The tree species diversity and population structure were studied in four stands of the tropical forests in the north-central Eastern Ghats, based on tree inventories conducted on four 1-ha plots. In the four independent plots, two 5 x 1000 m transects were established and all trees with ≥ 15 cm girth at breast height were enumerated. The density, frequency, basal area and IVI along with diversity indices viz. Shannon index, species richness, equitability and species dominance were computed to see the variation in tree community. A total of 92 species representing 73 genera under 40 families of angiosperms were recorded. Tree species richness was as low as 34 species per hectare plot in Geddapalli to as high as 48 species in Koruturu. Tree density ranged from 360 stems per hectare in plot Geddapalli to 526 stems in plot Chintapalli and that of total basal area from 16.31 m2 ha-1 in Koruturu to 31.15 m2 ha-1 in Chintapalli. The number of species and stems decreased from the smaller to the largest girth classes. The tree inventories of the study area when compared to those of the other tropical forests showed great differences in density and basal area. This may probably be due to differences in geography and annual rainfall patterns. The information on tree species structure and function can provide baseline information for conservation of the biodiversity.

The rapid inventory study provides information on the tree species diversity and stand structure in tropical deciduous forests of Northcentral Eastern Ghats, India. Tree diversity and its relation to habitat was explored using tree data-set of 12 belt transects (5 × 1000 m) totaling 6 ha in the study area. A total of 135 plant taxa (≥15 cm gbh) belonging to 105 genera of 45 families with 2959 individuals were recorded. Anogeissus latifolia, Xylia xylocarpa, Cleistanthus collinus and Lannea coromandelica were the predominant plant taxa where the members of Euphorbiaceae, Rubiaceae, Anacardiaceae and Mimosaceae contributed maximum stand density and species richness. The stand density ranged from 395 to 573 individuals ha −1 while basal area varied from 13.05 to 28.42 m 2 ha −1. Shannon-Weiner index (H′) ranged from 3.59 to 4.05 while Simpson index from 0.97 to 0.98, evenness index from 0.66 to 0.78 and species richness Margalef index ranged from 7.29 to 12.99. The study provides a baseline data for the management of protected areas in developing countries like India and it shows the potential of in situ method in the conservation natural areas.

Premavani D, Naidu MT, Kumar OA, Venkaiah M. 2017. Diversity and distribution of tree species in tropical forests ofNorthcentral Eastern Ghats, India. Asian J For 1: 27-32. The diversity and distribution of tree species were studied in three 1 ha sites oftropical forests in the northcentral Eastern Ghats of India. The phytosociological data from forest sites were analyzed quantitatively todetermine the basal area, species diversity, richness and stand density. A total of 1,507 individuals of 104 plant taxa, pertaining to 82genera under 41 families were enumerated at ≥15 cm gbh using belt transects (5 m × 1000 m). Tree stand density varied from 371-660individuals per ha while average basal area ranged from 14.54 – 46.51 m2 ha-1. Shannon-Weiner Index (H') ranged from 0.97-0.98,Equitability or evenness index ranged from 0.70-0.79 and Margalef richness index ranged from 10.54 – 10.82. The most dominantfamilies were Rubiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Moraceae, and Verbenaceae. Our results suggest further development of forestmanagement and biodiversity conservation in Eastern Ghats region.

The tree species diversity and population structure were studied in four stands of the tropical forests in the north-central Eastern Ghats, based on tree inventories conducted on four 1-ha plots. In the four independent plots, two 5 x 1000 m transects were established and all trees with ≥ 15 cm girth at breast height were enumerated. The density, frequency, basal area and IVI along with diversity indices viz. Shannon index, species richness, equitability and species dominance were computed to see the variation in tree community. A total of 92 species representing 73 genera under 40 families of angiosperms were recorded. Tree species richness was as low as 34 species per hectare plot in Geddapalli to as high as 48 species in Koruturu. Tree density ranged from 360 stems per hectare in plot Geddapalli to 526 stems in plot Chintapalli and that of total basal area from 16.31 m 2 ha -1 in Koruturu to 31.15 m 2 ha -1 in Chintapalli. The number of species and stems decreased from the smaller to the largest girth classes. The tree inventories of the study area when compared to those of the other tropical forests showed great differences in density and basal area. This may probably be due to differences in geography and annual rainfall patterns. The information on tree species structure and function can provide baseline information for conservation of the biodiversity.