Vegetation and Floristic Analysis of Forest of Toranmal and Environs of the Satpuda Ranges

Four types of spatial vegetation distribution patterns have been found in the two qualitative forest types in the study area. The soil characteristics, topographic features, increased human activities and availability of water have influence on the formation of these vegetation and forest types and the dominance of certain plant species. Satellite images, aerial photographs and field observations interpretations indicated changing of the vegetation and land-use pattern nearby the human settlements. These changes are artificial and made by inhabitants for their survival. Floristic analyses lead to an identification of 109 families, 386 genera and 539 plant species belonging to angiopsermic, pteridophytic and bryophytic plant groups. 376 plant species showed varied potential in them, and such plant species are seen to be exploited at a larger scale. Most of them have been locally threatened and become conservation dependent.