Woody plant Species Diversity in a Subtropical-Temperate Ecotone Forest of Central Nepal

Abstract

Main aim of this study was to find the relationship between woody species richness along the elevational gradients in a Subtropical-Temperate Ecotone Forest of Central Nepal. Forest stand was sampled on northern slope of Resunga Region, Gulmi district. Standard quadrats each of 10 m × 10 m size were laid after dividing the forest stand into seven horizontal bands of 100 m elevation. Five quadrats located randomly at least 100 m apart from each other were laid on each elevation bands using systematic sampling method. All the woody species present within the quadrat were recorded whereas herbs were recorded from both inside and outside of the quadrats in the study area. Plants having diameter more than 10 cm at breast height (137 cm) were considered as trees and other woody plants were considered as understory shrubs. Diameter at breast height (DBH) was measured for all individuals of trees. IVI and diversity indices were calculated for trees and understory shrubs. Altogether 236 plant species under 79 families and 191 genera were identified. Among them, 196 species of Dicots belong to 155 genera and 68 families; 39 species of Monocots belong to 34 genera and 10 families. Gymnosperm was represented by single species (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.). Woody species richness along the elevational gradient showed the hump shaped pattern with elevation. The Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) were used to show species composition of woody species.