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<p>Understanding parasitic plant distribution patterns and their environmental correlates is essential for evidence-based forest management in the context of ecosystem-based adaptation strategies. We systematically surveyed <i>Taxillus vestitus</i> infestation across 8 sites (40 trees total) in oak-dominated and mixed broadleaf forests of Nainital, Uttarakhand, quantifying forest structure, tree characteristics, and anthropogenic disturbances. Infestation frequency varied widely across sites (4.95–51.9%, mean = 24.3%), with oak-mixed forests showing higher prevalence than oak-dominated stands. Canopy cover showed the strongest correlation with infestation (r =  − 0.76, <i>p</i> = 0.028), while lopping intensity was the primary anthropogenic factor associated with prevalence (r = 0.72, <i>p</i> = 0.043). Tree density ranged from 740–920 stems/ha, with <i>Quercus leucotrichophora</i> dominating all sites (IVI 152.83–209.68). These baseline patterns provide reference data for monitoring temporal changes and suggest hypotheses about disturbance–parasite relationships requiring experimental validation. Findings offer preliminary insights relevant to adaptive forest management frameworks, though translation into operational strategies requires additional mechanistic and longitudinal research.</p>

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Habitat characteristics and anthropogenic disturbance patterns associated with Taxillus infestation in oak forests: implications for ecosystem-based forest management in Nainital, Uttarakhand

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月3日

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  • Paras Upadhyaya,
  • Harshit Pant,
  • Jeet Ram

摘要

Understanding parasitic plant distribution patterns and their environmental correlates is essential for evidence-based forest management in the context of ecosystem-based adaptation strategies. We systematically surveyed Taxillus vestitus infestation across 8 sites (40 trees total) in oak-dominated and mixed broadleaf forests of Nainital, Uttarakhand, quantifying forest structure, tree characteristics, and anthropogenic disturbances. Infestation frequency varied widely across sites (4.95–51.9%, mean = 24.3%), with oak-mixed forests showing higher prevalence than oak-dominated stands. Canopy cover showed the strongest correlation with infestation (r =  − 0.76, p = 0.028), while lopping intensity was the primary anthropogenic factor associated with prevalence (r = 0.72, p = 0.043). Tree density ranged from 740–920 stems/ha, with Quercus leucotrichophora dominating all sites (IVI 152.83–209.68). These baseline patterns provide reference data for monitoring temporal changes and suggest hypotheses about disturbance–parasite relationships requiring experimental validation. Findings offer preliminary insights relevant to adaptive forest management frameworks, though translation into operational strategies requires additional mechanistic and longitudinal research.