Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainability in Asia: Volume 2: Prospects and Challenges in South and Middle Asia

"Of the world’s seven continents, Asia is the largest. Its physical landscapes, political units, and ethnic groups are both wide-ranging and many. Southwest, South and Middle Asia are highly populated regions which, as a whole, cover an extremely large area of varied geography. In total, this domain is unique in its plant diversity and large vegetation zones with different communities and biomes. It is rich in endemics, with specific and intraspecific diversity of fruit trees and medicinal plants, including a number of rare, high value, species. At the same time, much of the land in the region is too dry or too rugged, with many geographical extremes. Overgrazing, oil and mineral extraction, and poaching are the major threats in the area. This two-volume project focuses on the dynamic biodiversity of the region with in-depth analysis on phytosociology, plants, animals and agroecology. There are also chapters that explore new applications as well as approaches to overcome problems associated with climate change. Much of the research and analysis are presented here for the first time. We believe this work is a valuable resource for professionals and researchers working in the fields of plant diversity and vegetation, animal diversity and animal populations, and geo-diversity and sustainable land use, among others. The first volume guides our readers to West Asia and the Caucasus region, while volume two focuses on issues unique to South and Middle Asia"--Page 4 of cover Preface Acknowledgment Contents About the Editors Part I: Ecology Chapter 1: Current Status of Vegetation of the Dried Bottom of the Aral Sea 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Data Evaluation 1.3 Observations 1.4 Concluding Remarks 1.4.1 The Dynamics of the Formation of Plant Biomass on the Dried Bottom of the Aral Sea 1.4.2 Mapping of Vegetation of the Dried Bottom of the Aral Sea 1.4.3 Experiment on the Fixation of Shifting Sands of Dried Bottom of the Aral Sea 1.5 Recommendations References Chapter 2: Role of Grasslands in Soil Carbon Storage: Case Study from Alpine Grasslands of North-Western Kashmir Himalaya 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Grasslands of North-Western Kashmir Himalaya: Brief Overview 2.3 Study Area 2.4 Data Evaluation 2.5 Conclusions References Chapter 3: The Importance of Forest for Soil, Food, and Climate Security in Asia 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Forest: Global Overview 3.3 Deforestation: A Global Challenge 3.4 Invasive Species: An Ecological Driver for Forest Change 3.5 Forest at Risk Due to Civilian Conflicts 3.6 Climate Change Impact on Forest 3.7 Forests for Climate Change Mitigation 3.8 Forests for Soil Management 3.9 Forest for Food and Nutritional Security 3.10 Forest Management in Asia Through FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) 3.11 Policy, Governance, and Future Road Map 3.12 Conclusions References Chapter 4: The Vegetation of the Pamir-Alay Mountainous System in Middle Asia 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Flora 4.3 Vegetation 4.4 Description of the Florocenotypes of the Pamir-Alay Mountain Range References Chapter 5: Plant Diversity and Species Distribution Pattern Across the Pir Panjal Mountain Forest Range in the Western Himalayas 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Study Area 5.3 Data Analysis 5.4 Sampling Design and Measurements 5.5 Observations 5.6 Diversity and Phytosociological Attributes 