Abstract
Measuring tree species diversity is critical for forest management, particularly where timber species suffer undue anthropogenic pressure. This study was carried out in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A sample plot was systematically chosen from randomly selected communities in each of the three senatorial districts Bayelsa West (BW), Bayelsa East (BE) and Bayelsa Central (BC) of the State. Each sample plots measured 25 m x 25 m and all timber tree species that were at least six feet above ground level within each sample plot were identified, counted and measured. Fifty individual timbers were encountered in the sample plot at Ogobiri community in BW, fifty-two at Kolo 1 community in BE and fifty-six at Gbarain community in BC belonged to 18, 16 and 14 different families respectively. Families with the largest number of species in the plots were Gentianaceae and Meliaceae, and the highest diversity indices were recorded from BE senatorial district. Generally, the basal area of the sample plots increases with an increase in diameter at breast height. The forested zones were on flat terrain characterized by seasonal flood inundation, and the similarities of timber species in the plots occurred as (BW-BC)> (BW-BE)> (BC-BE). Also, four tree species Coelocaryon preussii, Sacoglottis gabonensis, Milicia excelsa and Triplochiton scleroxylon were identified as rare species, and management options that would ensure ad infinitum supply of timber species were proposed.
Highlights
Trees are an important constituent of terrestrial life
The relative density, size and timber species diversity of trees encountered in the three sample plots are presented in Table 1, 2 and 3
Families with a large number of species in the plots include Gentianaceae (with three species encountered in the sampling plot at Kolo 1 of Bayelsa East (BE)), Meliaceae (with three species encountered at Ogobiri community in Bayelsa West (BW), as well as in Bayelsa East (BE))
Summary
Trees are an important constituent of terrestrial life They exist in the major terrestrial biomes of the world and are the most conspicuous species in the forest estate upon which humanity depends for variety of services (Aigbe & Omokhua, 2015; MEA, 2005). The tropical forest is one of the principal vegetation types of the globe (Whitmore, 1998); they are a reservoir of densely packed trees, which their diversity is fundamental to the total rainforest biodiversity (Ihinmikaiye & Unanaonwi, 2018). They are essential for human survival, economic wellbeing, ecosystem function and stability (Singh, 2002). Forest canopy structure provides a good indicator for predicting the ecological soundness and susceptibility of forests to rapid degradation (Magurran, 1988). Okuda et al (2003) asserted that the canopy structure of a forest is determined by the tree species present in the forest, and the loss alters the abundance of timber trees within a forest zone
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