Ecological Assessment and Conservation Implications for Ulmus wallichiana (Planch.) in Kullu Forest Division, Himachal Pradesh

The present investigation to assess the phytosociological and natural regeneration status of Ulmus wallichiana (Planch.) from three ranges i.e., Kullu, Patlikuhl, and Naggar of the Kullu forest division, Himachal Pradesh were selected. From each range, three sites were chosen randomly. The overall highest (145.74) IVI (Important Value Index) of tree species was for U. wallichiana and the overall highest (178.68) IVI of shrub species was for Rosa moschata in the Babeli site in the Kullu range. The maximum Shannon index and species richness i.e., 2.427, and 2.589 was observed in the Badagram population of Ulmus for tree species whereas for shrub species maximum Shannon index (1.988) and species richness (1.791) was observed in the Dhobi population. The natural regeneration of U. wallichiana was maximum (7.5%) at the lower altitudinal range (1100-1500m) and minimum (3.75%) at the higher altitudinal range (1800-2100m). U. wallichiana has been identified as a vulnerable species, therefore, the major species is essential from an immediate in-situ and ex-situ conservation point of view.