Authors : Bodhe N. S. and Nasare P. N.
Page Nos : 7-18
Description :
Evaluating the distribution and abundance of plant species is essential for interpreting ecological patterns within forest
ecosystems. The present investigation focuses on vegetation diversity in Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, applying
Shannon–Wiener and Simpson indices to understand community characteristics. Data collection was carried out
through systematic quadrat sampling across different parts of the sanctuary to capture variations in species occurrence
and population size. The study documented 192 species of plants, representing a broad range of taxonomic groups, with
25,460 individual plants recorded from 10 sampling plots during the rainy season of 2025, indicating considerable
heterogeneity in species presence and abundance. The Shannon index value (H′ = 3.2467) reflects a notably diverse plant
assemblage, while the Simpson index (1–D = 0.8921) points toward a low level of dominance and a relatively even spread
of individuals among species. The findings suggest that the vegetation structure of the area is shaped by both widely
distributed and less frequent species, influenced by environmental conditions and human activities. The combined use
of both indices proved effective in capturing different aspects of diversity, offering a clearer picture of community
organization. Overall, the results emphasize the ecological richness of the sanctuary and underline its importance as a
site for biodiversity conservation. The information generated through this study can serve as a reference for future
ecological assessments and management strategies in similar forest ecosystems.
