DefinePK

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study was carried out during September, 1987 and April 1988 in the Hazargangi-Chiltan National Park to evaluate the effect of enclosure on carrying capacity, rang trend and other vegetation characteristics. One hundred twenty semi-permanent quadrats (plot) of 1 sq.m area both in fall 1987 and spring 1988 were laid out at six representative sites along 400 meter long transect line running across the contours. Out of these, 60 were clipped for estimation of forage production and 60 were studied for vegetation characteristics in two seasons. The study reveled that enclosure had positive effects on range vegetation. Vegetation recovery was remarkably rapid. The decreasers (highly palatable) species were reappearing. The estimated forage production was 1234 Kg/per hectare, carrying capacity was 1.1 ha / Markhor / annum and range condition (health) had improved inside the enclosure. The study also suggested detailed investigation on proper use-factor of different forage/browse species, their palatability index and the climax species in park.