Abstract
Species composition and tree growth were recorded in plots protected and unprotected from livestock grazing and fuel wood collection in Kenyan semi-arid region from 1989 to 1994. The number of tree species per 0·2 ha was 13 in 1989, changing to 15 in the protected plot and 10 in the unprotected plot after 5 years. Dominant trees were Lannea triphyllaand Commiphora africanain all plots: both species are unexploited due to their soft wood. Valuable tree species such as Acacia mellifera, Acacia senegaland Acacia tortiliswere scarce. The density of shrubs per 400 m 2were 77 in 1989, 72 in unprotected plots and 130 in protected plots in 1994. Premna oligotricha, Hermannia oliveriand Grewiasp. increased in number in protected plots. In contrast, Solanum incanumincreased in unprotected plots. The former three species appeared to be good fodder for goats. The diameter at breast height (DBH) of a sample tree of Acacia senegalwas 10·1 cm in 1989 and 13·7 cm in 1994. Estimated height of the tree was 5·37 m in 1989 and 6·18 m in 1994. The bare area due to over-grazing by cattle was covered by grasses and herbs, including Chloris roxburghiana, over 5 years enclosure. Seedlings of Acacia senegal, Acacia melliferaand Acacia tortilisappeared in the herb layer.
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