Abstract
The tree species diversity and population structure were studied in four stands of the tropical forests in the north-central Eastern Ghats, based on tree inventories conducted on four 1-ha plots. In the four independent plots, two 5 x 1000 m transects were established and all trees with ≥ 15 cm girth at breast height were enumerated. The density, frequency, basal area and IVI along with diversity indices viz. Shannon index, species richness, equitability and species dominance were computed to see the variation in tree community. A total of 92 species representing 73 genera under 40 families of angiosperms were recorded. Tree species richness was as low as 34 species per hectare plot in Geddapalli to as high as 48 species in Koruturu. Tree density ranged from 360 stems per hectare in plot Geddapalli to 526 stems in plot Chintapalli and that of total basal area from 16.31 m2 ha-1 in Koruturu to 31.15 m2 ha-1 in Chintapalli. The number of species and stems decreased from the smaller to the largest girth classes. The tree inventories of the study area when compared to those of the other tropical forests showed great differences in density and basal area. This may probably be due to differences in geography and annual rainfall patterns. The information on tree species structure and function can provide baseline information for conservation of the biodiversity.
Highlights
Tropical forests are the most complex of all the terrestrial ecosystems
Plant diversity inventories in tropical forests have mostly been concentrated on tree species than other life forms, because tree species diversity is an important aspect of forest ecosystem diversity and fundamental to total tropical forest biodiversity (Rennols and Laumonier, 2000)
27 families comprise 41 genera, 46 species and 526 individuals were recorded in plot CP; 28 families contributing 43 genera, 46 species and 447 individuals represented in plot PG, whereas 25 families comprising 41 genera, 48 species and 456 individuals reported in plot KT and 21 families represented 30 genera, 34 species with 360 individuals in plot GP (Tab. 1)
Summary
Tropical forests are the most complex of all the terrestrial ecosystems. They provide many goods and ecosystem services, such as prevention of soil erosion and preservation of habitats for plants and animals (Anbarashan and Parthasarathy, 2013). Tropical forests occupy only 7% of the earth’s land surface (Wilson, 1988), they harbors about two thirds of all biological populations (Hughes et al, 1997). Plant diversity inventories in tropical forests have mostly been concentrated on tree species than other life forms, because tree species diversity is an important aspect of forest ecosystem diversity and fundamental to total tropical forest biodiversity (Rennols and Laumonier, 2000). They provide resources and habitat structure for almost all other species and form the major biotic component in the forest ecosystem
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
