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  DOI Prefix   10.20431


 

International Journal of Forestry and Horticulture
Volume 5, Issue 1, 2019, Page No: 20-27

Structure and Diversity of Tree Species at the College of Forestry and Fisheries, University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Amonum J.I.1, Jonathan B.A.1, Japheth H.D1

1.Department of Forest Production and Products, College of Forestry and Fisheries, University of Agriculture Makurdi, Nigeria.

Citation : Amonum J.I., Jonathan B.A., Japheth H.D, Structure and Diversity of Tree Species at the College of Forestry and Fisheries, University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria International Journal of Forestry and Horticulture 2019, 5(1) : 20-27

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess tree species diversity and distribution within the vegetation area at the College of Forestry and Fisheries, University of Agriculture Makurdi in Nigeria. Trees are important component of vegetation because of their economic value to mankind. There is high pressure on forest estates, especially in the tropics; due to high demand on forest economic resources as a result of geometric increase of human population in the region. The study area covered with vegetation was estimated to be 106,875 m2. About 21,375 m2 of the site was sampled and divided into plots, sizes of 50×50 m, thereby given a total of 8 plots i.e. 20% of the total study area. The plots were laid 25 m apart, perpendicular to a road track within the study area. In each sample plot, data collected during the study included: the number of individual species; tree height, stem diameter ≥ 10 cm. Stem diameters and total height were measured using diameter tape and Haga altimeter, respectively. A total number of 177 trees were enumerated within the sampled area. The results of the study showed 32 genera belonging to 20 families were present. Families of Combretaceae had 6 frequency and Vebenaceae, Rutaceae, Anacardiaceae, Leguminosae were dominant with 3 frequencies each; Daniellia oliverii recorded the highest frequency of 29. Some economic tree species (such as: Prosopis africana, Pakia biglobosa, Khaya senegalenses and Burkia africana) were still available in appreciable numbers. Farming and grazing were some of the major problems in the study area. There is serious need for restriction and proper monitoring of this study area. This measure will prevent some of the economic tree species from becoming threatened in the study area.


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