| Abstract | The study was conducted to: (i) compare the inventory results of total enumeration with that of systematic sampling (SS) and simple random sampling (SRS) using various sampling intensities (i.e. 0.6, 1.05, 2.1, 5.01, 10.06, 14.86 and 20.1%); and (ii) estimate the existing timber volume (in various diameter classes) in the Pokhareban Community Forest. The forest is basically in pole size stage and consists of Chilaune-Katus ( Schima- Castanopsis ) species, which is common type in the middle- hills of eastern, central and western development regions of Nepal. Better results were obtained with SS method as compared with SRS. The timber volume estimation from 1% sampling intensity in SS method is too low compared to 100% enumeration and SRS. The volume estimation is directly proportional to the number of tree stem, diameter at breast height (dbh), and height. Results showed that 10% sampling intensity (area-wise) gives reliable estimate and therefore appropriate for the inventory of community forests in the mid-hills of Nepal. The appropriate sampling intensity may vary with community forests as well as with species composition, and will depend on financial and human resources constraints. An annex provides the total stem volume (m3) recorded from different sampling methods and with different sampling intensities. |