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The forests of Bhutan: a vital resource for the Himalayas?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

Caroline Sargent ,
Orlando Sargent  and
Roger Parsell
Caroline Sargent
Affiliation:
The Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Monks Wood, Abbots Ripton, Cambridgeshire PE17 2LS, England
Orlando Sargent
Affiliation:
The Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Monks Wood, Abbots Ripton, Cambridgeshire PE17 2LS, England
Roger Parsell
Affiliation:
The Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Monks Wood, Abbots Ripton, Cambridgeshire PE17 2LS, England
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Abstract

Large areas of the Himalayas have become severely deforested although little has been published about the extent of this problem in the closed Kingdom of Bhutan. A preliminary survey was undertaken during 1983. Without detailed information or accurate maps, LANDSAT 2 imagery was used to prepare a sampling stratification and to plot the distribution of defined vegetation types after sampling and analysis. Eleven forest noda are described in relation to their habitats, and area and timber volume estimates given. Deforestation pressures are discussed.

Keywords

BhutanclassificationforestsHimalayasLANDSAT 2mappingphytosociology
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Tropical Ecology , Volume 1 , Issue 3 , August 1985 , pp. 265 - 286
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1985

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