Assessment of tree species diversity and benefits in selected recreation centres for biodiversity conservation in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

Oluwasanmi T Bolanle-Ojo,Oluwayomi I Bolanle-Ojo,Cuong Levan,Adepeju R Falana

doi:10.15835/nsb12110561

Oluwasanmi T Bolanle-Ojo, Oluwayomi I Bolanle-Ojo + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.15835/nsb12110561

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Abstract

The present study assessed the trees species diversity and the benefits that arise from their presence in five selected recreation centers in the urban area of Ibadan: Agodi Gardens, Ibadan Recreation Club, National Museum of Unity, Ibadan Golf Club and Ibadan Polo Club. The selected areas were purposively chosen due to the presence of tree species in the urban landscape. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. Agodi Garden had in total 537 individuals, 46 tree species within 25 families. Ibadan Recreation Club had the total number of 148 trees, whereas 32 species within 22 families were represented. National Museum of Unity had a total number of 770 trees, classified in 23 species within 17 families. Ibadan Polo Club had a total number of 97 trees, 20 species and 15 families were represented. Ibadan Golf Club had a total number of 915 trees, 31 species and 9 families. Fabaceae family had the highest occurrence in Ibadan Recreation Club, National Museum of Unity, Ibadan Golf Club and Ibadan Polo Club, while Verbenaceae was more represented in Agodi Gardens. The study has shown the high occurrence of invasive species in tropical environment based on their regeneration potential. Data collected on total number of tree species, frequency of occurrence and families were subjected to descriptive analysis. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information. These centers serve as ex-situ urban centers/parks that still maintain and conserve various tree species and are important resources for social, economic and educational use. Biodiversity indices were also analyzed and it can be concluded that the type of organization and the main activity of the centers strongly influence the species diversity. The trend of Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H') showed that Ibadan Polo Club was the most diverse. Despite the higher number of individual trees encountered in NMUI, the H' value was very low, indicating the dominance of a few tree species within the area. From EH values obtained in the study, it can be concluded that trees species are most evenly distributed in IPC, followed by IRC, AG, IGC and lastly by NUMI.

Highlights

Urban forests are affected by urbanization due to the increase in human population
From EH values obtained in the study, it can be concluded that trees species are most evenly distributed in Ibadan Polo Club (IPC), followed by Ibadan Recreation Club (IRC), Agodi gardens (AG), Ibadan Golf Club (IGC) and lastly by NUMI
The results revealed that Tectona grandis had the highest frequency and was followed by Eucalyptus torelliana and Terminalia catappa, while Newbouldia leavis, Senna sesame, Ficus lutea and Ficus exasperata had the least frequency (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Urban forests are affected by urbanization due to the increase in human population. Nigeria is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and is affected by urbanization which has resultant effect on forest cover (Fuwape and Onyekwelu, 2011). Urban forestry is defined as the art, science and technology of managing trees and forest resources in and around urban community ecosystems for the physiological, sociological, economic and aesthetic benefits that trees provide to the society (Konijnendijk et al, 2006). Urban trees are seen as a forest or collection of trees that grows within a city, town, or a suburb. These groups of trees may include any kind of woody plants, vegetation growing in and around human settlements (FAO, 2006; Canno-purt, 2012). The benefit of urban trees and shrubs are numerous, among which beautification, reduction of urban heat and cooling, reduction of storm water run-off, reduction of air pollution, reduction of energy costs through increased shade over buildings, enhancement of property valves, improved wildlife habitat and overall urban environment impact (FAO, 2006; Wilson, 2011) are worth mentioning

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