Tree Species Density and Basal Area in Image Forest Reserve, Tanzania

Abstract

The tree species density and basal area form structural and functional variables of healthy forest ecosystems. Tree density and basal area are among useful parameters for management of natural forest resources. A study was carried out in Image Forest Reserve (IFR) in 2019 to determine tree species density and basal area. A total of 170 plots measuring 20 m x 40 m were set along the land cover types at an interval of 250 m from each other. Trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH - cm) ≥ 5 cm were measured for their DBH at a height of 1.3 m from ground level and used to calculate the basal area (BA) (m2). The tree individuals were used to calculate the density (D). The largest basal area was recorded from forest cover (13 279 m2 ha-1), followed by woodland (4394.09 m2 ha-1), and wooded grassland was the least). The minimum BA was recorded from woodland, while the largest was from forest (6.881 m2 ha-1). In all land cover types the DBH class (cm) >40 cm had the largest BA. Woodland had the highest density of all other land cover types, followed by forest and wooded grassland was the least. The maximum density was recorded from woodland followed by forest and wooded grassland