Floristic diversity, nativity and endemism of high altitude forested landscape of Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary

The high altitude zones of the Himalaya are the rich pockets of native and endemic species, and contributes vast range of flora and fauna in the Himalayan biological diversity. In the present study conducted in the high altitude forested zone of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS) following extensive survey. The total of 474 species belonging from 276 genera and 78 families were recorded. Of this 321 (67.7%) were herbs, 11.6% shrubs,9.3% trees, 8.4% grasses, 3% sedges and 1.3% climbers. Out of total recorded families and genera, 27 families and 192 genera were monotypic, indicating poor genetic base or recent speciation with this Himalayan region. A good proportion of endemic (29.54%) and native species (68.57%) were recorded within the region, highlighting the significant contribution of this region (KWS) in the regional (Himalaya) flora.