Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences Paper


Vol.13, Issue 3, 2011

Page Number: 445-452

ECOLOGY AND DIVERSITY OF DIPTEROCARP FORESTS IN WESTERN GHATS OF KARNATAKA, INDIA

NAGEEB A. AL-SAGHEER AND A.G. DEVI PRASAD

Abstract

The regenerated tree species were investigated in eight populations of Dipterocarp forests in Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. The highest diversity in tree species and regenerated species was observed in the populations of Mudigere, Sakleshpura and Makuta. These populations were characterized by favorable locality factors and fewer disturbances. High dissimilarity in species composition and regeneration of species was found in the population of Sringeri as compared to other populations. Trees with diameter class of 10-30 cm and height class of 10-30 m had the highest frequency of number of individuals. The frequencies of regeneration classes (seedlings, saplings, poles and adult trees) have shown an inverse J shaped curve indicating the continuation process of regeneration under the present disturbance.