| Abstract | Tropical and sub-tropical areas of Nepal are characterized by distinct forest types and there also exists zonation of vegetation with increasing altitude. Shorea robusta is the dominant forest tree species in the plains to Terai while riverine areas are occupied by Acacia -Dalbergia association. In the lowerhills and midlands Schima- Castanopsis association and Pinus roxburghii forest predominate according to their habitat preferences and other ecological requirements. At higher elevation of sub-tropical areas some species of oaks like Quercus lanuginose [Q. pubescens] make a remarkable presence. These forests are under a lot of stress from overexploitation and encroachment for agricultural expansion. In many places, basic conditions of primeval forests are almost absent and show the stages of secondary vegetation. Here an attempt has been made to evaluate the status of these forests through different parameters like basal area percentage covered by the stem, distribution range of diameter classes, community height, density, and disturbances like clear cutting, felling, etc. |