Population structure ofKnema attenuata(J.Hk.& Th.) - a red listed medicinal tree species in Northern Western Ghats of Karnataka, India

Abstract

Among the several important tree species in Western Ghats of India, Knema attenuata is one of the important medicinal tree species being used in the traditional medicine and Ayurveda to cure many diseases and disorders. This species comes under IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) red list category. Hence, an assessment of population structure is the first step in conservation which provides the status of the species and its population in natural habitat. Present study was carried out in the Northern part of Western Ghats of Karnataka. The study was carried out by stratified random sampling method with sample plot size of 20 m × 20 m. The study revealed that the tree species was found to be distributed in both the districts and the population status varied between the locations. Density, basal area and regeneration of the species varied between locations. Distribution of stems in different girth classes varied and in many of the sites it was showing reverse ‘J'shape curve. Even though population of the species was moderately good in some of the areas studied, but in some areas regeneration and population of the species was not good and/or poor. In such sites appropriate measures are required to conserve the species.