Woody plant Species Diversity in a Subtropical-Temperate Ecotone Forest of Central Nepal
Date
Authors
Paudyal, Bhishma Prasad
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Botany
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.
Description
Keywords
Species diversity,, Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), Woody species, Elevational gradient