Anju Kumari Ojha, Chandra Bala and P. Kalaiarasan
Abstract
The Parvati Arga Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh, India supports a rich biodiversity, comprising 176 plant species across 65 families and 148 genera. The majority of these species (87.50%) are herbaceous, reflecting their adaptation to the swampy and marshy habitat conditions prevalent in the area. The most dominant plant families include Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Euphorbiaceae. In terms of life-forms, therophytes predominate, indicating a landscape shaped by seasonal fluctuations and biotic disturbances. Phytogeographic analysis reveals that 67% of the species are native to the region, while 33% are invasive, including problematic species such as Eichhornia crassipes. The wetlands are also deeply integrated into local life, serving religious, agricultural, and economic purposes, thus underscoring their cultural and ecological significance. Key threats to the sanctuary include agricultural expansion, pollution, invasive species, and climate change. Conservation strategies focus on legal protections, habitat restoration, and community participation, emphasizing the necessity for integrated management approaches to preserve the wetland ecosystem and its associated services.