Vegetation Patterns and Anthropogenic Influence in Gautala Autramghat Wildlife Sanctuary (GAWLS): An Analysis of Species Diversity and Ecological Status

Understanding vegetation composition and the impact of human disturbances is critical for effective forest conservation. This study assesses the species diversity, density, and anthropogenic pressures on tree and shrub communities within the Gautala Autramghat Wildlife Sanctuary (GAWLS). Data were collected from 72 sampling plots, recording species richness, abundance, and disturbance indicators. A total of 40 tree genera across 23 families and 46 shrub genera spanning 25 families were identified. Fabaceae emerged as the most diverse family, while Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) was the most dominant species, with a density of 1001.39 individuals/ha (37.51% relative density) among trees and 262.5 individuals/ha (12.41%) among shrubs. Lantana (Lantana camara L.) dominated the shrub layer, accounting for 33.81% of shrub density. Diversity indices revealed a Shannon Diversity Index (H) of 2.52, indicating moderate species richness, while the Simpson Diversity Index (0.83) reflected a well-distributed community with low dominance by any single species. Species evenness (0.64) suggested a moderate uniformity of species distribution. Anthropogenic disturbances were prevalent, with grazing observed in 52 out of 72 plots, grass cutting in 31 plots, and tree cutting in 40 plots. Evidence of cattle dung was recorded in 30 plots, while goat dung and tree lopping were present in 5 and 14 plots, respectively. The findings highlight the ecological significance of GAWLS Sanctuary’s vegetation while emphasizing the pervasive impact of human activities. This study provides baseline data for future monitoring and suggests that mitigating human disturbances is crucial to maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the long-term ecological health of the sanctuary.