Vegetation structure and species diversity in Garhjungle sacred forest, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Abstract-Sacred forests are traditionally managed forest patches relevant for biodiversity conservation. Vegetation structure of different strata (tree, shrub and herb) were analyzed in Garhjungle sacred forest of lateritic come in West Bengal. Total 738 woody individuals belonging a 14 species were recorded from random quadrats covering 0.25 ha area. The highest stem density and IV was obtained by Shorea robusta. All the species had clamped distribution. The trees accupied a heal area of 20.39 n ha Species richness and diversity of shrubs and herbs were greater than trees. Presence of various antropogenic diarbonces warrants immediate conservation efforts.