Population Structure, Age Gradations, and Regeneration Status of Pterocarpus dalbergioides Roxb., An Endemic Species of Andaman Islands, India

The increasing forest fragmentation rate stresses the necessity of conservation of species by restoring their habitat sites. Particularly, endemic species deserve much attention as they show a narrow range of distribution. The present study is focused on the population structure, age gradations, and regeneration status of Pterocarpus dalbergioides Roxb., an endemic species of the Andaman Islands. The results of this analysis showed Pterocarpus dalbergioides as a dominant species occurring in both Andaman semi evergreen and Andaman moist deciduous forests, contributing high stem density and basal area compared to other species. The study also provided information on regeneration status, indicating poor seedling and saplings growth of the species. Age structure study showed that it will take approximately 10 years for Pterocarpus dalbergioides to attain a girth of 30 cms and the species at the study site are about 150 years old. Finally, it is concluded that the species is affected by both logging operations as well as poor regeneration growth which may result in the extinction of this endemic species of Andaman Islands. (