Baseline Study of Vegetation in Doyan Valley District Astore, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Abstract: The total covered Area of Gilgit-Baltistan is about 72496 square kilometers, bordering with China, Afghanistan and India. The flora and fauna of the Gilgit-Baltistan are unique because of their natural ecological zones there are 1,000 species of vascular plants are known to occur in northern mountain regions of Pakistan. Most of endemic plants are found in the northern mountains. Medicinal plants are important source of drugs for the treatment of various ailments of human kind. Out of 5,700 plant species in Pakistan, 400-600 species are considered to have medicinal use in unani and other medicines Rural people especially poor households also extract and process medicinal plants to meet their daily needs such as fodder, medicine and shelter. The present study has been conducted in Doyan valley, Astore to make an assessment of the flora of the valley. The main objective of the study was to identify and enlist existing plant species and their distribution in the study area and preparation of a taxonomical checklist of the species with their scientific, vernacular and local names. A total of 80 plant species belonging to different families were recorded and specimens of unidentified plants species collected for further proper identification. It was observed that during the study olive, Chilgoza, birch and spruce were abundantly found in the study area. The abundance of floral species is beneficial for livestock grazing while maintaining the ecosystem. Floral species have importance because many have medicinal and aromatic properties while so many others are used as timber and fodder. However, the most important aspect associated with plants is that they are the main source of oxygen for life on earth. The report mentions threats to the floral and their root causes and recommendations have also been suggested for improvement.