Tree Species Diversity and Distribution Patterns in Wet Tropical Forests of Southern Assam, Northeast India

Present Study deals with the tree species composition, diversity, population structure and distribution patterns in wet tropical forests of South Assam, Northeast India. Disturbance Index was calculated and study sites are categorized as relatively undisturbed (UD), mildly disturbed (MLD), moderately disturbed (MD) and highly disturbed (HD) stands. Altogether 1195 stems representing 98 tree species belonging to 81 genera and 44 families were encountered. Maximum species number was encountered in MLD stand and minimum in HD stand. Density and basal area was encountered maximum in UD stand with the value of 936 stems ha-1 and 53.71 m2 ha-1 respectively. Log normal density distribution curve showed the healthy regeneration status of UD stand while restricted reverse “J ” shaped curve in HD stand hints the past disturbance patterns. Most of the species showed contagious pattern of distribution. More number of singleton species and less density of large girth trees indicates the vulnerable nature of the present study.