Journal of Environmental Biology

Vegetation types, dominant compositions, woody plant diversity and stand structure in Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary of Northeast India

Koushik Majumdar* and B.K. Datta

Plant Taxonomy and Biodiversity Laboratory, Department of Botany, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar-799 022, India

*Corresponding Authors Email : majumdark80@gmail.com

Publication Data

Paper received:

04 October 2013

Revised received:

02 April 2014

Accepted:

08 July 2014

Abstract

Present study was carried out to assess the vegetation types, diversity and phytosociological status of woody plants in Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary of Tripura, Northeast India. Vegetation data was derived by 25 line transects (10m wide and 500m length, each 0.5 ha size). All woody species at ≥10 cm gbh (Girth at Breast Height) within each plots were measured and counted. A total of six forest types were classified by cluster analysis using Importance Value Index (IVI) of 289 woody species. Species diversity, forest structure and woody community associations were evaluated and discussed. One way ANOVA revealed significant differences in all species diversity measures and stand structure along the forest types. Distribution of stem density at ten different gbh classes showed reverse J-shaped curves. Population status of woody plants was also examined through grouping of all individuals into four population age stages viz. sapling (<30cm gbh), adult (≥30 - <120cm gbh), mature (≥120 - 210cm gbh) and old (≥210cm). To observe dominant composition and species population trend, IVI of top ten dominant species from all forest types were tabulated. The present study suggested that Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary is an important habitat in Tripura from floristic point of view and it should be conserved on priority basis for remaining wildlife endurances and monitor for forest livelihoods products for sustainable biodiversity conservation in this region. ?? 

 Key words

Diversity, Phytosociological structure, Wildlife habitat, Woody community types 

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