Assessment Of Plant Diversity Research Articles

Assessment of plant diversity in sal forest of north Gorakhpur forest division, India

Assessment of plant diversity in sal forest of north Gorakhpur forest division, India

Assessment of plant diversity of endemic species of the Saharo-Arabian region in Egypt

Assessment of plant diversity of endemic species of the Saharo-Arabian region in Egypt

Parcel level temporal variance of remotely sensed spectral reflectance predicts plant diversity

Over the last two decades, considerable research has built on remote sensing of spectral diversity to assess plant diversity. The spectral variation hypothesis (SVH) proposes that spatial variation in reflectance data of an area is positively associated with plant diversity. While the SVH has exhibited validity in dense forests, it performs poorly in highly fragmented and temporally dynamic agricultural landscapes covered mainly by grasslands. Such underperformance can be attributed to the mosaic-like spatial structure of human-dominated landscapes with fields in varying phenological and management stages. Therefore, we argued for re-evaluating SVH’s flawed window-based spatial analysis and underutilized temporal component. In particular, we captured the spatial and temporal variation in reflectance and assessed the relationships between spatial and temporal components of spectral diversity and plant diversity at the parcel level as a unit that relates to management patterns. Our investigation spanned three grasslands on two continents covering a wide spectrum of agricultural usage intensities. To calculate different components of spectral diversity, we used multi-temporal spaceborne Sentinel-2 data. We showed that plant diversity was negatively associated with the temporal component of spectral diversity across all sites. In contrast, the spatial component of spectral diversity was related to plant diversity in sites with larger parcels. Our findings highlighted that in agricultural landscapes, the temporal component of spectral diversity drives the spectral diversity-plant diversity associations. Consequently, our results offer a novel perspective for remote sensing of plant diversity globally.

Short Communication: Estimation of aboveground biomass and carbon sequestration in KGPAA Mangkunagoro I Grand Forest Park, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Indriyani S, Sari SP, Negari SIT, Prambudi SA, Nur AAI, Kusumaningrum L, Indrawan M, Sunarto, Sugiyarto, Budiharta S, Setyawan AD. 2024. Short Communication: Estimation of aboveground biomass and carbon sequestration in KGPAA Mangkunagoro I Grand Forest Park, Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2257-2263. Forests play an important role in climate change mitigation by absorbing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and store it in the form of biomass. Valuation of carbon storage potential of a forest will provide insight on the importance of preserving it. This study aims to assess plant diversity and estimate aboveground biomass, carbon stocks, carbon dioxide sequestration potential, and the economic value of ecosystem services from carbon sequestration in KGPAA Mangkunagoro I Grand Forest Park, Central Java, Indonesia. We used a non-destructive method (i.e. allometric equation) in estimating aboveground biomass and carbon stock. We established 50 sampling plots to identify and measure trees (DBH >20 cm) and poles (10<DBH<20 cm). The results showed that there were 30 species from 20 families found in the observation plots. The potential aboveground biomass at the tree and pole level was 297.92 tons/ha and 57.22 tons/ha, respectively, while the total carbon stock for tree and pole was 140.02 tons/ha and 26.89 tons/ha, respectively. This was equivalent to carbon dioxide sequestration of 513.88 tons/ha and 98.70 tons/ha for trees and poles. The economic value of environmental services from carbon stock in the whole area of KGPAA Mangkunagoro I Grand Forest Park was estimated at IDR 21,289,040,253. The results of this research show that apart from playing a role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon, KGPAA Mangkunagoro I Grand Forest Park also has valuable economic value.

