By: AMBURSA A. S.; OYUN M. B.; SOULEY B. M.;
Abstract:
This study was conducted to determine tree species abundance status and the factors responsible for tree species endangerment in Aliero local government, Nigeria. Twenty two percent (22%) ofthe total villages were randomly selected from the three districts (Aliero, Dan warai and Sabyal) in the study area for the purposes of tree species composition survey and questionnaire administration. Point Quarter Centre Method (PQCM) was used to enumerate tree species in the study area. Ten (10) transects of 1 km (1000m) length each was cut in each of the survey area (Aliero, DanWarai and Sabiyal District). Out of the ten (10) transects, three (3) were randomly selected in each survey area. Transects were pegged at 100m interval and the point centre quadrant dropped systematically at this points. This gave a total of 30 sampling points. Only trees of 1m and above in height nearest to the sampling point in each quarter of the quadrant were enumerated and recorded. Questionnaire was administered in each village to 5 individuals using purposive sampling method (60 years and above selected) to find out factors responsible for the threatened species. Data obtained from tree species composition was analysed using tree species relative density (RD) and classified as abundant (RD ? 5.00), frequent (4.00 ? RD ? 4.99), Vulnerable (3.00 ? RD ? 3.99), rare (1.00 ? RD ? 2.99) and threatened / endangered (0.00 < RD ? 1.00) (Daniel et al., 2012). Data generated from questionnaire administered were analysed using descriptive statistics. Eighteen (18) species were recorded endangered in Aliero District, thirteen (13) species in DanWarai District and twelve (12) in Sabiyal District. Eleven (11) factors were found to be responsible for tree species endangerment out of which six (6)factors were most responsible in all the three (3) districts namely; Agricultural land expansion (ALE), Firewood Collection (FWC), Bush Burning (BB), Overgrazing (OG), Building Material (BM) and Medicine. Enactment of environmental laws associated with conservation and preservation of woody species in the study area for sustainability is recommended. To ensure the conservation and preservation of tree species, it is also recommended that NGOs and CBOs should take active part in community forestry activities in order to reduce the pressure on the forest tree species. Research into assessment of endangered tree species and strategies for conservation in the study area should be further c
Keywords: Tree species Abundance Status in Aleiro Local Government Area, Kebbi State, Nigeria
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