Intensification of pastoralism ∼ 8 ka: Non-pollen palynomorphs analyses from the Rawatsera palaeolake sediments profile, Central Himalaya, India

Abstract

The utility of non-pollen palynomorphs (NPP) as palaeoecological indicators and indicators of anthropogenic disturbances is rapidly growing because of their potential to comprehend palynological reconstructions of past communities and environments. Moreover, the initiation and development of pastoralism in India is poorly understood. We, in the present study, analyzed the NPP, especially the fungal NPP and the spores of coprophilous fungi (SCF), to understand the ecology, herbivore grazing (pastoralism) and human pressure during the Middle Holocene from a 2.75-m-long sediment profile from the Rawatsera palaeolake, Kumaun (Lesser Himalaya), India. The study demonstrated that between ∼ 8327 and 8041 cal yr BP (Zone I), herbivore grazing and human pressure was noticed, based on the recovered SCF. Subsequently between ∼ 8041 and 7406 cal yr BP (Zone II), the grazing activity (human pressure) intensified. Between ∼ 7406 and 6999 cal yr BP (Zone III), compared to Zone I, pastoralism and local herbivore grazing increased. The detrended correspondence analysis also supports the findings of intensified herbivore grazing (pastoralism), based on the SCF. Moreover, soil erosion, compared to Zone II (∼ 8041–7406 cal yr BP), was more during ∼ 8327–8041 cal yr BP (Zone I), but comparatively increased during ∼ 7406–6999 cal yr BP (Zone III) around the study area. Anthropogenic disturbance of varying degrees in the form of soil erosion (and grazing too) was, therefore, suggested, based on the recovery of fungal spores, especially Glomus sp., as well as the SCF during the Middle Holocene (∼ 8327–6999 cal yr BP) from Kumaun, Central Himalaya, India.