VEGETATION COMPOSITION AND REGENERATION STATUS OF INACTIVE LANDSLIDES

Landslides are an inherent character of Nepal. The steep mountains, high population density, over-grazing, deforestation, monsoon climate are the reasons that make the country prone to landslides. The landslide also provides opportunities for plant colonization and succession. However, there are very few studies related to a succession of vegetation in the landslide area. This study was carried out in the Bhat Khola River and Seti Khola River sub-watersheds of Phedikhola Rural Municipality of Panchase region, western Nepal. Altogether four inactive landslides of different ages were identified and selected for the study purpose. A total of 18 quadrant plots of size 10m × 10m for tree species and 72 quadrant plots of 2m × 2m for shrub/herb species were laid down using systematic sampling method and foot trial as belt transect in different ages of inactive landslides. Identification, count and measurement of all the species were carried out. There was higher herb richness in younger inactive landslide i.e., Inactive Landslide of six and seven years. The present study unveiled vegetation succession of inactive landslides area.