Structural analysis of forest ecosystems of Attappady, Kerala

Abstract

The present study was envisaged to conduct a quantitative analysis of various ecosystems of Attappady, Kerala to document plant diversity and structural parameters. Floristic composition and structural features of evergreen forest revealed that the occurrence of a total 42 species belonged to 25 families. Euphorbiaceae represented maximum genera of 6 species. Importance value index recorded maximum for Cullenia exarillata, which is the most dominant species of this evergreen community. This forest is identified as the only natural habitat from which Vateria macrocarpa, the rare endemic tree of Western Ghat is recorded. Structural analysis of moist deciduous forest revealed that a total 36 species belonging to 24 families. Wrightia tinctoria was the most dominant species in this community, as it constituted highest IVI. Other dominant species in this community were Terminalia bellirica and Grewia tiliifolia. Taxonomic inventory of dry deciduous forest revealed that occurrence of a total 27 tree species belonging to 18 families. Euphorbiaceae represented maximum genera of 4 species. Structural analysis showed that though the density was reported maximum for Albizia amara, the species with highest basal area (Givotia moluccana) represented the maximum importance value index. The canopy levels of the forests were relatively few with predominance of Albizia amara and Cassine albens. Plant diversity of these forest ecosystems indicted that the evergreen forest had highest diversity as indicated by maximum value for Shannon Weiner index and Simpson’s index followed by moist deciduous forest. Dry deciduous forest registered lowest values for all diversity indices.