1School of Forestry and Environment, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, 211007
*Email: haritham.ppd@gmail.com
Online published on 21 January, 2017.
The tree diversity and phyto-sociological studies of the three sacred groves; Poongottu kavu, Thaya kavu, Chekkicheri kavu in Kannur district were investigated. Random square sample plots of 20x20 m were laid to assess the tree composition of each grove. Vegetation analysis revealed 41 tree species in Poongottu kavu, 18 trees in Thaya kavu and 13 in Chekkicheri kavu. The Important value index reflects that, Myristica malabarica dominates in Poongottu kavu whereas, Rizhohora mucronata dominated in Thaya Kavu and Hopea parviflora in Chekkicheri kavu. The Simpson's species richness index shows that, Chekkicheri kavu possess higher value than the Poongottu kavu which have the higher Shannon-Wiener diversity index.
Diversity, Sacred grove, Kavu, Species richness, Index
