallichiana Juniperus excelsa Betula utilis Pinus wallichiana 29.7 19.4 59.7 21.7 73.8 40.7 11.1 79.6 8.92 88.9 49.46 11.32 77.95 10.73 91.94 39.7 14 72.3 13.6 84.7 1st 2nd 1st 3rd 1st 159.4 18.88 129.3 14.51 73.34 13.12 1 6.93 0.95 7.97 Juniperus excelsa Pinus wallichiana Juniperus excelsa Pinus wallichiana 26.1 87.5 12.9 75 11.1 94.64 5.36 88.9 8.05 96.94 3.05 80.83 15.3 93 6.76 81.4 2nd 1st 2nd 1st 9.65 38.78 3.2 113.9 0.7 5.26 0.17 17.35 Juniperus excelsa Betula utilis Pinus wallichiana Juniperus excelsa Betula utilis 16.6 8.33 75.8 13.1 10.2 8.92 2.67 91.6 4.46 3.57 17.05 2.1 91.96 5.76 2.28 14.2 4.36 86.5 7.93 5.36 2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 3rd 11.49 3.44 158.4 7.68 6.15 3.65 0.45 26.6 1.66 0.22 Pinus wallichiana Juniperus excelsa 68.9 22 85.1 10.1 85.3 7.82 79.8 13.5 1st 2nd 180 22.49 21.74 3.35 AKBAR ET AL (2011), FUUAST J. BIOL., 1(2): 149-160 155 Absolute Values Phytosociological Attributes Main Location and sites Name of Species R.F 11. Ganji -A 12.Ganji-B 13.Ganji-C 14.Ganji-D R.D R.B.A IVI Rank rd D/ha -1 BAm2 ha-1 Betula utilis Pinus wallichiana Pinus wallichiana 9.75 100 48.57 3.57 100 46.25 6.78 100 56.27 6.7 100 50.4 3 Pure 1st 7.49 308.92 99.06 1.43 36.02 12.16 Betula utilis Juniperus excelsa Pinus wallichiana Betula utilis 31.43 20 70.83 29.17 36.25 17.5 75.5 27.5 35.52 8.213 83.76 16.24 34.4 15.3 75.1 24.9 2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 77.64 37.48 168.5 63.91 7.67 1.77 16.8 3.83 Pinus wallichiana Betula utilis 65.51 34.48 67.5 32.5 81.02 18.98 71.4 28.7 1st 2nd 102.6 49.41 11.23 2.63 Picea smithiana 100 100 100 100 Pure 91.58 34.48 District Gilgit 15.Kargah-A Table 2. Continue… 16.Kargah-B 17.kargah-C 18.Jutial-A 19.Jutial-B 20.Naltar-A 21.Naltar ,B 22.Naltar-C 23.Naltar-D 24.Danyore-A 25.Joglotgah-A 26.Jogloygah-B Picea smithiana Pinus wallichiana Picea smithiana Juniperus excelsa Picea smithiana 100 100 62.5 37.5 100 100 100 68.75 31.25 100 100 100 79.51 20.49 100 100 100 70.3 29.8 100 Pure Pure 1st 2nd Pure 106.3 99.2 161.7 73.51 104.5 13.84 10.15 56.25 14.25 14.04 Picea smithiana Betula utilis Pinus wallichiana Betula utilis Juniperus macropoda Picea smithiana Betula utilis 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Pure Pure Pure Pure 237.4 96.3 112.9 73.81 51 10.81 6.99 6.33 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Pure Pure Pure 125.7 216.3 121.8 10.08 17.33 7.07 Betula utilis Abies pindrow Picea smithiana Pinus wallichiana Pinus wallichiana 100 100 60.04 38.96 100 100 100 66.25 33.75 100 100 100 64.24 35.76 100 100 100 61 39 100 Pure Pure 1st 2nd Pure 105.7 107.4 45.24 23.05 115.3 4.99 7.87 3.18 3.17 11.14 Pinus wallichiana Pinus wallichiana Picea smithiana Pinus wallichiana Pinus wallichiana 100 54.29 45.71 100 100 100 68.75 31.25 100 100 100 62.5 37.5 100 100 100 61.8 38.2 100 100 Pure 1st 2nd Pure Pure 98.43 94.71 43.05 156.3 142.1 8.39 5.96 3.57 14.74 13.25 Pinus wallichiana Pinus gerardian Picea smithiana 51.61 48.39 58.82 57.5 42.5 72.5 81.09 18.89 81.8 63.4 36.6 71 1st 2nd 1st 56.04 41.41 78.2 6.02 1.9 7.48 District Astore 27.Rama-A 28.Rama-B 29.Rama-C 30.Rama-D 31.Mushken-A 32.Mushken-B 33.Mushken-C 34.Mushken-D 35.Mushken-E 36.Dashken AKBAR ET AL (2011), FUUAST J. BIOL., 1(2): 149-160 156 Absolute Values Phytosociological Attributes Main Location and sites Name of Species R.F 37.Gudaie 38.Chelim-A 39.Chelim-B 40.Chelim-C R.D R.B.A IVI Rank nd D/ha -1 BAm2 ha-1 