Assessment of natural resources use patterns: a case study along a trekking corridor of Sikkim Himalaya,India

In the Himalayas, subsistence largely depends upon resources derived from natural forests due to the free and easy access to these and simplicity in their use. Sikkim has 43% of its total geographical area under forest cover, of which 34% is under dense forests. The burgeoning human population and family fragmentations are exerting a tremendous pressure on the natural resources to meet the requirements of food, fuel, fodder, timber, and other human needs. In recent years, tourism has increased manifolds in Sikkim, which has been one of the major factors behind destruction of forests. Irrational use of natural resources has resulted in the lowering of forest quality and shortage of resources. As a result, people have started using less-valued species as firewood and fodder. This study deals with bioresources use pattern by the community and tourism enterprises along a trekking corridor in the Sikkim Himalaya, with special reference to firewood, fodder, and timber.