Exploring the Regeneration Dynamics and Conservation Threats to EndemicRhododendron kesangiae(D.G. Long & Rushforth) in Bhutan’s National Botanical Park at Lungchutse, Dochula

Abstract

AbstractRhododendron kesangiaeis a species endemic to the Eastern Himalayas named after the Queen mother of Bhutan, HRH Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuk. The study on the regeneration and conservation threat ofRhododendron kesangiaeis of utmost importance in this changing climate and growing human interference in the natural population of Rhododendrons. However, there is limited documentation and study on this species’ ecology, regeneration, and conservation status. Therefore, this study was undertaken to assess the regeneration ecology and conservation status of R.kesangiaein one of Bhutan’s National Botanical Park at Lungchutse, Dochula. The study area was divided into six transects along the North East and North West aspects. The regeneration status of R.kesangiaewas determined by counting the number of seedlings, saplings and adults in the 5 × 5 m transects. Composite soil samples were collected from the 5 × 5 m quadrant. Associated tree species data were gathered from 20 × 20 m quadrants in each plot. The study found that the regeneration status of R.kesangiaewas fair regeneration with the seedlings ≤ saplings > adults. The most dominant tree species found wereTsuga Dumosaand the least dominant species wasJuniperus recurva. Soil parameters such as soil moisture significantly impacted the regeneration ofR. kesangiae(r= 0.52,p= 0.003). Precipitation had a significant impact on the regeneration and growth of R.kesangiae(r= 0.37,p= 0.043), while other environmental variables such as slope, temperature and elevation did not show a significant impact. The conservation threats were documented using Miradi. This study sheds important light on the species’ regeneration ecology and conservation status highlighiting the importance of monitoring and conservation efforts to ensue their long-term survival and keeping them from falling into the highest conservation threat categories.