Abdul Rahim Author

Research Article Subscription

Effect of Canopy Cover on Understory Invasive Alien Species in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India

Author(s):

Muneer Ul Islam Najar and Abdul Rahim

Objectives:
We assessed the diversity of invasive alien plant species in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (one of the main protected areas located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve) to see whether the density and diversity were associated with forest canopy cover. This study was carried out in the pre-monsoon season from January to March 2015, when deciduous trees had shed their leaves and the canopy was relatively open.
Methods:
A total of 45 (20 m by 20 m) quadrats in different areas of the sanctuary were sampled. The total area sampled was 1.8 ha. All the plant species with a height of 10 cm and above were recorded and after proper identification only invasive alien species were considered. The GPS coordinates, the type of canopy cover (everg... view more»

DOI: 10.4172/2327-4417.1000194

Abstract HTML PDF