Species composition and diversity of Euphausiacea in the East China Sea

Based on the data of four seasonal oceanographic censuses in the East China Sea （23°30＇-33°00＇N, 118°30＇-128°00＇E） in 1997-2000, the species composition and the diversity of Euphausiacea were discussed as well as their relations with environmental variables. Results showed that there were totally 23 different species of Euphausiacea, in which 16 occurred in spring and autumn respectively; 15 were present in summer and only 10 were observed in winter. According to the calculated alternation fraction （R）, the species composition showed a clear seasonal alternation with the changes of seasons. Moreover, the environmental variables had different impacts on the distribution of Euphausiacea in different seasons. The distribution in summer was not significantly related to water temperature and salinity. However, the surface salinity was a major determinant of the distribution in spring. In autumn, both surface and bottom temperatures were influencing factors. The distribution in winter depended on salinity at the surface and 10 m depth as well as the temperature at 10 m depth. Regarding to the seasonal variation of species composition, the variations in spring, summer and autumn were not so significant as those in winter. Except in summer, the species number changed with synchronous water temperature and salinity, as a result of the presence of warm currents in the East China Sea and the habitability of the dominant species. Since Euphausiacea tend to agglomerate, the distribution of different species was uneven, which was the major reason for the low diversity of Euphausiacea in the East China Sea.

Diversity and structural composition of species in dipterocarp forests:a study from Fasiakhali Wildlife Sanctuary, Bangladesh

Fasiakhali Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area composed of tropical remnant rainforest that harbor substantial number of large,old Garjan（Dipterocarpus spp.）trees.The present study assessed composition,structure and diversity of the species in this protected area.A total of 32 trees species were recorded with DBH ≥ 11 cm belonging to 24 genera and 19 families.The forest is low in plant diversity as represented by Shannon–Wiener diversity and Simpson Dominance indices.Dipterocarpus turbinatus was the most dominant species with maximum relative density,frequency,dominance,and importance value index.Syzygium firmum and Tectona grandis followed in terms of dominance.The structural composition indicated higher number of individuals in the medium growth classes（41 to 〈 511 cm DBH and 16–20 m height ranges）,whereas D.turbinatus was the only species that dominated most of the growth classes.Poor stem density in lower growth classes indicated meager recruitment of regeneration which may be due to lower annual precipitation,increased grazing and encroachments.This study will help to understand the patterns of tree species composition and diversity in the remnant dipterocarp forests of Bangladesh.It will also contribute to identifying threatened plants to undertake D.turbinatus based conservation and sustainable management of the Fasiakhali Wildlife Sanctuary.

Species composition and diversity of pelagic fishes based on a longline fishery catch in the North Pacific Ocean

Evaluation of spatial-temporal variability of species composition and diversity in oceanic ecosystems is not easy because it is usually difficult to obtain sufficient data quantifying such variability.In this study,we examined pelagic species diversity indicators,species richness,Shannon-Wiener index of diversity and Hurlbert's species evenness,for fish assemblages from two areas(north and south) in the North Pacific Ocean(2°±12°N,178°E±165°W) during May±July 2008.The assemblages were based on data collected by an onboard scientific observer during a commercial longline fishing trip.The species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity index of fish assemblages in the northern area were slightly higher than those in the southern area,although these differences were not significant(t test,P.0.05).Non-parametric multidimensional scaling and analysis of similarities indicated that there were significant differences in fish assemblages between the two areas(P,0.01).

Urbanization strengthens the edge effects on species diversity and composition of woody plants in remnant forests

