Tree species association in Bagale Forest Reserve, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The relationship among indigenous trees ≥ 10cm girth at diameter at breast (dbh) height was assessed to determine their level of association in the Bagale Forest Reserve, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Fifteen sample plots each measuring 100m x 100m were laid in five fragments, at Tudun Wada (˂200m) Holin (200 – 300m), Modire (300 – 400m) Lugga (400 – 500m) and Wurodole (˃500m) above sea level. Trees in each quadrat were identified and inventoried and association among them subjected to statistical analysis using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Microsoft Excel software was used. Results showed that positive and negative correlations at (ρ=0.1) and (ρ=0.5) were obtained among these trees in the study area. Studies in synecology of forest reserves is recommended across the country to aid in the study of distribution pattern of trees since such data generated from this exercise will aid in forest management, planning and policy formulation.

Keywords: Relationship, correlation, Bagale Forest Reserve, fragments