Effects of management activities on vegetation diversity, dispersion pattern and stand structure of community-managed forest (Shorea robusta) in Nepal

Abstract

Analyzing spatial patterns of population distribution in forests may assist to infer the underlying ecological processes and the factors responsible for pattern formation. This study aimed at analyzing the effects of management activities on species richness, diversity, distribution pattern, and forest stand structure in Chisapani Community Forest of Tanahun District, Nepal. The forest was stratified on the basis of crown cover and nested quadrat plots of 20 × 25 m were laid randomly. Trees having ≥5 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) were identified, and their diameter and height were recorded. Altogether, 44 species were recorded representing 39 genera and 27 families. The mean species density of the forest was 192 trees ha−1 and the average basal area was 16.2 m2 ha−1. Tukey’s post-hoc test showed the significant difference in species richness between open and dense crown class. Except Woodfordia fruticosa, all other species were found with patchy distribution. This study showed that unrestricted access does not necessarily maintain species diversity or regulate the forest stand structure, because people preferred species with high economic potential. Hence, a strategy for maintaining species diversity, regulating stand structure, and finding synergy between biodiversity conservation and conservation outcome is needed.