Angiospermic distribution in a dry deciduous forest - Kaiwara Reserve forest, Chintamani Tk, Chikkaballapura Dt. Karnataka, India

Abstract

The study provides descriptive information of the floristic composition of tropical dry deciduous forest of Kaiwara Reserve forest, Chintamani, Karnataka, Southern India. Sampling plots of 20 × 100 m2 (2000 m2, 0.2 ha) were surveyed in twenty different locations within a large patch, giving a total sample area of approximately 2 ha. All individual stems (≥ 1 cm dbh) of trees, shrubs and lianas from these plots were identified to species level and counted. A total of 2117 individuals (≥ 10 cm dbh) comprising 134 species, 75 genera and 65 families were included. Mimosaceae,Caesalpinaceae andRubiaceae were the most dominant families. Moreover, the study shows that two-hectare floristic inventories of dry deciduous forest can provide a useful tool for assessing plant biodiversity, and provide useful information for effective conservation and management of nature reserves.