Assessment of plant diversity in sal forest of north Gorakhpur forest division, India

Forest of North Gorakhpur Division, India represents the typical moist deciduous sal forest vegetation. The objective of this study is to evaluate plant diversity, distribution patterns, the biological spectrum of plant species and their conservation status. A total of 167 plant species were observed comprising 136 genera under 62 families. The number of overstorey species was maximum followed by that of understorey species and climbers. Tree density (399 ± 36) and basal area (21.96 ± 1.27) per hectare were markedly high. Phanerophytes had the highest percentage (49%) of life form followed by Chamaephytes (21%). The deviation of the observed ratio from Raunkiaer’s life form was around 2% for Phanerophytes, cryptophytes and therophytes suggesting the regional forest is heterogenous in nature. Rare species like Kirganelia reticulata, Rauwolfia serpentina, Abrus precatorius, Naravelia zeylanica, Pterocarpus marsupium and Stereospermum suaveolens need special attention in terms of their conservation. The finding highlights the rich biodiversity of the regional forest ecosystem, showcasing a significant number of rare plant species. Some degree of compromise in the maintenance of biodiversity becomes essential to get the supply of various resources from forest vegetation. Therefore, a suitable conservation strategy is necessary to cater a local need as well as to maintain the optimum plant diversity.