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ANALYZING THE HERBACEOUS FLORA OF LOHI BHER WILDLIFE PARK UNDER VARIABLE ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS

SHEIKH SAEED AHMAD^* AND HUMA EHSAN

Abstract: A study was conducted in Lohi Bher Wildlife Park, to identify the species grouping in relation to environmental factors. The floristic composition was analyzed using multivariate analysis technique Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). A total of 35 herbaceous plant species from 66 quadrats were recorded. The study demarcated the vegetation structure and its relationships to selected environmental factors. The most important factor influencing the herbaceous vegetation was soil moisture. Linear model response curve justified the fact that Cymbopogon jwarancusa showed least stress against soil moisture.  Whereas with reference to maximum stress the species showed diverse response, indicating that soil moisture plays a major role in species assemblage. This study provides the basic information to preserve and improve the roadside vegetation, of for reservation native flora.

Department of Environmental Sciences Fatima Jinnah Women University Rawalpindi