Canopy trees leaf phenology in tropical dry deciduous and evergreen forests of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Karnataka, India

Leaf phenology tree species of dry deciduous and evergreen forests of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (13°25’ and 13°50’ N, 75°15’ and 75°50’ E) was studied during June 2004 to May 2006. Leaf fall starts in September and with a peak in December and January. Leaf initiation starts in February and with a peak in April before monsoon, while leaf expansion starts in February with a peak in May and July during monsoon in dry deciduous forest. In evergreen forest, leaf falling and leaf initiation was observed in one or the other species with a peak in January to February, leaf expansion too observed throughout the year with a peak in January and April before monsoon. Varying leaf phenology of these forest types is dependent on a regional rainfall pattern.   Key words: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, dry deciduous forest, evergreen forest, leaf phenology, seasonality.