Diversity and quantitative analysis of dominant tree species in district Chamba of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

A study on diversity, composition and quantitative analysis of dominant tree species was carried out in twelve different sites varying from 1700 m to 2800 m above msl of District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Selected sites favoured most of the forests on North-western aspect and were different in their ecoclimatic and phytogeographical features. Overall diversity of tree species in their number, varied from 4 to 12. Forests having high basal area, canopy cover and average tree height were mostly dominated by the conifers, comparatively with less disturbance. The sites with low basal area supported mixture of broadleaved with coniferous species, with high level of degradation. Ban oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) is heavily lopped as winter fodder, fuel wood, to prepare agricultural implements and for the preparation of coal. It is observed that species diversity and density decrease with increasing basal area. Species richness, Hill diversity indices (N1 and N2), Simpson’s (l) and Shannon’s diversity indices (H’) are reported maximum for the sites, dominated by mixed coniferous broadleaved forests. The minimum diversity value is observed in the localities that are occupied by pure conifer stands. The present study reflects that the sites possessing maximum diversity are under high level of disturbance and needs priority for conservation measures.