Habitat Ecology and Human-Induced Threats to Nardostachys jatamansi in Lingzhi, Western Bhutan

Author(s)	Ms. Ngawang Dema, Ms. Kesang Droelkar Tshering
Country	Bhutan
Abstract	Nardostachys jatamansi, a high-altitude medicinal herb (Valerianaceae), remains ecologically understudied in Bhutan. This study assessed its phytosociology, habitat, morphometry, biomass, and threats across 3,500–5,000 m in Lingzhi, western Bhutan. Density and Importance Value Index increased significantly with altitude, soil moisture, nitrogen, and slope, while plant size and biomass declined at higher elevations. Grazing and harvesting were key threats, with the most disturbed plots showing the lowest densities. The species thrives in moist, steep alpine habitats but is vulnerable to overharvesting, warranting site-specific monitoring and adherence to Bhutan's CITES-mandated harvest limits.
Keywords	alpine medicinal plant, Bhutan, conservation, grazing, habitat, Lingzhi, Nardostachys jatamansi, non-detriment finding
Field	Biology > Agriculture / Botany
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On	2026-09-20

About AIJFR Fees & Payment Current Issue Publication Archive	Submit Research Paper Track Submission Status Publication Guidelines Publication Ethics Peer Review & Plagiarism	Join as a Reviewer Editors & Reviewers Reviewer Referral Program Get Reviewer Membership Certi.	Website/Journal Policies Usage Policy Content Policies Privacy Policy

Contact Us		+91-9898-79-39-59	editor@aijfr.com

Advanced International Journal for Research