Impact of removing Eucalyptus maidenii in regenerated native species in Gishwati-Mukura National Park, Rwanda

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of removing Eucalyptus maidenii in the natural regenerated native species in Gishwati-Mukura National Park, Northern-Western Rwanda. Data were collected in the areas where Eucalyptus maidenii species were removed and were compared to the areas still occupied by Eucalyptus maidenii species. Data were collected using random sampling in quadrat plots of 10 m and sub-quadrat of a 1 m square. Within each site, herb species and woody plant species having the diameter at breast height (DBH) less than 2 cm were inventoried. Sampled plant species were analyzed focusing on abundance and diversity indices using bio-professional software. A total of 347 and 391 native woody species were identified in the areas where Eucalyptus maidenii were removed compared to 26 and 38 native woody species identified in the areas still occupied by Eucalyptus maidenii in Mukura and Gishwati correspondently. In relation with herb species, a total of 1,000 and 1,142 herb species were recorded in the areas where the Eucalyptus maidenii were removed compared to 227 and 323 herb species identified in the sites still occupied by Eucalyptus maidenii species in Mukura and Gishwati respectively. The herb species regenerated in the areas which were occupied by Eucalyptus maidenii were significantly different from the herb species regenerated in areas under Eucalyptus maidenii species. Further, higher plant species richness was recorded where Eucalyptus maidenii was removed. This study recommends avoidance of Eucalyptus maidenii planting in natural forests due to their effects on species richness of natural woody and herb species.