Assessment of Plant Diversity and Soil Quality Management in Forest Land of West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India

The field experiment was set in home-garden areas under forest land of eight small towns viz. Borampalem, Venkatapuram, Gundugolanukunta, Ramannapalem, Abdullapuram, Tirumaladevpeta, Venkatakrishnapuram, Appalarajugudem in West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh during November to March in 2021–22 assess the Plant and Tree Diversity and Soil quality parameters. The plant/tree species Phoenix sylvestris, reported the highest frequency (245.00), dominance (3.27), and basal area (7542.96 cm2). Plumbago zeylanica had the highest relative density (6.96) and relative abundance (6.81) among all the shrub species. Plumbago zeylanica reported the highest Important value index (IVI) 17.10 while Herb species with highest density was found in Centella asiatica (0.95), frequency (35), and highest Important value index (IVI) 14.60. Soil quality parameters reflects that at the depth 0-15cm the average value of pH is found to be7.52, organic carbon is 0.56%, the amount of available nitrogen is 213.78 kg/ha, amount of available of phosphorus is 41.25 kg/ha and available potassium is 38.22 kg/ha. At the depth of 15-30 cm the Average value of pH is found to be 6.61, organic carbon is 0.39%, the amount of available nitrogen is 189.51 kg/ha, amount of available of phosphorus is 34.75 kg/ha and available potassium is 31.37 kg/h.

Plant diversity Assessment of Flag Hill Dokala Road area of Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim, India

Plant diversity Assessment of Flag Hill Dokala Road area of Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim, India

A Guideline for Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction and Carbon Sequestration in Forest Sector Based on Thailand Voluntary Emission Reduction Programme

Currently climate change and global warming have significant impact on the environment toward biodiversity and human quality of life. Major cause derives from human activities that produce greenhouse gas emission especially the diffusion of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. One way to address global warming is to increase the absorption potential of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide. The best natural method is forest adsorption whereby trees absorb carbon dioxide and store it in the form of biomass through photosynthesis. Therefore, forests are a highly efficient source of carbon sinks. The main objective of this research was to implement a methodology for greenhouse gas reduction and carbon sequestration assessments in forest sector according to Thailand's standards known as the Thailand Voluntary Emission Reduction Program (T-VER). According to climate change, reduction of greenhouse gas process will use methodology of T-VER-METH-FOR-01 Version 2 (Sustainable Forestation)andT-VER-TOOL-FOR/AGR-01 Version 2(Calculation for Carbon Sequestration). The Baseline Sequestration/Emissionand Project Sequestration/ Emission as well as plant diversity assessment in project area as greenhouse gas activity will be used for the calculation. The results of this development of prototype project could be used for concluding content of greenhouse gas from 134.72 ha of the research area and it was shown that Baseline Sequestration was 19,618.95 tCO2e. When calculating Project Sequestration for 10 years, carbon content could be increased by 27,617.95tCO2e calculated to be 800.61tCO2e/yr. Therefore, total Project Sequestration was 8,006.13tCO2e.

Monitoring plant diversity in wind farm areas: An approach to early detection of alien plant species

AbstractThe presence of alien plant species in disturbed habitats is a well‐studied subject, however, the contribution of wind farm projects to alien plant invasion is often overlooked in environmental impact assessment. The present study tests a survey method for the assessment of plant diversity and the detection of alien plant invasion in two wind farm areas in Romania. Over 5 years, we recorded plant species incidence data in disturbed and undisturbed plots, making one visit per growing season each year. Using several plant community indicators and methods, such as species richness, beta diversity, non‐metric multidimensional scaling, and multinomial species classification, we reliably detected plant species assemblage, including 26 alien plant species among the 608 recorded. Disturbed plots harbor a higher number of alien plant species, supporting the hypothesis that disturbances caused by wind farms reduce habitats' resilience to alien plant invasions. Despite the presence of habitat specialist plant species in certain plots, the community of alien plants did not show a clear preference for disturbed or undisturbed plots. The results underscore the importance of surveying the wind farms beyond the disturbed sites through regular monitoring to accurately assess their impact on plant diversity and detect alien plant invasions. The regular monitoring of all plant species during growing seasons will provide useful data for informing conservation strategies for native plants, including the control and eradication of alien species in early invasion stages.

