Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate species-area relationship of the sal (Shorea robusta) dominated tropical dry deciduous forest of Chota Nagpur plateau, India. Methods/Statistical analysis: One hectare (ha) plot was selected in which quadrats of 10 m x 10 m size were equally disturbed. In each specific quadrant, the number of species and density of adult trees was determined. Species-area relationship was analyzed by plotting an increasing number of species as a purpose of plot size. The Species-Area Relationships (SAR) were compared by using the Power curve, the Exponential curve, and the Logistic curve. Findings: The major finding in terms of density comprises of 436 adult stems having a diameter greater than and equal to 9.6 cm, 874 saplings having a diameter greater than and equal to 3.2 cm but less than 9.6 cm, and 6147 seedlings having a diameter less than 3.2 cm in one ha. The observed species-area curves were firstly steep, followed by continuing species accumulation. Where curves were best fitted by the power model because of low P value (possibility underneath the null hypothesis), high F ratio (regression mean square more the error mean square) and high Ra2 (adjusted coefficient of determination) representing one ha study area. Moreover, the high P value, low F ratio, and low Ra2 of exponential and logistical models showed an extreme deviation from the observed fashions of species-area for the plant species. In this study, the Z-value decreased with increase in C-value, indicating both were directly fitted constant and autonomous of biotic and a biotic features of the study area. Application/Improvements: The species-area relationships expressed distinct habitat heterogeneity and dispersal constraint of plant species in the Sal forest.

Keywords: Exponential Curve, Logistic Curve, Power Curve, Sal Forests, Species-area Relationships