A survey of tree species diversity in Akure Forest Reserve and Okomu National Park

Abstract

This research aimed to survey the tree species diversity in Akure Forest Reserve and Okomu National Park. The study was carried out in Akure Forest Reserve, Ondo State and Okomu National Park, Edo State. Sample plots of (100x100 m²) were demarcated in the Forest Reserves and sub-divided into smaller units of (25 by 25m²). Using 50% sampling intensity, data were collected from eight (8) plots in each Forest Reserves. Tree species were identified via their botanical names. Okomu National Park had 400 trees per hectare from 53 species and 26 families, whereas Akure Forest Reserve had 388 trees per hectare from 65 species and 30 families. A J-inverse diameter distribution was observed in the two Forest Reserves. A mean Diameter at Breast Height and basal area/ha of 32.90 cm and 48.76 m²/ha, and 20.16 cm and 16.56 m²/ha, were obtained for Akure Forest Reserve, and Okomu National Park respectively. Shannon-Wiener diversity index for, Okomu and Akure Forest Reserves were 3.52 and 3.83 respectively. It could therefore be concluded that the Forest Reserves are potential biodiversity places of interest if better conservation management efforts are employed. Therefore, conservation efforts should be stepped up in the Forest Reserves as they still contain important economic species.