Assessment of Floristic Composition in JFM-managed and Adjoining Natural forests in Doni Area of Gadag Division, Karnataka

The species diversity and richness indices in JFM managed and adjacent scrub forests of Doni indicates the success of JFM approach in Karnataka. The Importance Value Index, Shannon and Simpson's diversity indices were analyzed for both JFM managed and adjacent scrub forests. In JFM managed forests, there was 248 individuals about 10 cm GBH were observed from 12 quadrats, which amounts to a density of 517 individuals per ha. These 248 individuals were represented by 18 species and amounts to a total basal area of 10.80 m². The results inferred that, the proper protection from grazing and management of forests by involving local people has resulted in increased species composition. Even the enrichment of these degraded forests by local tree species was found to be a viable option to improve the overall density of the species.