Abstract
This study aims to estimate the tree diversity status of Rashad Forest Reserves in the Rashad locality of the South Kordofan State of Sudan. For data collection, eight sample plots (20 × 20 m) were taken randomly, and parameters were determined: trees species diversity, composition, relative density, dominance, important value index, and species richness in the Rashad forest reserve. The results show that a total of 237 and 56 tree species, including 22 families, have been identified in the study area. Fabaceae family and species numbers have the highest number of 13 species in 8 genera, followed by Combretaceae with 8 species belonging to 3 different genera, Malvaceae with 5 species belonging to 4 different genera, Apocynaceae with 3 species belonging to 3 different genera. The Arecaceae, Burseraceae, Capparaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae, and Rubiaceae families each had two species, and all the other 11 families had one species each. Among the 56 different tree species found within the reserve. The results also indicated that Tamarindus indica L. and Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf. had the highest relative density and dominance of 4.64% and 11% respectively. Adansonia digitata L., Grewia villosa Willd, Vepris nobilis (Delile) Mziray had density and dominance of 4.80% and 9%. Followed by Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC.) Guill. & Perr, Adansonia digitata L., Catunaregam nilotica (Stapf) Tirveng. (Syn: Xeromphis nilotica (Stapf) Keay, Vangueria madagascariensis J. F. Gmel. with 3.38% and 8%, respectively. Eleven species recorded the least relative dominance of 0.42%. Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H’) value stood at 3.82. And as diversity indices varied with location depending on the species available within an ecological zone, Rashad forest reserve is blessed with a moderate diversity index.
Highlights
Tropical forests are the habitat of numerous species of living things that constitute biodiversity through webs of life (Shiferaw, Lemenih, & Gole, 2018)
Fabaceae family and species numbers have the highest number of 13 species in 8 genera, followed by Combretaceae with 8 species belonging to 3 different genera, Malvaceae with 5 species belonging to 4 different genera, Apocynaceae with 3 species belonging to 3 different genera
Fabaceae had the highest number of 13 species in 8 genera, followed by Combretaceae with 8 species belonging to 3 different genera, Family Malvaceae with 5 species belonging to 4 different genera, Family Apocynaceae with 3 species belonging to 3 different genera
Summary
Tropical forests are the habitat of numerous species of living things that constitute biodiversity through webs of life (Shiferaw, Lemenih, & Gole, 2018). The reserved forests consist of around 837 forests distributed all over the country (Badi, 2004) They constitute a great potential for biodiversity conservation and play a vital role as an important component of natural resources and land use. These forests, including woodland savanna, are believed to be home to more than 500 unique species of trees and 185 species of shrubs based on expert opinions. The forest has been a continuous source of wood, charcoal, and land for agricultural purposes that have led to present depletion (Asifat et al, 2019; Kunwar & Sharma, 2004) In buttressing this view, (Armenteras et al, 2009) reported that trees have provided many ecosystem services such as species conservation, prevention of soil erosion, and preservation of habitat for plants and animals. This research aimed to evaluate tree diversity and abundance in Rashad Natural Reserved Forest, South Kordofan, Sudan, and to assess the distribution pattern of tree species
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