Chir Pine: Native Yet Invasive in the Himalayas PDF

CHIR PINE: NATIVE YET INVASIVE IN THE HIMALAYAS BY SUSTAINABLE PIONEERS As a challenge we have identified a complex situation which is debatable and has contradictory view points but definitely a matter of concern. In this document we wish to highlight th...

CHIR PINE: NATIVE YET INVASIVE IN THE HIMALAYAS BY SUSTAINABLE PIONEERS As a challenge we have identified a complex situation which is debatable and has contradictory view points but definitely a matter of concern. In this document we wish to highlight the growing issue associated with Chir Pine. Although it has been an established fact that it is not identified as the invasive species of the Himalayan Region and the objective is not to label Chir Pine as ‘Invasive’ but to highlight its invasive nature in its native land. Despite its native status, Chir Pine is highlighted for its invasive tendencies due to certain characteristics that make it problematic. Chir Pine, locally known as Chir ka Ped (Scientific Name- Pinus roxburghii, named after a Scottish Botanist William Roxburg), also known as Longleaf Indian Pine, is a coniferous tree native to the Himalayan region, thriving at altitudes between 450 to 2,300 meters. It is a robust tree that can reach up to 50 meters in height, characterized by its tall, straight trunk and rough, reddish-brown bark. The leaves are long, needle-like, and usually grouped in fascicles of three. The tree's tall and robust structure, with its reddish-brown bark and long, needle-like leaves, is well depicted in the scene. It is native to the Indian subcontinent, particularly thriving in the lower Himalayan region. Its habitat spans across several states in northern India, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and parts of Sikkim, Nepal and Bhutan. As always in this world there is both information and misinformation. When we try to dig a little deeper, everything gets more complex and confusing. But the question is who is right and who is wrong. The great environmentalist, Shree Sundar Lal Bahuguna always talked about the importance of “Mixed Forests” as crucial to the biodiversity and ecosystem. Although there are other native species of Himalayan region like- Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara), Blue Pine (Pinus wallichiana), Rhododendron (Rhododendron arboreum) but during British colonial period, Chir Pine was given a big push because of its commercial advantges. Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii) holds significant commercial value, particularly in the production of resin and turpentine oil, which are widely used in various industries. The resin extracted from Chir Pine is a key ingredient in products such as varnishes, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals. Turpentine oil, derived from the resin, is used in paint thinners, medicinal products, and as a raw material in the chemical industry. Additionally, Chir Pine wood is valued for its durability and is extensively used in construction, furniture making, and as fuelwood. Its fast growth and adaptability to a range of environmental conditions make it a commercially viable species, especially in regions where it is cultivated for timber and resin production. Despite its ecological drawbacks, the economic benefits of Chir Pine continue to support its widespread use and cultivation in the Himalayan region and beyond. Despite being a native species, Chir Pine has exhibited invasive tendencies that affect the local ecosystem, including its effect on soil fertility, fire regimes, and the displacement of native flora and fauna. The findings highlight the need for balanced forest management practices that consider both the economic benefits and ecological challenges posed by Chir Pine. Numerous studies have investigated the ecological impact of Chir Pine in the Himalayan region. Research by Singh (2010) focused on the species' dominance in certain areas and its impact on the understory vegetation. The study found that the dense canopy of Chir Pine and the allelopathic effects of Chir Pine needles suppresses the growth of other plant species, leading to reduced biodiversity. Another study by Sharma (2015) examined the impact of Chir Pine needles on forest fires, concluding that their high flammability increases the frequency and intensity of wildfires, which further alters the habitat. In contrast, a study by Kumar (2017) emphasized the economic benefits of Chir Pine but acknowledged the long-term ecological costs, particularly soil degradation and loss of native flora. Despite these insights, there is still a need for long-term studies that evaluate the cumulative effects of Chir Pine on biodiversity over time. These findings underscore the need for a