Population Status and Age Structure of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Tree in Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

The population status and age distribution of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) trees in Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria, were studied. Six (6) wards cutting across 25 villages were purposely selected, and baobab clusters were randomly sampled. Data on the number of stands, stand density (SD) per cluster, height, CBH, crown cover (CC), number of branches (NB), and number of flowers or fruits (NF) were recorded. A total of 851 baobab stands were recorded in an area covering 751,105.56 m². Zing AI, AII, and B recorded 18 clusters (35.25%) and a total stand of 370 (43.46%), while Dingding, Monkin, and Yakoko recorded 33 clusters (54.71%) and a total stand of 481 (56.92%). Baobab clusters were more aggregated in Dingding, Monkin, and Yakoko than in Zing AI, AII, and B. Mean CBH (4.23+0.26), mean CC (3.78+0.48), mean NB (5.70+1.65), mean NF (18.94+13.94), and area of clusters (416,135.91m²) were highest in Zing AI, AII, and B, while total stand (481), SD (1.43E-3), and mean baobab height (13.94+1.63) were highest in Dingding, Monkin, and Yakoko, although not statistically significant (p>0.05). The results also revealed very low natural regeneration, as only 66 (7.76%) juveniles and 785 (92.24%) adults were recorded, with no single seedling sighted. We therefore, recommend that extensive research be conducted into unearthing the factors limiting natural regeneration and poor recruitment of young baobab trees.