Background:Urban remnant forests are embedded in urban areas and are threatened directly and indirectly by urbanization.The direct effects(e.g.,loss of area)have been well studied.However,knowledge about the indirect influence of urbanization through edge effects on the biodiversity in remnant forests is limited.Methods:In this study,we surveyed woody plant species in 72 plots in nine remnant forest patches in Guiyang,China.We examined the influences of urbanization and edge effects on the species diversity and composition of woody plants in remnant forests.We compared alpha diversities and quantified compositional dissimilarities in interior and edge sites at different levels of urbanization.We also measured the niche width of the recorded plant species and assessed whether high levels of urbanization and edge effects increased the number of generalist species.Results and conclusions:The Shannon index,the Simpson index and the Pielou index of adult trees were lowest in the edge habitat under high levels of urbanization.Significant differences in the Shannon index and the Simpson index of sapling/seedling were detected between interior and edge sites under low urbanization.The edge effects on the species composition of adult trees were intensified by high levels of urbanization.Woody plant species with wide niche widths were more abundant at edge sites under high levels of urbanization.Therefore,we recommend that urban expansion surrounding remnant patches should be strictly controlled to alleviate edge effects on biodiversity.

Species Composition and Diversity Analysis of Lava Flow in Different Periods in Wudalianchi Nature Reserve,China

The species composition and succession discipline after eruption of volcanoes in Wudalianchi Nature Reserve, China, including new volcanoes, such as Huoshao and Laohei Mountains, and old volcanoes, such as East Jiaodebu, Wohu and North Gelaqiu Mountains, in different historical periods were investigated by adopting the concept of space as a substitute for time. The species composition, community characteristics and diversity analysis in the remains of volcanic lava flow at various stages were analyzed. The results showed that 192 types of vascular plants that belonged to 50 families and 126 genera in the survey areas existed in the restoration process of primary succession. At the same time, the agglomeration process of plant community succession and the diversity of dominant community were investigated, and the changes in plant diversity at different succession stages were calculated using Margalef, Simpson, Shannon–Wiener, Pielou, Jaccard and Cody indices.

Woody plant species diversity and composition in and around Debre Libanos church forests of North Shoa Zone of Oromiya,Ethiopia

Dry afromontane forests are among the most poorly managed and endangered ecosystems.Therefore,we assessed the composition,diversity,and conservation status of woody plant species of the Debre Libanos church forests and surrounding forest lands in Oromiya Regional National State,central Ethiopia in 62 nested circular sample plots spaced 200 m apart along two transect lines.Large circular plots 314 m^(2)were used to sample trees with DBH of at least 10 cm,and subplots of 28.26 m^(2)were laid in each main plot were used to assess saplings and shrubs;a small subplot of 3.14 m2 was used to assess seedlings.In total,70 woody plant species belonging to 62 genera and 43 families were recorded.Of these,59,28 and 32 were in the church,government and private forest types,respectively.The most dominant families were Fabaceae and Verbenaceae,each represented by five species.In the forests considered,trees accounted for 61%,and shrubs with diameter at breast height(DBH)of 1-10 cm accounted for ca.33%.Among growth forms of woody species,shrubs and seedlings,followed by trees constituted much of the density of woody species in all the three ownership types of forests.The church forest had the most species(59)and highest Shannon(3.12)and Simpson(0.92)species diversity indices,and the government and private forests had a nearly similar total number of species and Shannon and Simpson species diversity indices.Most of the species with higher importance value indices(IVI)were indigenous in origin within the church forest(Juniperus procera=82),government forest(J.procera=66)and private forest(Acacia abyssinica=84).The composition,diversity,and population structure of woody species in the church forest were significantly higher than in the other forest lands.However,interventions of the government and private sectors to conserve forest systems in the areas,particularly the government-owned forest and specific species such as Olea europaea need active enrichment plantings due to their limited natural regeneration.Without improved management interventions,livelihood income diversification and ecosystem services obtained from the forest will not be sustainable.

Species Composition and Diversity of Fagus longipetiolata in Leigong Mountain, Guizhou Province