5.6.1 Pinus wallichiana-Viburnum grandiflorum-Fragaria nubicola Community 5.6.2 Abies pindrow-Viburnum grandiflorum-Stipa sibirica Community 5.6.3 Pinus wallichiana-Viburnum grandiflorum-Fragaria nubicola Community 5.6.4 Abies pindrow-Viburnum grandiflorum-Poa annua Community 5.7 Concluding Remarks References Chapter 6: The Ecology of Pakistani Ferns and Lycophytes 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Diversity of Ferns and Lycophytes in Pakistan 6.3 Vegetation of Pakistan and Distribution of Ferns in Different Vegetation Zones 6.3.1 Dry Tropical Forest Vegetation 6.3.2 Dry Subtropical Sub-mountainous Vegetation 6.3.3 Dry Temperate Forest Vegetation (Fig. 6.1) 6.3.4 Moist Temperate Forest Vegetation 6.3.5 Sub-alpine and Alpine Vegetation 6.4 Habitat Differentiation of Ferns in Different Vegetation Zones 6.4.1 Terrestrial Ferns 6.4.2 Rock Ferns 6.4.3 River and Streamside Ferns 6.4.4 Aquatic Ferns 6.4.5 Xerophytic Ferns 6.5 Recent Studies on the Ferns and Lycophytes in the Malakand Division 6.6 Concluding Remarks References Chapter 7: Woody Species Diversity in the Foot Hills of Eastern Himalayas 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Study Area 7.3 Data Evaluation 7.4 Conclusions References Chapter 8: Phytogeography of Plants Distributed in the Jambil Valley, Swat District, Pakistan; a revisit for evaluating vegetation of the region 8.1 Introduction 8.1.1 Floristic Provinces in Pakistan 8.2 Study Area 8.3 Data Collection and Analyses 8.4 Phytogeographical Classification of Jambil Valley 8.4.1 CCA Bi-plot for Floristic Elements 8.5 Concluding Remarks References Chapter 9: Diversity of Cyanobacteria in Thermal Water Bodies of Southwest India 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Data Collection and Analysis 9.2.1 Sampling Locations 9.2.2 Sample Collection and Assessment 9.2.3 Richness and Diversity of Cyanobacteria 9.2.4 Physicochemical Features 9.3 Evaluation of Results 9.3.1 Richness and Diversity of Cyanobacteria 9.3.2 Cyanobacteria vs Water Quality 9.4 Conclusions and Outlook References Chapter 10: Biodiversity and Freshwater Ecosystem Services: A Case Study of the Hamzakot Area of Mardan, Pakistan 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Study Area 10.2.1 Flora and Fauna 10.2.2 Data Collection and Evaluation 10.2.3 Fishing 10.2.4 Birds and Insects 10.2.5 Grazing and Browsing 10.2.6 Water Flour Mill 10.2.7 Food and Medicine 10.2.8 Filtration of Toxic Elements 10.2.9 Aesthetic Values of Fresh-water Ecosystems 10.3 Conclusion and Recommendations References Chapter 11: Ecological Evaluation of Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana in the Hindu Kush and Himalayan Ranges of Pakistan and Its Conservation Status 11.1 Introduction 11.1.1 Hindu Kush and Himalayan Region of Pakistan 11.1.2 Phytogeographical Regions of Pakistan 11.1.3 Conservation 11.1.4 IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria for Conservation 11.1.5 Plant Species Conservation in the Mountains of Hindu Kush and the Himalayas 11.1.6 Threatened Flora 11.1.7 Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana (Dcne.) Rehder (Hamamelidaceae) 11.2 Data Evaluation 11.3 Conservation Status of P. jacquemontiana in the Study Area 11.3.1 Micro-climatic Features and Ecological Zonation 11.3.2 Estimation of Population and Geographical Range 11.3.3 Associated Plant Species 11.3.4 Taxonomic Groups and Community Structure 11.4 Conclusions References Chapter 12: Role of Chitral Gol National Park in Maintaining and Conserving Plant Diversity of the Region 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Study