The Effect of Medium-term Protection on the Abundance and Diversity of Natural Flora in District Kohat, Pakistan

Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the effects of human disturbances on plant abundance and diversity and to suggest conservation measures in District Kohat, Pakistan. A total of 25 plots were randomly selected for each type of land-use to assess the ecological status, plant abundance, and plant diversity. Overall, 67 plant species were reported, including 39, 18, and 10 herbs, shrubs, and trees, respectively. In trees, Sideroxylon mascatense (A. DC.) T.D. Penn., Olea europaea L., Dalbergia sissoo DC., and Acacia modesta Wall., had significantly higher basal area, diameter at breast height and diversity indices. As for shrub species, Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal, Gymnosporia royleana Wall. ex M.A. Lawson , and Rhazya stricta Decne., had the highest species density. Data regarding herb species showed that Euphorbia serrata L., Sonchus arvensis L., Peganum harmala L., and Amaranthus viridis L., have attained maximum diversity and coverage. As per the IUCN red list, W. coagulans (critically endangered) and G. royleana (nearly threatened) along with other species of international, national, and local importance were disappearing from the unprotected area. In conclusion, the protected area exhibits a higher abundance and diversity of plants compared to unprotected area, highlighting the positive impact of conservation efforts on ecological richness.