Tree species composition, regeneration and diversity of an Indian dry tropical forest protected area

Protected areas (PAs) are suggested as boon for biodiversity because they preserve genetic diversity, species populations and maintain ecosystem sustainability. In the Bhoramdeo wildlife sanctuary of central India, four locations differing in anthropogenic disturbances were selected. At each location, three homogeneous plots were marked to study tree species composition, diversity and regeneration against anthropogenic pressure. Within each plot 10 quadrats of 10 x 10 m in size were established and diameter of all stems of each species for each life stage was determined. From the entire 1.2 ha areas total 65 species, 273890 stems and 23.8 m(2) ha(-1) basal area (>= 30 cm height) were recorded. Anthropogenic disturbances changed species composition, limited regeneration and reduced species diversity. Bray-Curtis analysis of each life cycle stage for each location suggested temporal dynamism in species composition. Study showed negative relationship between seedlings species diversity and conservation focussed species populations. The negative relationships of pole's species number and stems with averaged tree canopy size, and disturbance scores with seedling's species number, Shannon index, and that of pole's stem suggested for selective harvesting of old age trees in addition to stop the practice of harvesting of juveniles for sustainable management of protected forests of dry tropics.