Composition and distribution of macrophytes in Hokersar - A wetland of international importance in Kashmir Himalaya

By Anjum Afshan Mir, D. M. Mahajan and P. G. Saptarishi.

Published by The International Journal of Climate Change: Impacts and Responses

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Article: Print	$US10.00
Article: Electronic	$US5.00

The paper reports about the distribution of macrophyte in the wetland community of Hokera with special reference to macrophyte composition and vegetation analysis through phyto-sociological studies. The ecosystem supports diverse aquatic plant communities (emergent, rooted–floating leaf type, free-floating leaf type, submersed type) marked by striking variability in composition, frequency and extent of colonization. Several ecological factors, such as habitat loss related to siltaion, pollution, expanding agricultural activities and drastic hydrological fluctuations, have induced considerable changes in the dynamics and distribution pattern of sustained biota. The shift in macrophytic community structure is evidenced by the local extinction of Nelumbio nucifera and the near-disappearance of some economically important plants (Euryale ferox). The investigation of various aspects of wetland ecology of Hokera reveals that species composition has witnessed great variations. The shrinkage of the wetland area, once spread over 13.26 sq km has been now gradually reduced 5.6 sq km. The paper highlights the rapidly deteriorating environmental status of the Hokersar Wetland and stresses the need for its urgent ecological restoration with special reference to its macrophytes.

Keywords:	Macrophytes, Wetland Environment, Phyto-sociological, Hydrological Fluctuations Hokersar

The International Journal of Climate Change: Impacts and Responses, Volume 1, Issue 4, pp.23-36. Article: Print (Spiral Bound). Article: Electronic (PDF File; 1.908MB).

Anjum Afshan Mir

Research Scholar, Dept of Environmental Science, Pune University, Sopore, Maharashtra, India

I am doing research from Pune University, Deptt. of Environmental Science on the topic titled Conservation management plan for Hokersar wetland (Kashmir, India) with emphasis on macrophytes. I have completed Masters in Environmental Science from BVIEER, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, during which I have worked on the project related to implementation of environmental education at college level and so I have a desire for promoting the cause of environment at local as well as global level.

Dr D. M. Mahajan

Faculty, Department of Botany, Waghire College, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Dr. D.M.Mahajan, Faculty, Department of Botany, Waghire College, Saswad, Pune, Maharashtra.

P. G. Saptarishi

Professor Pune university Department of Environment science, Pune University, Maharashtra, India

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