Abstract
Ziarat, a beautiful valley with the Juniperous excelsa forest is
unique being the 2nd largest Juniper forest throughout the world, the
first largest is in California. This is the only compact forested area
in province of Balochistan, Pakistan which is otherwise a forest
deficient area. The juniper evergreen trees are one of the slowest
growing trees in the world and are often called ‘living fossils’ for
having trees as old as 2500-3000 years. In the current study
extensive survey of five different densely populated areas of the
forest were made. The impact of urban population of the area
assessed through collection of data on the intensity and percentage
of different forms of injuries (stem cutting, debarking, branch
cutting, lopping, pruning, burning etc.). A Participatory rural
appraisal (PRA) study was also conducted to draw conclusions on
the living standards of the local population. The study revealed
extensive anthropogenic injuries to the juniper forest and direct
deforestation in densely populated areas. These injuries are
responsible for not only death of trees due to weakening but also
renders the trees vulnerable to fungal, insect and other parasite
attacks which ultimately result in the death of the trees especially
older mature trees and reducing the chances of regeneration of the
young trees. On the basis of the findings of the current study it is
concluded that there is a great need for training of population on the
subject of sustainable development and regulation from line
agencies for sustainability of the unique juniper forest of Ziarat.
H. Batool, T. Aqil, Zahoor Ahmad Bazai. (2011) Juniper Forest in Balochistan, A National Heritage At The Verge Of Elimination Due To Urbanization Is In Need Of Sustainable Development, Hankén , Volume 3, Issue 1.
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