The influence of tree population structure on regeneration potential in the sacred forests of Assam, India

Sacred forests protected through nature beliefs have undergone successional stages to form the climax vegetation harbouring rich biodiversity. The study on the effect of population structure on the regeneration status of tree species is limited in the sacred forests. The present study was carried out in four sacred forests of Assam wherein 57 tree species belonging to 51 genera under 28 families were recorded. The correlation of girth class with species richness, density, and basal area of trees showed a significant negative relationship. One-way ANOVA on ranks proved a significant impact of girth class on the number of individuals of species, F(10) = 36.46, p saplings (485)