<p>Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn., Dipterocarpaceae) is a wind-pollinated tropical tree species found in southern Asia. We investigated the genetic diversity and structure at four microsatellites of 15 populations comprising continuous-peripheral and disjunct-peripheral populations in Nepal. Estimates of genetic diversity (NA=8.98, HO=0.62, HE=0.69) were similar when compared with those of other tropical tree species. A higher level of genetic diversity was observed in continuous-peripheral populations (NA=9.61, HO=0.67, HE=0.72) as compared to disjunct-peripheral (NA=8.04, HO=0.55, HE=0.64). Population differentiation was higher among disjunct-peripheral populations (FST=0.043) than among continuous peripherals (FST=0.012). There was a significant association between gene flow distances and genetic differentiation (r²=0.128, P≤0.007). No spatial arrangement of populations according to their geographical locations was found. Based on observed genetic diversity protection of some populations in continuous-peripheral range are suggested for the sustainable conservation of genetic resources of the species while protection of some disjunct-peripheral populations are also recommended for conserving rare alleles.</p>