Spatial diversity, patterns of forest vegetation, and sustainability analysis of the murree mountains of western himalayas

Murree Forest Division (MFD) is a part of western Himalayan range in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. An ecological field inventory was carried out. In all 454 vascular plants from 294 genera and 98 families were reported. The dominant families were Poaceae (54%, 53 spp.), Asteraceae (38%, 37 spp.), Papilionaceae, Lamiaceae, and Rosaceae (21%, 21 spp.), and Apocynaceae, Cyperaceae, and Ranunculaceae (12%, 12 spp.). The leading genera were Galium, Geranium, Rosa, and Swertia (six spp.) followed by Carex, Clematis, Quercus, and Ranunculus (five spp. each). There were 70 trees, 85 shrubs, and 299 herbs-climbers. Forest vegetation is under strong pressure. The plants in these forests are used for medicinal purposes, as wild fruits, vegetables, fuelwood, timber wood, fodder, roof thatching, agricultural tool making, fences/hedges, honeybee, and evil repellent evaluations. The vegetation is more affected by temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity and anthropogenic pressures. Forest structure has deteriorated due to poor regeneration potential. Continuous rise in temperature and other impacts can lead to eradication of endangered and endemic plants. The invasive plants are pushing upward the timberline. This study will enlighten these factors and possible recommendations.