Forest dynamics in tropical rain forests of Uttara Kannada district in Western Ghats, India

Species richness, tree and stem density, basal area and recruitment details were monitored for ten years (1984 to 1994) in eight one-hectare forest sites in evergreen and moist deciduous forest zones of the tropical rain forests in Uttara Kannada district of the Western Chats in southern India, Changes in species richness and basal area were observed in majority of the forest sites. Loss of more number of stems and trees as well as species was observed in minor forests of the evergreen forest zone. Higher species richness and basal area were observed in reserve forests, perhaps as a result of restricted access. Occurrence of more number of species over ten years In minor forests of moist deciduous zone indicates opening of canopy, favouring growth of other species. Regeneration of existing species in the study plot is suggestive of the site potentiality to retain its physiognomic status. Appearance of species with different physiognomic characters and reduction in basal area suggest greater extraction pressure, implying the deteriorating vegetation status. Increase in the basal area could be due to recruitment, compensatory growth of the existing trees/stems and due to the fast growth of the coppicing trees/stems