Tree diversity, stand structure, and community composition of tropical forests in Dalma wildlife sanctuary of Jharkhand, India

Species diversity and density of trees were assessed in forests of Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary of Jharkhand comprising mostly of tropical deciduous forests. We compared tree community characteristics like stem density, basal area, diversity index, Beta(β diversity), Girth class, Canopy height class and species composition of tree species in all three zones (Altitude between 199 -603m) in the study area. A total of 41 tree species of 25 families, 71 genera, and 95 species were recorded. Gramineae (10) family is most represented followed by Euphorbiaceae (6). It was noticed that the tree density varied from 30.64 to 62.51. The maximum basal area contributed by Terminalia belerica (1.323 m2ha-1) followed by Albezzia stipulate (1.145 m2ha-1). Shan none Weiner index (H’) ranged from 3.073 to 3.997 and species richness index ranged from 1.05 to 1.20. Beta diversity of tree species varied from 2.32 to 3.80. The highest number of tree species was occurred in girth class of 61 – 80 cm in all three zones. At present the biodiversity of these forests are under threat due to the anthropogenic and illegal interference of outside people for cutting of furniture tree species. The present study will help us to understand the patterns of tree species composition and diversity in the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, of India.