Juniperus excelsa Pinus wallichiana Pinus wallichiana 41.18 100 100 27.5 100 100 18.2 100 100 29 100 100 2 Pure Pure 29.66 146.6 180.1 1.66 10.36 8.73 Pinus wallichiana Betula utilis Pinus wallichiana 59.38 40.63 100 67.5 32.5 100 84.65 15.35 100 82.6 39.8 100 1st 2nd Pure 70.51 29.49 92.28 6.77 1.23 5.37 Note: R.F= Relative Frequency, R.D = Relative density, R.B.A = Relative Basal area, IVI= Importance value Index, D/ha-1=Density/hectar of species, BAm2ha-1=Basal area of species m2/hectar, 1st = First dominant species, 2nd= Second dominant species, 3rd= Third dominant species, Stn = Stand numbe Table 3. List of Plants and families associated with dominant tree species of the study area. S.No Name of Plants species PRST RF in stands (range) Family 1 Acantholimon lycopodioides (Girad) Boiss., 6 2.2---5.2 Plumbaginaceae 2 Acnotium heterophyllum Wall.ex.Royle, 1 0---3.8 Ranunculaceae 3 Anaphalis nepalensis (spreg.) Hand. 13 1.1---13 Compositae 4 Anaphalis virgata T.T.ex Clarke 8 1.5---11.3 Compositae 5 2 0.7---1.8 Ranunculaceae 6 Aquilegia moorcroftiana Wall.ex Artemisia brevifolium (Wall.ex DC) Ling &Y.R.Ling 10 2.7---15.3 Compositae 7 Artemisia obsinthium L. 1 0---5 Compositae 8 Aster sp 1 0---3.8 Compositae 9 Astragalus gilgitensis Ali, 1 0---3.0 Fabaceae 10 Astragalus rhizanthus Royle exBth. 6 1.8---6.87 Fabaceae 11 Astragalus zanskarensis Bth.ex Bunge, 19 0.9---12 Fabaceae 12 Berberis lycium Royle 3 1.9---3.3 Barberidaceae 13 Berberis orthobotrys Bien ex Aitch.,J.L.S 7 0.9---9.7 Barberidaceae 14 Bergenia stracheyi (H. &T.) Engl. 17 1.5---16.2 Barberidaceae 15 Betula utilis D.Don, 7 1.0---7.0 Betulaceae 16 Bistorta affinis(D.Don) Green 16 2.2---15.1 Polygonaceae 17 Cerastium alpinum 1 0---2.8 Celastraceae 18 Cicer songaricum Steph.ex DC., 12 2.0---7.8 19 Colutea nepalensis Sims, 2 2.2---4.8 Fabaceae 20 Corydalis moorcroftiana Wall.ex H.&T. 2 2.4---4.4 Fumariaceae 21 Cotoneaster integerrima Medik., 3 1.5---6.5 Rosaceae 22 Daphne oleoides Scherb., 3 1.9---10 Thyeleaceae 23 Delphinium brunonianum Royle, 2 1.8---2.8 Ranunculaceae 24 Dictyolimon macrorrhabdos (Boiss.) Rech.f. 3 1.5---3.2 Plumbaginaceae Fabaceae AKBAR ET AL (2011), FUUAST J. BIOL., 1(2): 149-160 S.No Name of Plants species 157 PRST RF in stands (range) Family 25 Ephedra gerardiana Wall ex Stapf, 4 0.9---2.3 Caryophylaceae 26 Ephedra tibetica Stapf, 3 2.1---4.8 Caryophylaceae 27 Epilobium angustifolium L., 3 0.9---1.9 Ornagraceae 28 Erigeron multicaulis Wall.ex DC., 3 1---3 Compositae 29 Fragaria nubicola Lindl.ex Lacaita 25 3.8---17.5 Rosaceae 30 Geranium pratense L., 27 0.7---17.2 Geraniaceae 31 Geranium wallichianum.D.Don .ex Sweet, 4 6.0---15 Geraniaceae 32 Hieracium lanceolatum Hk.,f., 9 0.9---10.4 Compositae 33 Hippophae rhamnoides L., 6 0.9---3.6 Elaegnaceae 34 Impatiens balfourii Hook.f. 6 1.6---9.0 Balsaminaceae 35 Inula rhizocephala Wend, 9 1.5---12.2 Compositae 36 Juniperus communis L. 23 1.2---13.7 Cupressaceae 37 Juniperus excelsa M.B., 3 1.9---7.6 Cupressaceae 38 Juniperus macropoda H.k.f., 1 0---3 Cupressaceae Table 3. Continue… 39 10 3---14.9 Compositae 40 Leontopodium himalayanum D.C., Leontopodium leontopodium (DC) Hand.Mazz., 19 3.7---17.1 Compositae 41 Leonurus cardiaca L., 3 3.1---4.7 Labiatae 42 Lonicera coerula L. 2 6.6---13.6 Caprifoliaceae 43 Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds., 4 3.9---6.6 Labiatae 44 Myostis asiatica Schischk.