Area 12.3 Botanical Exploration and Geographical Features of Chitral 12.4 Chitral Gol National Park 12.5 Park Biodiversity 12.6 Data Evaluation 12.7 Observations 12.8 Threats to Vegetation in Chitral Gol National Park 12.9 Concluding Remarks References Chapter 13: Liakot Forests in Kalam, District Swat, Pakistan: Floristics, Conservation, Sustainability, and Ecological Classification 13.1 Introduction 13.2 Observations 13.3 Plant Diversity and Vegetation 13.3.1 Establishment of Zones in the Forests 13.4 Concluding Remarks References Chapter 14: Plants and Plant Communities of the Kurram Valley, Pakistan 14.1 Introduction 14.1.1 Floral Exploration and Its Significance 14.1.2 Fundamental of Plant Communities 14.1.3 Vegetation Structure and Influence of Environmental Factors 14.1.4 Aim of the Study 14.1.5 Introduction to the Study Area 14.1.5.1 Phytogeographical and Geological Features 14.1.5.2 Physical and Bioclimatic Features 14.1.5.3 Agroecology and Soil Chemistry 14.1.5.4 Water Resources 14.1.5.5 Demography and Socioeconomic Status 14.2 Data Collection 14.2.1 Field Sampling Techniques 14.2.2 Data Preparation and Communities Nomenclature 14.2.3 Soil Analysis 14.2.4 Data Analyses 14.3 Observations 14.3.1 Floral Structure 14.3.2 Vegetation Structure and Dominance 14.3.3 Community Classification 14.3.3.1 Elaeagnus angustifolia, Rosa chinensis, Seriphidium kurramense Community 14.3.3.2 Platanus orientalis, Rosa moschata, Epilobium hirsutum Community 14.3.3.3 Quercus baloot, Jasminum auriculatum, Foeniculum vulgare Community 14.3.3.4 Quercus dilatata, Hedera nepalensis, Calamintha umbrosa Community 14.3.4 Diversity Among Communities 14.4 Concluding Remarks References Chapter 15: Spatial Diversity, Patterns of Forest Vegetation, and Sustainability Analysis of the Murree Mountains of Western Himalayas 15.1 Introduction 15.2 Forests in Pakistan 15.3 Murree Forest Division (MFD) 15.4 Murree Forest Vegetation 15.4.1 Western Himalayan Moist Temperate Forest 15.4.2 Subtropical Mixed Coniferous Forest 15.4.3 Subtropical Broad-Leaved Forests 15.5 MFD Floristic Data 15.6 Murree Forest Ecosystem Services 15.6.1 Medicinal Plants 15.6.2 Fodder Plant Species 15.6.3 Fuelwood Plants 15.6.4 Timber Plants 15.6.5 Thatching and Sheltering 15.6.6 Fencing and Hedge Plants 15.6.7 Poisonous Plants 15.6.8 Ornamental Plants 15.6.9 Edible Fruit Plants 15.7 Conclusion and Recommendations References Chapter 16: Phytosociological Studies, Economic Value, and Sustainable Use of Alnus nitida: A Monophyletic Species of the Western Himalayas and Hindu Kush Region of the Sino-Japanese Belt of Pakistan 16.1 Introduction 16.2 Study Area: The Sino-Japanese Belt of Pakistan 16.3 Sample Collection and Sampling Techniques 16.4 Data Analyses 16.5 Ethnoecological Features 16.6 Findings 16.7 Classification of the Species into Potential Habitat Types (Zone) 16.8 Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) 16.9 Ethnoecological Evaluations 16.10 Concluding Remarks References Chapter 17: Vegetation Diversity of Ranikot Fort Area, Sindh, Pakistan 17.1 Introduction 17.2 Study Area 17.3 Observations References Chapter 18: Graveyards-Conservation Spots of Species Diversity: Case Study from the North Western Area of Pakistan 18.1 Introduction 18.2 Study Area 18.3 Observations 18.3.1 Biological Spectrum 18.3.2 Vegetation Classification and Ordination: Cluster Analysis 18.3.3 Classification of Graveyards into Potential Associations 18.3.3.1 Ficus religiosa-Bougainvillea spectabilis-Chenopodium murale Association 18.3.3.2 Acacia senegal-Datura metal-Convolvulus arvensis Association 