Assessment of Growth Characteristics, Diversity and Structure of Tree Species in Opara Forest Reserve, Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Having information about the existing stands and their structure within a forest is important, as it helps in understanding the biodiversity depth and climate change adaptation potential. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the growth characteristics, diversity and structure of tree species in the Opara Forest Reserve on the Nigeria-Benin Republic Fringes in Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria using appropriate standard techniques. A total of 218 trees were enumerated and assessed. The results indicated that the forest reserve is primarily characterized by the prevalence of savanna species. The dominant species within the study area consists of 80 stands of Anogeissus leiocarpus; Vitellaria paradoxa exhibits the highest mean diameter at breast height (dbh), measuring 100.09 cm and Acacia faidherbia had highest value in height. The forest reserve is characterised by the dominance of trees within the 6-10 metre height range. In conclusion, the forest reserve exhibits a moderate level of species variety with favourable growth characteristics and the average height of the trees are typical of a savanna forest.