Abstract:
The study was conducted in Dabal forest to investigate the floristic composition, population
structure and regeneration status of woody plant species in the forest. 52 nested quadrats of the
size 20m × 20m, 10m x 10m and 5m × 5mfor tree/shrub, sapling and seedling respectively, were
laid systematically along seven line transects. For each quadrat, variables such as altitude,
longitude and latitudes were recorded by using Garmin 62 GPS. All tree/shrub species rooted
within the main plot and saplings and seedlings of woody species within the subplots were
counted and recorded. A meter-marked stick was used to measure the height of WS in order to
define them as seedling, sapling and mature tree/shrub. Diameter at breast height (DBH) of all
mature tree/ shrub was measured by using a diameter tape. Results of the study revealed that a
total of 59 woody species representing 53 genera and 32 families were recorded in the forest.
The Shannon Weiner diversity index and evenness values of the forest were found to be 3.56 and
0.87 respectively. Out of 59 plant species, 27(45.77%) were trees, 25 (40.68%) shrubs, (8.47%)
tree/shrubs and (5.08%) Shrub/Liana. Fabaceae was the dominant family represented by 6
species (10.17%) followed by Euphorbiaceae and Moraceae 4 species (6.78%).Currently the
forest needs to be protected and utilized in a sustainable way. Planting of indigenous tree species
in areas where there is less number of seedlings and depleted tree population is also important
to enhance the BA of the forest and promote its better provision for future generations.
