Comparative Study of Diversity and Community Characteristics of Trees in Natural (NFS) and Planted (PFS) Forest stands of Patharia Hills Reserve Forest (PHRF), Assam

Abstract

Abstract An investigation was undertaken to compare the diversity and community characteristics of trees in natural (NFS) and planted (PFS) forest stands of Patharia Hills Reserve Forest of Barak Valley (PHRF), Assam by random quadrat method. A total of 68 tree species belonging to 50 genera and 30 families were recorded from the two stands. Out of which, 67 species (49 genera and 29 families) were recorded from the NFS and 7 species (7 genera and 6 families) were recorded from the PFS respectively. The IVI revealed that in the NFS, Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb. (31.70) was the most dominant species and in the PFS, Tectona grandis L.f. (175.39) was the most dominant species. The total density was recorded to be 740 trees ha-1 and 770 trees ha-1in the NFS and PFS respectively. The Shannon-Weiner index, Simpson index, Margalef’s richness index and Pielou’s evenness index were recorded to be 3.7, 0.04, 11.16 and 0.88 respectively for the NFS; and 1.41, 0.37, 1.10 and 0.72 respectively for the PFS. The disturbance index was 32.22% in the PFS. The Sorensen’s similarity index was 16%. Population dynamics of trees revealed that the regeneration status of the NFS was much better than that of the PFS. Hutchenson’s t-test revealed that the NFS and the PFS were significantly different (P<0.001) in terms of tree species diversity. To avoid the rapid destruction of the forest in general and planted forest in particular, implementation of strict regulations and protective measures is urgent.