Plant species diversity and tree population structure of a humid tropical forest in Tamil Nadu, India

摘要: Vegetation structure and species composition of tropical ecosystems were studied through nine transects at Veerapuli Kalamalai reserve forests in the Western Ghats Tamil Nadu, India. Species diversity, dominance, richness evenness indices plant communities also population woody plants enumerated. A total 244 (183 genera 76 families) recorded. (number species) 82,142 96 per 0.3 ha respectively for study areas low-elevation forest (LEF), mid-elevation (MEF) high elevation (HEF). diversity greater MEF compared to other two except juveniles. In contrast, dominance value recorded LEF than forests. Density basal area twice LEF, while HEF showed tree density low when LEF. The stem decreased with increased size classes trees observed present indicated good regeneration status. Population juveniles seedlings reflects Terminalia paniculata (IVI 99.9) Hopea parviflora 103.8) dominant whereas Agrostistachys meeboldii (63.65), Cullenia excelsa (63.67) Drypetes oblongifolia (39.67) share dominance. Past damage (anthropogenic perturbation) may be one reasons single MEF. Occurrence alien such as Eupatorium odoratum Ageratum conyzoides past disturbance variations are largely due anthropogenic perturbation abiotic factors.