Mapping the Emerald Forest: Exploring Structural Diversity and Regeneration Patterns in Panna Tiger reserve, Central India

Forest extent, assemblage, and regeneration pattern influence the biodiversity and ecosystem functions, which are often sensitive to climatic and anthropogenic correlates, especially in tropical forest systems. We quantified the diversity, regeneration potential and mapped the forest types in Panna Tiger Reserve, Central India, using Sentinel−2A multi-temporal data with a Random Forest classifier. A total of 153 stratified random plots were sampled with a focus on trees, saplings, and seedlings. Of the six forest types reported by Champion and Seth in the region, five forest types, except Boswellia forest, could be mapped with an overall accuracy of 88.9% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.81. Area-wise, Northern dry mixed deciduous forest (NDDF) was the most widespread forest type (36.88%), followed by Dry deciduous scrub (DDS) (16.7%), Dry teak forest (DTF) (7.64%), Dry bamboo brakes (DBB) (3.78%), and Anogeissus pendula forest (APF) (0.62%), while non-forest and water consist of 33.26% of the reserve. Overall, 64 species from 48 genera and 25 families were identified. Trees (35 species), saplings and seedlings (39 species each) had the highest species richness across all life stages in NDDF. APF had the highest tree density of 625 individuals ha ^-1 and sapling density (634 ind. ha ^-1 ), while NDDF had the highest seedling density (1621 ind. ha ^-1 ). DDS had the highest regeneration potential (75%), followed by NDDF (74.5%) and BF (46%). Our results highlight that mapping forest types, together with assessing structural attributes, diversity, and regeneration potential, can contribute to better conservation planning and management actions.