Abstract
The rangelands of Cholistan desert is on decline due to multiple stresses and their effects can be visualized on range flora
particularly on browse species. Therefore, a phytosociological survey was carried as an initial assessment to determine the
vegetation structure of browse and related edaphic features. The analysis of twenty stands has delineated three vegetation
associations inhabiting the sandunal, interdunal sandy and clayey saline habitats. Overall, twenty browse communities were
documented based on importance value index of each species. Out of which, eight were interdunal sandy communities and
six were sandunal and clayey saline communities each. Physico-chemical analysis of soil has revealed that texture of
sandunal habitat was sandy; interdunal was sandy loam while clayey saline was clayey. Results exposed that organic matter,
and soil nutrients were better at interdunal sandy habitat whereas pH, EC, Na, and soil moisture were high at clayey saline
habitat and minimum at sandunal habitat. Further, climatic extremities, overgrazing and anthropogenic activities were
observed to be continuous threats to indigenous species. This study indicates that browse communities of Cholistan
rangelands are degrading gradually, therefore, they need proper protection, management, and rehabilitation through
ecological approaches. This would be possible with the participation of government and native people to make these range
resources sustainable.
