NATURAL REGENERATION STATUS OF CHILGOZA PINE (PINUS GERARDIANA WALL.) IN HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA: AN ENDANGERED PINE OF HIGH EDIBLE VALUE

Pinus gerardiana Wall. locally known as 'chilgoza' is near endemic and endangered to Himalayan region. The species has aptly been described as the Champion of Rocky Mountains as it grows under extremely rough site conditions. Being a flavorsome wild edible, the chilgoza pine nuts have high demand in local, national and international markets and fetch very high prices. Due to rampant harvesting of cones, natural regeneration of this species is being fatally hampered. In present study, the natural regeneration assessment of the species was conducted in the forests of Kinnuar of Himachal Pradesh, India. The whole distribution area of the species was divided into three zones, viz., Dry temperate, Semi arid and Arid. The sampling plots of 20m x 20m were selected in which the regeneration sampling quadrates of 2m x 2m were laid in the eastern and western bank of river Sutlej. The results revealed that the semiarid zone on the western aspect of the area have maximum established regeneration of the species (291.66 plants/ha). Overall, the mean natural regeneration status of the species was very poor (15%). Thus, the species is facing higher risk of extinction and needs to be considered as 'Critically Endangered' in Indian Himalayan Region. It is suggested here that a suitable strategy and action plan including sustainable harvesting methods should be prepared and implemented on priority basis.