Population structure based on girth at breast height (gbh) measurements of individuals of nine dominant tree species viz. Careya arborea Roxb., Shorea robusta Gaertn. f., Strychnos nuxvomica L., Tectona grandis L. f., Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb., Limonia acidissima L., Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Cassia fistula L. and Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. was studied in disturbed and undisturbed forest stands of Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS), Odisha. All the dominant species except Careya arborea, Shorea robusta and Limonia acidissima in undisturbed stand and, Tectona grandis and Pterocarpus marsupium in disturbed stand showed rotated sigmoid type of gbh-density curve. Concave type of gbh-density curve of Shorea robusta only in undisturbed forest stand and of Careya arborea was recorded both in disturbed and undisturbed forest stands of the sanctuary indicating their strong dominance. However, formation of plateaus and depressions in gbh-density curve of Shorea robusta, Tectona grandis and Pterocarpus marsupium at the disturbed stand reflect the gap phase type of regeneration with a resultant reduction in survival of individuals during respective stages. A low percentage of established seedlings compared to saplings of Limonia acidissima was observed in the undisturbed stand of the sanctuary. Cut stumps frequently occurred in the disturbed stands giving rise to more number of sprouters. However, due to frequent lopping of the coppices there was no substantial regeneration and establishment of trees in the disturbed stand of the sanctuary. With continuance of such activities in the sanctuary, future populations of dominant tree species in the forest covers may be threatened, thus requiring conservation measures to protect these species.
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