Juniperus macropoda

Juniperus macropoda
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Pinales
Family: Cupressaceae
Genus: Juniperus
Species: J. macropoda
Binomial name
Juniperus macropoda

Juniperus macropoda (Pashto: اوبښته‎ ōbəx̌ta, "[a species] which sucks water"), also called Juniperus excelsa polycarpos, or the Pashtun juniper (Pashto: پښتني صنوبر), is a putative species of juniper native to northern and central Balochistan in western Pakistan, and southeastern Afghanistan.[1]

Description

A tall tree for a juniper, specimens can be extremely long-lived.[2] According to some estimations its age ranges from 2000 to 2500 years.[3] [4]

Cones and leaves (Photo:- Mohammad Abubakar Durrani) Coordinator Juniper Defenders Wing, Chiltan Adventurers Association Balochistan

Distribution

A substantial but dwindling forest of Juniperus macropoda is found in Ziarat District and Kalat District, as well as Zarghun Ghar near Quetta and Harboi, in northern and central Balochistan, Pakistan and surrounding parts of southeastern Afghanistan. The largest compact block lies near Ziarat on an approximate range of about 700,000 acres (2,800 km2)[4] and is known as among the largest and oldest juniper forests in the world.

Threats

On October 29, 2008 a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit Ziarat and surrounding areas. After the earthquake disruptions the local villagers are now using Juniper trees as fire wood.

Pak-Iran Juniper Defenders and Mountaineers headed by Hayatullah Khan Durrani at base camp of Zarghoon Mount Balochistan 1991,

The juniper forest area is declining day by day there is lack of substantial remedial steps to minimize pressure on juniper cutting has ever been taken to save the centuries-old valuable trees. The local people living in these areas are not provided with the basic necessities of life.

Hayat Durrani and Abubakar Durrani The Juniper Defenders in snow Camp

So, they exploit the forest resources for fuel, shelter and food. The major reason of decline of this forest is uses as firewood for daily use, timber for construction, hedges around agricultural fields by the local communities is resulting change in the environment and endangering the rare species of wildlife. Other threats to Juniper include the smuggling of juniper seeds and attack of plant parasite known as mistletoe (Arceuthobium oxycedri) which destroys it in short period.

On 25 October 2010 The Government of Balochistan Sports, Environment and Youth Affairs Departments announced the Silver Jubilee “Juniper Defender Award” to Hayatullah Khan Durrani, for his long outstanding efforts as juniper defender since 1984. Hayat Durrani is an environmental analyst for the preservation of the 3000-year-old World Heritage of Juniperus macropoda Juniper forests and wildlife in the Ziarat and Zarghoon Ghar regions of Balochistan Pakistan.[5]

Bushes / Ground Flora

There are many important species found, bushes and ground flora etc. are associated with this species. Local people use ground flora and these plants as indigenous treatments for a variety of diseases.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Shah, Syed Ali (July 10, 2013). "In Balochistan, an ancient forest battles for survival". Dawn. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
  2. ↑ http://agricola.nal.usda.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?DB=local&CNT=25&Search_Arg=Juniperus%20macropoda&Search_Code=GKEY&STARTDB=AGRIDB
  3. ↑ http://www.wwfpak.org/ecoregions/JuniperForests.php / WWF Pak
  4. 1 2 http://www.pakistanpaedia.com/jungles/juniper_forests.htm
  5. ↑ Chiltan Adventurers Silver Jubilee Juniper Defenders camp in Ziarat >
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