Seasonal Plant Diversity of Gautala Reserve Forest, District Aurangabad

The Gautala Reserve forest is a Tropical dry deciduous forest. The area has been declared as a Gautala Autramghat Wildlife Sanctuary for the conservation of the flora, fauna and environs of that zone. A comprehensive survey has been carried out during the year 2017-2018. The fifteen sites were selected for the identification of plant species and their existence at Gautala Sanctuary Area. Quantitative characters of plant species were recorded and identified. Total 91 species were found during the survey. Out of it 41 species of trees, 24 species of shrubs, 12 species of herbs and 6 species of climbers belonging to 85 genera in 44 families have been recorded. The Fabaceae family has a maximum number of species (26 species). Based on this data morphological identification of plants was carried out. Based on present study, It is recommended that the botanical collection and documentation of ethnobotanical knowledge be carried out before such rich habitats are lost due to various anthropogenic and other natural causes. Therefore the proper data of plant diversity could play a significant role in planning for the preservation and sustainable use of existing resources in the forest areas.