Assessment of Plant Diversity in Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

The present study entitled “Assessment of Plant Diversity in Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh” was conducted in Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh state in order to investigate the plant diversity of trees, shrubs and herbs present. A total 85 tree species belonging to 32 families, 23 shrub species belonging to 16 families and 15 grass and herb species 8 families were recorded. Fabaceae is the largest family in 20 species followed by Moraceae (11), Rutaceae, Meliaceae, Rubiaceae in tree species, Asparagaceae is the largest family in 6 species followed by Apocynaceae (5), Rubiaceae (3) in shrub species and Asteraceae is the largest family in 4 species followed by Poaceae (3), Amaranthaceous (3) in grass and herb species. Overall, Site-III (South-East) showed the highest IVI parameter of dominant tree species for Sarasa asoca (51.21), Site-IV (South-West) showed the highest IVI parameter of dominant shrub species for Murraya paniculata (164.42) and Site-II (North-East) showed the highest IVI parameter of dominant grass & herb species for Rivina humilis (62.13).

Study of Plant Diversity in Red Sanders Park in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India

The study deals with the assessment of plant diversity in Red Sanders park in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. A total of nine species of trees belonging to six families with 1625 individuals, 25 species of shrubs belonging to 18 families with 2,042 individuals and 40 species of grasses and herbs belonging to 14 families with a total of 1,016 individuals were encountered. Quadrat size of 400 m2 were established for trees, 100 m2 for shrubs, 20 m2 for grasses and herbs. In terms of IVI, Pterocarpus santalinus was found to be the most dominant tree species, chromolaena odorata was found to be the most dominant shrub species and Bothriochloa ischaemumwas found to be the most dominant grasses and herb species. The result of the phytosociological aspects in all four sites concluded that for trees, Site-IV showed the highest value for Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H) (1.73). For shrubs, Site-I showed the highest value for Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H’) (2.52). For grasses and herb, Site-III had a Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (Hˈ) of 2.62. The quantitative analysis of diversity and phytosociological attributes of tree species recorded from the present study may provide baseline information for formulating a working plan for conservation and management strategies for the forest.

Assessment of Plant Diversity in Bodakondamma Sacred Grove, Eastern Ghats of Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh, India

The present investigation reflects the findings of Assessment of plant Diversity which have been undertaken in the sacred grove of Bodakondamma, Eastern Ghats of Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The forest types of Sacred Grove are mainly dry deciduous forest. Plant diversity assessment was conducted during 2021 - 2022. The survey documentation of the plant species in the Sacred Grove area were recorded a total of 67 species are trees and 45 species are shrubs and 73 species are herbs and 45 species are climbers. This study provides preliminary information on the sacred groves of Bodakondamma. Appropriate conservation and management can considerably improve the plant diversity value of Sacred Grove of Eastern Ghats, Visakhapatnam District.

Partitioning and integrating of plant traits and phylogeny in assessing diversity along secondary forest succession in Loess Plateau of China.

Assessing plant diversity during community succession based on plant trait and phylogenetic features within a community (alpha scale) and among communities (beta scale) could improve our understanding of community succession mechanism. However, whether changes of community functional diversity at alpha and beta scale are structured by different traits and whether integrating plant traits and phylogeny can enhance the ability in detecting diversity pattern have not been studied in detail. Thirty plots representing different successional stages were established on the Loess Plateau of China and 15 functional traits were measured for all coexisting species. We first analyzed the functional alpha and beta diversity along succession by decomposing species trait into alpha and beta components and then integrated key traits with phylogenetic information to explore their roles in shaping species turnover during community succession. We found that functional alpha diversity increased along successional stages and was structured by morphological traits, while beta diversity decreased during succession and was more structured by stoichiometry traits. Phylogenetic alpha diversity showed congruent pattern with functional alpha diversity because of phylogenetic conservation of trait alpha components (variation within community), while beta diversity showed incongruent pattern due to phylogenetic randomness of trait beta components (variation among communities). Furthermore, only integrating relatively conserved traits (plant height and seed mass) and phylogenetic information can raise the detecting ability in assessing diversity change. Overall, our results reveal the increasing niche differentiation within community and functional convergence among communities with succession process, indicating the importance of matching traits with scale in studying community functional diversity and the asymmetry of traits and phylogeny in reflecting species ecological differences under long-term selection pressures.

