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Abstract
The study was conducted at Gra-Kahsu protected natural vegetation (PNV) and communal
grazing land (CGL), in order to evaluate the conservation impact level. The diversity
of plant species, population structure of woody species, and regeneration status were
analysed from 62 quadrats, each with 20 m × 20 m for trees and 5 m × 5 m for shrubs,
using systematic sampling methods. A total of 64 vascular plant species belonging
to 52 genera and 37 families from PNV and 43 plant species belonging to 34 genera
and 25 families from CGL was identified. Shannon diversity index values of PNV and
CGL were 2.29 and 1.84, respectively. The mean basal area of PNV and CGL were 8.29
and 5.32 m2/ha, respectively. Three community types from PNV and two from CGL were
identified. The population structure of woody species based on diameter and height
class distribution showed reflected reversed J-shape for PNV however, bell-shaped,
and interrupted inverted J-shape for CGL. The regeneration status of PNV and CGL were
considered as good (sapling > seedling > matures) and fair (mature > sapling > seedling),
respectively. Therefore, the floristic analysis of these two adjacent land use systems
located in similar landscape showed distinctive variation in floristic composition,
diversity, and regeneration status, which could be taken as the best practice of restoration
and rehabilitation programs like, area exclosure.