Changes in forest composition and structure in three sites of tropical evergreen forest around Sengaltheri, Western Ghats

Changes in woody species composition, abundance and forest stand structure were investigated in three sites of tropical wet evergreen forest around Se ngaltheri in Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Western Ghats, south India , Three I-ha plots were established one each in undisturbed, selectively-fe lled, and moderately disturbed sites, located 2 to 4 km apart. In a total o f 3.14 ha, 2673 stems (mean 851 ha(-1)) of greater than or equal to 30 cm g irth at breast height covering 125 species (range: 64 to 82 species per sit e) were enumerated. Species richness and tree density varied moderately amo ng the sites, Changes in species composition and abundance are related to n atural site variations as well as human impacts. Need for forest conservati on is emphasized.