Appendix F: Flora and Fauna Index

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Appendix F: Flora and Fauna Index

Himachal Pradesh is a rich biodiversity hotspot, home to a wide range of native plant and animal species found across its varying altitudes—from subtropical lowlands to alpine highlands.

Flora (Plant Life)

Botanical Name	Common Name	Habitat Zone	Uses/Notes
Cedrus deodara	Deodar Cedar	Mid to high altitude forests	State tree; used in construction and rituals.
Pinus roxburghii	Chir Pine	Lower altitudes (Shivaliks)	Resin used in turpentine; wood used for fuel.
Rhododendron arboreum	Rhododendron	Temperate forests	Flowers used in juices; state flower.
Taxus baccata	Himalayan Yew	Subalpine forests	Source of cancer drug (taxol).
Berberis aristata	Indian Barberry (Kilmora)	Various altitudes	Medicinal shrub used in traditional remedies.
Bambusa nutans	Hill Bamboo	Subtropical valleys	Used in construction and handicrafts.
Ficus religiosa	Peepal Tree	Found near villages	Sacred tree; used in Ayurveda.
Juniperus indica	Himalayan Juniper	Alpine zone	Used in incense and rituals.

Fauna (Animal Life)

Common Name	Scientific Name	Conservation Status	Notes
Snow Leopard	Panthera uncia	Vulnerable	Found in high-altitude zones of Lahaul-Spiti.
Himalayan Black Bear	Ursus thibetanus	Vulnerable	Lives in forested areas; known for hibernation behavior.
Western Tragopan	Tragopan melanocephalus	Vulnerable	State bird; colorful pheasant endemic to the region.
Himalayan Monal	Lophophorus impejanus	Least Concern	National bird of Nepal; found in upper temperate regions.
Goral	Naemorhedus goral	Near Threatened	Goat-antelope seen in rocky hills.
Barking Deer	Muntiacus muntjak	Least Concern	Common in Himachal’s woodlands.
Brown Bear	Ursus arctos	Vulnerable	Found in high elevations; rarely sighted.
Indian Cobra	Naja naja	Least Concern	Revered in mythology; lives in warmer valleys.
Himalayan Griffon Vulture	Gyps himalayensis	Near Threatened	Large raptor; crucial for ecosystem balance.
Golden Mahseer	Tor putitora	Endangered	Freshwater fish; found in rivers like Beas and Satluj.

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