Abstract

STUDIES ON THE DIVERSITY OF CLIMBERS AND LIANAS OF ALAGAR HILLS IN MADURAI

S. Kalaimani, Dr. C. Kandeepan and *Dr. Y. Thangam

Abstract

To study the forest resource conservation is to sustain the economic development of local communities and nation in which they occur. Predictions regarding the possible implications of increased liana density of forest development and succession depend, in part, on an understanding of liana growth, reproduction, and lifespan. Liana species richness and density varied considerably across the three Alagar hills, M. Compared to other tropical forest sites, the liana diversity in India was low, especially in our wet evergreen forest sites. The fact that majority of lianas in evergreen forests have animal dispersal that reveals their faunal dependence and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach in conservation to protect forest sites with all biota, particularly the tree communities which provide physical support for lianas and fauna for seed dispersal. Keeping in this view, and as lianas are reported to play a key role in the ecology and dynamics of forests. Further research on the role of lianas in forest structure, stand dynamics and functioning particularly, the use by fauna communities deserve the investigation in our study sites. Such data are expected to be useful for forest conservation and management.

Keywords: Lianas, Bio diversity, Climbers, deciduous forest, anthropogenic pressure.