18.3.3.3 Ziziphus spina-christi-Vitex trifolia-Abutilon indicum Association 18.3.3.4 Acacia nilotica-Withania coagulans-Abutilon indicum Association 18.3.3.5 Melia azedarach-Rhazya stricta-Peganum harmala Association 18.4 Concluding Remarks References Chapter 19: Environmental Issues in Nexus to Ecological Poverty in Balochistan, Southwest Province of Pakistan 19.1 Introduction 19.2 Study Area 19.3 Key Environmental Problems 19.3.1 Deforestation 19.3.2 Water Scarcity and Contamination 19.3.3 Rangeland Depletion 19.4 Environmental Degradation 19.5 A Dreadful City—Quetta 19.6 Conclusions References Chapter 20: Urban Greening Toward Sustainable Development and Sustainability 20.1 Introduction 20.2 Urban Greening and Cities 20.3 Ecological and Environmental Roles of Urban Vegetation 20.3.1 Climate Change and Urban Forestry 20.3.2 Carbon Storage by Trees in the Urban Environment 20.3.3 Urban Vegetation and Regulating Services 20.3.3.1 Air Quality 20.3.3.2 Water and Soil Quality 20.3.3.3 Soil Conservation 20.3.3.4 Regulating Urban Temperature 20.3.3.5 Urban Forestry and Human health 20.3.3.6 Economic Benefits of Urban Trees 20.3.3.7 Social Benefits of Urban Forestry 20.3.3.8 Reducing Noise Pollution 20.4 Establishment of a Greenbelt 20.5 Increasing Tree Cover Outside Forest 20.6 Urban Forestry and Sustainable Cities 20.7 Greening as a Part of Sustainable Urban Development and Biodiversity Conservation 20.8 Urban Forestry for Livelihood 20.9 Linking Society and Urban Green Space 20.10 Research and Developmental (R&D) Activities 20.11 Future Perspectives References Part II: Plant Diversity Chapter 21: Revision of the Genus Allium L. (Amaryllidaceae) in the Flora of India 21.1 Introduction 21.2 Observations 21.2.1 Conspectus of Genus Allium in the Flora of India References Chapter 22: A Taxonomical Revision of Genus Allium L. (Amaryllidaceae) in the Flora of Middle Asia 22.1 Introduction 22.2 Conspectus of Genus Allium L. in Middle Asia 22.3 Conclusions References Chapter 23: A Preliminary Checklist, Phenology, and Biological Spectrum of the Vascular Flora of Manglot Wildlife Park, Nizampur, Pakistan 23.1 Introduction 23.2 Data Collection 23.3 Observations 23.4 Evaluation and Concluding Remarks 23.4.1 Phyto-climatic Spectrum 23.4.2 Phenology References Chapter 24: Floristic Inventory of Ethnobotanically Important Plants of Thangy Dara District Dir Lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan 24.1 Introduction 24.2 Study Area 24.3 Data Collection 24.4 Biodiversity 24.5 Concluding Remarks References Chapter 25: Invasive Alien Species: An Emerging Challenge for the Biodiversity 25.1 Introduction 25.2 Invasive Alien Plants 25.3 Invasive Plant Species (IPS) and Impacts on Biodiversity 25.4 Noxious Invasive Species of Pakistan; Status and Challenges 25.5 Major Pathways That Cause Spread of Invasive Species 25.6 Plant Invasions and Resultant Impacts on Biodiversity 25.7 Management and Control Strategies 25.8 Conclusions References Chapter 26: Vascular Plant Diversity of Changa Valley, District Shangla, Hindu Kush Range, Pakistan 26.1 Introduction 26.2 Study Area 26.3 Observations 26.4 Conclusions and Recommendations References Part III: Animal Diversity Chapter 27: Bee Diversity of Pakistan 27.1 Introduction 27.2 Ecological Zones of Pakistan 27.3 Bee Fauna in Pakistan 27.4 Importance of Pollinators and Pollination 27.5 Impact of Pollination on the Yield of Crops in Pakistan 27.6 Geographical Distribution of Genus Bombus (Bombini, Apidae: Hymenoptera) in Pakistan 27.7 European Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) Rearing in