Tree species diversity and structural composition: The case of Durgapur Hill Forest, Netrokona, Bangladesh

Abstract. Rahman MdR, Rahman MdM, Chowdhury MdA, Akhter J. 2019. Tree species diversity and structural composition: The case of Durgapur Hill Forest, Netrokona, Bangladesh. Asian J For 3: 10-19. Tree species diversity and stand structure of Durgapur hill forest were assessed through stratified random sampling method using sample plots of 20 m x 20 m in size during the period of October 2017 to May 2018. A total of 1436 stems of ≥5 cm DBH of 56 tree species belonging to 50 genera and 29 families were enumerated from sample area. Density (855 stem ha-1) and Basal area (29.27 m2 ha-1) of tree species were enumerated. Besides, Shannon-Wiener’s, Margalef’s, Simpson’s and Pielou’s diversity index were recorded for all the tree species. The study showed that the most dominant 10 species have 58% of the total IVI (174.29 out of 300). Where, Acacia auriculiformis showed the maximum Importance Value Index (51.02) followed by Shorea robusta (24.23). Number of individual tree species were highest (49) in the height range of 7- <12 m whereas maximum (52) species were recorded in the DBH (cm) range of 5- <10 cm. However, Acacia auriculiformis, Shorea robusta, and Tectona grandis were found as the most dominant species based on hierarchical cluster analysis. Therefore, current study will be helpful to the future policymakers in formulating forest resource management plan of Durgapur hill forest.