[Objectives]To understand the species composition and diversity of Fagus longipetiolata community.[Methods]The F.longipetiolata community in Guizhou Province was investigated by typical plot method.[Results]There were 107 species of vascular plants belonging to 79 genera and 51 families in Leigong Mountain F.longipetiolata community,including 3 species of pteridophytes belonging to 3 genera and 3 families,104 species of spermatophytes belonging to 76 genera and 48 families,including 3 species of gymnosperms belonging to 3 genera and 3 families,and 101 species of angiosperms belonging to 73 genera and 45 families.The types of Leigong Mountain F.longipetiolata community were divided into 7 formations,and the top 10 important species of each formation were Fagaceae,followed by Lauraceae and Ericaceae.The change trend of tree layer richness index was formation I>formation IV>formation VI>formation III>formation VII>formation II>formation V;the dominance index was formation I>formation IV>formation V>formation VI>formation VII>formation III>formation II;H diversity index was formation V>formation II>formation I>formation III>formation VII>formation VI>formation IV;the evenness index is formation II>formation III>formation VI>formation VII>formation IV>formation I>formation V;the total diversity index of the community,formation I(3.67)was the highest,formation V(2.74)was the lowest,manifested as formation I>formation III>formation VI>formation II>formation IV>formation VII>formation V.[Conclusions]The community stability is closely related to its species composition,and the background species is the basis for the survival of the community;the existence of rare species can further enhance the community diversity index and enhance the community stability.

Floristic Composition and Change in Species Diversity over Long Temporal Scales in Upper Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project Area in Nepal

Forest and vegetation of particular ecosystem is generally influenced by external factors especially from development activities. Nepal has been endowed with an immense variety of forest resources with its unique biodiversity. The current study is conducted in the temperate forest of central Nepal to compare the state of vegetation recorded during 1995 with the present condition. To identify floristic composition, species distribution and diversity, same location and same size of quadrates were selected in natural forest and planted or regenerated area as in previous study. Measurement and analytical tools for forest and vegetation reveled a total of 19 species and 341 individuals in 0.14 ha regenerated area and 18 species, 17 genera and 260 individuals in 0.16 ha, natural forest areas. However, in 1995, total 31 individuals of 20 woody species, 18 genera and 15 families were recorded within the sampling plots of 0.16 ha of natural forest. Moreover, Alnus nepalensis is found dominating regenerated area and Caryopteris odorata in natural forests whereas in 1995, Litsea chartacea and Maesa chisia were recorded dominant. The Shannon’s diversity H’ = 2.908, E = 0.970 and Var H’ = -0.00 and Simpsons D = 0.027 recorded in 1995 is found to be with higher values when compared with the analysis of present study. Furthermore, in comparison to 1995 study, this study showed lower basal area and timber volume with declining species diversity. Although, the natural forest is found with higher species composition compared to rehabilitated forest, species of herbs and shrubs were found extensively growing.

Species composition and quantitative variation of zooplankton in the Great Wall Bay and its adjacent waters，Antarctica

A preliminary identification has been made of 35 species of the zooplankton in the Great Wall Bay and its adjacent waters,Antarctica. The dominant species in the investigated area are Calanus propinquus, Calanoides acutus, Metrdia gerlachei and the larvae of antarctic krill.The results indicated that the zooplankton in the investigated waters were simple in species number, which conforms to the general pattern of the distribution of the zooplankton in antarctic waters.The total biomass and number of individuals of the zooplankton in the investigated waters showed obvious seasonal variation. In summer there were Calaninioides acutus and the larvae of antarctic krill; in winter there were Metrdia gerlacher, Calanus propinquus, Oithon similis, O. frigda and the larvae of antarctic krill. The quantity of Copepoda occupied a considerable proportion in each month. The water temperature is an important factor in controling the biomass of zooplankton.

Species composition and influencing factors of understory woody species in Robinia pseudoacacia plantations on the Loess Plateau

