Exploring the Regeneration Dynamics and Conservation Threats to Endemic Rhododendron kesangiae (D.G. Long & Rushforth) in Bhutan's National Botanical Park at Lungchutse, Dochula

Abstract

Rhododendron kesangiae is a species endemic to the Eastern Himalayas named after the Queen mother of Bhutan, HRH Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuk. The study on the regeneration and conservation threat of Rhododendron kesangiae is of utmost importance in this changing climate and growing human interference in the natural population of Rhododendrons. However, there is limited documentation and study on this species' ecology, regeneration, and conservation status. Therefore, this study was undertaken to assess the regeneration ecology and conservation status of R. kesangiae in one of Bhutan's National Botanical Park at Lungchutse, Dochula. The study area was divided into six transects along the North East and North West aspects. The regeneration status of R. kesangiae was determined by counting the number of seedlings, saplings and adults in the 5 x 5 m transects. Composite soil samples were collected from the 5 x 5 m quadrant. Associated tree species data were gathered from 20 x 20 m quadrants in each plot. The study found that the regeneration status of R. kesangiae was fair regeneration with the seedlings ≤ saplings > adults. The most dominant tree species found were Tsuga Dumosa and the least dominant species was Juniperus recurva. Soil parameters such as soil moisture significantly impacted the regeneration of R. kesangiae (r = 0.52, p = 0.003). Precipitation had a significant impact on the regeneration and growth of R. kesangiae (r = 0.37, p = 0.043), while other environmental variables such as slope, temperature and elevation did not show a significant impact. The conservation threats were documented using Miradi. This study sheds important light on the species' regeneration ecology and conservation status highlighiting the importance of monitoring and conservation efforts to ensue their long-term survival and keeping them from falling into the highest conservation threat categories. Keywords: Conservation Threats, Eastern Himalaya, Miradi, Regeneration, R. kesangiae, soil parameters, Ecology