scholarly journals Structure of Plants across Habitat Types in Amurum Forest Reserve, Plateau State Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 847-850
Author(s):  
N. Janfa ◽  
M.J. Francis ◽  
C. Kambai ◽  
M.S. Chomini ◽  
S.A. Popoola ◽  
...  

The Amurum Forest Reserve is one of the nature reserves in Plateau State North central Nigeria. Strict Nature reserve is prominent among the methods for in situ conservation of biodiversity in Nigeria and also the world at large. A study was conducted in the Forest across three habitat types in order to measure tree height and diameter at breast height (dbh) of trees. 50m x 50m plots were marked across the habitat types by simple random sampling technique. Trees and shrubs were identified to species level. Measurement were limited to all woody plants with diameter at breast height (dbh) of ≥ 10cm. Data collected was analyzed in excel. A total of 397 woody species were identified during the study period. 87.7 of the plants were shrubs while 12.3% were trees. The gallery forest had the highest diameter class(30-35cm) followed by the savanna(25-30cm) and lastly the rocky outcrop with the diameter class of 20-25cm.The rocky outcrop had the highest number of trees with the lowest dbh (10-15cm) while the gallery forest had more trees in the highest diameter class (30-35) (Figure 2). The highest mean height distribution in the Gallery forest shows that the plant communities in this habitat type has grown over the years without disturbance since the place is a protected site. Therefore, other surrounding bushes should be protected in order to preserve species from local extinction.

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 194
Author(s):  
K. A. Yao ◽  
E. A. Bitty ◽  
K. B. Kassé ◽  
Y. C. Kouakou ◽  
K. H. Yaokokoré-Beibro ◽  
...  

Context Duikers play a vital role in maintaining forest ecosystems, as both seed dispersers and prey. In West Africa, duikers are also an important source of food and income; however, it is likely that some species are now being hunted at unsustainable levels. So as to contribute to duiker conservation, we used line-transect data and additional information on dung and track counts to estimate relative abundance and establish distribution patterns of forest duikers in Côte d'Ivoire's Dassioko Sud Forest Reserve (DSFR), a poorly known, remnant coastal rainforest. We also collected basic information on hunting pressure. Methods Forest duiker counts were made twice per month from July 2013 to March 2014 on six line transects of varying lengths (5.6–6.7km) and in different regions of the DSFR, representing different habitat types. The number of sightings per kilometre walked, defined as ‘encounter rate', was used to compute an index of relative abundance. We recorded all evidence of poachers and used these data to generate a poaching index (# poaching signs per kilometre) for different habitat types. Key results The DSFR has lost three of seven total forest duiker species and populations of the four remaining species are declining. Encounter rates were greatest for Philantomba maxwellii (0.46 indices km–1) and accounted for 68% of total encounters. Cephalophus niger, C. dorsalis and C. silvicultor were encountered at similar (0.07 indices km–1) but much lower rates. For all species, mean encounter rates were highest in degraded forest (0.38–0.73 indices km–1), followed by secondary (0.2–0.44 indices km–1) and primary (0.19–0.44 indices km–1) forest. Conclusions Of the four forest duiker species still present in the DSFR, the black, bay and yellow-backed duikers are the most affected by anthropogenic pressures. Duiker abundance in the DSFR varies with habitat type. This variation is apparently influenced by differences in forest structure, poaching pressure and proximity to villages. Implications The study provides baseline data for future managing of ungulate populations in the DSFR. We recommend that a biomonitoring study of duiker populations be initiated immediately to help determine population trends, investigate habitat preferences, and help curb illegal hunting activities in this important forest reserve.


