The present work aimed to study the tree species diversity in Gadag district, Karnataka. A total of 133 tree species belonging to 105 genera and 42 families were encountered. Fabaceae was represented by the highest number of species (34), followed by Bignoniaceae (10). Among total number of the species 16 plants recorded as alien and medicinal plants respectively, beside this edible fruit 22 (including minor 16 and major edible fruit 6), dye yielding 7, fodder 4, sacred plants 5, timber 21 also been documented. It is essential to document tree species diversity, in order to gain more knowledge on species richness as well as their geographical distribution.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Material and Methods
2.1 Study area
2.2 Floristic survey
3. Results and Discussion
4. Conclusion
5. Acknowledgements
6. References
Research Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this study is to conduct an extensive floristic survey and document the tree species diversity within the Gadag district of Karnataka, India, providing a comprehensive checklist for the region.
- Documenting tree species richness and geographical distribution.
- Analyzing the classification of tree species into wild, cultivated, and alien categories.
- Identifying the utilitarian value of recorded species (medicinal, edible, timber, etc.).
- Assessing the impact of urbanization and anthropogenic pressure on indigenous tree populations.
- Establishing a foundational dataset for future conservation and ecological research in the district.
Excerpt from the Book
INTRODUCTION
Trees are the most important constituent of forests. It plays a major role in elucidating the patterns of distribution of biodiversity. These distributions are governed by biotic and a biotic factors (Ghate et al., 1998; Upadhyay & Upadhyay, 2012). According to forester’s and ecologist's a tree is defined as a woody plant that reaches diameter of 10cm (30cm girth) or more at the breast height (130cm above ground) (Chuyong et al., 2011).
Trees provide basic requirements of human beings in the form of air, food, timber, plywood, paper, fuel wood, medicine and also give aesthetic value. The trees populations are disappearing at alarming rate due to deforestation, urbanization (Kishor et al., 2011) and other various human needs (Ihenyen et al., 2009). In view of this fact, the present study is meant to prepare the checklist of tree species of Gadag district, the first exploration of the kind in this area.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the definition of trees in an ecological context and outlines the necessity of documenting tree diversity in the Gadag district due to environmental threats like deforestation.
Material and Methods: Describes the geographical characteristics of the study area, including the Kappat hills, and details the floristic survey methodology conducted between 2007 and 2011.
Results and Discussion: Presents the findings regarding the 133 identified tree species, categorizing them by family, origin (cultivated/wild/alien), and diverse human uses.
Conclusion: Summarizes the composition of indigenous versus alien species and stresses the urgent need for protection of old trees to preserve local biodiversity and habitat.
Acknowledgements: Expresses gratitude to the University Grants Commission for supporting the research financially.
References: Lists the academic literature and floras used for identification and taxonomic classification.
Keywords
Gadag, Karnataka, Tree diversity, Floristic survey, Indigenous flora, Urbanization, Deforestation, Plant taxonomy, Medicinal plants, Alien species, Fabaceae, Ecological conservation, Tree checklist, Biodiversity, Ethnobotany.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary scope of this research paper?
The paper focuses on documenting the diversity of tree species found within the Gadag district of Karnataka, India, serving as the first scientific exploration of this kind for the region.
Which family of plants was found to be the most dominant in the study?
The Fabaceae family was identified as the most dominant, represented by 34 species, followed by Bignoniaceae with 10 species.
What is the central research objective?
The objective is to establish a comprehensive checklist of local tree wealth and understand their geographical distribution, human uses, and conservation status.
What scientific methods were employed for this study?
The researchers conducted an extensive floristic survey from 2007 to 2011, identified specimens using standardized floras, and followed the APG III system of classification.
How are the tree species categorized in the document?
The species are classified based on their origin (cultivated, wild, or alien) and their specific utility to humans, such as for timber, medicinal purposes, or edible fruit production.
Which factors are highlighted as threats to local tree species?
The study identifies anthropogenic pressure and urbanization as significant factors leading to the potential disappearance of indigenous tree species.
How many total tree species were documented in the Gadag district?
The survey successfully documented a total of 133 tree species, which belong to 105 genera and 42 different families.
What role do the Kappat hills play in the study?
The Kappat hills are highlighted as a major geographical feature of the district, contributing to the varied topography and forest distribution within the studied area.
Are alien species a significant component of the local flora?
Yes, the study recorded 16 species as alien to the district, noting that they have successfully acclimatized, while the remaining 117 are considered indigenous.
Why is the protection of old trees emphasized in the conclusion?
Old trees are considered vital as they provide a glimpse into the indigenous flora and offer essential habitats for various animal and bird species.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Sidanand Kambhar (Autor:in), 2014, Diversity of tree species in Gadag district, Karnataka, India, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/283046
