loristic Diversity Assessment of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Meghalaya

Vegetation assessment of the forest ecosystem of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve was carried out at 4 sites (2 in the core and 2 in the buffer region) of the reserve to provide baseline information on the biodiversity status of the biosphere. A total of 146 species were recorded from the four study sites, out of which 68 were trees, 35 shrubs and 44 herb species. Sites at the buffer zone had higher number of plant species and plant density compared to those in the core region. Tree density across sites ranged from 1020 to 1320 individuals per ha. Highest IVI was obtained for Syzygium syzygoides and Duabanga grandiflora for sites in the buffer region while Syzygium operculatum and Actinodaphne oboata dominated the core zones. Herb and shrub layer density was found to be high in areas with intermediate disturbance and open canopy cover.