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VOL. 9, ISSUE 1 (2024)
Himalayan harmony: Balancing biodiversity conservation and development in great Himalayan National Park, Western Himalayas
Authors
Bandna Kumari
Abstract
The Great Himalayan National Park located in Banjar Subdivision of
Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh characterized by wide range of flora and
fauna, alluring elevated peak, alpine meadow, riverine forests. It is part of
Himalayan biodiversity hotspot including twenty five forest type and supports
substantial portion of faunal species including 31 mammals,181
birds,3reptiles,9 amphibians 17 molluscs, 127 insects. Due to high elevations
and undisturbed habitat GHNP supports a great flora approximately 50% of
endemic angiosperm species. It is home to many endemic species which is
threatened and rare like brightly plumed pheasant western tragopan locally
known as jujurana (the king of birds) which is a vulnerable species as per
IUCN. The Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (GHNPCA) as a Natural
Site was inscribed into UNESCO world heritage site under criteria” outstanding
significance for biodiversity conservation” during the session of 38th
World Heritage Committee in Doha (Qatar)on 23rd June 2014. The
inscription confirms GHNPCA outstanding Universal value as a site containing
the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of
Western Himalayan biodiversity, including those containing threatened species
of universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Biodiversity in western Himalayas is threaten by habitat destruction,
overhunting, poaching, overexploitation of forest resources, climate change, natural
disaster and several development activities like road constructions,
hydroelectric projects, rapid expansion of tourism industry putting pressure on
wildlife and causing threat to ecosystem of park. Present paper discuss the
emerging issue and challenges in protection and conservation of biodiversity of
GHNP.
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Pages:43-50
How to cite this article:
Bandna Kumari "Himalayan harmony: Balancing biodiversity conservation and development in great Himalayan National Park, Western Himalayas". International Journal of Zoology Studies, Vol 9, Issue 1, 2024, Pages 43-50
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