Assessing plant diversity change in logged and unlogged dense semi-deciduous production forest of eastern Cameroon

This study was carried out in the dense semi-deciduous production forest of East Cameroon. The objective of this work of this study was to provide comparative floristic knowledge that can serve as a basis for the planning and sustainable management of ligneous plant resources in Communal Forests before and after logging. Sampling was done in unlogged and logged forest. Data collection was carried out using the linear transects subdivided into 10 plots of 25 m × 20 m (500 m2) with an equidistance of 225 m for the inventory of all trees with dbh ≥10 cm installed measured at 1.3 m above ground level. Nested quadrats 5 m × 5 m, oriented south-west and north-east were set up in each plot for the counting and identification of all individuals with a diameter less than 10 cm. The analysis of inventory data showed that the floristic composition was higher in the unlogged forest. The individuals were more evenly distributed in the logged (Pielou's equitability index = 0.83) than in the unlogged forest. The study of the functional spectra showed that the flora of the two forest types was dominated by Guinean-Congolese species (67.57% in the unlogged forest and 63.07% in the logged forest) and Phanerophytes, particularly Mesophanerophytes. The dominance of sarcochorous species reveals that the main mode of dissemination in this forest is zoochory, particularly endozoochory. The presence of pleochroic species in the logged forest reveals the importance of dissemination by water in the environment. The plants surveyed were divided into five plant assemblages (three for logged forest and two for unlogged forest) based on ecological parameters. The findings of this study suggest that forest management which combines assisted natural regeneration with the natural process of secondary succession facilitates the reconstitution of the vegetation cover and, by extension, the conservation of biodiversity in post-logging forest concessions.

Assessment of Plant Diversity: A Medicinal, Conservational and Environmental Study

An assessment study of the plant diversity in the campus of Prananath College (Autonomous), Khordha was carried out during 2019-20 and a checklist was prepared. A total of 241 vascular plant species belonging to 72 different families were recorded including four species of Gymnosperms. Among the families, Fabaceae, Apocynaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Malvaceae, Lamiaceae and Poaceae were the dominating families of the vascular plants in the study area. Aquatic plants, medicinal plants and ornamental plants are included in the study area. The floristic composition also include occurrence of invasive alien species such as Parthenium, Ageratum, Cassia, Croton sparsiflorus. The study also gives attention towards the conservation of bio-resources of the campus, toxic effects of the plants along with their medicinal values, proper utilization of bio-wealth in research and academic activities. Documentation of flora check list will be helpful in the environmental study too.

Plant Diversity Assessment of Matarbari Area of Moheshkhali Upazila, Cox’s Bazar

The study presents the status of plant diversity in and around Matarbari, in Moheshkhali Upazila, Cox’s Bazar district, situated in the close vicinity of the Bay of Bengal. A total of 248 plant species belonging to 80 families was identified in the study area. For each plant species, the scientific name, local name, family, habit, habitat, origin, status, abundance, and uses are provided. The most dominant family is the Fabaceae, followed by Poaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Verbenaceae, Asteraceae, Convolvulaceae, Malvaceae, Mimosaceae, Moraceae, and Arecaceae. Most of the plant species are herbs, followed by trees, climbers, and shrubs. In the present study, the maximum numbers of plants recorded were from homesteads, followed by roadsides, mangroves, wetland, and sand dune habitats. The most important plant species were medicinal (28%), wildlifesupporting (20%), fruits and grains (10%), and so on. A few exotics (18%), including Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Albizia richardiana, Chromolaena odorata, Lantana camara, etc., some rare species (37 spp.), some mangrove plants, and 2 keystone species (Ficus altisimma and F. rumphii) were found in the study area that are of conservation concern. Besides, significant areas such as sand dunes, eco-parks, Jhao plantation area, and mangrove forests have been identified that should be of concern for any development and management projects in and around Matarbari. A number of threats, including infrastructural development activities, land filling, mangrove forest clearing for shrimp and salt cultivation, was also observed during field data collection. The concerned authorities, including the government, should consider the importance of natural plant diversity in implementing different mega projects. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2022, 8(2): 89-102

Plant Diversity and Honeybees’ Foraging Preferences: An Implication for Honeybees’ Conservation

