Spatial Diversity Mapping of Plant Species in Karlahi Forest Reserve, Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State

Abstract

The analysis of the spatial species diversity in Karlahi Forest Reserve of Fufore Local Government of Adamawa State, Nigeria was carried out and it was aimed at analyzing the distribution of tree species within the forest reserve which is vital to the understanding of changes that occurred within the forest. This research adopted three methodological approaches that are, the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) and field investigation to determine the species diversity. The results of the species diversity show that zone 3 has the highest species richness with Bauhinia thonningii and Anogeissus Leiocarpus also known as “Kalgoo” and “Mark” in Hausa language respectively as dominant species and species endemism, zone 4 has the highest species red list followed by zone 3 and 2. The common species that make the red list are Pterocarpus Erinaceus, ziziphus spina-christi, Balanites Aegyptiaca, Vitellaria paradoxa, Anogeissus Leiocarpus, banhinia thonningii, Parkia Biglobosa, Detarium microcarpum. It is recommended that Land Cover information and regular species diversity audit should be incorporated into the conservation practices and Nation and state policies on Forest reserves and parks should be adhered to strictly.