Regeneration status of trees in various categories of forests in Manipur

Tree composition, structure and regeneration status were studied in three categories of forests viz., private, clan and community/village forests in Maram area of Manipur. Three forests experience varying degree of disturbances in terms of extraction of timber, fodder and fuel wood. Private forests are least exposed to extraction to all villagers. Tree density was highest in private forest and least in community forest. Seedling population showed reverse trend i.e. highest in community forest and lowest in private forest. Sapling population was lowest in community forest, in spite of highest seedling population. It is attributed to the trampling and grazing of seedlings and saplings by village buffaloes and other cattle.