期刊名称：International Journal of Environment and Bioenergy
电子版ISSN：2165-8951
出版年度：2013
卷号：5
期号：3
页码：164-182
语种：English
出版社：Modern Scientific Press
摘要：Yousmarg mesmerizes tourists with its scenic beauty and mountains comparable to the European Alps. The Yousmarg main bowl has witnessed a tremendous growth in the human and livestock population as well. Livestock (9,260) grazing a major biotic interference in this forest area. The consequences of grazing pressure become more obvious in the Yousmarg forest ecosystem. Besides, cattle grazers indulge in illegal activities such as the burning of the forest floor, such practices adversely affect the regeneration of species and further deteriorate the site quality and aesthetic value. This interference may in long run hamper the eco-development which may affect long term conservation of species population, also affect the forest regeneration and helped in proliferation of weeds/shrub species such as Vibernum Sp. and Sambucas Sp. From The last few years' large inflow of tourists into Kashmir valley has seen the diversification of tourism to this wonderful destination, which produces some sort of pressure on conversion of forest land for various tourist infrastructural developments like cafeterias, huts, parking places, pony tracks and road buildings, also use of timber for constructions and firewood for heating purposes. Firewood extraction came around 46.50 tons/month/family. The daily forage requirement per adult count unit (ASL) came to around 472.00 tons/day. There is no other major source of fodder in view of low contribution of agricultural by-products and the little bit of fodder cultivation. In view of such a situation, management measures have been suggested to reduce livestock population and implement the eco-development packages in order to ensure the long-term conservation of the forest ecosystem.
