Diversity, Distribution Pattern and Threat Status of Pteridophytic Flora in Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh, India

Diversity, Distribution Pattern and Threat Status of Pteridophytic Flora in Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh, India

The Protected Area (PA) is one of the in situ conservation measures adopted globally for the conservation of species, habitats and ecosystems. Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary (SDWLS) is one of the diverse evergreen protected forests situated in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Review of literature reveals that the SDWLS has not been explored for pteridophytic flora so far. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to document the detail inventory of the pteridophytes growing naturally at different sites of SDWLS. In this context, extensive field surveys were carried out to understand the diversity, distribution pattern and their threat status. The present study reveals total 105 species (100 ferns and 5 fern allies) belonging to 33 genera and 15 families. It represents about 95 % of the pteridophytic flora of Mandi district and 40 % of that of the state of Himachal Pradesh. Information on habitat and distribution within the study area along with their altitudinal gradient and herbarium numbers are also provided in this paper.