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Macrophytes of sacred Himalayan lake Dodi Tal, India: quantitative and diversity analysis


Biodiversity International Journal
Sharma RC, Singh S
Department of Environmental Sciences, Hemvati Nandan Bahughuna Garhwal University, India

Abstract

 

The present study was conducted for quantitative and diversity analyses of aquatic macrophytes dwelling littoral zone of sacred lake Dodi Tal (3,075 masl) situated in Garhwal Himalaya in summer and winter seasons of 2015 and spring of 2016. A total of 45 macrophyte species belonging to 29 families and 34 generawere reported. These macrophytes varied in different morphological groups- emergents; submerged; rooted-floating leaf type; and free floating. Maximum number of species were represented by emergents (30) followed by submerged (10), rooted- floating leaf type (3) and free floating (3) macrophytes.Two emergent species (Renunculus letus, Myriophyllum verticillatum)of macrophytes dominated during all the three seasons. Renunculus letus was dominant in summer (IVI=10.40) and spring (IVI=12.61) seasons, while Myriophyllum verticillatum was dominant in winter season (IVI= 12.94). The highest species diversity (H’) of macrophytes was observed during summer (3.77) followed by spring (3.53) and winter (3.40) season. The abundant growth of aquatic macrophytes in the littoral zone of the lake may be due to various anthropogenic activities of the tourists in the riparian zone of the Dodi Tal. The huge growth of macrophytes during springs and summer seasons may be correlated with huge influx of tourists during this period.

Keywords

garhwal himalaya, high altitude lake, importance value index (IvI), macrophytes, species diversity, ecosystem, macrophytes, aquatic life, aquatic habitat, angiosperms

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