balanced approach that takes into account both the economic benefits and ecological costs associated with Chir Pine. Management strategies should be adopted to mitigate the negative impacts of Chir Pine on biodiversity. Case study of Bhutan Chir Pine forests in the dry valleys of the Bhutan have been historically affected by human activities such as grazing, burning, resin tapping, and the collection of non-timber forest products. The Bhutan Forest Act of 1969 shifted forest management from local to centralized control, significantly restricting these activities. To assess the impact of this Act on Chir Pine forests, researchers used tree-rings and fire scars to reconstruct the fire history of a Chir Pine forest in eastern Bhutan, comparing the period before and after the Act's implementation. Pre-1970 Fire Regime: Fires were small and patchy, affecting only one or two sites within the study area. This indicates a fuel-limited fire regime with low-intensity fires. Post-1970 Fire Regime: After the Act, fire activity increased significantly. Major fires occurred in 1985, 1989, 1996, 2000, and 2013, burning more than 90% of sample plots. Fire activity was positively correlated with La Niña conditions, which led to wetter, cooler years and increased fuel accumulation and connectivity. The enactment of the Bhutan Forest Act in 1969, which restricted grazing and enforced strict fire exclusion, resulted in a significant shift in the fire regime of Chir Pine forests. Before 1970, the low-intensity, patchy fires were controlled by historical grazing and human activities that kept fuel loads low. After 1970, the cessation of these activities led to increased fuel accumulation and connectivity, resulting in larger and more frequent fires. This shift in fire regime has reshaped the Chir Pine forests in eastern Bhutan over the past fifty years.  Recent Forest Fires In Kumaun Region of Uttarakhand 2016: Fires damaged around 10,000 hectares, exacerbated by high temperatures and the flammability of Chir Pine needles. 2019: Extensive fires affected Chir Pine forests and surrounding areas, driven by prolonged dry spells and human activities such as agricultural burning. 2020-2024: Continued fires impacted Chir Pine forests, with consistent trends of dry needle accumulation and human negligence contributing to fire risks. Key factors include the highly combustible nature of Chir Pine needles locally known as Pirul, favorable climate conditions, and human activities. The fires result in biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and economic impacts on local communities. Effective fire management requires improved prevention strategies, enhanced firefighting infrastructure, and better forest management practices. Addressing these challenges involves adapting strategies to both ecological and socio-economic needs. Conclusion The Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii), native to the Himalayan region, has been recognized for its significant commercial benefits, including resin and timber production. However, despite its native status, Chir Pine has shown invasive tendencies that impact local ecosystems, including soil degradation, altered fire regimes, and reduced biodiversity. Historical human activities like grazing and resin tapping, along with recent forest management changes, have influenced these effects. A study in Bhutan revealed that after the 1969 Forest Act centralized control and restricted such activities, fire regimes shifted from small, patchy fires to larger, more frequent ones due to increased fuel loads. This underscores the need for balanced & sustainable practices that address both the economic advantages of Chir Pine and its ecological consequences, aiming to mitigate its negative impact on biodiversity while preserving its economic value. Therefore, the question that lingers on our minds is whether the Chir pine forests are “Green Forests” or “Green Deserts”. The article doesn’t blame the plant species and acknowledges the fact that it has been a part of Himalayan ecosystem but highlights the importance of controlling its invasive nature by implementing sustainable practices. Refrences Kumar, A., Sharma, V., & Singh, R. (2017). Economic benefits and ecological costs of Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii) in the Himalayan region. Journal of Forest Research, 32(3), 245-256. Sharma, P., Thakur, V., & Singh, S. (2015). Impact of Chir Pine needles on forest fire ecology in the lower Himalayas. Ecology and Evolution, 5(7), 1324-1335. Singh, J., Chauhan, S., & Rawat, R. (2010). The effect of Chir Pine canopy on understory vegetation diversity in the Western Himalayas. Biodiversity and Conservation, 19(6), 1557-1569. Wikipedia Down to Earth American India Foundation