Factors affecting the natural regeneration of Taxus contorta griff. in temperate forests, north-western Himalaya region, India

The assessment of ecological factors on the occurrence of Taxus contorta Griff. forest helps in understanding the regeneration dynamics of the species and formulating a policy to make out the species from endangered rank. The study was undertaken at temperate forests in the north-western Himalayan region. In four forests, a total of 96 random plots were laid, of each plot area was 0.16 ha i.e., (40x40 m²). Each forest had laid 24 plots, considering 6 plots on each geographical region (North, Northeast, Southwest, and southeast. The study aimed to assess the effect of local factors i.e. edaphic factor (pH, soil moisture, and bulk density), photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), canopy closure, soil compaction, and phytosociological attributes on regeneration process of an endangered plant species in Taxus occurrence forests. There were significant differences in stand diversity, soil moisture, and bulk density between the northern and southern geographical directions in all studied forests. Among all, Himri forest was found in “Good regeneration” category of T. contorta occurrence geographical directions while other forests were in “No regeneration” category for this species. The adult's population and their vitality were high and satisfied in all studied forests which resulted in high chance of return back of this endangered species. For returning and protection of this species, an appropriate conservation strategy should be undertaken immediately, especially in the northern slope exposure. The northern geographical directions are more suitability for this endangered species because it is grown at high moisture and humidity environment, low temperature slope exposure directions with association of thorny fleshy-fruited shrubs.