Iranian Journal of Forest

Iranian Journal of Forest

Assessing Forest Structure and Biodiversity in Community Forests and the Spatial Distribution of Local Disturbances

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Student,, Dept. of Wood and Forest Science, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
2 Assistant Prof., College of Natural Resource Management, Faculty of Forestry, Agriculture and Forestry University, Katari-56310, Udayapur, Nepal.
3 Student, Faculty of Forestry, Agriculture and Forestry University, Hetauda-44107, Nepal.
10.22034/ijf.2024.413621.1942
Abstract
Understanding forest structure, biodiversity, and local disturbance patterns is critical for effective community forest management, yet such integrated assessments remain limited. This study evaluates forest structure, plant biodiversity, and the spatial distribution of local disturbances in three community forests (Banelpokhari, Okhardhara, and Suntalidada) located in Godawari Municipality, Nepal. Using a systematic random sampling design, 90 circular plots were established to measure trees (500 m²), poles (100 m²), saplings (25 m²), and seedlings (10 m²). Biodiversity indices (Shannon–Wiener, evenness, richness, Importance Value Index) were computed, and Sentinel-2A imagery (2017 and 2022) was analyzed using NDVI to assess land cover changes. Results show that Pinus roxburghii was the dominant species across all forests, with the highest IVI (281.25) in Okhardhara CF. Suntalidada CF exhibited the greatest Shannon–Wiener diversity (H' = 3.52), evenness (0.96), and species richness (25). Forest structure revealed the highest stem density in the 0–10 cm diameter and 0–5 m height classes, and the lowest in >40 cm and >20.1 m classes. Key disturbances included road development, encroachment, soil erosion, and illegal logging. From 2017 to 2022, dense forest cover decreased by 9% (Banelpokhari), 19% (Okhardhara), and 11% (Suntalidada), with concurrent increases in sparse vegetation and infrastructure. These findings underscore the need for targeted conservation interventions, adaptive management, and collaborative approaches to mitigate anthropogenic pressures and sustain biodiversity in community-managed forests.
Keywords
Subjects

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Volume 17, Issue 4 - Serial Number 4
Winter 2026
Pages 511-530

  • Receive Date 27 August 2023
  • Revise Date 05 June 2024
  • Accept Date 21 August 2024