Black locust(Robinia pseudoacacia L.)plantations have contributed significantly to soil and water conservation and ecological reconstruction on China’s Loess Plateau.Understanding the impact of stand and environment on species composition of understory woody plants will improve the stability of existing black locust plantations.Ten stands were selected in second-generation black locust plantations in tableland and gully areas of the Loess Plateau.The number of understory tree species in the tablelands was significantly lower than in the gully stands.Regenerated black locust(19.76%)and Rubus corchorifolius L.f.(64.85%)were the most abundant understory tree and shrub species,respectively,in the tableland stands;Broussonetia papyrifera(L.)L’Hér.ex Vent.(6.77%)and Acanthopanax senticosus(Rupr.Maxim.)Harms.(37.22%)were most abundant in the gully stands.Species richness(S),Shannon diversity(H),and evenness index(J)of the understory plants were significantly lower in the tableland stands than in the gully stands.More diverse understory species and community structures occurred in the gully stands.Differences in species diversity among landform positions may be attributed to differences in soil moisture.In addition,77.57%of the variation in understory species composition was explained,among which shrub and herb coverage,stand age,leaf area index,slope and total soil phosphorus in the 10-20 cm layer were the main factors.Soil organic carbon and total potassium significantly impacted S,H and J.Considering the environmental conditions and the biological characteristics of the plants investigated,R.corchorifolius should be given priority in the development of tableland stands,while B.papyrifera and Celtis sinensis Pers.should form mixed forests with black locust in gully stands.This management could promote biodiversity and stability of the existing black locust plantations but also optimize regional landscape patterns.

Effects of natural forest conversion and plantation tree species composition on soil macrofauna communities in Northeast China mountains

As primary and secondary forests are being replaced by plantations across the globe,the soil macrofauna community structure is also affected,but little is known about the impact of mixed culture plantations compared with monocultures on the soil macrofauna.To determine the impact of forest conversion on soil macrofauna,we surveyed the soil macrofauna in two broad-leaved and three coniferous monoculture stands and four coniferous-broadleaved mixed stands,and in adjacent reserved secondary stands as a reference.Soil macro fauna community composition was significant affected by forest type,season and their interaction(P<0.05).The abundance,taxa richness and diversity of soil macro fauna changed to different degrees depending on the plantation type.Broadleaved monoculture stands and secondary stands had similar macrofauna abundance and taxa richness,but values were lower in coniferous stands than in secondary stands.The Shannon index for macrofauna in coniferous stands was also the lowest,but the Pielou index did not differ between forest types.The negative effects of the conifer monoculture on soil macro fauna were not present in the mixed stands with broad-leaved trees.Forest conversion impacted soil properties;soil moisture,NO_(3)^(-),and pH were significant drivers of soil macrofauna community structure.The impact of forest conversion on soil macrofauna was closely dependent on tree species composition and diversity.The macro fauna community structure in the broadleaved and the mixed stands were relatively similar to that in the natural forest,and thus recommended for forest conversion in the study area.

Effects of patch size, disturbances on diversity and structural traits of tropical semi-evergreen forest in the lowland Indo Burma hotspot: implication on conservation of the threatened tree species

Information on geographic distribution, population and threat status of most globally red listed species in the Indo Burma zone are inadequate. Given the increase in the prevalence of isolated forest patches in the part of this hotspot, evaluation is necessary on how size of the remnant forest patches and on-going disturbances affects structure and diversity of remaining habitats including the population of some globally threatened tree species. Quantitative vegetation inventory by 500 m long and lO m wide （0.5 ha） line transects were randomly set in nine fragmented tropical semi-evergreen forest patches in Tripura, Northeast India. The studied forests patches grouped into small, medium and large based on their respected sizes. Spatial variability was analysed in woody species diversity and structure along the patch size gradients and their response to both patch size and anthropogenic disturbances. Out of 167 species, 13 identified as red-listed species by IUCN under the present inventory. Most of the diversity and structural parameters showed statistically significant positive response with the forest patch size, except for stand dominance, disturbance, sapling density and number of aggregated distribution pattern decreased when patch size increased. In addition, most of the diversity and structural attributes showed negative response with disturbances. Present baseline data would serve as an effective tool for management and protection of this important forest type. Future habitat restoration programme and strategies for relocation of additional population and re-introduction of those globally threatened trees are recommended.

