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<p>Urbanization introduces cascading anthropogenic disturbances leading to negative consequences for the environment and biodiversity. The unsustainable transformation of land use and resource extraction from the natural landscape has significantly impacted the health of plant communities and ecological dynamics in recent decades. The present study investigated disturbance dynamics and their impact on plant communities along an urbanization gradient in Ranchi, Eastern India, documenting the status of Rare, Endangered, and Threatened (RET) plant species. A total of 346 species from 274 genera and 85 families were recorded, of which 75% were native. Trees were the most species-rich life form, followed by herbs and shrubs. Disturbance patterns significantly varied across vegetation zones (F<sub>2,456</sub>=3.74, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). The disturbance index (DI) of cut stumps based on basal cover (m<sup>2</sup>ha<sup>−1</sup>) has a significant weak positive correlation with density (<i>r</i> = 0.190; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). Resource extraction by local communities, high logging (73%), fuelwood collection (73%), and grazing (60%) leads to reduced diversity, dominance, and density. Urban vegetation exhibited a distinct disturbance profile dominated by non-biodegradable waste and understorey invasive plant species (IPSs). Species-abundance distribution (SAD) showed increased dominance of introduced or disturbance-tolerant species in urban vegetation. Despite a relatively high Floristic Quality Index (FQI = 101.34), the prevalence of high-conservatism species (47%) indicates threatened ecological integrity. The high proportion of RET native species underscores the region’s conservation importance and vulnerability. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated conservation strategies and sustainable resource management practices to mitigate the adverse effects of urbanization and ensure ecosystem stability.</p>

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Urban footprints on flora: assessing plant community dynamics across an urbanization gradient in Ranchi, Eastern India

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月24日

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  • Pawan Ekka,
  • Purabi Saikia

摘要

Urbanization introduces cascading anthropogenic disturbances leading to negative consequences for the environment and biodiversity. The unsustainable transformation of land use and resource extraction from the natural landscape has significantly impacted the health of plant communities and ecological dynamics in recent decades. The present study investigated disturbance dynamics and their impact on plant communities along an urbanization gradient in Ranchi, Eastern India, documenting the status of Rare, Endangered, and Threatened (RET) plant species. A total of 346 species from 274 genera and 85 families were recorded, of which 75% were native. Trees were the most species-rich life form, followed by herbs and shrubs. Disturbance patterns significantly varied across vegetation zones (F2,456=3.74, p < 0.05). The disturbance index (DI) of cut stumps based on basal cover (m2ha−1) has a significant weak positive correlation with density (r = 0.190; p < 0.05). Resource extraction by local communities, high logging (73%), fuelwood collection (73%), and grazing (60%) leads to reduced diversity, dominance, and density. Urban vegetation exhibited a distinct disturbance profile dominated by non-biodegradable waste and understorey invasive plant species (IPSs). Species-abundance distribution (SAD) showed increased dominance of introduced or disturbance-tolerant species in urban vegetation. Despite a relatively high Floristic Quality Index (FQI = 101.34), the prevalence of high-conservatism species (47%) indicates threatened ecological integrity. The high proportion of RET native species underscores the region’s conservation importance and vulnerability. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated conservation strategies and sustainable resource management practices to mitigate the adverse effects of urbanization and ensure ecosystem stability.