ECOLOGICAL STATUS AND REGENERATION PATTERNS OF JUNIPERUS EXCELSA FORESTS IN NORTH-EASTERN BALOCHISTA
Abstract
Juniper (Juniperus excelsa) form the dominant tree covers over large parts of north-eastern part of Balochistan. Thirty stands in different forest zones were randomly sampled quantitatively during summer in 2012-2013. Phytosociological attributes such as the floristic composition, density ha-1 and basal area m² ha-1, size class distribution are presented. In total, 37 species of shrubs, herbs and grasses were recorded. Density of juniper trees (> 6 cm dbh) ranged from 106 to 379 individuals ha-¹ with an overall mean of 243±42 individuals ha-¹ while the average basal area was 73±33 m² ha-¹. Highest seedling density of 439 individuals ha-¹ was observed from Zizri Tore Sagran site, at elevation of 2948 meter on west facing slope. Size class distribution showed varied distribution patterns with gaps appearing in the large size classes in different stands. Present study shows that each and every Juniper stands are highly disturbed mostly due to human disturbances i.e. illegal cutting and overgrazing. Natural pressure as low regeneration, fungal disease, mistletoe, soil erosion and effects of climatic change were also responsible for degradation of this forest. Therefore, prompt conservational steps should be taken to safe these forests for the future generations
