Abstract
The rapid inventory study provides information on the tree species diversity and stand structure in tropical deciduous forests of Northcentral Eastern Ghats, India. Tree diversity and its relation to habitat was explored using tree data-set of 12 belt transects (5 × 1000 m) totaling 6 ha in the study area. A total of 135 plant taxa (≥15 cm gbh) belonging to 105 genera of 45 families with 2959 individuals were recorded. Anogeissus latifolia, Xylia xylocarpa, Cleistanthus collinus and Lannea coromandelica were the predominant plant taxa where the members of Euphorbiaceae, Rubiaceae, Anacardiaceae and Mimosaceae contributed maximum stand density and species richness. The stand density ranged from 395 to 573 individuals ha−1 while basal area varied from 13.05 to 28.42 m2 ha−1. Shannon-Weiner index (H′) ranged from 3.59 to 4.05 while Simpson index from 0.97 to 0.98, evenness index from 0.66 to 0.78 and species richness Margalef index ranged from 7.29 to 12.99. The study provides a baseline data for the management of protected areas in developing countries like India and it shows the potential of in situ method in the conservation natural areas.
Highlights
Biodiversity assessment is one of the sub-divisions of conservation biology that has gained much attention due to the major impact it had on the practice of conservation
The present study aims at assessing the tree diversity across different vegetation types in Northcentral Eastern Ghats, India
The high values of Shannon index indicate that in all the study sites few species have dominated the forest structure and many species comprised of fewer individuals
Summary
Biodiversity assessment is one of the sub-divisions of conservation biology that has gained much attention due to the major impact it had on the practice of conservation. International conservation organizations have conducted a variety of biodiversity assessment in global and regional scales for identifying priority areas where only limited resources available for conservation (Margules, Pressey, & Williams, 2002). These relied on a variety of primary and secondary information sources that vary in quality and quantity depending on the areas assessed (Phillips et al, 2003). The results of such assessments represent the best understanding of biodiversity priorities at any given time and are being used as a basis for targeting conservation resources (Redford et al, 2003). Fast paced conversion and destruction of tropical forests has led to an unprecedented decline in biodiversity and disruption of ecosystem services (Dierick & Hölscher, 2009)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
