Assessment of Herbaceous Species Diversity in Lede and Galumji, Wawa-Zange Forest Reserve, Gombe State, Nigeria

Halima Mohammed Abba,Haruna Timothy

doi:10.4236/ajps.2021.1211120

Abstract

The study was carried out in Wawa-Zange Forest Reserve. The aim was to investigate the Herbaceous Species Composition and Diversity. Point Centered Quarter (PCQ) Sampling method was used to conduct the study. Data obtained was analyzed for Frequency, Relative Frequency, Density, Relative Density and Importance Value Index. The result obtained showed a total number of twenty. Herbaceous Plant Species. Out of this number 17 were Forbs and 3 were Grasses. They belonged to 9 families and 19 genera. The family Fabaceae (Subfamily Caesalpinoideae, Papilionoideae and Mimosoideae) had 5 species, and Malvaceae had 5 species while Poaceae had 3 species, Rubiaceae had 2 species. Euphorbiaceae, Linderniaceae, Acanthaceae, Commelinaceae and Arecaceae had 1 species each. Simpson’s index of diversity (1 - D) was (0.60) while Shannon-Wiener index was (2.21). The species with the highest importance value index was Urena lobata L. (65.47%) and the species with lowest importance value index were Palisota hirsuta, Cassia rotundifolia, Amorphophallus abyssinicus, and Corchorus olitorius with (2.93%). These plants therefore require urgent conservation measures.

Highlights

Herbaceous plants are defined as plants without woody stems above ground [1]
Data obtained was analyzed for Frequency, Relative Frequency, Density, Relative Density and Importance Value Index
The study area was predominated by Urena lobata, having the highest importance value indices among the herbaceous species, respectively

Summary

Introduction

Herbaceous plants are defined as plants without woody stems above ground [1] They are usually small tender plants and they exist in different life forms (Annual, Biennial and Perennial Plants). [5] [6] and are involved in the stabilization of topsoil, improving water penetration into soils as well as water holding capacity of the soil [3] [7] [8] Despite this huge ecological prominence and significant proportions to plant biodiversity, they remain understudied and are usually not included in most floristic studies [9] [10]. This study aims to provide information on the composition, distribution and diversity of the herbaceous species in Lede and Galumji, Wawa-Zange. It will serve as a guide to improve conservation efforts towards ensuring their continual existence

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion