Plant diversity and composition in Pandam Wildlife Park, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

The Pandam wildlife park was surveyed to assess its plants diversity and composition with a view to  determining its diversity status and conservation potential. Data were collected from 10 sample plots of 50m x 50m, laid in alternate positions at 250m interval on 2 transects lines of 200m x 200m with a distance of 500m laid between the transects across three vegetation types (savannah woodland, swamp zone and riparian forest). Tree species were identified and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of each species was measured. A total of 25,043 of individual plants were identified, distributed in 64 species, 36 genera and 29 families. Trees were 1136 individuals, representing 4.54%, 5602 were herbs (22.4%) and 18266 were saplings (73.05%). The woodland savanna recorded the highest number of species (34) with 49 trees, 58 saplings and 51 shrubs. Fabaceae, Combretaceae and Poaceae were the most dominant families with 25.30%, 9.85% and 8.45% respectively. Anogeissus leiocarpus, Azadirachta indica, Daniellia oliverii, Vitex doniana and Terminalia spp were the dominant tree species encountered. The study revealed that Pandam Wildlife Park had an average species diversity value of between 2.08 (woodland savanna) to 2.65 (swamp forest). The study area had moderate species diversity. Swamp forest area had the highest number (624) of tree stands. The forest trend of the area was a reversed J-shape diameter distribution indicative of healthy recruitment potentials and anthropogenic activities. Therefore, it is recommended that efforts be geared towards the sustainability of fragile species in the Park.