Pakistan 27.8 European Managed Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) Status in Pakistan 27.9 Carpenter Bees (Hymenoptera: Xylocopinae: Apidae) in Pakistan 27.10 Biodiversity Losses 27.11 Pollinator’s Decline/Deficits vs Yield Loss in Pakistan 27.12 Government Policies and Plans/National Policy Framework in Pakistan 27.13 Conclusions References Chapter 28: Fish Fauna of Kashmir Valley and Their Conservational Measures for Sustainable Fish Production 28.1 Introduction 28.2 Fish Fauna 28.3 Ecology and Economic Sustainability 28.4 Constraints and Threats 28.4.1 Suggestions to Safeguard the Threatened or Near-Threatened Fish Species 28.5 Conclusions References Chapter 29: Anuran Diversity in Three Landscapes of Kodagu Region of the Western Ghats of India 29.1 Introduction 29.2 Sampling Locations 29.3 Environmental Variables 29.4 Quantification of Anurans 29.5 Environmental Features 29.6 Distribution, Diversity and Richness 29.7 Impact of Environmental Variables 29.8 Conservation Status of Anurans 29.9 Conclusions References Chapter 30: Himalayan Ibex (Capra sibirica hemalayanus): Distribution, Population Structure, and Conservation 30.1 Introduction 30.2 Description 30.3 Distribution 30.4 Population Structure 30.5 Conservation 30.6 Conservation Issues and Social Aspects References Chapter 31: Current Status of the Bird Life of Pakistan 31.1 Introduction 31.2 Ecological Importance 31.3 Threats to Birds 31.4 Conclusion References Part IV: Agrodiversity Chapter 32: Gummosis of Stone Fruit 32.1 Introduction 32.2 History of Gummosis 32.3 General Symptoms 32.4 Nature of Gummosis 32.4.1 Formation of Gum Ducts 32.4.2 Composition of Gum 32.5 Causal Factors 32.5.1 Biotic Factors 32.5.1.1 Microbial Attack 32.5.1.2 Genetic Factors 32.5.1.3 Injury and Wounding 32.5.1.4 Climatic Conditions 32.6 Hormonal Regulation of Gummosis 32.7 Disease Management 32.7.1 Cultural Practices 32.7.2 Chemical Control 32.7.3 Biological Control 32.8 Food and Nonfood Properties of Various Rosaceae Gums 32.9 Conclusions References Chapter 33: Agrobiodiversity: Effect of Drought Stress on the Eco-physiology and Morphology of Wheat 33.1 Introduction 33.1.1 Morphological Changes in Plants Under Drought Stress 33.2 Data Collection 33.3 Observations 33.4 Concluding Remarks References Chapter 34: Microgravity—Simulation, Acceleration, and Effects on Plants: Case Study on Globally Important Agricultural Crop Rice 34.1 Introduction 34.2 Gravity Responsive Statocytes 34.3 Mechanisms Involved in Sensing Gravity 34.3.1 Statolith-Based Gravity Sensing 34.3.2 Auxin-Based Gravity Sensing 34.3.3 Calcium-Ion-Based Gravity Sensing 34.3.4 Cytoskeleton-Based Gravity Sensing 34.4 Microgravity 34.5 Simulation of Microgravity Conditions 34.5.1 Clinostat and Clinorotation 34.6 Microgravity in Rice 34.7 Conclusions References Chapter 35: Fruit Diversity in Kashmir 35.1 Introduction 35.2 Types of Fruits Cultivated in Kashmir 35.2.1 Apple 35.2.1.1 Apple Varieties Features 35.2.2 Pear 35.2.2.1 Pear Varieties Features 35.2.3 Peach 35.2.3.1 Peach Varieties Features 35.2.4 Plum 35.2.4.1 Plum Varieties Features 35.2.5 Cherry 35.2.6 Apricot 35.2.6.1 Apricot Varieties Features 35.2.7 Walnut 35.2.7.1 Walnut Varieties Features 35.2.8 Almond 35.2.8.1 Almond Varieties Features 35.2.9 Chestnut 35.2.10 Quince 35.3 Conclusion References Chapter 36: Weed Vegetation in Maize Crop of the Shahbaz Garhi, District Mardan; Gradient of Diversity and Species Composition 36.1 Introduction 36.1.1 Losses by Weeds 36.1.2 Control of Weeds 36.1.3 Environmental Gradient 36.1.4 Study Area 36.1.5 Biodiversity and Agriculture 36.1.6 