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Tree Diversity, Population Structure and Utilization in Traditionally Managed Sub-Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests of Meghalaya, North East India

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Environmental Studies, Shillong College, Shillong, Meghalaya, 793003, INDIA
  • 2 Department of Environmental Studies, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, 793022, INDIA

Int. Res. J. Environment Sci., Volume 4, Issue (12), Pages 69-81, December,22 (2015)

Abstract

Forest dependent communities of Meghalaya, India have evolved various traditional forest management systems for managing their forests. This study aims to understand the impact of different management systems on tree species diversity and population structure. Three traditionally managed subtropical wet evergreen forests in the state were studied following standard vegetation analysis methods. The study reveals that management systems have an effect on tree species diversity and population structure in that higher tree species diversity, density and basal cover were found in forest management systems involving higher degree of protection and low disturbance. The use percentage of economically important tree species was higher in forests with low protection and high disturbance. The findings highlight the important contribution of traditional forest management practices by the local people in maintaining a balance between conservation and sustainable utilization of forest resources.

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