Changes in Floral Diversity due to Livelihood Pressures in the Eco-sensitive Zone of Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary in Ri Bhoi District of Meghalaya

The challenges in the management of diverse flora impacted by anthropogenic factors areas governed different land tenure systems are enormous notwithstanding lying a classified biodiversity hot spot region Meghalaya North- east India. attributes plant population protected like Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary (NWLS), Forest (NRF), and District Council Eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) were studied using Important Value Index (IVI), Shannon’s Weiner Diversity Sorenson’s similarity index. Shorea robusta C.F.Gaertn., Tectona grandis Linn. L.f., Schima wallichii (D.C.) Korth, had highest IVI value 64, 56, 42, etc. respectively, while diversity index showed maximum values 0.78 recorded forest area minimum 0.60 under district council area. Similarity ranged between 16.67 % 39.22 %. species richness was higher compared to council. In addition, tree girth density other determined. study revealed that cultivation betel nut (Areca catechu L.), leaf (Piper betle broom (Thysanolaena maxima Kuntze) banana (Musa spp.) though for livelihood income generation contributed vegetation alteration Strict enforcement ESZ laws & creating alternative opportunities can help minimize loss.