Tree diversity in ravines and their rehabilitation through agroforestry interventions in Bundelkhand Region of India

Abstract

The ravine areas are most fragile ecosystem and subjected to various kinds of natural resource losses and threat to biodiversity. Due to unregulated and over exploitation, the forest area under ravines are facing severe threats of losing biodiversity. In this context, a study was conducted to assess the tree diversity of ravine areas in different parts of Bundelkhand viz., Orai, Banda and Datia. In each study site, quadrats of 20 m × 20 m were randomly laid out and the tree diversity were documented. The species diversity, richness and evenness were studied using different indices like Shannon, Simpson, Margalef and Berger-Parker. The relative density and relative frequency were also calculated. In the present study, the Shannon diversity was highest in ravines of Datia (1.887) followed by Banda (1.871) and Orai (1.259). Whereas the Shannon equitability index was found higher in Banda (0.899) followed by Datia (0.859) and Orai (0.782). The lowest value of Simpson diversity was reported in Banda (0.183) followed by Datia (0.194) and Orai (0.333). In Datia (9 species) maximum number of species were recorded, followed by Banda (8 species) and Orai (5 species). The Inverted Berger-Parker dominance was highest in Banda (3.296) followed by Datia (2.804) and Orai (2.500). Hence it indicates that, ravine areas of Banda and Datia are more diverse and healthier than Orai. Further analysis revealed that, the relative density of Anogeissus pendula was highest in Orai (40.16%) and Datia (38.18%), whereas Holoptelea integrifolia (27.72%) and Balanites aegyptiaca (21.85%) population was higher in Banda. The overall diversity of all the three sites was found low. The survey also reported high biotic interferences, which escalates ravine degradation. However, crop cultivation in these lands is not desirable as it leads to accelerated erosion, thus adding to their fast degradation. The best scientific land use of these lands is to place them under permanent vegetation through agroforestry interventions involving forest and fruit trees along with the grasses. The planting and management of indigenous tree species like Anogeissus pendula, Acacia leucophloea, A. nilotica, Ziziphus spp., Carissa carandas and Capparis decidua will pave the way towards sustaining ravine ecosystem and livelihood of the people.