International Journal of Advanced Research and Development

Authors
Srinivasa Reddy CH, Rose Mary T, Nikhil Rajesh Done

Abstract
Gunadala hill is a part of Eastren Ghat which has an elevation of 220 m and occupies an area of ca 1.51 sq km. Its geographical coordinates lies between 16° 31' 0" North, 80° 40' 0" East. Floristic inventory and diversity studies help us understand the species composition and diversity status of forests, which also offer vital information for forest conservation. Quantitative inventories moreover, help identify species that are in different stages of vulnerability as well as the various factors that influence the existing vegetation in any region. Gunadala hill flourished with Dry deciduous type of vegetation, but due to human interference in the forest biota, most part of the hill is converted into the Scrub Jungle. Scrub vegetation is characterized by the predominance of Annona squamosa, Capparis zeylanica, Carmona retusa, Cassia auriculata, Cassia occidentalis, Catunaregam spinosa, Opuntia stricta, Lantana camara with isolated trees like Butea monosperma. Common undergrowth encountered within scrub forest is Caralluma adscendens. Cassytha filiformis is the common parasite. There has been tremendous increase in the population pressure and which is leading to increased fire occurrences and other related anthropogenic disturbances like grazing. Due to increased biotic pressure, loss of regeneration, invasion by edge species and alternation in community structure are a few manifestations affecting biodiversity. A systemic survey was done to explore the flora existing on the hill.