2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 196-204

Associations between bivariate variables relative to the unexplained relationships of height-Dbh (diameter at breast height) models were investigated. Seven permanent sample plots measuring 40m by 250m at Omo Forest Reserve were used to assess the relationships between height and diameter at breast height of three tree species as affected by the variables of neighbouring trees. The result showed differences in the coefficient of determination of the bivariate models and multivariate models. The models arrived at for each of the species and for the bivariate models are: Scottelia coriaceae: Ht = 2.59 + 0.473D+ 0.0012D2 for 5cm ≤ D ≤100cm (R2 = 0.70) Sterculia rhinopetala: Ht = 5.96 + 0.467D+ 0.00296D2 for 5cm ≤ D ≤100cm (R2 = 0.77) Strombosia pustulata: Ht = 2.02 + 0.722D+ 0.00581D2 for 5cm ≤ D ≤ 60cm (R2 = 0.81) Where both Ht and D are height and Diameter at breast height. While on the other hand the multivariate models that considered the effect of neighbouring trees are: Scottelia coriaceae: 2 1 2 3 4 Ht = 3.74 + 0.41x −1.14x + 0.205x +1.278x (R = 0.723) Sterculia rhnopetala: 2 1 2 3 4 Ht = 6.18 + 0.2601x +1.163x + 0.438x − 0.442x (R = 0.608) Strombosia pustalata: 2 1 2 3 4 Ht = 6.84 + 0.399x − 0.318x − 0.138x − 0.838x (R = 0.650) x1 = diameter at breast height, x2 = Mean neighbouring tree distance, x3 = Frequency of the neighbouring tree and x4 = Position of the crown.


Author(s):  
Nwankwo Emmanuel C. ◽  
Shiiwua A. Manu

<em>The effect of temporal variation on activity of the echolocating bat community was determined in four habitat types in and around Amurum Forest Reserve: (i) gallery forest, (ii) savannah, (iii) rocky outcrop, and (iv) farmland. Using transect-based acoustic surveys in the various habitats, bat activity was estimated based on the recorded number of bat passes per minute of echolocation recordings from the field survey grouped into hours after dusk (19:00-23:00) and hours before dawn (02:00-06:00). Bat activity was significantly higher in hours after sunset than hours before sunrise. Activities did not vary significantly in the farmland between hours after sunset and hours before sunrise. In the gallery forest both times of the night had significant impact on bat activity, while in savannah and rocky outcrop habitats only hours after sunset did have significant effect on bat activity. The farmland showed a different trend by hours before sunset having a significant impact on bat activity. Echolocating bat communities in Amurum Reserve are more active during the hours after sunset than hours before sunrise. We recommend hours after sunset as more suitable period for surveying echolocating bat species through acoustic methods. The managements of reserves may do well in avoiding human activities in the protected areas during hours after sunset for maximum performance of the echolocating bat communities in the reserves.   </em>


1993 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1108-1113 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.H. Borden ◽  
L.J. Chong ◽  
B.S. Lindgren ◽  
E.J. Begin ◽  
T.M. Ebata ◽  
...  

Seven, split-block experiments throughout British Columbia in 1989 tested the efficacy of binary tree baits containing the pheromones trans-verbenol and exo-brevicomin or ternary baits with the addition of the host tree kairomone myrcene for containing and concentrating infestations of the mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonusponderosae Hopkins, in stands of lodgepole pine, Pinuscontorta var. latifolia Engelm. Attack densities on baited trees, attack frequencies of baited trees and trees within 10 m of the baited trees, and the ratios of newly attacked, green, trees to previously attacked, red, trees were generally statistically equal between sub-blocks containing binary or ternary baits. Where statistically significant differences occurred for one or more of the above criteria in one experiment, they were generally offset by statistically significant differences in the opposite direction in another experiment. Two individual-tree experiments in 1990 that supported the equality of binary and ternary baits indicated that raising the release rate of trans-verbenol in binary baits tended to reduce their efficacy (possibly because of contamination with the antiaggregation pheromone verbenone) and showed that increasing the release rate of exo-brevicomin tended to counteract this effect. When attack frequencies were subdivided by diameter class of available trees attacked, all baits were effective in inducing attack on available trees <30.0 cm diameter at breast height (1.3 m), but attack on baited and control trees ≥30 cm diameter at breast height was equal. Provided that the trans-verbenol in binary baits does not contain or autoxidize to verbenone, myrcene can be deleted from operational tree baits.