Identification of honeybees’ preferred plant species is paramount for sustainable conservation, especially when honeybees are reported to be declining globally. The study assessed plant diversity in potential beekeeping areas in Northern Tanzania and determined the foraging preferences of honeybees across two rainy seasons of 2021/2022. We established quadrats of 5 x 5m (shrubs and forbs) nested with 1x1 m (grasses) at each of the four transects of 5 km distance to assess plant diversity and identify the most preferred plants in two study areas. The dominant plant families were Poaceae, Malvaceae, Commelinaceae, Acanthaceae, Amaranthaceae, Polygonaceae, Asteraceae, and Lamiaceae. There was a significant difference in plant diversity between short and long rain seasons in both study areas (t = 2.60, p = 0.01, and t = 2.27, p= 0.03). Grewia bicolor, Terminalia brownii, Ziziphus mucronata, Combretum schumannii, and Cordia monoica were the most visited plants by 2761, 2528, 1966, 1163, and 662 visits, respectively, during the short rain season, while Acacia mellifera, Hoslundia opposita, Ocimum bacilicum and Acalypha fruticosa were the most visited plant species by 1638, 788, 340, and 38 visits, respectively, during the long raing season. This study has highlighted important information on honeybees’ foraging preferences and their diversity that shades a way for sustainable honeybees’ conservation in the area and elsewhere. We recommend further identification and re-planting of honeybees’ forages; awareness campaign to enlighten local people in beekeeping potential areas on the impact of activities that reduce plant diversity, negatively affecting honeybees.

Floristic diversity of Threatened medicinal plants at two major reservoirs associated regions in Lahaul Valley, Western Himalayas, India

Agriculture is the leading sector in Ethiopia and its economy The present study emphasizes the quantitative estimation of plant species diversity and ecosystems at Lahaul-Spiti two lake reservoirs, Deepak tall (DT) and Suraj Tall (ST). These are the finest visiting spots in Keylong (Himachal Pradesh), India, during summer. Despite huge anthropogenic pressure and environmental disturbance, the reservoir-associated regions still harbor numerous angiosperm species, including various grasses and medicinal herbs. Two-year surveys were conducted in six-landscape elements at an altitude of 3752 m and 4890 m. Plant diversity assessment was based on their numbers in each Landscape element (LSEs) using a 2m2 quadrant followed by random sampling methods for herbs, shrubs, and grasses. Within the total 32 specimens belonging to 17 families (most dominated by Asteraceae), 29 plants show medicinal importance. The east landscape of ST was observed with maximum species richness (Shannon wiener H =1.07), followed by the Northeast (H =1.05) dominated by Saxifraga mucronulata royle (35), Tussilago farfara (l), and T. farfara (26). The maximum species richness value was for Impatiens glandulifera (26 plants/m2), while Gentianella moorcroftiana (43 plants/m2) and categorized as vulnerable species. Highest population of the endangered plant was recorded in ST where Allardia tomentosa (9 plants/m2), Nepeta longibracteata (7 plants/m2), Pleurospermum candollei (6 plants/m2), and S. mucronulata (35 plants/m2) comparatively to DT enriched with five vulnerable species (G. moorcroftiana, Chamerion latifolium, Ranunculus hirtellus and Rheum emodii). Considering the floristic diversity value, effective attention towards conserving valuable plant bio-resources is suggested.

FLORISTIC COMPOSITION AND PLANT DIVERSITY ANALYSIS OF ANBESSA FOREST IN WESEREN ETHIOPIA AND ITS CONRTIBUTION TO BIODIVESRITY CONSERVATION

