Floristic composition and conservation significance of vascular plants in Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh, India

Kalatop–Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary represents one of the ecologically significant forested landscapes of the northwestern Himalaya; however, updated and systematic documentation of its vascular flora has remained limited. In view of increasing anthropogenic pressures and climate variability, a comprehensive floristic survey was undertaken during 2023–2025 to assess the plant diversity and conservation status of the sanctuary. A total of 141 plant species representing 112 genera and 53 families were recorded. Out of these, 136 species belonged to angiosperms and five species to gymnosperms. Among dicotyledons, Asteraceae was the most dominant family, with 24 species. Among the monocotyledons, Orchidaceae was the most dominant family, with five species. The study area is dominated by native species, and only 9.93% of species were alien. The sanctuary hosts ten endangered plant species, including Taxus contorta and Lilium polyphyllum. The findings highlight the sanctuary as a reservoir of native and threatened plant diversity in the western Himalaya. The recorded baseline data serve as critical resources for biodiversity assessment, habitat management, and conservation strategy development. It is imperative to reinforce protective measures and support long-term ecological monitoring to safeguard this fragile ecosystem against emerging environmental challenges.