Cultural Aspects 36.2 Data Collection 36.3 Observations 36.3.1 Results of Cluster (CA) and Two-Way Cluster Analysis (TWCA) 36.3.2 Classification of Weed Species into Potential Communities 36.3.2.1 Celosia-Convolvulus-Euphorbia Community 36.3.2.2 Achyranthes-Ipomea-Physalis Community 36.3.2.3 Corchorus-Lactuca-Commelina Community 36.3.2.4 Amaranthus-Euphorbia-Parthenium Community 36.3.3 Environmental Gradients 36.3.3.1 Maize Fields in Relation to Environmental Gradient 36.3.3.2 Ordination of Weeds in Relation to Environmental Factors 36.4 Concluding Remarks References Chapter 37: Management of Mango Hopper, in Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Agroecosystems Through Different Ways 37.1 Introduction 37.2 Background 37.3 Mango Hopper Distribution 37.4 Symptoms of Infestation 37.5 Data Collection 37.6 Control Methods 37.7 Biological Control 37.8 Chemical Control 37.9 Conclusion References Chapter 38: Wild Morels in Pakistan: Environmental and Trading Statues 38.1 Introduction 38.2 Geographic Positions of Wild Morels in Pakistan 38.3 Collection and Preservation of Morels 38.4 Adventure from Local to International Markets 38.5 Nutritional Value of Morels 38.6 Commercial Cultivation of Morels 38.7 Myco-Chemical Aspects of Morels 38.8 Diversity of Morels and the Climate Interdependence 38.9 Concluding Remarks References Part V: Ethnobotany Chapter 39: Folkloric Knowledge of Plant Species Used by Local Communities in a Protected Area of Kashmir Himalayas 39.1 Introduction 39.2 Study Area 39.2.1 Ethnographic and Socio-economic Background 39.2.2 Ethnobotanical Data Collection 39.2.3 Data Analysis 39.3 Observations 39.3.1 Wild Food Plants 39.3.2 Cultural Uses of Plants 39.3.3 Highly Utilised Plants 39.3.4 Comparative Analysis 39.3.5 Traditional Knowledge as a Hope for Ethnic Groups 39.4 Future Perspective 39.5 Concluding Remarks References Chapter 40: Peganum harmala: Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses, and Biological Activities 40.1 Introduction 40.2 Use in Traditional Medicine 40.3 Phytochemical Aspects 40.4 General Pharmacological Activities 40.4.1 Antibacterial Activity 40.4.2 Antifungal Activity 40.4.3 Antiviral Activity 40.4.4 Antiprotozoal Effect 40.4.5 Insecticidal Activity 40.4.6 Antioxidant Activity 40.4.7 Antitumor Activity 40.4.8 Abortifacient Effect 40.4.9 Osteogenic Activity 40.4.10 Antidiabetic Activity 40.4.11 Anti-Inflammatory Activity 40.4.12 Effects on Nervous System 40.4.13 Analgesic Effect 40.4.14 Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activities 40.4.15 Vasorelaxant and Antihypertensive Effects 40.5 Toxicity References Chapter 41: Ethnomedicinal and Cultural Importance of Myrtus communis L. for the Local Communities Living in the Remote Tribal District of Bajaur 41.1 Introduction 41.2 Study Area – Bajaur 41.3 Flora and Fauna 41.4 Ethnography 41.4.1 Food Preferences of the Locals 41.4.2 Occupation of the Locals 41.4.3 Education 41.4.4 Health 41.4.5 Climate 41.5 Ethnobotany 41.6 Traditional Uses of M. communis 41.6.1 Myrtle as a Holy Plant 41.6.2 Myrtle as a Cultural Plant 41.7 Data Collection 41.8 Results 41.8.1 Recipes with M. communis 41.8.2 Conservation 41.8.3 Threats M. communis Population 41.8.4 Georeferenced Locations 41.9 Conclusions References Chapter 42: A Case Study of Ethnobotany in Iran: Pas-Qaleh Village of North Tehran 42.1 Introduction 42.1.1 Ethnobotany: Its Roots and Implications 42.1.2 Geography and Climate 42.1.3 Brief History of People and Plants in Iran 42.2 Geography and Demography of Pas-Qaleh 42.2.1 The Climate of Pas-Qaleh 42.2.2 The Economy of Pas-Qaleh 