&Serg., 7 1.0---11.2 Boraginaceae 45 Nepeta discolor Role ex Bth. 10 1.5---10 46 Oxyria digyna (L.) Hill, 13 2.2---13.2 47 Picea smithiana (Wall.) Boiss. 6 2.2---5 Pinaceae 48 12 1.0---13.9 Pinaceae 49 Pinus wallichiana A.B. Jackson Podophyllum hexandrum (Royle) Chatt.Mukh., 2 1.1---2.9 Berberidaceae 50 Polygonum alpinum All., 4 2.8---8.8 Polygonaceae 51 Potentilla anserina L., 23 4.9---13.2 Rosaceae 52 Pseudomertensia echioides Riedl 3 3.1---5.2 Boraginaceae 53 Rheum tibeticum Maxim.ex Hk.f., 8 1.1---5.4 Polygonaceae 54 Rheum webbianum Royle,Ill. 3 2.9---4.5 Polygonaceae 55 Ribes alpestre Dcne.exJacq., 12 1.2---8.3 Grossulariaceae 56 Ribes himalensis Royle, 2 1.9---4.1 Grossulariaceae 57 Ribes orientale Desf., 13 1.0---11.3 Grossulariaceae 58 Rosa webbiana Wall.ex Royle, 31 0.9---10.6 Rosaceae 59 Rubus irritans Hk.f., 8 0.9---12.1 Rosaceae 60 Rumex dentatus L. 4 2.8---12 Polygonaceae 61 Rumex hastatus D.Don, 9 2---8.3 Polygonaceae Labiatae Polygonaceae AKBAR ET AL (2011), FUUAST J. BIOL., 1(2): 149-160 S.No Name of Plants species 158 PRST RF in stands (range) Family 62 Saxifraga flagellaris Willd. 1 0---7.6 Saxifragaceae 63 Sedum quadrifidum Pall.,Reise 2 3.3---4 Carssulaceae 64 Silene moorcroftiana Wall.ex Bth. 6 0.9---7.5 Umbelliferae 65 Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garche, 6 0.9---7.2 Umbelliferae 66 Soldigo virgaurea L.Sp.Pl. 3 8.8---10.7 Compositae 67 Spiraea canescens D.Don, 9 1---5.4 68 Swertia petiolata D.Don, 2 2.7---2.8 Gentianaceae 69 Tamarix indica Willd., 3 0.9---1.9 Tamaricaceae 70 Tanacetum falconerii Hk.f., 2 3.6---5.8 Compositae 71 Tanacetum artemisioides Sch.Bip.exHk.f., 14 1.2---15.2 Compositae 72 Tanacetum fruticulosum Clarke, 1 0---3.7 Compositae 73 Taraxacum sp 16 1.2---10.5 Compositae 74 Taraxacum baltistanicum v.Soet 10 2---10 Compositae 75 Thalictrum alpinum L. 3 8.2---9.8 Ranunculaceae 76 Thymus linearis Benth., 6 6.2---15.1 Labiatae 77 Thymus serpyllum L. 19 2.8---18 Labiatae 78 Tragopogon orientalis L. 2 6.5---7.7 Compositae 79 Trifolium partense L. 8 1.1---7.3 Fabaceae 80 Trifolium repens L. 12 1.8---11.2 Fabaceae 81 Urtica dioica L. 17 1.0---15.2 Urticaceae 82 Verbascum thapsus L.Sp.Pl. 7 1.0---5.5 Verbenaceae 83 Viola rupestris F.W.Schm., 15 1.9---15 Violaceae Rosaceae Note: PRST =Number of stand in which a species occur, RF= Relative frequency A total of 10 species of ground flora were recorded in this community but 80% forest floor was covered with Fragaria nubicola, Geranium sp, Lonciera coerulea, Rosa webbiana, Tanacetum artiemisioides, Thymus and seedlings of Pinus wallichiana. 6. Picea smithiana pure stands: Picea smithiana pure forest was distributed in five sites i.e.Stand-15, 16, 19, 20, 25.The elevation ranged from 2993-3275 m while slope ranged between 5° to 43°.The canopy was open in (Stand-16) while moderate in others. In theses stands Picea was recorded as single dominating species. In these locations Picea smithiana density ranged from 91.58 to 237.4 /ha with 13.84 to 51 m2/ha basal area. Under these stands composition of ground flora comprised of 42 species including seedlings the of Picea smithiana. In these sampling site floristic configurations was 20% similar. In all stands Fragaria nubicola, Rosa webbiana, Ribes sp, and Rumex sp found in 40 to 70%, plots. (Stands-16, 19, 20, 25) while Urtica dioca was recorded in 50 to 80% circular plots. 