ECOLOGICAL AND FLORISTIC STUDIES ON TERMINALIA ANOGEISSIANA AND MORINDA CITRIFOLIA IN KATEPURNA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

This research focuses on the floristic diversity of Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary (Maharashtra), with special attention to Terminalia anogeissiana and Morinda citrifolia. Despite the sanctuary’s reputation for rich biodiversity, these two species have received limited scientific attention. Field surveys and botanical analyses were carried out to explore their distribution, composition, and ecological contributions. The results indicate that Terminalia anogeissiana is well adapted to dry regions, playing a crucial role in preventing soil erosion, while Morinda citrifolia is primarily found in wetter habitats, valued for its extensive medicinal uses. The study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted conservation initiatives to safeguard these species and their ecological functions within the sanctuary.

Keyword: Flora diversity, Species distribution, Medicinal plants, Soil stabilization, Habitat analysis, Botanical survey.