Species Distrbution within Riparian Landcape along Mayo Kam of Gashaka Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examines species density and diversity distribution in riparian landscape along 18km stretch of Mayo Kam. Total of 117 Samples quadrants of 125m² (46), 225m² (25), and 275m² (46) from strata 5m (zone A), 9m (zone B), and 11m (zone C) respectively away from the Channel Bank Edge (CBA) through the Hydraulic Floodplain (HFP) and the Genetic Floodplain (GFP) were delineated and detailed survey was carried out. Data was collected on river bank morphology, altitude a.m.s.l., slope gradient, soil type, and tree species density and diversity. Result of species distribution revealed mean densities and diversities in zones A, B, and C as, 10 and 4 per 125m², 10 and 3 per 225m², and 23 and 5 per 275m² respectively. Accordingly, density and diversity per 625m² show maximum of 83 and 8 and minimum of 5 and 5 on outer convex bank and inner straight bank. Brachystigia eurycoma, Vetix doniana, Andria enermis and Diospyrus spp are the obligates of zone A. Characterizing zone B are Anogeisus leocarpus, Peninari excelsa, Crossoptyx februfuga and Nauclea latifolia species while, common species in zone C are Uapaka togoensis, Terminalia glaucoscens, and Grewia mollis. The dense and diverse pattern in the distribution within the three zones is importantly due to relative location of stratum from channel flow (variation in moisture availability), morohologic form, soil type and slope gradient.

Key Words: Bank form, density, diversity, landscape, Mayo Kam, riparian, species