2020 ◽  
pp. 19-29
Author(s):  
E. T. Adedeji ◽  
A. S. Akinbowale ◽  
O. A. Akinbode

This study was conducted to assess the suitability of forest models in Tectona grandis, Pinus caribaea and Nauclea diderrichii stands at Omo forest reserve, Ijebu East, Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria. Temporary sample plots of equal size (25 m x 25 m) were laid while complete enumeration were carried out in each sampled plot and tree growth variables such as diameter at breast height (dbh), diameter at the top (dt), diameter at the middle (dm) and diameter at the base (db) as well as total height of all trees were measured. Simple linear models and six non linear models were developed and assessed for the selected plantation. The linear model developed _ R-squared ranged from 77% to 93%. The least R- square was obtained in Tectona grandis plantation and the highest was obtained in 93% Pinus caribaea. All the models have high F values ranging from 234.71 to 2965.40. In Tectona grandis plantation, Logistic power model, gave a good fit in describing the relationship between diameter at breast height and volume with AICC values of -2368.92, 0.22 each. The Sigmond models that gave a good fit in describing the relationship between the diameter at breast height and volume in Pinus caribaea were Weibull model (-719.19, 0.09) while Gompertz relation is the best for Nauclea diderrichii, respectively. The various models generated in the study are highly recommended for use in estimating the growth characteristics of the plantation in the future.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (11) ◽  
pp. 1861-1865
Author(s):  
DM Taiwo ◽  
OR Olatidoye ◽  
OR Jeminiwa ◽  
TO Oyebola ◽  
C Omonu

Total enumeration of tree species was carried out fire experimental plot of Olokemeji forest reserve for relative importance value (RIV) mean heights, mean diameter at breast height and mean basal area. Three investigative plot (Plot A, B and C) were established. Plot A which represents Early Burn is burnt annually during the dry season while Plot B was burnt annually during the rainy season when the trees are still wet and Plot C serves as the protected area. Gmelina arborea had the highest relative importance value (28.31), this is followed by Dalbergia sissoo which had RIV of 10.94. Plot C recorded the highest frequency of trees with the highest tree heights, this is closely followed by Plot A and Plot B being the plot with the lowest mean height. Plot C has the highest mean diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees and it is followed by Plot B and Plot A with very close mean DBH. The highest mean basal area was also recorded in Plot C, the highest total basal area and tree volume was also recorded at Plot C as 32.2 m2 ha-1 and 188.8 m3. The size distribution of tree species depicts that Plot C has been protected just as expected Keywords: Forest, Structure, Flora, Dynamics, Fire


2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (8) ◽  
pp. 660 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. A. Yao ◽  
E. A. Bitty ◽  
K. B. Kassé ◽  
Y. C. Kouakou ◽  
K. H. Yaokokoré-Beibro ◽  
...  

Context Duikers play a vital role in maintaining forest ecosystems, as both seed dispersers and prey. In West Africa, duikers are also an important source of food and income; however, it is likely that some species are now being hunted at unsustainable levels. So as to contribute to duiker conservation, we used line-transect data and additional information on dung and track counts to estimate relative abundance and establish distribution patterns of forest duikers in Côte d’Ivoire’s Dassioko Sud Forest Reserve (DSFR), a poorly known, remnant coastal rainforest. We also collected basic information on hunting pressure. Methods Forest duiker counts were made twice per month from July 2013 to March 2014 on six line transects of varying lengths (5.6–6.7km) and in different regions of the DSFR, representing different habitat types. The number of sightings per kilometre walked, defined as ‘encounter rate’, was used to compute an index of relative abundance. We recorded all evidence of poachers and used these data to generate a poaching index (# poaching signs per kilometre) for different habitat types. Key results The DSFR has lost three of seven total forest duiker species and populations of the four remaining species are declining. Encounter rates were greatest for Philantomba maxwellii (0.46 indices km–1) and accounted for 68% of total encounters. Cephalophus niger, C. dorsalis and C. silvicultor were encountered at similar (0.07 indices km–1) but much lower rates. For all species, mean encounter rates were highest in degraded forest (0.38–0.73 indices km–1), followed by secondary (0.2–0.44 indices km–1) and primary (0.19–0.44 indices km–1) forest. Conclusions Of the four forest duiker species still present in the DSFR, the black, bay and yellow-backed duikers are the most affected by anthropogenic pressures. Duiker abundance in the DSFR varies with habitat type. This variation is apparently influenced by differences in forest structure, poaching pressure and proximity to villages. Implications The study provides baseline data for future managing of ungulate populations in the DSFR. We recommend that a biomonitoring study of duiker populations be initiated immediately to help determine population trends, investigate habitat preferences, and help curb illegal hunting activities in this important forest reserve.


