Diversity and distribution of tree species in tropical forests of Northcentral Eastern Ghats, India

Abstract

Premavani D, Naidu MT, Kumar OA, Venkaiah M. 2017. Diversity and distribution of tree species in tropical forests ofNorthcentral Eastern Ghats, India. Asian J For 1: 27-32. The diversity and distribution of tree species were studied in three 1 ha sites oftropical forests in the northcentral Eastern Ghats of India. The phytosociological data from forest sites were analyzed quantitatively todetermine the basal area, species diversity, richness and stand density. A total of 1,507 individuals of 104 plant taxa, pertaining to 82genera under 41 families were enumerated at ≥15 cm gbh using belt transects (5 m × 1000 m). Tree stand density varied from 371-660individuals per ha while average basal area ranged from 14.54 – 46.51 m2 ha-1. Shannon-Weiner Index (H') ranged from 0.97-0.98,Equitability or evenness index ranged from 0.70-0.79 and Margalef richness index ranged from 10.54 – 10.82. The most dominantfamilies were Rubiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Moraceae, and Verbenaceae. Our results suggest further development of forestmanagement and biodiversity conservation in Eastern Ghats region.