Distribution and mapping of Ficus neriifolia Smith: A multipurpose agroforestry tree in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India

Ficus neriifolia locally called as Dudhla, Thilook, Dudhoi is one of the most important leaf fodder species in North-Western Himalaya, India during lean period. Keeping the importance of the species, the present study was conducted on distribution and mapping of Ficus neriifolia in Chamoli district in North -Western Himalaya, India. Based on the field survey we identified 33 sites/villages in eight development blocks at different altitudes in Chamoli district. The potential distribution sites occurred in the district from 1100-2200 m asl. In all 33 sites/villages, GPS location s were noted and distribution map was prepared with the help of GIS software. Every selected village/site in each block, natural habitat/occurrence of the species was identified at each altitude. During the survey, maximum (07) potential sites/villages were identified in Dewal block followed by 05 sites/villages in Tharali block and minimum (02) potential sites/villages were indentified in Dasholi block. As far as the altitudinal variations is concerned, the occurrence of the species at highest elevation (2205 m) in Kandai village (Dewal) and at lowest elevation (1042 m) in Kaleshwar village (Karnaparyag). In each site, population density of the species was also recorded. Maximum tree density (11.0 tree/200 m²) was recorded at Talwari site/village and minimum (2.0 tree/200 m²) at Senti site/village.