Diversity and Abundance of Tree Species in the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
- Authors
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M.C. Ogwu
Department of Plant Biology & Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
Author
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M.E. Osawaru
Department of Plant Biology & Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
Author
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O.K. Obayuwana
Department of Plant Biology & Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
Author
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- Keywords:
- Array, Array, Array, Array, Array
- Abstract
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Trees are of great importance to man and the environment. They may be used for food, construction, windbreak, shade and aesthetic potentials amongst others. In this study, the diversity and abundance of tree species at the University of Benin main campus, Benin City, Nigeria was assessed. The University was divided into two sites for proper sampling using transects. Results reveal a total of 214 individual trees of 20 tree species from 12 families were encountered. Most common tree species include Elaeis guineensis, Cocos nucifera, Terminalia catappa, Areca catechu and Roystonea regia. The dominant families are Arecaceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae, Moraceae, Combretaceae and Euphorbiaceae. Monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous trees account for 59.04 % and 40.96 % of trees available in the sampled sites respectively. About 76.13 % of the trees encountered were exotic while 23.87 % were native. Angiosperms had 188 representatives (84.68 %) while gymnosperms had 34 representatives (15.32 %). Elaeis guineensis (with relative density of 22.07) was the most abundant species. Trees such as Albizia zygia, Delonix regia, Terminalia ivorensis had relative density < 1 and as such may be considered threatened within the study area. Margalef species richness index was 2.568 for site A and 2.108 for site B while Shannon-Wiener diversity index was 0.836 and 0.675 for sites A and B respectively. Comparing the levels of diversity using Sørensen’s similarity coefficient suggest both sites are only 25 % similar. Within the study area, trees species are threatened by anthropogenic activities especially tree felling for infrastructural developments regardless of their environmental roles and inherent benefits. Therefore sustainable conservation efforts should be geared towards ensuring their continuous existence in order to maintain environmental integrity.
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- Published
- 2016-12-31
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- Articles