Tree species composition and diversity in tropical moist forests of Mizoram, northeast India

The present study was carried out to assess tree species composition and diversity of a community reserve forest in Reiek village of tropical moist region of Mizoram, Northeast India. The estimation was made by laying 50 quadrats (10*10 m) placed at random locations during 2016–2017. A total of 125 tree species (310 cm dbh) belonging to 90 genera and 46 families were recorded from the study area. The tree density and total basal area of the present study were: 2145 individual ha⁻¹ and 64.76 m²ha⁻¹, respectively. The value of Shannon-Weiner index (H’) was 4.37 while Simpson index, evenness and Margalef species richness were: 0.03, 0.89 and 16.16, respectively. The population structure of tree species in the present study showed a reverse J-shaped population curve indicating good regeneration status and significant potential to develop the community forest. Further, log-normal species dominance-distribution curve showed stability of the forest community.This suggests that the villager selecting the mature trees for felling and managing the forest effectively. However, further studies on regeneration potential of tree species from the forest would assist us in scientific management and conservation of ecologically important species in the community forest.