Assessment of Species Diversity and Forest Regeneration Potentiality in Buruku Forest Reserve, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Species diversity and forest regeneration potentiality in Buruku Forest Reserve was assessed. Four (4) plots (A–D) of 60 m x 60 m were laid in each plot. Point centred quadrant method of sampling was used. Transect were selected on pure random basis where data were collected on species diversity and families, density of woody stem, diameter class distribution, regeneration potentials and relative frequency. 21 families with a total of 135 species were obtained on the species diversity at Buruku Forest Reserve. The densities of woody plant varied between 434.03 - 771.60 per hectare in plots A, B, C and D. While the highest number of trees in diameter-class distribution were apportioned to 10 – 19 cm class interval in plots A, B, C and D respectively. Diameter class 50 cm and above had the lowest number of trees allocated to it. The regeneration potential of the diversified species was very poor, which has a great implication for regeneration and conservation of the various species encountered. Although Isoberlinia doka Craib & Stapf. had the highest regeneration potential from each of the examined plots followed closely by Acacia senegal, Parkia biglobosa and Terminalia avicennoides Gull & Peer. Important woody plants of economic importance, like Triplochiton scleroxylon K. Schum had zero regeneration potential. However, it is recommended that Buruku Forest Reserve Should be regenerated artificially (through enrichment planting, re-afforestation programme and so on) to increase the plant diversity in the forest and regeneration potentials of the species for sustainability of the forest reserve.

Empirical Study of Forest Regeneration Potentiality of Old Afaka Forest Reserve, Kaduna State, Nigeria

“…The species that are most common in acceding order are Isobanilia doka>Parkia biglobosa>Prosopis africana>Vitex doniana> Acacia senegal > Lawsonia inermis Table-1). This result is in agreement with the work of Sodimu et al, [10] that the first four (4) families dominated Old Afaka and Buruku forest Reserve with high percentages spread.…”

“…Perharps, this might be due to over exploitation and activities of illegal fellers in the reserve hunting for trees with bigger girth for conversion into sizeable wood. The above observation was in agreement with the work of Sodimu et al, [10] who also noted that diameter class of trees between 10cm-19cm are commonly found in most forest reserves around Kaduna Northern Guinea Savanna eco-zones.…”

“…Several direct as well as indirect benefits are available in the forest such as timber and non-timber products. Apart from timber products in the forest, plant foods such as leaves, seed nuts, fruits, tubers and roots stand as source of food income generation [13,10]. Also, species of economic importance such as medicinal and aesthetic values can be kept in perpetuity in a well preserved forest.…”

“…The first one was selected on pure random basis. Along the direction of each transect, sampling points were taken at intervals of 5m which helps in getting sufficient sampling points and possible overlapping and duplication of units of measurement were avoided [10]. At each sampling point, the following parameters were assessed.…”

“…With this approach, natural processes are to be protected, which include forest regeneration after disturbance such as fire or logging [8]. A central component of biodiversity conservation in managed forest landscape is successful regeneration of natural tree species mixes after logging [9,10]. This often proves to be a substantial challenge.…”