The structure, composition, and distribution of plant communities are significantly influenced by both environmental and edaphic factors. The present study was aimed to highlight the effect of various environmental and soil physicochemical factors on the vegetation structure of Sheikh Badin National Park, Pakistan. A total of 29 woody tree species were recorded during sampling of phytosiological data. The reported native and exotic tree species were mostly belongs to mega-phanerophytic (72.4 %) life form. Similarly, both microphyll and nanophyll were the dominant leaf size class having a contribution of 55.17 % to the total. Ward’s agglomerative cluster analysis classify the reported plant species of Sheikh Badin National Park into four distinct vegetation types mainly dominated by Acacia modesta, Acacia nilotica, Olea ferruginea, Capparis decidua, Eucalyptus lanceolatus. Different topographic and edaphic variables significantly affect the vegetation in the studies area.  Moreover, diversity indices, species richness and evenness also vary in resulted plant communities which were significantly correlated with elevation, silt, sand, and slope angle. Therefore elevation, soil content, and slope angle were the key factors persuading forest communities and species diversity. Presence of both natural (Drought, climate change) and anthropogenic (cutting, burning, grazing etc.) exposed the sensitivity of these protected areas, which has been compromised. Thus, we recommend an urgent management plan to conserve these national assets for long term use and to favor regeneration of native plants for allowing the renewal.

Keywords: Forest composition, diversity, Sheikh Badin National Park, Pakistan.