ASSESSING THE DENSITY, COMPOSITION AND DIVERSITY OF FLORA SPECIES IN FFR DARAZO, BAUCHI STATE AS A BIODIVERSITY SANCTUARY

Mabel Nkiruka Achakpo ¹ & Isah Mohammed²

ABSTRACT

The study assesses the density, composition and diversity of flora species in Farin-ruwa Forest Reserve (FFR) Darazo as a biodiversity sanctuary. Point-Centre–Quarter method (PCQ)was the technique used for data collection. Simpson (1-D) and Shannon (H) diversity indices were used for data analysis. The result indicates that there are 22 plant species belonging to Eight (8) families. Combretaceae and Fabaceae had the highest individual while Moraceae had the least species in the reserve. The result further showed that Combretaceae was the most dominant family. The low basal area of 8.33m² indicated that the vegetation is at regenerating stage. The highest important value (IV) recorded for Anogessius species (73.63) revealed the woodland is Anogessius woodland at reclamation stage with good potential as a sanctuary for biodiversity. Findings on flora species diversity confirmed that both Simpson (1-D) and Shannon (H) values 0.96 and 0.3 shows no diversity. This reveals the poor protection status of the reserve. The study concludes that the FFR is Anogeissus woodland at a recovery stage with low flora species diversity, and that the reserve stands a chance of becoming a good biodiversity sanctuary. It is recommended that a comprehensive enrichment-planting (afforestation) programme be implemented in the reserve.

Keywords: Density, Composition, Diversity, Biodiversity and Sanctuary