Phytosociology of Woody Species in the Bagnadi Range of Rajnandgaon Forest Division in Chhattisgarh, India

Chhattisgarh is one of the most forest-rich states of India, with nearly 44% of its geographical area under forest cover, predominantly comprising tropical dry deciduous forests. However, information on the woody species composition and phytosociological characteristics of several forest ranges in central India remains limited. The present study was conducted in the Bagnadi Forest Range of Rajnandgaon Forest Division, Chhattisgarh, to document woody species diversity, community structure and phytosociological characteristics using standard quadrat sampling methods. Parameters including density, abundance, basal area, diversity indices and importance value index (IVI) were evaluated. A total of 43 woody species were recorded, comprising 41 tree species and 2 shrub species. The total woody species density, abundance, and basal area were estimated at 428 ha⁻¹, 4994.45 ha⁻¹ and 23568.40 cm² ha⁻¹, respectively. Based on IVI, Cordia myxa, Terminalia elliptica, Anogeissus latifolia, Buchanania latifolia, and Butea monosperma were the most dominant species in the study area. The Shannon diversity index (1.53) and Simpson's dominance index (0.04) described the diversity and dominance patterns of the woody vegetation within the sampled area. These findings provide baseline information on the woody vegetation composition and phytosociological attributes of the Bagnadi Forest Range, which may support future ecological monitoring and forest management.