Tree composition and distribution in Federal University of Agriculturema Kurdi, Nigeria

Abstract

Savannah ecosystem plays an important role in the welfare and economy of man. It is at the center of human activities which greatly influence the structure, composition and abundance of all plants life forms. In recent time, there is upsurge of interest in conservation of African Savannah; however, there is dearth of accurate data on conservation and distribution of tree species in many part of Africa, of which Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi is not left out. This study therefore assessed tree species composition  and distribution in Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi. Stratified and systematic sampling  technique were applied in the laying of transects and plots. Four transects of 2km were laid in four land  use types of Undisturbed area, Plantation, Wildlife Park and Residential Area. On each transects 4 plots of 50 50m were laid at regular interval of 500m. Species composition, species richness, evenness, diversity  and similarity were estimated across the land use types. Data were analyzed using descriptive  statistics. A total of 52 tree species in 48 genera and 22 families were recorded, with undisturbed area  having the highest number of species of 26. Forty five percent families were represented by only one  species. Species richness, evenness and diversity decreases from undisturbed area to residential area  (D= 6.091-2.695), ( J= 0.821-0.671), ( H1= 3.39-2.24). Undisturbed area and Wildlife Park were closely related. Even though, undisturbed area had the highest number of species, most of the species were  juvenile species. It was recommended that Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi authority  conservation effort be stepped up on the campus.

Key words: Abundance, conservation, distribution, Species composition, Structure,