Natural Regeneration Dynamics of Himalayan Forests

Abstract

Restoration of forest landscapes is a significant worldwide concern, and in recent years natural regeneration has been promoted as a practical means of accomplishing such goals. This study evaluates natural regeneration as a forest restoration strategy in the central Himalayan region of India, which has a history of forest disturbance. The study targeted four dominant forest communities (Sal, Chir-pine, Banj-oak, and Mixed-oak) distributed over an elevation gradient of 300–3000 m MSL and comprising over 62% of the total forest cover. First, we conducted a field investigation of forest stands to determine landscape structure and forest restoration outcomes, followed by an assessment of the regeneration status of individual trees, stand-level abiotic and biotic factors influencing forest regeneration, and the survival pattern of seedlings. Second, to present a pan-regional picture, we completed a thorough review of recent studies on the regeneration of other forests with a comparable structure. With mature tree, sapling, and seedling densities of 652 to 884 ha^–1, 140 to 368 ha^–1, and 176 to 3086 ha^–1, respectively, across all stands, we recorded a total of 9,166 individual trees of 49 different tree species, which is comparable to similar stands. An assessment of regenerating individuals revealed that all stands maintained heterogeneity of native and new species, thus conferring good ecosystem resilience. The dominant species contributed significantly to forest regeneration and should sustain a similar structure into the near future. We examined seedling survival and possible causes of mortality, which indicated a need to control biotic and abiotic stressors across stands to maintain biodiversity and restoration outcomes. The study suggests that encouraging the conservation of forests for better regeneration, educating residents, and encouraging widespread forest stewardship might result in cost-effective landscape restoration.