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Ritika Jamwal and Harish Chander Dutt*
Ecological Engineering Lab.
Department of Botany, University of Jammu, Jammu
Email: harishchander@jammuuniversity.ac.in
Received-18.04.2025, Revised-08.05.2025, Accepted-20.05.2025
Abstract: The present study investigates the life-form classification across grassland–woodland transition zones in Patnitop Landscape in north-western Himalaya. These transition zones, where grassland merge with forested habitats, represent ecotonal regions of high ecological significance, characterized by sharp gradients in microclimate, soil properties, and disturbance regimes. A total of 75 plant species were recorded from diverse microhabitats along the transition zones between Grasslands and Woodlands. These plant species were classified into different life-form categories as per the Raunkiaer’s system. The transition zones in Patnitop Land scape are dynamic for biodiversity conservation, as they support species from both the adjacent communities, acting as refugia for many herbaceous and shrubby species. The dominance of low-lying perennials and disturbance-tolerant species reflects the impact of trampling, clearing, and edge effects. Life-form analysis in such zones provides valuable ecological indicators to assess vegetation structure, resilience, and ongoing shifts due to environmental and anthropogenic stressors. This study not only contributes to baseline data for the floristic and ecological understanding of transition zone but also underscores the need for sustainable management practices to protect these transitional habitats from degradation.
Keywords: Patnitop, Landscape, Grasslands, Woodlands
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