Biodiversity and Phytosociological Analysis of Trees around the Rajpipla JFM Plantations

Phyto-ecological studies were conducted in the JFM plantations in the Rajpipla forest division. We analysed phytosociological characteristics and diversity status of JFM plantation tree species. The studies were carried out to check whether the new forest policy has succeeded in increasing the diversity of these JFM areas, making them more stable ecologically or not. Phytosociological characters such as frequency, density and abundance were influenced by the climatic, anthropogenic and biotic stresses prevailing at the study sites. Out of the different villages assessed Gadkoi village exhibited the highest diversity. Species richness, species diversity, was higher in Gadkoi and Vanji village, respectively. Around 30 plant species belonged to 25 families; Mimosae was the largest family with 3 tree species. Tectona grandis L. dominated the tree communities in all the JFM villages.

Furthermore, to enhance the biodiversity of these JFM sites protective measures should be taken up. Illegal practices like grazing and human influence inside the JFM plantation should be checked to save forest resources from complete elimination. Thus the present study highlighted the contribution of this programme in terms of increasing diversity leading to ecological stability.