Species Diversity and Abundance Distribution of Pelagic Siphonophores in Nan Wan Bay of Taiwan, China, in Late Autumn and Early Winter

Zooplankton surveys were carried out on November 2-3 and December 8-10, 2001 at 12 stations in the Nan Wan Bay of Taiwan, China. Altogether 92 quantitative zooplankton samples were collected from subsurface water and bottom water layers with two conical plankton nets （180 cm in length, 45 cm in opening diameter, 333μm and 200 larn in mesh size）. A total of 31 species of Siphonophores were identified, among them 7 species are new records in the waters around Taiwan Island, of which Rocacea cymbiformis is a new record in China. Dominated by Chelophyes appendiculata, Bassia bassensis, Diphyes bojani, Diphyes dispar, Abylopsis eschscholtzi and Chelophyes contorta, these species accounted for over 76 % and 63 % of the total abundance in November and December. The species number and Siphonophores abundance in December （25 species, 1.99 inds/m3） were more than those in November （19 species, 0.438 inds/m3）, and they were more in the surface water layer than in the bottom layer at most sampling stations. In early winter, the offshore high salinity water mass was a main factor influencing the distribution. The sampling efficiency for two plankton nets is discussed and the seasonal variation of species number and abundance in the Nan Wan Bay is compared with that in the neighboring waters.

Assessment of Herbaceous Species Diversity in Lede and Galumji, Wawa-Zange Forest Reserve, Gombe State, Nigeria

The study was carried out in Wawa-Zange Forest Reserve. The aim was to investigate the Herbaceous Species Composition and Diversity. Point Centered Quarter (PCQ) Sampling method was used to conduct the study. Data obtained was analyzed for Frequency, Relative Frequency, Density, Relative Density and Importance Value Index. The result obtained showed a total number of twenty. Herbaceous Plant Species. Out of this number 17 were Forbs and 3 were Grasses. They belonged to 9 families and 19 genera. The family Fabaceae (Subfamily Caesalpinoideae, Papilionoideae and Mimosoideae) had 5 species, and Malvaceae had 5 species while Poaceae had 3 species, Rubiaceae had 2 species. Euphorbiaceae, Linderniaceae, Acanthaceae, Commelinaceae and Arecaceae had 1 species each. Simpson’s index of diversity (1 - D) was (0.60) while Shannon-Wiener index was (2.21). The species with the highest importance value index was Urena lobata L. (65.47%) and the species with lowest importance value index were Palisota hirsuta, Cassia rotundifolia, Amorphophallus abyssinicus, and Corchorus olitorius with (2.93%). These plants therefore require urgent conservation measures.

The Influence of Plant Diversity and Functional Composition on Ecosystem Stability of Four Stipa Communities in the Inner Mongolia Plateau

The main purpose of this study was to examine the effects of plant species diversity and functional composition (the identity of the plant functional groups) on ecosystem stability of Stipa, communities in the Inner Mongolia Plateau. The research work was based on a 12-year study (from 1984 to 1995) of species abundance, diversity, and primary productivity of four Stipa communities, i.e. S. baicalensis Roshev., S. grandis P. Smirn., S, krylovii Roshev., and S. klemenzii Roshev. respectively. The Shnnon-Wiener index was used as a measurement of plant diversity, while functional composition was used to differentiate the functional groups that were included in the communities. The plant species of four Stipa communities were classified into functional groups based on the differences in life forms and ecological groups, which influence their performance in resource requirements, seasonality of growth, tolerance to water stress, and life history. Plant species were classified into five functional groups based on their differences in life form, shrubs and half shrubs, perennial bunch grasses, perennial rhizome grasses, forbs, annuals and biennials. Based on their differences in water requirement these species were classified into four functional groups: xerads, intermediate xerads, intermediate mesophytes, and mesophytes. The results showed: 1) Plant species diversity stabilized ecosystem processes. Shannon-Wiener index were 2.401 4, 2.172 0, 1.624 8, 0.354 3 from S. baicalensis community to S. grandis, S. krylovii and S. klemenzii community, respectively. The dynamics of the aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) for a 12-year's period showed a reverse pattern, the coefficients of variation of the four communities were 21.94%, 20.63%, 29.21% and 39.72% respectively. 2) The Life form functional group component of diversity was a greater determinant of the ecosystem processes than the species component of diversity. The effects of perennial bunch grasses, perennial rhizome grasses and forbs on community stability were highly significant. 3) The ecological group component of diversity was also a great determinant of the ecosystem processes. The effects of xerads, intermediate xerads, and mesophytes on community stability were also very strong.

