Occurrence and distribution of woody tree species in Kuwakka – Banza Forest Reserve of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Occurrence and distribution study of woody tree species was conducted in Kuwakka-Banza Forest Reserve of Kebbi State, Nigeria using Point Center Quarter Method (PCQM). Three sample plots of 20 x 20 m each were systematically located at 10m intervals on each 300m transect in a relatively homogenous forest area for the study and three transects were used. At each sampling plot four quadrants (NE, SE, SW and NW) were established; in each quadrant the nearest tree to the centre was selected and variables recorded as follows: tree species, the distance from the sampling point to the tree, the diameter at breast height of the tree and its basal area. A total 40 trees were considered and enumerated on each transect. The study revealed that 20 woody tree species were encountered belonging to 14 families. The results revealed that the reserve had mean absolute and relative frequencies of 0.97 and 1.02 respectively. Detarium microcarpum recorded the highest absolute and relative densities of 60.76 and 13%, respectively, followed by Acacia senegalensis (47.74and 10%), Lannea acida (39.06 and 10%) and Vitellaria paradoxa (30.38 and 7%). Mean absolute and relative dominance of woody trees in the study area were 176,829.2 and 0.0504 respectively. Mean importance value was 0.1631. To ensure proper management and utilization of the tree diversity regeneration of the indigenous tree species should be emphasized.