Soil animal communities were investigated in three types of forests in Qidong county of Hunan Province, China during 2001-2002.The
dominance, evenness, richness, diversity(H') and DG index were determined, and
similarity coefficients(q) among
soil animal communities were analysed. Also, both stratificational and horizontal pattern of soil animals in the areas were examined. The results showed that Acaraina, Hymenoptera and Dorylaimida were the dominants in the three plots. The A community was the highest both in species and individual numbers and the B community the highest in diversity and evenness. The highest dominance and DG index occurred in the A community. The similarity coeffcient between the A and C community is the highest one. On the vertical distribution of both soil animals, individuals and species decreased with soil depth and characterized by surface congregating. With seasons changing, the soil animal diversity was lower in summer than that in winter. Dorylaimida and Oribatida are mostly pioneers in forming soil. It is aimed that will provide a scientific basis for further afforestation and rational utilization.