VEGETATION COMPOSITION AND CONSERVATION STATUS OF BATURIYA WETLAND, JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA
VEGETATION COMPOSITION AND CONSERVATION STATUS OF BATURIYA WETLAND, JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA
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Date
2015-07
Authors
ZAKARI, Hadiza Hadejia
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Abstract
An assessment of vegetative composition and conservation status in Baturiya wetland in Jigawa state was carried out during the dry and rainy seasons of 2013/2014. Ecological variables such as soil bulk density, canopy cover and regeneration potential in different segments of the wetland were studied. Tree sample plots of 100 x 100m were located using a stratified sampling method, within each plot, three sub plots 0f 50m x 50m were randomly selected for identification and enumeration of species. Species diversity and equitability were worked out using the Shanon- Weiner diversity and equitability index. Human exploitation in the wetland was also evaluated. A total of 98 plant species were recorded which were distributed among 42 families. Family Fabaceae had the highest representation of 12.1% relative frequency and family Moringaceae being the least represented with 0.32% relative frequency. Azadirachta indica was the most dominant species followed by Hyphene thebaica, the least represented species were 16 among them were Mimosa Pigra, Mucuna prurient and Saba florida. There was generally high species diversity, sample plot 2 being the highest with 3.767 diversity index and evenness range of 0.664. Plot I had more herbs, plot II had more trees while plot III had only trees and shrubs. The level of association between the 3 sample plots was also high. The regeneration potential of the diversified species was generally poor. There was also low level of canopy cover above the species beneath. The soil bulk density was high which has a great implication for the regeneration and conservation of the various species encountered. Correlation matrix revealed a positive relationship between the regeneration potential and the canopy area, but there was a negative significant relationship between the regeneration potential and soil bulk density. The vegetation of the wetland is not uniform and is rich in species composition but there is high level of human exploitation. Deliberate strategies like awareness campaign, staff training, right legislation policy and provision of alternative source of energy need to be employed.
Description
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN BOTANY.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, FACULTY OF SCIENCE,
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, NIGERIA.
Keywords
VEGETATION,, COMPOSITION,, CONSERVATION STATUS,, BATURIYA,, WETLAND,, JIGAWA STATE,, NIGERIA.