Species composition of woody plants in forest of block nowshera, district rajouri (j & k), India

The present communication pertains to the species composition, regeneration status and distribution pattern of woody plants along an altitudinal gradient in the forest of Nowshera block, District Rajouri (J&K). The whole area is divided into two sites (S1&S2) based on altitudes (S1 from 500-750 and S2 from 750-1000m asl).The study was carried out in Northern and Southern aspects of both the sites. A total of 41 woody plants were reported from the study area, out of which 29 were trees and 12 were shrubs. A comparatively higher number of trees and shrubs were reported from Northern aspect of both the sites as compared to Southern aspect. Pinus roxburghii was dominant among tree species in both the sites and aspects having an IVI which ranges from 93.17to 248.57 and Carissa spinarum among shrubs having IVI ranges from 94.10 to 162.13. The data shows heavy deforestation and overgrazing.