Ecological analysis of abandoned forest plantations of Kannavam in Kerala, India

Phytosociological studies revealed Tectona grandis alone constitutes 66% of total tree volume, largest density (189.78), Most Frequently distributed, Higher I.V.I (110.59) followed by Aporusa lindleyana , I.V.I (34.26) , density (91.83) etc. As in the case of regenerants dominant saplings are Olea dioica (IVI= 81.66), Ixora brachiata (IVI= 73.06.) etc., emerged as well as established Seedlings include Ixora brachiata (IVI= 102.1), Aporusa lindleyana (IVI= 27.62). The average Shannon’s diversity value for Moist deciduous forests in India is 2.18 and here, in Kannavam forest plantations it becomes 2.13, which is very similar to typical moist deciduous forest. The presence of high endemism and considerable number of Rare, Endangered and Threatened plants shows its conservational importance. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/apjeesd.v1i1.9506 Asia Pacific Journal of Environment Ecology and Sustainable Development 2013; 1: 22-25