Analysis of vegetation dynamics and phytodiversity from three dry deciduous forests of Doon Valley, Western Himalaya, India

The present study aimed to analyze the vegetation dynamics and plant diversity from the dry deciduous forests of Doon Valley. Species richness, regeneration, and change in community composition of these forests were studied and change was noticed with Shorea robusta as the main dominant species, and Mallotus philippensis, Syzygium cumini, and Ehretia laevis as codominant tree species in all communities. The highest species richness and diversity rates were found to be increased with the decrease in tree density and basal area. The high Importance Value Index recorded in Thano (>150) indicates that the S. robusta forest is progressing toward the culmination stage, whereas the lower IVI values (100 and 150) in the other two sites (Selaqui – Jhajra and Asarori) signify the heavy disturbance of these sites and further establishment of alien invasive species such as Cassia tora, Cassia occidentalis, Lantana camara, Urena lobata, Ipomoea carnea, Sida acuta, and Solanum torvum.