Effect of forest gaps size on biodiversity of plant species in Querco- Carpinetum stands in Khanikan forest, Chalous

Forest gaps size and created conditions within gaps have special importance on biodiversity trending of plant association in forest understory. For the better perception alterations of biodiversity, Simpson, Shannon and Wiener, Menhenic, Margalef, Peet and Hill indices were used in Khanikan forests located in Chalous. Line transects method used for sampling and plant abundances were recorded, also. Forest gaps areas were divided into four classes including less than 200 m2, 200 – 500 m2, 500 – 1000 m2 and more than 1000 m2 area. Altogether, numbers of 34 gaps were recorded and 42 species belonging to 25 families recognized in the studied area. By using correlation analysis and analysis of variance statistical difference between diversity indices in respect to gap classes was found. The highest and least of species diversity and species richness indices is related to fourth and first gap classes, respectively. Also, the most and the least of evenness indices is related to first and fourth gap classes