Abstract
This paper, using remotely acquired data and field survey analyzed land cover types, classified (supervised) and observed mean tree species distribution between the two sectors of the Gashaka-Gumti National Park (GGNP). Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapped (ETM), 1999 imagery; Two scenes P186R054 and P186R055 were analyzed using Integrated Land and Water Information System (ILWIS) soft ware version3.2a for the land cover types and classification. Using GPS, sample units coordinates and altitude were determined and species distribution per 625m2 of unit area were surveyed in the field while, soil types and characteristics were restricted to published documents and field checks. Percentages of cover types and mean species distribution per unit area as well as significance variation in mean species distributions between the two sectors were calculated using student t- test. Result of the data analysis revealed based on set criteria seven land cover classes, which further computed into their percent (%) surface cover. Result of the of the cover types indicated Wood/grass lands constituted 52.42%, gallery forest 20.84% lowland forest 8.46%, montane grass land 9.05% montane forest 5.25%, water bodies/streams 0.62%, rock outcrop 1.80% and bare surfaces 1.54%. The observed mean distribution of tree species per sample unit show means of 41, 48, 46 densities and 9, 10, 9 diversities for the northern, southern sectors and the entire park respectively. Soil type, altitude, nearness to water channels and slope gradient are noted among the determinant factors in observed cover types and distribution pattern. Key Words: Biodiversity, Gashaka-Gumti, Land cover, Remote Sensing-GIS, Species distribution
Highlights
Remotely sensed data has been found to provide effective environmental data at all levels, but limited applications of these data have been made with respect to nature conservation in Nigeria, and in particular GashakaGumti National Park
Biodiversity assessment enabled marking out environmental activity priorities: protection, conservation, restoration, reconstruction and exhibition of plant communities and/or land cover types
@ School of Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Yola - Nigeria goods and services essential to human livelihoods and aspirations, and enable societies to adopt to changing needs and circumstances
Summary
Sensed data has been found to provide effective environmental data at all levels (local, regional, national and global), but limited applications of these data have been made with respect to nature conservation in Nigeria, and in particular GashakaGumti National Park. @ School of Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Yola - Nigeria goods and services essential to human livelihoods and aspirations, and enable societies to adopt to changing needs and circumstances. The functions and processes characterizing biodiversity or natural ecosystems, supplying humanity with array of services upon which society depends, falls into four (4) classes: 1) Production functions e.g. production of renewable resources such as water, energy resources, raw materials; ii) Regulation functions: regulation of global climate, chemical composition of atmosphere, the oceans, runoff, and recharge of water-catchments and ground water,; iii) Carrier function e.g
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