Dominance, Diversity and Species Richness of Tree Species Along an Altitudinal Gradient of a Catchment of Garhwal Himalaya

Abstract

The present paper highlights the dominance, diversity and species richness of tree species along an altitudinal gradient of Mandakini catchment of Garhwal Himalaya. A total number of six forest stands were selected along an altitudinal gradient of Mandakini catchment. The study revealed that Density (trees/ha) and Total basal area (m²/ha) values of the selected stands ranged between 2084 and 600 trees/ha and 53.44 - 29.36 m²/ha. Maximum density 2084 trees/ha recorded for the forest stand IV and minimum 600trees/ha for stand VI of Mandakini catchment. All the selected forest stands of the catchment area could be designated as broad-leaved mixed temperate forest. Rhododendron arborium is the common species in all the selected stands of the catchment except the forest stands III and Stand VI. Shannon-Wiener diversity index ranged between 1.16 and 1.66. Concentration of dominance showed reverse trend to diversity index. Heighest number of tree species (6) was recorded in forest stand V and I. Stand III and VI are the most similar sites of the study area.