Plant Diversity and Utilization of Forest Products in Khok Yai Community Forest, Wapi Pathum District, Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

Maha Sarakham is a province in the Northeastern area of Thailand with the least amount of natural forest. The Khok Yai forest is the highest area of forestation in the province. The lifestyle of the local community, who live in the arounding area, relies greatly on the natural products from the forest as well as the wildlife. This research is aimed therefore to study both the utilisation of these and the pant diversity of the area. The survey of plant species and the available quantity has been carried out using the quadrat method. The inhabitants of 260 homes in the community were interviews using a structured questionnaire. The resulting I.V.I. (Important Value Index) showed the most important plants to be Dipterocarpus obtusifolius Teijsm. ex Miq., Shorea obtusa Wall. Ex Blume., Canarium subulatum Guillaumin, Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb., Morinda sp., and Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb) Taub. var. kerrii (Craib & Hutch) I.C.Nielsen. The Shannon and Wiener’s diversity index (H’) of trees, saplings, and ground flora were 2.4, 2.76 and 2.81 while evenness index were 0.68 0.65 and 0.72, respectively. Forest products in the community included 42 species of wild mushrooms, 23 species of wild vegetables, 27 species of wild fruits, 5 species of edible tubers, 18 type of wild animals were also as well as 14 species of insects, 14 species of medicinal herbs, 2 type of grass fodders, 5 species of wood (used as fule) various plant resins. All there are utilized by the community. In conclusion, the results of this research would be beneficial for administrative and management as a guideline for sustainable uses of natural resources in Khok Yai community forest.