Effect of catenary differentiation on vegetation in Obung forest, Cross River State, Nigeria
Journal Title: Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES) - Year 2011, Vol 1, Issue 6
Abstract
The paper examined catenary differentiation of vegetation in Obung Forest, Cross River State of Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the effect of topographic variation on vegetation composition from the upper to the lower slope of the catena. Vegetation data basically tree density, tree species composition, family composition, stem diameter (dbh) and species dominance was obtained from 60 quadrats of 20m by 20m established across the three sections of the catena. Results showed that the number of trees encountered across the catena varied significantly, with the upper slope recording a high stand density of 349, followed by the lower slope of 298, then the middle slope of 243. This difference in stand density was attributed to topographic positions along the catena. Also, mean dbh of trees and basal area varied significantly. The Shannon-Weiner’s Index equally varied with the lower slope (2.86) being most diverse and richest than other sections of the catena – upper slope (2.62) and middle slope (2.53). Elaeis guineensis, Terminelia superba and Ficus exasperate were the most ecologically dominant species across the catena. In the upper slope, Khaya guineensis was most dominant, in the middle slope, Elaeis guineensis was, while the most ecologically dominant species in the lower slope was Anthocleista vogelii. The study however advised that to conserve this species-rich ecosystem, the wanton destruction of the forest vegetation especially for fuel wood harvesting and illegal logging activities should be checked.
Authors and Affiliations
Raphael Ayama Offiong, Anthony Inah Iwara, Gertrude Nnanjar Njar, Joy Eko Atu, Horsfall Digieneni Eli
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP37211
- DOI -
- Views 263
- Downloads 0
Physiochemical and engineering characteristics of fly ash and its application in various field - a review
Fly ash is generated during the combustion of coal in thermal power plant, large amount. This large amount fly ash creates many problems like huge amount of land required for disposal and toxicity associated with heavy...
Evaluation of drought tolerance in sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) under non stress and drought stress conditions
To evaluate some of agronomic and physiological characteristics under drought stress, determining the best quantitative indices for drought resistance, and identifying drought resistant of sunflower lines, field experim...
Photocatalytic discoloration of aqueous Phenol Red solutions using TiO2 nanocatalyst
In this paper, photocatalytic degradation of Phenol Red (PR) was evaluated in a slurry batch reactor using nano TiO2 (Degussa P-25) as a catalyst.The effect of the variation of different parameters, such as catalyst loa...
Ethnomedicinal and Ethnobotanical survey of Jinjerate Koh Valley Drosh, District Chitral
The present study the ethno-botanical and ethno-medicinal uses of the plants resources of Jinjerate Koh Valley, Chitral. In Jinjerate Koh Valley Drosh, District Chitral a total 50 plants belonged 21 families were collect...
Biodiversity and environmental conservation (sustainability) knowledge of agricultural high school educators in khouzestan province, Iran
The purpose of research was analyzing knowledge of agricultural high school educators in Khouzestan province, Iran regarding biodiversity and environmental conservation (sustainability) in agriculture. This study was ca...