1986 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 289-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Mares ◽  
Kristina A. Ernest ◽  
Donald D. Gettinger

ABSTRACTCommunity structure, macrohabitat selection, and patterns of species co-occurrence were examined during a 14-month study of small mammals in the Cerrado Province of central Brazil. Data were collected from mark-recapture grids in brejo and gallery forest, and from live-trapping and specimen collection in all habitat types within cerrado (campo limpo, campo sujo, cerrado [s.s.], cerradão, brejo, valley-side wet campo, and gallery forest). Gallery forest supported the highest species richness, most complex vertical distribution of species, highest level of trophic diversity, and highest macroniche diversity. Degree of habitat selection varied widely. All habitat types supported both rodents and marsupials, although marsupials tended to be much less common in the grasslands (campos) than in woodlands (cerrado) and forests (cerradão, gallery forest). Some species, such as Didelphis albiventris, occurred in all habitat types, while others were much more restricted. Oryzomys bicolor, for example, ocur-red only in gallery forest. No habitat type had a completely distinct fauna: overlap in species composition always occurred with at least one other habitat type. Because of the great variability of habitats, and the fact that subsets of the mammal fauna were frequently habitat specific, the overall species richness of any portion of mixed cerrado vegetation is remarkably high.


Author(s):  
M.D. Wildsmith ◽  
I.C. Potter ◽  
F.J. Valesini ◽  
M.E. Platell

Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled seasonally in the subtidal and upper and lower swash zones at two sites in each of six nearshore habitat types on the lower west coast of Australia. The habitat types, which differed mainly in the extent of their exposure to wave activity and whether sea grass and/or nearshore reefs were present, had been distinguished quantitatively using values for a suite of seven statistically-selected enduring environmental characteristics (Valesini et al., 2003). The core samples yielded 121 species representing eight phyla, among which the Polychaeta, Malacostraca and Bivalvia were the most speciose classes, contributing ∼38, 23 and 10%, respectively, to the total number of individuals. The total number of species and mean density of macroinvertebrates at the most protected habitat type (1), i.e. 70 and 209·2 individuals 0·1 m−2, respectively, were far greater than in any other habitat type. Habitat type influenced species composition to a greater extent than either zone or season. Furthermore, the extents of the differences among the species compositions of the six habitat types statistically matched the extents of the differences among the values for the suite of enduring environmental characteristics that distinguished each of those habitat types. Overall, the species composition at habitat type 1 was the most distinct, containing five abundant species of polychaetes that were adapted to deposit-feeding in calm waters with high levels of organic material and which were rare in all other habitat types. In contrast, the fauna at the most exposed habitat type was characterized by four crustacean species and a species of bivalve and polychaete, whose mobility and tough external surface facilitated their survival and feeding in turbulent waters. The zonal differences in faunal compositions among habitat types were greatest in the case of the subtidal zone. The faunal compositions differed among zones and seasons only at the most protected habitat type.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4167
Author(s):  
David Kombi Kaviriri ◽  
Huan-Zhen Liu ◽  
Xi-Yang Zhao

In order to determine suitable traits for selecting high-wood-yield Korean pine materials, eleven morphological characteristics (tree height, basal diameter, diameter at breast height, diameter at 3 meter height, stem straightness degree, crown breadth, crown height, branch angle, branch number per node, bark thickness, and stem volume) were investigated in a 38-year-old Korean pine clonal trial at Naozhi orchard. A statistical approach combining variance and regression analysis was used to extract appropriate traits for selecting elite clones. Results of variance analysis showed significant difference in variance sources in most of the traits, except for the stem straightness degree, which had a p-value of 0.94. Moderate to high coefficients of variation and clonal repeatability ranged from 10.73% to 35.45% and from 0.06% to 0.78%, respectively. Strong significant correlations on the phenotypic and genotypic levels were observed between the straightness traits and tree volume, but crown breadth was weakly correlated to the volume. Four principal components retaining up to 80% of the total variation were extracted, and stem volume, basal diameter, diameter at breast height, diameter at 3 meter height, tree height, and crown height displayed high correlation to these components (r ranged from 0.76 to 0.98). Based on the Type III sum of squares, tree height, diameter at breast height, and branch number showed significant information to explain the clonal variability based on stem volume. Using the extracted characteristics as the selection index, six clones (PK105, PK59, PK104, PK36, PK28, and K101) displayed the highest Qi values, with a selection rate of 5% corresponding to the genetic gain of 42.96% in stem volume. This study provides beneficial information for the selection of multiple traits for genetically improved genotypes of Korean pine.


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