Tree species diversity in relation to environmental variables and disturbance gradients in a northeastern forest in Bangladesh

Abstract

Biodiversity has become an issue of global attention because of growing awareness of its importance and its rapid depletion worldwide. Diversity of tree species in relation to environmental and disturbance gradients was examined in three managed forests. Trees were randomly sampled in a survey of 75 circular plots (radius = 13 m) with 5 subplots (radius = 1 m). Generalized linear model analysis was used with a Poisson distribution log link function to understand the effects of variables (organic matter, organic carbon, nitrogen, potassium, pH, elevation and disturbance) on tree species richness. Canonical correspondence analysis was used to explore ecological relationships among plots. Our result found that the stand characteristics was an important influencing factor in the three forests. Our result showed that the variables had a highly positive influence on tree species richness in the three forests. In ordination, the selected variables governed the richness of tree species. Our study can help identify the most important factors that drive tree species richness in the three managed forests in Bangladesh and in similar ecosystems and inform forest management decisions for conservation according to ecological importance.

Keywords

Richness / Disturbance / Forest conservation / Lawachara National Park / Reserve forest

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