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conferenceseries
.com
Volume 8
Journal of Ecosystem & Ecography
Biodiversity Congress 2018
July 26-27, 2018
July 26-27, 2018 Melbourne, Australia
7
th
International Conference on
Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Management
J Ecosyst Ecogr 2018, Volume 8
DOI: 10.4172/2157-7625-C4-042
Examining vegetation structure, species diversity, richness and vegetation-environmental relationships
in the subtropical forests of Kotli District (AJK), Pakistan, using a multivariate approach
Muhammad Shoaib Amjad
1
, Arshad M
2
, Page S
3
and Berrio J C
4
1
Women University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Bagh, Pakistan
2
Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Pakistan
3
University of Leicester UK
4
University of Leicester, UK
A
phyto-sociological survey was carried out during 2014-2016 using a stratified random sampling design at 15 different
localities in Kotli District, AJK Pakistan. Quantitative data on species composition and environmental variables were
collected from 450 quadrats. Based on cluster analysis, three different plant associations were recognized viz. subtropical scrub
forest association, subtropical pine forest association and subtropical broad leaf humid association which are clearly separated
on a two dimensional Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) diagram. The number of plant species per site varied
from 17 to 47; Shannon and Simpson diversity indices were 1.83-3.19 and 0.75-0.95, respectively; Menhinick and Margalef
species richness values were between 0.68-1.35 and 2.48-5.95, respectively, Equitability values between 0.65-0.90 and Evenness
values between 0.37-0.71. DCA and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) indicated altitude and aspect to be the main
determinants of the plant species distribution patterns and classification and grouping of vegetation into different associations.
CCA indicated that both species diversity and richness showed strong correlations with altitude as well as aspect and grazing
intensity. All the forest stands were immature (33.8-54.7%) with average tree density varying between 280 to 2060 ha-1, and
basal area between 1.99-19.18 m
2
/ha
-1
. The results clearly reflect the deteriorating forest structure in this region, demanding
urgent conservation measures involving effective participation by local communities.
malikshoaib1165@yahoo.com