Tree Species Biodiversity of a Sahelien Ecosystem in North-East Nigeria

Year 2017, Volume: 19 Issue: 2, 166 - 173, 01.12.2017

Lucky Wakawa , Aminu Suleıman Yakubu Ibrahım Lawan Adam

Abstract

Trees species are crucial part of the ecosystem,
they provides tangible and intangible benefits. The need for periodic
assessment of these resources for management and conservation purposes is
imperative. This study was therefore carried out to assess the tree species composition,
diversity and richness of a Sahel ecosystem with the view of providing
information for management and conservation purposes. The study area was
stratified into three (3) from which transect of 1000 m was laid in each of the
strata. 12 Sample plots of 40 m × 40 m in size were established in alternate
position along each transect at 40 m interval. The height and diameter at
breast height (dbh) of all living trees with dbh ≥10.0 cm were measured and
counted. The results from the study show that the study area has a total of 174
trees, 8 species and 14 Families. Margalef's index of species richness of 2.52,
Pielou's species evenness index (EH) of 0.38, Shannon-Weiner index (H') of 1.97
and Simpson index of dominance (D) of 0.46 were recorded. The recorded
biodiversity indices indicate a poor state of tree species, richness,
composition and distribution within the environment.

Keywords

Tree species richness, Biodiversity conservation, Sahel Savanna

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