With the increase in the rate of tree removal and construction of buildings within the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria premises, there has been concomitant rise in habitat modification. These changes in habitat composition affect the insect population. This study therefore investigated the insect species diversity and abundance within some selected locations within FRIN with the view to determining different insect species available in FRIN premises. Sweep nets were used to trap the insects along a predetermined line transect. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2007 and Paleontological Statistics were used for the data analysis. Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and species diversity and composition were all assessed. A total number of 1073 individual insects belonging to 6 orders, 27 families and 34 species were recorded across the three locations. Out of this, Order Lepidoptera had the highest relative abundance (53%), followed by Coleoptera (22%), then by Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Heteroptera and Diptera with 10%, 9%, 4% and 2% relative abundance respectively. The result of ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference in species composition/richness across the locations at probability level of 5%. The insect species diversity, evenness and richness also varied across the locations. This study therefore, brings to the fore the diversity and abundance of insects within FRIN premises and highlighted the need for a more intensive study by the entomology section and for sustainable actions to be taken in conserving beneficial rare species while, managing the abundant pestiferous ones.
This study was carried out to aid the prediction of tree slenderness coefficient using non-linear regression models for tree species in Omo Biosphere Reserve, Southwestern Nigeria. Systematic line transect design was adopted for the study. Three transects were laid with four plots on each transect at alternate positions which made a total of 12 sample plots (50 m × 50 m) in the study area. Diameter at breast height (DBH), diameter at the top, diameter at the middle and diameter at the base as well as total height and merchantable height of all trees were measured. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis were adopted for the study. The study showed that about 23.5% of the trees in the study area are susceptible to wind-throw damage. Correlation analysis revealed that DBH is a better predictor of Slenderness coefficient than other tree growth characteristics. Six non-linear models were adopted for the tree slenderness coefficient prediction. The best models were selected based on the highest Adj.R2, lowest AIC and SEE values. Normal logarithmic equation SLC = 30.72 + (-41.21) In(D) was selected as the candidate model for the pooled data. The same candidate model (Natural logarithm) was selected for both the Desplatsia lutea and Strombosia pustulata species with the equation SLC = -0.04 + (-63.82) In(D) and SLC = 22.12 + (-51.40) In(D) respectively while exponential model with equation SLC = 170.94e(-1.93) was selected for Sterculia rhinopetala. These equations were recommended for predicting slenderness coefficient for each of the tree species in Omo Biosphere with apparently valid potentials for enhancing reasonable quantification of the stands’ stability.
Article HistoryThis study assessed the diversity and growth characteristics of tree species in University of Ibadan Botanical Gardens with a view to provide data for improved management of the garden. Ten plots (25m x 25m) were sampled randomly in the garden. Growth parameters evaluated included: total and merchantable height, diameter at breast height, diameters at middle, base and top. Descriptive statistics of the growth characteristics of the tree species revealed a mean volume of 20.03+ 2.91m3/ha and 0.45+0.79m2/ha for basal area. Afzelia africana had the highest tree volume (72.42m3) followed by Vitex doniana (50.10m3) while the least volume was observed in Terminalia cattapa (5.57m3). Cedrela odorata (15.3%) had highest frequency of individual trees followed by Delonix regia (4.2%) while 12 species had single tree each (1.4%). Low Slenderness coefficient (SLC) of < 70 showed that most tree species in the garden are not susceptible to wind induced damage. Only Enterolobium cyclocarpum possessed moderate SLC which could be vulnerable to wind velocity despite some form of resistance. Further research centered on tree form and growth parameters need be encouraged for improved management of the botanical garden.Contribution/Originality: This study documents the unique characteristics of tropical trees that are important in sustainable management of Botanical gardens for: tree diversity conservation, ecological restoration and maintenance in developing tropical countries.
Abstract. This study examined the beliefs, customs, practices, and social behaviour of inhabitants of Ido local government area (LGA) of Southern part of Nigeria in relation to tree planting, tree conservation and forest management within their locality. 250 households were randomly selected among the houses with trees around, while structured questionnaires were administered among the selected household heads. Majority of the households (71.1%) indicated reasons for conserving trees within their domain which are inculcated in their cultures while others plant trees to landscape their environments. Among the tree species planted in the area includes Azadiracta indica, Threoboma cacao, Pinus radiata, Mangifera indica, Terminalia catappa and various medicinal plants. Study further revealed that the households uses these trees to protect their environment from degradation and loss of soil biodiversity, also the households always converge under the shades of these trees to solve their problems in their cultural ways. Sacred groves used for spiritual, rituals and initiation purposes were also sighted in the area. It is suggested that people should not undermine their culture and that culture should be transmitted from generation-togeneration for it may help in achieving a greener future at local and national levels.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.