Zooplankton composition and distribution in the Lembeh Strait of North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Based on oceanographic survey data in June 2012 in the Lembeh Strait, the zooplankton ecological characteristics such as species composition, individual abundance, dominant species and distribution were analyzed. The results showed that 183 species(including 4 sp.) had been recognized, most of them belonged to copepoda.Cnidaria followed with 43 species(including 1 sp.) were identified. The average abundance of zooplankton was(150.47±58.91) ind./m3. As to the horizontal distribution, the abundance of the zooplankton was higher in the southern waters than in the northern waters. The dominant species in the study area were Lensia subtiloides,Sagitta enflata, Lucifer intermedius, Oikopleura rufescens, Diphyes chamissoni, Creseis acicula, Subeucalanus subcrassus, Temora discaudata, Aglaura hemistoma, Doliolum denticulatum, Canthocalanus pauper, Oikopleura longicauda and Nanomia bijuga. Zooplankton biodiversity indexes were higher in study area than previous study in the other regions. The findings from this study provide important baseline information for future research and monitoring programs.

Plant species composition and diversity depending on piospheres and seasonality in the southern rangelands of Kenya

Introduction:Scarcity of water in the rangelands of Kenya has led to the introduction of piospheres.Previous research has however produced contrasting results on the effects of piospheres and seasonality on ShannonWiener’s diversity index,and therefore,this information is still deficient.In this study,the impact of these piospheres on plant species composition,diversity,and richness was assessed.Methods:Vegetation sampling was done during both the long rains(April)and the dry season(August).Three piosphere types(dam,trough,and a seasonal river)were studied using 0.25 m2 quadrats to sample vegetation at intervals of 20 m along 100-m transects.Four 100-m transects were used per piosphere(north,east,south,and west directions).Shannon-Wiener’s diversity index was used to determine species richness and composition.Twoway ANOVA was used to determine if piospheric distance had an effect on species diversity,richness,and evenness using GenStat 15th edition.Results:A total of 22 grasses and 29 forbs were recorded in the study area.The most abundant grasses near the piospheres were Eragrostis tenuifolia(12.9%)and Cynodon dactylon(10.6%).E.tenuifolia is an increaser species and was therefore most abundant in areas of severe grazing while C.dactylon has been known to be tolerant to grazing.The most abundant forbs were Crotalaria brevidens(37.5%).The Shannon-Wiener diversity index significantly increased(F=25.07,P=0.001)with distance from the three piospheres owing to the high grazing intensity near the piospheres and was significantly different between piospheres,being higher(F=10.05,P=0.001)at 20 m from the river(1.2±0.1)compared to a similar distance from the dam(0.9±0.1)and the trough(0.8±0.2).This was probably because the trough was smaller in size compared to the other piospheres,thereby concentrating more grazing animals per unit area and causing a greater impact on plant species.Conclusions:The study demonstrated that species diversity,richness,and evenness were low near the piospheres due to heavy grazing.Similarly,the lowest species diversity,richness,and evenness were recorded near the trough compared to the dam and the river.This study therefore recommends that range reseeding and rest period be done to rehabilitate degraded areas and facilitate plant regeneration.Larger piospheres should also be used to minimize animal impact per unit area.

The influence of cultivation frequency on weed species composition and diversity in flood recession farming in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Introduction:Flood recession farming,locally known as molapo farming,is an important livelihood activity for the subsistence farming community around the Okavango Delta.The study was aimed at investigating the influence of cultivation frequency on non-crop species composition.It was carried out in the peripheral settlements of Shorobe,Makalamabedi and Lake Ngami.Methods:Vegetation sampling was conducted from March to April 2016 in 36 fields of varying historical cultivation frequencies.The cultivation frequencies were 5,10 and 15 years with an uncropped control site.Sampling was done in 1-m^(2) quadrats placed 10 m apart along a line transect.Shannon’s diversity and equitability indices were used to compare diversity for each cultivation frequency within and across the study sites.The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to investigate significant differences in diversity between cultivation frequencies.Rank of abundance was used to determine the association of weeds with the cultivation frequencies.Results:Cultivation frequency did not influence species diversity(p>0.05)at either Lake Ngami or Shorobe.Species evenness was significantly different(p<0.05)between the cultivation frequencies at Shorobe,but not at either Makalamabedi or Lake Ngami.There was a significant difference(p<0.05)in diversity indexes across the four cultivation frequencies.The 5-year frequency recorded the highest median score(Md=1.352)while the 15-year frequency recorded the lowest median score(Md=1.035).Corchorus tridens was the most abundant noncrop species at the 5-and 15-year frequencies.Cynodon dactylon was most abundant in the 10-year frequency while Cyperus esculentus was most abundant in uncropped fields.Conclusions:Cultivation frequency influenced weed species diversity and composition in flood recession farming.Flood recession farming fields were dominated by common weed species which are also troublesome in dryland arable farming.Uncropped sites were composed of wetland species that tolerate some dry periods or seasonal flood plains.

