Based on data with important values for classification and niche measuring,the classification,niche breadth and overlap of dominant woody species of natural secondary forest in Dabie Mountain Reserve were studied by means of sampling,two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN),detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and niche analysis.The results showed that communities of natural secondary forest in Dabie Mountain Reserve were divided into six community types (coniferous forest Ⅰ and Ⅱ,coniferous broad-leaved mixed forest Ⅰ and Ⅱ,deciduous broad-leaved forest E and evergreen deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest F) based on TWINSPAN and DCA.DCA ordination figures also reflected the pattern of communities changing from the coniferous forest Ⅰ and Ⅱ to coniferous broad-leaved mixed forest Ⅰ and Ⅱ,then to deciduous and evergreen deciduous mixed forest.Pinus massoniana and Pinus hwangshanensis had a large niche breadth in coniferous forest Ⅰ and Ⅱ.Pinus and Quercus both had larger niche in coniferous broad-leaved mixed forest Ⅰ and Ⅱ.Many woody species had larger niche in deciduous and evergreen deciduous mixed forest.The niche breadth and overlap of main dominant species in different communities might change according to the succession trend.It was feasible for using niche overlap index and species characteristic as the main evaluation criterion in terms of majority species relationships in different community succession.