The study was conducted at Anbessa forest in Western Ethiopia with the objectives to make an assessment of plant diversity and plant community. A systematic sampling technique was used and a total of 30 sample plots each with 20 x 20 m were laid along the altitudinal gradient. A total of 118 plant species were identified which belong to 93 genera in 46 families. Out of which 14.41 % were Fabaceae (17 species), followed by Asteraceae 11.86 % (14 species), Poaceae 8.47 % (10 species) and Lamiaceae 5.93 % (seven species). Out of the 118 identified plant species, 33.05 % were trees, 11.86 % shrubs, 11.86 % climbers and the rest 43.22 % were herbs. The present study reported nine endemic plant species are present in Anbessa forest. Moreover, 29 plant species were recorded as new records for Wellega floristic region from Anbessa forest. Four plant communities were identified. In Anbessa forest Combretum collinum - Dombeya quinqueseta -Securidaca longepedunculata community was the most diverse community, whereas Oxytenanthera abyssinica - Combretum molle - Syzygium guineense subsp. macrocarpum community was the lease diverse with H′ 0.16. The result showed that, Anbessa forest can play a significant role in biodiversity conservation.

Diversity and composition of riparian vegetation across forest and agro-ecosystem landscapes of Cabadbaran River, Agusan del Norte, Philippines

The Cabadbaran River Irrigation System (CabRIS) supports about 3,212 hectares of farmland for irrigation. Unfortunately, the local irrigation office reported an insufficient water supply for irrigation to serve the entire service area in the past cropping seasons. The water yield has been dwindling; hence, an irrigation system management plan will address the water resource crisis. As a component of the project "Cabadbaran River Irrigation System Management Plan for Irrigation Water Resources (2022-2026)", the biophysical team carried out a floristic assessment for the entire watershed. The study used the quadrat-transect sampling method to assess and characterise the structure and species composition of the riparian areas of the main Cabadbaran River, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. Results recorded about 109 morpho-species belonging to 46 families and 88 genera from the sampling sites. Nineteen species were listed either on the Philippine Red List or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The plant diversity assessment revealed that biodiversity in riparian forests in the watershed was low to very low due to the massive rampant disturbance in the area. The riparian ecosystem of the Cabadbaran River represents a fragile ecosystem that is threatened by increasing demands on the regional water supply and the conversion of lands into tree plantations and agriculture. Addressing these driving forces causing biodiversity loss will impart a significant challenge for irrigation and land managers in the region.

Rapid assessment of plant diversity using MODIS biophysical proxies

The spectral information derived from satellite data provides important inputs for assessing plant diversity. If a suitable satellite-derived biophysical proxy is applicable to assess and monitor plant diversity of different biogeographic regions will be of interest to policy makers and conservationists. We selected four biogeographic regions of India, i.e., semi-arid, Eastern Ghats, Western Ghats, and Northeast as the test sites on the basis of variations in moisture availability. The flora data collected for the study sites are the extract of the national biodiversity project ‘Biodiversity Characterization at Landscape Level’. The available Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-derived biophysical proxies at high temporal frequencies was considered to compare the biophysical proxies: surface reflectance-red and near-infrared, normalized difference vegetation index-NDVI, enhanced vegetation index-EVI, leaf area index-LAI, and fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation-FAPAR at different temporal scales (monthly, post-monsoon, seasonal, annual) in each selected biogeographic regions of India. Generalized linear model (GLM) and multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS) were utilized to evaluate the relationship between plant diversity and MODIS-derived biophysical proxies. MARS summarized the suitable biophysical proxies at monthly scale in descending order for the total forest area in semi-arid was red, NDVI, and FAPAR; for Eastern Ghats was EVI, FAPAR, and LAI; for Western Ghats was EVI, LAI, and FAPAR; and for Northeast was NDVI, near-infrared, and red. Furthermore, monthly FAPAR commonly found to be the suitable proxy to large scale monitoring of plant diversity in the moisture-varied biogeographic regions of India, except Northeast. Using artificial neural network, the relationship of plant diversity and monthly FAPAR/NDVI were modeled. The correlation between the predicted and reference plant diversity was found to be r = 0.56 for semi-arid, r = 0.52 for Eastern Ghats, r = 0.52 for Western Ghats and r = 0.61 for Northeast at p-value < 0.001. The study affirms that FAPAR is potentially an essential biodiversity variable (EBV) for carrying out rapid/indicative assessment of plant diversity in different biogeographic regions, and thereby, meeting various international commitments dealing with conservation and management measures for biodiversity.