42.2.3 Cultural Heritage of Pas-Qaleh 42.2.4 Vegetation of Pas-Qaleh 42.3 Methodology 42.4 Results 42.4.1 Identified Plant Species Used in Pas-Qaleh 42.5 Conclusions 42.5.1 Classification of Pas-Qaleh Plants by Pas-Qaleh People 42.5.2 Application-Based Categorization of Pas-Qaleh Plants 42.5.3 Pas-Qaleh: Plants, People, and Future References Chapter 43: An Overview of Common Medicinal Plants of Middle Asia 43.1 Introduction 43.2 Data Evaluation 43.3 Observations 43.4 Concluding Remarks References Chapter 44: Diverse Medicinal Attributes of Indigenous Flora of Southwest India 44.1 Introduction 44.2 Survey, Diversity and Documentation 44.2.1 Trees 44.2.2 Shrubs 44.2.3 Herbs 44.2.4 Grass 44.2.5 Climber 44.3 Concluding Remarks References Chapter 45: Genus Thymus in Iran—Ethnobotany, Phytochemical, Molecular, and Pharmacological Features 45.1 Introduction 45.2 Botany and Distribution 45.2.1 T. vulgaris L. 45.2.2 T. daenensis Celak 45.2.3 T. marandens Jamzad 45.2.4 T. persicus (Ronniger ex Rech.f.) Jalas 45.2.5 T. caucasicus Willd. ex Ronn 45.2.6 T. lancifolius Celak 45.2.7 T. caramanicus Jalas 45.3 Ethnobotany and Traditional Uses 45.4 Phytochemistry 45.4.1 Essential Oils 45.4.2 Chemical Profiles of EOs 45.5 Terpene Synthases 45.6 Thymol Metabolic Pathway 45.7 Pharmacological Activity of Thymus Species 45.7.1 Antidiabetic Activity 45.7.2 Antioxidants Activity 45.7.3 Antimicrobial Activity 45.7.4 Insecticidal Activity 45.8 Conclusions References Chapter 46: Systematic and Medicinal Uses of Fern Diversity in Swat Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan 46.1 Introduction 46.2 Study Area 46.3 Data Collection 46.3.1 Identification and Herbarium Specimens 46.3.2 Data Analysis 46.4 Observations 46.4.1 Taxonomic Description and Key to the Families References Chapter 47: Ethnobotanical diversity of Moist Temperate Mountain Forests: A Case Study from Ayubia National Park, Western Himalayas, Pakistan 47.1 Introduction 47.1.1 Plant Diversity of Pakistan 47.2 Study Area 47.2.1 Geology 47.2.2 Climate 47.2.3 Ethnic Groups 47.2.4 Economy and Livelihood 47.2.5 Chairlifts at Ayubia National Park 47.2.6 Cable Cars at Gulehra Gali 47.2.7 Gun Shooting and Horse Riding in Ayubia National Park 47.2.8 Tourist Spots in Ayubia 47.2.9 Highest Peaks of Ayubia National Park 47.2.9.1 Miranjani Peak 47.2.9.2 Mukeshpuri Peak 47.2.10 Wildlife Information Center, Dunga Gali, Ayubia National Park 47.2.11 Important Medicinal Flora of Ayubia National Park 47.3 Concluding Remarks References Chapter 48: Floristic Diversity and Ethnobotanical Knowledge of Manoor Valley in the Himalayas of Pakistan 48.1 Introduction 48.2 Study Area 48.3 Field Studies 48.4 Interviews and Questionnaire 48.5 Observations 48.6 Ethnobotanical Categorization 48.6.1 Medicinal Plants 48.6.2 Fodder Plants 48.6.3 Fuelwood Plants 48.6.4 Timber Wood Plants 48.6.5 Ornamental Plants 48.6.6 Vegetables 48.6.7 Edible Fruits 48.7 Concluding Remarks and Recommendations References Chapter 49: Climate Change and Medicinal Plants in India: An Overview 49.1 Introduction 49.2 Climate Change in India 49.3 Climate Change Parameters That Affect Plant Growth and Development 49.4 Effects of Climate Change on Medicinal Plants 49.4.1 Species Diversity, Distribution and Extinction 49.4.2 Ecology and Inter-Specific Relations 49.4.3 Alteration in Plant Physiology 49.4.4 Production of Secondary Metabolites 49.5 Concluding Remarks References Chapter 50: Ethnobotany and Sustainable Utilization of Plants in the Potohar Plateau, Pakistan 50.1 Introduction 50.2 Study Area 50.3 Biodiversity 50.4 Data Collection 50.5 Observations 