7. Pinus wallichiana pure stands: These pure stands of Pinus wallichiana was distributed in 10 different locations (11, 17, 22, 30,31,33,34,37,38,40 stands).These stands were situated at the elevation ranging from 2691 to 3775 m and 5° to 50° slope. Pinus wallichiana pure stands were most prominent in Skardu and Astore District where density ranged from 92 to 180 /ha with 8.72 to 36.02 m2/ha basal area. During the analysis of ground flora 56 species were recorded. Among them Geranium sp, Lentopodium sp, Rosa webbiana, Thymus sp and Viola sp were recorded in all stands while Ribes himalyansis was recorded in Ganj-A (Stand-11),Accantholimon lycopodioides in Kargah-C (Stand-17),Polygonium alpinum, Acnotium AKBAR ET AL (2011), FUUAST J. BIOL., 1(2): 149-160 159 heterophyllum, Swertia petiolata, Saxifraga flagellaris and Dalphonium brononium found in ChelimA,C(Stand-38,40). In Gudaie (Stand-37) Oxyria digyna and Happophae rhamnoides were present and Lonicera coerula was recorded only in Mshken-D (Stand-34). Impatiens balfourii and Hieracium lanceolantum found only in Mshken-A (Stand-31) seedling of Pinus wallichiana was also present in these stands 8. Betula utilis pure stands: Betula utilis, in a pure form is distributed in Naltar A (Stand-21) on South facing Naltar D (Stand-23) Plain, Joglotgah (Stand-26) Plain and Rama A (Stand-27) on North East facing. The elevation ranged from 3055 to 3508 m while degree of slope ranged between 5° to 40° .The canopies were open in Rama while others showed moderate. In Joglotgah dead and fallen trees were present, soil was sandy Huge cutting was observed there fore land sliding was common while in Naltar soil was loamy, and over grazing was recorded. In Rama (Stand-27) ground surface was covered with dense vegetation with loamy soil. The density of Betula utilis ranged from73.81 to 121.8/ha with 4.99 to 10.81 m2/ha basal area. Ground flora of these sampling site composed of 26 plant species including seedlings of Betula utilis eleven species Anaphalis nepalensis, Bergenia stracheyi, Bistorta affinis, Fragaria nubicola, Geranium pratense, Inula rhizocephala, Ribes sp, Thymus sp, Urtica dioca,Viola ruperstris and seedling of Betula utlis similar and occupied 42% of circular plot.Happophae rhamnoides and Acantholimon lycopodiodes were recorded only in Joglotgah B (Stand-27) while Oxyria digyna found in Rama A only (Stand-27). 9. Juniperus macropoda pure stand: This unique pure stand was recorded only one location of sampling area Danyore Stand-24) on the North East facing, steep slope 45° with open canopy at 3736m above see level this location is very important due to the population of endangered wild animal species Capra falconeri (Markhor) and Juniperus macropoda is one of the favorite food of Markhre .Juniperus macropoda attained density 125.7/ha with 10.08 m2/ha basal area. The ground surface of this stand was lash green covered with dense vegetation, cut stem, buring, soil erosion and bad shaped tree were also present in this site. Ground flora comprised of fourteen plant species among them Acantholimon lycopodioides, Anaphalis nepalensis, Artimisia brevifolium, Bistorta affinis, Leontopodium sp, Potentilla anserina and Rubus irritans in abundant. The seedlings of Juniperus macropoda were also recorded in ground flora. 