Assessing the influence of human settlements on the plant diversity in wetlands of Phobji and Gangtey, Bhutan

Abstract

<jats:p>Plant diversity in the wetlands of Phobji and Gangtey represents an important aspect of the overall wetland ecosystem. However, over the years, the increasing trend in population has initiated the building of many infrastructures and accommodations which lie at close proximity to the core wetland area. The plant diversity in human settled area and core undisturbed area was studied, with an objective to assess the influence of human settlement on the plant diversity. A belt transect method was used for the purpose of vegetation survey and Shannon Wiener diversity was calculated using the relative dominance. Plants were analyzed for their diversity, richness, dominance and invasive nature. Additionally, soil and water parameters were also tested to see the current situation of the pH and nutrient levels. A total of 136 species belonging to 39 families was identified in both the areas. The overall diversity index and species richness was found to be higher in the undisturbed areas. Soil analysis did not show much of a difference in physical and chemical parameters except for a slight difference in potassium content. Similarly, water parameters did not show much difference but only showed variation in calcium content. The findings of the study indicated towards the increasing influence of human settlement in the wetland.</jats:p>

Habitat Use, Feeding Behaviour and Conservation Threats of Black-Necked Cranes at Gangtey-Phobji Valley, Wangdue Phodrang, Bhutan

“…Gangtey-Phobji valley (27.49°N, 90.15 °E to 27.41°N, 90.20°E) is situated in the central highlands of Bhutan with a mean altitude of 2800 meters above sea level (RSPN, 2017). The valley is the largest high-altitude natural wetland in the country and the plant diversity in the wetlands represents an important aspect of the overall wetland ecosystem (Lhamo et al, 2020), corroborating its recognition as a Ramsar site (Ministry of Agriculture and Forests [MoAF], 2016). More than 5,000 people inhabit the winter habitat, whose livelihoods are primarily based on agriculture and livestock.…”

“…Summers are wet, damp, and dreary, whilst winters are cold and reasonably dry (Tshering et al, 2021). The lowest temperature was recorded in January (-4 degrees Celsius [ o C]) and the highest temperature was recorded in July (15 o C) (Lhamo et al, 2020). Out of 552 BNC visited within the 2020 to 2021 in Bhutan, 500 BNC were reported in the study site (RSPN, 2022).…”

Phytosociological Analysis of Bumdeling Ramsar site, Riverine Wetland of International Importance, Eastern Bhutan

“…And, the highest human influence was found in the wetlands of Asia even within the protected areas (Reis et al, 2017). Despite the high conservation priority of wetlands in Bhutan, study's findings had indicated increasing influence of human settlements in wetlands (Lhamo et al, 2020) and reported several threats and challenges faced in managing wetlands in Bhutan as well (Namgyel & Singh, 2021). Therefore, there is a need for information on wetlands for management and conservation purposes.…”

“…Despite the presence of rich floral diversity and significant plant species, the ecological studies in BRS in the past were mostly focused on faunal taxa like black neck crane, reptiles, small mammal and other socio-economic studies. There is meager information on wetland plants from BRS compared to other two Ramsar sites of Bhutan (Lhamo et al, 2020;Tshewang & Sridith, 2022. Moreover, due to frequent floods from monsoon rains, ecological successions are taking place in BRS and there is dire need of information on species diversity and wetland phytosociology.…”

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“…Gangtey-Phobji Ramsar in Bhutan's central highlands (hereafter, Ramsar) provides wintering habitat for the endangered black-necked crane [38] and other associated wildlife species. The Ramsar site totals 970 km 2 and is one of the largest high altitude wetlands in Bhutan [27] . The site has four habitat types: forest, grassland, freshwater, and agricultural, which is home to 25 mammal species and 90 bird species [39] .…”