Tree species distributions in the Aravalli and Vindhya-Malwa regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan, India

The Aravalli and Vindhya-Malwa hills regions are known for their plant di versity. The plant species in these regions are affected by human threats and natural calamities. To understand the impacts on trees and their distri bution along these regions, the present study was conducted. Five protect ed areas were selected in the southern, central Aravalli, and Vindhya-Malwa regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The tree species were sampled during their seedling, sapling and mature tree stages. The nested plots method was used. Tree species in different growth stages were analysed, and distri bution specific to regions and across the landscapes were compared. Spe cific to regions, species richness was high in southern Aravalli compared to central Aravalli and Vindhya-Malwa regions. Across landscapes, the regions of southern Aravalli are significantly related to central Aravalli regions; the relationship between Aravalli and Vindhya-Malwa regions is not significant. Tree species distributions and establishment in these regions are affected by long-term threats like forest fire, selective removal of tree species, and cutting and lopping at the time of flowering and fruiting, which create varia tions in tree species at the regional and landscape level. Recommendations were given to preserve the tree species.