Conclusion

Mandhala, Moolbari, and Me Gad micro watersheds had a total of 2276 tree individuals from 75 woody species from 34 belt transects. A total of 38 families were recorded, of which Fabaceae had the highest number of species (7), followed by Rosaceae, Pinaceae and Moraceae (5 each). The highest number of individuals per species was Quercus leucotriphora with 811 individuals followed by  Q.glauca (394), Acacia catechu (157), Myrica esculenta (73), Pinus roxbhurghii (72),  Abies pindrow (70) and Flacourtia indica (68). Species richness was highest in Mandhala (45 species) followed by Moolbari (39) and MeGad (9). Quercus species dominated in the Moolbari watershed area, while deciduous species such as Acacia catechu, Flacourtia indica dominated in Mandala watershed. MeGad, a high altitude area was dominated by Abies pindrow, Picea smithiana, and Pinus wallichiana, which is reflected in the IVI values. Occurrence of perennial streams in the watershed dominated by native vegetation  compared to the seasonal streams in in monoculture plantations, highlight the need for appropriate watershed management strategies to ensure the sustenance of water.

115 butterfly species of oriental and palaearctic origin representing nine families. Nympahlidae is the dominant family (32 sp.) followed by Pieridae (19 sp.), Lycaenidae (16 sp.), Satyridae and Papilionidae (12 sp. each), Hesperridae (10 sp.), Danaidae (8 sp.), Erycidae (4 sp.) and Acraeidae (2 sp.).  14 amphibian species were observed belonging to 5 families. Of the 5 families, Dicroglossidae represents 7 species, followed by Bufonidae (4) and Microhylidae, Ranidae and Rhacophoridae (1 species each). Six species are first reported from this study.  Regarding bird diversity, 136 bird species were recorded in three watersheds. Mandhala watershed records highest number of species (105) followed by Moolbari (57) and Megad (35).