Communities Density Disturbance gradient Diversity Frequency Importance value index Introduction Species diversity has been considered a rough proxy for diversity14. Therefore species diversity has become important measure for the evolution of the structure and functioning of the ecosystem8. The conservation of plant diversity for present and future use is very essential10 11. Because of high biotic pressure since past several decades the dry deciduous forest cover in most part of central India is being converted into dry deciduous scrub dry savanna and grassland which are progressively species poor2. Therefore a detailed study of impact of disturbance on dry deciduous forest plant diversity is long overdue. The recurrent interventions into the forest communities for large-scale collection of fuel wood and minor forest products and the practices of grazing and trampling may alter the habitats of many species23.