Plant Diversity, Regeneration and Conservation of Sal Forests: A Review

The current scenario of the Indian sal forest is in alarming situation. The disturbance caused by humans and excess exploitation of its resources seriously impacts the regional sal forest. Associates of Sal is commonly harvested for household purposes, fire-wood, timbers, gums, tannins, paper plates and medicinal purposes. The greatest threat to the sal forest ecosystem is the rapid expansion of urbanization. The Sal-dominated forest is losing biodiversity at an alarming rate due to illegal cutting, encroachments and illegal trading of wildlife. The paper reviews the sal forest’s species diversity, regeneration status and conservation strategy. This study has been conducted after an immense literature survey and interpretation of published data concerning current disturbances to the sal forests of India. This study aims to adopt a sustainable forest management strategy based on a scientific understanding of professional silviculture practices. Proper forest conservation calls for a policy that would involve the mass participation of not only government officials but also the locals of the area.