Floristic Composition, Diversity Pattern and Phytosociological Structure of Chichinagaontha Forest Range of Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest of Gujarat, India

Abstract

Quantitative baseline data on species diversity, community structure, and phytosociological parameters (density, basal area, IVI) are essential for scientific forest management. It helps in identifing dominant and threatened species, assessment of regeneration status which further guide in conservation and management. This study also aid in apprehension of ecosystem dynamics. The changes in species composition, abundance and forest stand structure were studied in Chichinagaontha forest range consist of tropical moist deciduous vegetation of Dang’s district, Gujarat, India. 14 quadrats of 0.1 ha were plotted on the field and further used for analysis of floristic composition, diversity pattern and phytosociological structure. A total of 97 species with most of the members from Fabaceae family (18) were dominated in forest range which is followed by Rubiaceae (6), Apocynaceae (6), Combretaceae (6) and Moraceae (4). On the species level, study showed that this forest range is typically of Tectona grandis (IVI= 16.19) and Terminalia tomentosa (IVI= 13.21) type. Species richness and diversity pattern varied with climate, soil, topography and anthropogenic pressure. Simpson index value found 0.97 which shows that no single species is dominant in forest that further reflects heterogeneity. High degree of species diversity depicted by Shannon-Weiner index (3.85) and Pielou’s eveness index value of 0.90 showed consistent distribution of species of individuals. Thus, information on species structure and function can provide baseline information for monitoring and sustaining the biodiversity to achieve sustainable development goals.