Forest fires now pose a threat to the very survival of Uttarakhand’s unique biodiversity

Forest fires now pose a threat to the very survival of Uttarakhand’s unique biodiversity

Subject : Environment

Sec: Biodiversity

Context: Forest fire season in Uttarakhand coincides with flowering & breeding months of several vulnerable species, many of them native to Himalayas.

More on the News:

• Forest fires are becoming more frequent and fierce in Uttarakhand. Such regular burnings can be catastrophic for the state as well as the rich biodiversity it harbours.
• With 7,000 species of plants, Uttarakhand contributes 31 per cent of the country’s floral diversity. As many as 119 flowering plants are endemic to the state.
• The impact of recurrent forest fires in Uttarakhand is therefore not limited to the direct loss of trees and wildlife, their displacement and subsequent colonisation of unwanted species.
• By destroying the leaves and foliage, a forest fire can significantly reduce the photosynthetic activity of surviving trees and thereby affect their growth.
• It can also damage the seed bank, both above and below the ground, and wipe out the seedlings and saplings growing on the forest floor. Species that are sparsely distributed and have small or patchy populations suffer the worst impacts as they lose their habitat, territories, shelter and food.
• The loss of keystone organisms in forest ecosystems, such as invertebrates, pollinators, and decomposers, can significantly slow the recovery rate of the forest.

Endemic Species:

• Taxus baccata L, a conifer native to the Himalayas. The plant, known for anti-cancerous properties, starts flowering from March, when the peak fire season in Uttarakhand typically begins. A massive forest fire during the flowering season can severely impede propagation of the species.
• Fruiting in Asparagus adscendensRoxb, a native plant of the Himalayas used for vigour and vitality, also occurs in March. A forest fire can damage its mature fruits and hinder fruiting. Researchers have already recorded scarce germination of the plant because of forest fires.
• B aristata, whose roots, stem and leaves are used in the treatment of various ailments, is already at risk from overexploitation.
• Stephania glabra is another medicinal plant whose tuber is used in the treatment of asthma, tuberculosis, dysentery, hyperglycemia, cancer, fever, intestinal complaints, sleep disturbances and inflammation.

About Forest Fire: https://optimizeias.com/forest-fire-in-odisha/