Range-level comparative analysis of woody species diversity, structure, and hotspots in a peri-urban national park, India

Woody species underpin forest ecosystem structure, stability, and habitat quality, with diversity closely linked to resilience. This study presents the first range-level assessment of woody species diversity, composition, and biomass content across Bannerghatta National Park in the South Deccan Plateau Dry Deciduous Forests of southern India. Using a stratified random design, 50 belt transects (0.1-hectare each) were established across 23 beats, recording 12,544 individuals from 189 species. Species richness ranged from 90 in Anekal to 130 in Kodihalli, with dominant taxa varying by range: Shorea roxburghii in Anekal and Bannerghatta, Anogeissus latifolia in Harohalli, and Chloroxylon swietenia in Kodihalli. Family-level dominance also differed, with Combretaceae prevailing in Anekal and Fabaceae in other ranges. Effective species richness, reflecting functional diversity, was highest in Bannerghatta, while Kodihalli exhibited the greatest above-ground biomass, underscoring its carbon storage potential. Spatial hotspot analysis revealed microhabitats supporting range-restricted species, highlighting priority zones for conservation. By overcoming limitations of earlier partial surveys, this work demonstrates pronounced heterogeneity across ranges and fills a critical gap in understanding landscape-level diversity patterns. The findings highlight the need for range-specific monitoring, targeted conservation, and adaptive management to sustain ecological integrity.