Impact of Changing Climate on Floristic Composition And Ecological Characteristics of Sheenghar Range, District Karak, Pakistan

Siddiq Ullah; Fazal Hadi; Tauseef Ullah; Fazle Malik Sarim; Fazal Manan

Authors

Siddiq Ullah Directorate of Non-timber Forest products, Forest Department, KP, Pakistan
Fazal Hadi Department of Botany, University of Peshawar, Pakistan
Tauseef Ullah Department of Plant Sciences Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Fazle Malik Sarim Department of Chemical and Life Sciences, Qurtuba University, Peshawar, Pakistan
Fazal Manan Department of Plant Sciences Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan

Keywords:

Floristic Composition, Ecological Characteristics, Hilly Regions, Karak, Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: The present study assesses the floristic composition and ecological features of plant resources in the Sheenghar range hills, District Karak, Pakistan, highlighting the area's biodiversity and the impacts of climate change.

Novelty Statement: This research uniquely addresses the detailed floristic inventory and ecological classification of plant species in Sheenghar, providing insights into species adaptation to climate stress.

Material and Method: Field surveys were conducted to collect and identify plant species, followed by classification into families and life-forms. The study involved analyzing plant species composition, classification based on habitat, life-form categories and leaf size spectra.

Result and Discussion: The study identified 185 plant species across 49 families, with Asteraceae being the largest family (19 species). Herbs dominated the area (65.40%), followed by shrubs (18.91%), trees (14.59%), and parasites (1.08%). The predominant life-form class was therophytes (47.45%), with microphylls being the most common leaf size (32.43%). The findings indicate significant diversity but also reveal the severe impact of climate change on the flora, necessitating further research to understand species survival under such stress.

Concluding Remarks: The Sheenghar range hills' flora is diverse but vulnerable to climate change, emphasizing the need for continued ecological studies and conservation efforts.

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