Measuring ecological status and tree species diversity in Eastern Ghats, India

Abstract

The present study assessed the ecological status and tree diversity of Visakhapatnam forest area, part of Eastern Ghats, India, using systematic and standard sampling techniques. Tree species composition, similarity, diversity, species richness, structure of trees and disturbance levels in deciduous forests based on census of all trees with diameter at breast height ≥ 15 cm were studied. A systematic sampling protocol was adopted and twelve belt transects (5 × 1000 m), a total of 6 ha plots were laid for the vegetation survey. In all the plots, a total of 2999 individuals (mean density 500 ha−1) covering 151 tree species pertaining to 106 genera and 46 families were measured. The data revealed that the forest has a moderate value for the tree species diversity index (H′) which is varied from 3.26 to 4.12. Species richness varied from 38 to 79 species ha−1 and stand density from 328 to 718 individuals ha−1 with an average basal area of 14.7 m2ha−1. Xylia xylocarpa, Lannea coromandelica, Anogeissus latifolia and Wrightia tinctoria were the predominant plant taxa in the study area. Highest species richness recorded from Euphorbiaceae with 12 species immediately followed by Moraceae, Rubiaceae and Verbenaceae (9 species each). The species-area curve did not reach an asymptote in all the plots. The present study can provide baseline information for the effective management and restoration of forest tree species with conservation significance emphasized in highly disturbed and human impacted forest stands.