50.6 Medicinal Plants 50.7 Fodder Plants 50.8 Fuelwood 50.9 Ornamental Plants 50.10 Fruits 50.11 Culinary Uses 50.12 Concluding Remarks References Chapter 51: An Overview of Ethnobotany of Berberis lycium Royle in Pakistan 51.1 Introduction 51.2 Berberis lycium Royle 51.3 Morphology 51.4 Biologically Active Components (Alkaloids) in Berberis Species 51.5 Use of B. lycium in Traditional Folk Medicine 51.6 Pharmacological Studies 51.7 Future Prospects References Part VI: Other Chapter 52: Brick Kilns: Types, Emissions, Environmental Impacts, and their Remedial Measures 52.1 Introduction 52.2 Types of Brick Kilns 52.2.1 Bull’s Trench Kilns (BTC) 52.2.2 Fixed Chimney Kiln (FCK) 52.2.3 Habla or Zigzag Kiln 52.2.4 Hoffman Kiln 52.2.5 Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK) 52.2.6 Hathras Brick Kiln 52.3 Types of the Raw Materials Used 52.3.1 Coal 52.3.2 Woodfire 52.3.3 Old Tires 52.3.4 Motor Oil 52.3.5 Plastic Bottles 52.3.6 Saw Dust 52.3.7 Rice Husk 52.4 Impacts on Soil Health 52.5 Brick Kiln Emissions 52.6 Impacts on Plants 52.7 Harmful Impacts on Human Health 52.8 Pakistan as a Case Study 52.9 Emissions Control and Remedial Measure for Brick Kilns References Chapter 53: Air Pollutant Emissions in the Pristine Kashmir Valley from the Brick Kilns 53.1 Introduction 53.2 Data Evaluation 53.2.1 Study Area 53.2.2 Emission Calculations 53.2.3 Calculation of Fired Brick-Based Emissions 53.3 Results and Discussion 53.3.1 Emission Inventory 53.3.2 Comparison of Emissions Between the FCK, Zigzag, and Hoffmann Kilns 53.3.3 Effect of Brick Kilns in the Study Area 53.3.4 Meteorological Data Analysis 53.4 Conclusion and Recommendation References Chapter 54: A New Approach Within AHP Framework for Prioritization of Air Quality Management in Kashmir 54.1 Introduction 54.2 Data Evaluation 54.2.1 Study Area 54.2.2 MCDM Methodology 54.3 Evaluation of Observations 54.4 Conclusions References Chapter 55: Compendium of a Road Transport Emission Inventory for Srinagar City of Kashmir 55.1 Introduction 55.2 Problems That Are Related to Vehicles and Roads in Kashmir 55.3 Data Evaluation 55.3.1 Study Area 55.3.2 Emission Calculation Method 55.3.3 Vehicle Population and Category 55.4 Results and Discussions 55.4.1 Emission Inventories 55.5 Conclusions References Chapter 56: Post-Soviet Kazakhstan: Civil Service Reforms, Opportunities, and Challenges 56.1 Introduction 56.2 Formation of a New Legal Framework for the Post-Soviet Civil Service 56.3 Transparency of Civil Service 56.4 Logistical Problems in Building an Effective Corps of Bureaucrats 56.5 The Law “On Civil Service” as the Foundation for the New Bureaucracy in Kazakhstan 56.6 Establishment of the Civil Service Entry Exams and the Challenges of Implementation 56.7 Amendments to the Law on Civil Service of 2003 56.8 Concluding Remarks on the Challenges to the Civil Service Reform Implementation References Chapter 57: Biodiversity of Indicator Biocenoses of Lotic Ecosystems of the Aral Sea Basin, Central Asia, Used in Hydrobiological Monitoring 57.1 Introduction 57.2 Study Area and Data Compilation 57.2.1 The Classification Methodology 57.2.2 Retrospective Analyses of Biodiversity Studies in Lotic Indicator Biocenosis in Aral Sea Basin 57.3 Outline of Biodiversity of Priority Indicator Biocenoses in Aral Sea Basin 57.3.1 Biodiversity of BC River Ecosystems: Introductory Information 57.3.1.1 Biodiversity of Biocenoses Lotic Ecosystems in ZFF The First Main Group The Second Main Group The Third Subgroup The Fourth Subgroup 57.3.1.2 BC Biodiversity in River Ecosystems ZFC 57.4 Conclusions References Index