Plant species diversity along the altitudinal gradient at Garhi Dopatta Hills, Muzaffarabad

The present study reveals vegetation diversity and species richness along the altitudinal gradient ranged from 900 to 3000 m at Garhi Dopatta Hills. Species diversity and richness values were high in the tree layer in the middle part of the altitudinal gradient. It decreases both towards upper and lower altitude, which was due to deforestation, human interaction, encroachment pressure, low number of species and soil erosion. There is great need of reforestation in the area. Alternate sources of fuel must be provided to local inhabitants to minimize the pressure on wealth of wild plants.