Tree species diversity and forest stand dynamics in a tropical rainforest in Southern Nigeria
Twenty temporary sample plots were laid in Onigambari Forest Reserve, one of the major rainforest reserves in Nigeria (latitude 7º 25’ and 7º 55’N and longitude 3º 53’ and 3º 9’E) in an attempt to study the tree species diversity and stand structure. The sample plots were laid using systematic lin...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
2015
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| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/8918/ http://journalarticle.ukm.my/8918/ http://journalarticle.ukm.my/8918/1/44_2_06.pdf |
| Summary: | Twenty temporary sample plots were laid in Onigambari Forest Reserve, one of the major rainforest reserves in Nigeria
(latitude 7º 25’ and 7º 55’N and longitude 3º 53’ and 3º 9’E) in an attempt to study the tree species diversity and stand
structure. The sample plots were laid using systematic line transects. In each sample plot, all trees with a diameter at breath
height (dbh) above 10 cm were identified by species and measured. The results show that the mean tree basal area obtained
ranged from 0.5824 m2/ha to 0.8116 m2/ha. The mean number of stems and species per hectare on the different transects
varied from 85 – 89 and 36 – 40, respectively. The differences between the transect lines were not statistically significant
indicating a uniform nature of distribution of species and individuals trees in the forest. A total of 335 stems comprising 63
species and belonging to 25 families were encountered. Family Ebenaceae had the highest representation (17.31%) and
Diospyros dendo (Ebony) was the most common member of this plant family. |
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