Role of Sacred Groves in Phytodiversity Conservation of Block Nud, District Samba (J and K)

The study aimed to investigate tree diversity in sacred groves and their adjoining forest areas. A total of seven (7) sacred sites and their adjoining forest areas were selected randomly and thirty five (35) quadrates, five (5) in each grove of size 20m?20 m were established in the sacred groves and thirty five (35) quadrates of same dimensions were established in the adjoining forest areas. For the qualitative analysis, a detailed questionnaire was designed. For quantitative analysis; frequency, density and abundance of tree species were analyzed and IVI (Importance value index) was calculated. The study concluded that the sacred groves were rich in tree diversity than their adjoining forest areas. Shannon-Wiener index of sacred groves was calculated as H= 3.5 and that of the adjoining forests was calculated as H= 2.8. Simpson index-D of Scared groves was (0.9) and their adjoining forest was (0.9) and the Evenness of tree species was (0.88) for sacred groves and (0.37) for their adjoining forests. Margalef?s index for sacred groves was (6.9) and (7.0) for the adjoining forests.