Phytodiversity of Herbaceous Flora in the Grasslands of Jannaram Division, Kawal Tiger Reserve, Telangana, India

Abstract

Aims: To study the diversity and composition of herbaceous species in the grasslands of Jannaram division, Kawal Tiger Reserve, Telangana, India. Place and Duration of Study: Grasslands of Jannaram division, Kawal Tiger Reserve, Telangana, July 2022 to August 2023. Methodology: The study was carried out by laying out 223 sample plots in the Jannaram division by dividing Jannaram division into 3 ranges. The plot size was 1 x 1 m. Varied diversity indices such as Simpson, Shannon–Weiner, species evenness, and IVI were calculated according to standard formulae. Vegetation analysis and IVI value of each species were calculated and analysed. Results: A total of 65 species, comprising 53 genera and 21 families, were reported. The dominant family in the study area was Poaceae, followed by Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Acanthaceae, Asteraceae and Euphorbiaceae. The Shannon–Weiner index was 3.46 and the Simpson index was 0.05, indicating high diversity with less dominance of herb layer in the study area. Top five species holding highest IVI value are Iseilema laxum (29.94), Cynodon barberi (12.19), Eragrostis amabilis (12.15), Dichanthium annulatum (11.20), and Apluda mutica (10.21). Conclusions: This research produced fundamental information regarding the types of herbaceous plants and grasses present at the Jannaram, Kawal Tiger Reserve. This would serve as a guide to the systematists, ethnobotanists, amongst several others researchers who are interested in identifying.