Impact of mining on tree diversity of the silica mining forest area at Shankargarh, Allahabad, India

The Shankargarh forest area is rich in silica, a major mineral used in glass industry. Extensive open cast silica mining has severely damaged the forest as well as productivity of the region. An understand- ing of the impact of mining on the environment particularly on vegetation characteristics is a prerequisite for further management of these mining sites, especially in the selection of species for reclamation works. The present paper deals with the study of the tree composition of silica mining area of Shgankargarh forest, at both disturbed and undisturbed sites. Tree vegetation study was conducted at undisturbed and disturbed sites of Shankargarh forests using standard quadrate method. Density, abundance and frequency values of tree species were calculated. Species were categorized into different classes according to their frequency. The importance value index （IVI） for each species was determined. Species diversity, Concentration of dominance, Species richness and Evenness index were calculated for the undisturbed and disturbed siteS. The distribution pattern of the species was studied by using Whifford＇s index. Similarity index between tree composition of disturbed and undisturbed sites was determined by using Jaccard＇s and Sorenson＇s index of similar- ity. Tree species showed a drastic reduction in their numbers in disturbed sites compared to that of the undisturbed sites. The phytosociological indices also illustrated the impact of mining on the tree composition of the area. The present study led to the conclusion that resultant tree vegetation analysis can be used as important tool for predicting the suitability of particular species for revegetating the mined areas.

Seasonal variations of phytoplankton diversity in the Coleroon coastal waters,southeast coast of India

The results of an investigation carried out during June 2005 to May 2007 on physico-chemical parameters,species composition and community structure of phytoplankton including Chlorophyll a（Chl-a） at the Coleroon coastal waters（Southeast coast of India） are reported.Air and surface water temperatures（℃） varied from 25.1 to 30.1 and from 24.5 to 28.5 respectively.Salinity values varied from 6 to 28.5 and the pH ranged between 7.0 and 8.3.Variation in dissolved oxygen content was from 3.1 to 7.5 mg/dm^3 while the light extinction coefficient values（LEC） ranged between 3.1 and 10.1 cm.The ranges of inorganic nutrients（μmol/dm^3） viz.,nitrate,nitrite,phosphate and silicate were 10.1-23.4,1.2-8.9,0.2-3.1 and 55-125,respectively.The ranges of Chlorophyll a（μg/dm-3） values was 2.0-7.5.Presently,124 phytoplankton species representing different classes viz：Bacillariophyceae（77）,Dinophyceae（19）,Cyanophyceae（15）,Chlorophyceae（10） and Chrysophyceae（3） were recorded.The phytoplankton cell abundance varied from 0.290 to 111.662 cells/cm-3,with peak diversity（3.38 bits/ind.） during summer season.The maximum abundance was found during summer season coinciding with the stable hydrographical conditions.The seasonal distribution and abundance of phytoplankton are discussed in relation to hydrographical parameters.Canonical Correspondence Analysis（CCA） was applied in this paper for discriminating environmental factors having effect on phytoplankton community at species level.Coleroon coastal water is subjected to long term fluctuations in physico-chemical parameters depending upon the seasonal tidal amplitude and freshwater influx resulting in a continuous exchange of organic,inorganic,plant and animal matters.