The composition and diversity of natural regeneration of tree species in gaps under different intensities of forest disturbance

Abstract The positive ecological interaction between gap formation and natural regeneration has been examined but little research carried out on the effects of gaps in forests under different intensities disturbance. This study evaluates composition, diversity, density abundance tree species undisturbed, intermittently disturbed, disturbed forest sites. Bia Tano Forest Reserve Ghana was area three each were selected site categories. Ten circular subsampling areas 1 m 2 delineated at spacing along north, south, east, west transects within individual gaps. Data < 350 cm height gathered. results show that intensity disturbance disproportional to size. Species diversity differed significantly undisturbed sites and, also for Simpson’s (1-D), Equitability (J), Berger–Parker (B–P) indices. However, there no significant difference among Shannon (H) Margalef richness (MI) Tree composition differed. Regeneration higher than two other Greater shade-dependent all identified them as opportunistic replacements gap-dependent pioneers. Pioneer giving way shade tolerant is a process, thus make worst variant regeneration.