10. Abies pindrow pure stand: This species formed pure stand only in District Astore on North West exposure with moderate canopy and 30° degree of slop at 3464 m above see level. Abies pindrow showed density of 107.4/ha with 7.87 m2/ha basal area. During the analysis of ground flora total fifteen pants species were identified among them Bergina stracheyi, Fragaria nubicola ,Geranium sp, Juniperus communis, Lonicera coerulea, Nepeta sp, Polygonium alpinum, Rosa webbiana, Solidago virgaure and Thalictrum alpinum were frequently found in circular plots. Like other forested areas of Pakistan these forested are also under the sever anthropogenic pressure i.e. cutting, over grazing, urbanization and climatic change. These areas are included under dry temperate are. According to Ahmed et al (2006) Pinus wallichiana and Abies pindrow are characteristic of moist temperate area while Picea smithiana leading to dry temperate area but due to the wide ecological amplitude these species are distributed in both dry and moist temperate. Pinus gerardiana and Juniperus species are restricted to drier sites of dry temperate area Ahmed (9190). In this area both species occupied timber line area (elevationabout3700 m) where moisture is limiting factor in contrast to Betula utilis and Pinus wallichiana which prefer moisture on fire line. Many stands showed seedlings of tree species indicating regeneration potential despite the illegal cutting and over grazing. These stands or forests could easily be save by better planning and management, however stands without regenerating seedlings indicating the presence of disturbance. Therefore, it is suggested that if present disturbance continued, these forest will vanish within a few decade .Serious and immediate action plan to save these forest is be recommended. Beside tree species, shrub/herbs and grasses should also be saved due to their ecological and medicinal importance. Acknowledgments I acknowledge Muhammad Ismail Zafar (Conservator of Forest Gilgit Region, Muhammad Jamil Chairman Mountain Conservation Developmental Program (MCDP) and Babar Khan Head (WWF) World Wide Fund for nature Gilgit- Baltistan to provide logistic support during field works of Gilgit And Astore District .I am also thankful Dr. Sher Wali Khan Assistant Professor Karakorum International University (KIU) to help in identification of plant specimens, Muhammad Askari (Principle F.G Inter Boys College Kharmong) on his assistance during field work of Skardu District and all my research and lab fellows for collaboration in different AKBAR ET AL (2011), FUUAST J. BIOL., 1(2): 149-160 160 stages of Laboratory works. I am also thankful to Prof. Dr.Syed Shahid Shaukat to guide and cooperate during Statistical analysis. I specially thank Marfee Foundation Pakistan to provide my financial grant in the from of QARZ-EHASANA during my research. References Ahmed, M. (1976). Multivariate analysis of the vegetation around Skardu. Agri-Pak. 2(17):177. Ahmed, M. (1986).Vegetation of some foothill of Himalayan range in Pakistan. Pak. J. Bot. 18(2): 261-269 4. Ahmed, M. (1988a). Plant communities of some northern temperate forests of Pakistan. Pak. J. For. 38: 33-40. Ahmed, M. (1988b). Population studies of some planted tree species of Quetta. J. Pure.Appl. Sci. 7:25-29. Ahmed, M., Ahmed, I. and Anjum, P. (1989). A study of natural regeneration of Juniperus excelsa M.B. in Bluchistan. Pak. J. Bot. 21(1): 118-127. Ahmed, M., Ashfaq, M., Amjad. and Saeed, M. (1991).Vegetation structure an dynamics of Pinus gerardiana forests in Balouchistan J.Veg. 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