International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Forest Fires in the Western Himalayan region of India: A review
Abstract
The ecosystems in the Himalaya are highly stressed due to over-increasing pressures on land due increased human populations and associated anthropogenic pressures. The inhabitants of the region are highly dependent on various resources like wild edibles, fodder, fuelwood, medicinal plants etc. from the forest ecosystems. The vegetation in the state of Himachal Pradesh is primarily dominated by Evergreen needle leaf forest, Evergreen Broadleaf Forest and Deciduous Broadleaf Forest. Studies have reported that the deciduous forests are more vulnerable to fire and thus large area of vegetation and wildlife is destroyed each year. Very limited numbers of studies have addressed issues pertaining to forest fires. In the present study an attempt was made to understand the number of forest fire incidences in the different districts of the state, causal factors responsible for the frequent forest fires and their after effects in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The suggestive conservation and remedial measures can help in the protection of forests and wildlife.
Keywords
References
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