Discover Top Posts Tagged with #floristic diversity

Popular Recent

This study aims to assess the impact of associated species on the productivity of cocoa-based agroforestry systems in the department of Biankouma. To achieve this, the plot method combined with the itinerant survey method was used in different plantations grouped into four age classes (0 to 5 years, 6 to 20 years, 21 to 35 years, and 36 years and older). The analyses carried out identified 161 species divided into 124 genera and 48 families. Plantations aged 0 to 5 years show high floristic diversity with high Shannon and Evenness Indices. Plantations aged 6 to 20 years and 21 to 35 years recorded the lowest floristic diversity values with high yields. The results also showed that species density is high in plantations aged 0 to 5 years and those aged 36 years and over with low yields. Furthermore, analysis of the impacts of floristic diversity showed that yield increases significantly with the density of cocoa trees, the heights and circumferences of cocoa trees and associated plant species. However, it decreases with the age of the cocoa trees (0 to 5 years and over 30 years), the diversity and high density of associated species. Targeted management of associated species, optimal density, and selection of useful species therefore appear essential to improve productivity in cocoa-based agroforestry systems.

#Agroforestry systems #Floristic diversity #Cocoa yield #Côte d'Ivoire

Within the framework of the rapid expansion of cashew plantations in West Africa, this research aims to investigate the floristic diversity of tree species associated with plantations positioned on the periphery of Mont Sangbé National Park in Côte d’Ivoire. The principal objective of this study is to assess the factors influencing this diversity, particularly cultivated areas, plantation age, and proximity to the MSNP. Surveys were conducted in three villages proximate to MSNP (Toulo, Gbeteman, Sorotonan), where 180 households were interviewed. Land and floristic data were collected via digital questionnaires, which were supplemented by field visits. A total of 272 plantations were documented, and 31 tree species were identified. Diversity indices-including species richness, Shannon, Simpson, and Pielou’s evenness-were calculated using the Vegan package in R. Non-parametric tests (Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn’s post hoc) facilitated the comparisons at the village level, while linear mixed models evaluated the effects of explanatory variables. Significant disparities were observed across the villages: Toulo exhibited the largest plantations and the highest floristic diversity, while Sorotonan demonstrated reduced species richness and increased dominance of species such as Elaeis guineensis. Mixed models substantiated that plantation area was the principal determinant of floristic diversity, with notable effects observed from 2 hectares onwards. Neither plantation age nor distance from the MSNP exhibited robust influences. The cultivated area predominantly shapes floristic diversity in cashew plantations surrounding MSNP. Integrated land management that encourages diversified agroforestry practices over larger plots appears critical for harmonizing sustainable agricultural production with biodiversity conservation.

#Floristic diversity #Cashew agroforestry #Linear mixed models #Biodiversity indices #Protected area buffer zones

Borassus aethiopum is a species prized for its socio-economic potential in Cameroon. However, its stands are deteriorating in both quantity and quality. This study aims to reconcile the conservation of the roan tree with the satisfaction of the needs of the populations of the Mbam and Djerem National Park. Interviews were conducted with 311 informants in eight localities around the park. Inventories were carried out on five 500 m sites, each with 25, 20×250 m plots. The results revealed that fruit remains under strong pressure, followed by sap, with an Index value linked to the plant organs used between 0.70 and 0.98. Food and construction uses dominate in the villages. A total of 1500 trees were inventoried, divided into 76 woody species belonging to 59 genera and 32 families. The most represented species were B. aethiopum (27.73%) and Daniellia oliveri (5.73%). The most abundant families were Arecaceae (433) and Fabaceae (175). Average diversity index values ranged from 0.7 to 0.9 for Simpson’s index, 2.5 bits for Shannon’s index and 0.75 to 0.95 for Pielou’s equitability. The horizontal and vertical structure shows a preponderance of shrubs and a low number of large trees, indicating vigorous regeneration. This work provides a brief insight into the use and ecological potential of B. aethiopum. It could be a tool for sustainable management, which despite its presence in the PNMD area, is suffering from extinction.

#B. aethiopum #Floristic diversity #Sustainable management #Mbam and Djerem national park #Population

To date, few studies on the flora’s understory of the semi-deciduous forests of the Congo Basin have been carried out. The aim of this study done in the semi-deciduous forests of the Eastern Region of Cameroon was to characterize the diversity of understory trees (diameter spanning tree: 1.0-9.9cm). The sampling design was those of square plots of 20 x 20m for inventory data collection of understory trees for the diameters between [5-10cm] and those of 10 x 10m for the diameters between [1-5cm]. The parameters collected were the scientific/local/vernacular name, the diameter and height of each species of understory. Diversity indices and structure parameters of understory stratum were calculated (abundance and basal area). The results showed that species richness of study area was estimated at 186 species belonging to 93 genera and 38 families. The Shannon index (4.44) showed a rich diversity of the understory in semi-deciduous forests. In addition, this study identified 27 species as characteristic/exclusive to the understory among which Myrianthus preussii and Rinorea caudata were threatened. The number of stems and basal area of understory trees stratum were 5075 stems.ha-1 and 3.41m².ha-1. Abundance decreases with increasing of diameter and height classes. This study is a contribution to the knowledge of the floristic diversity of the understory of semi-deciduous tropical forests.

#East Cameroon #Floristic diversity #Forest structure #Semi-deciduous forest #Understory

Cameroonian mountain forests are regarded as biodiversity concentration areas. These forests, already naturally isolated from each other within the country due to climatic or geomorphologic variations, are today extremely fragmented by anthropogenic activities. This study was aimed to assess the floristic diversity and characterizing the population structure of Mount Nlonako Forest. In total, 80 quadrats of 40 m × 40 m (12.8 ha) were established with respect to altitudes (lower altitude (A) and higher altitude (B)) in the Mount Nlonako forest. All individuals having a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 10 cm or greater were identified in each established quadrat. A total of 6,181 trees (3,720 at lower altitude (A); 2,461 at higher altitude (B)) were categorized into 278 species (177 at A; 203 at B), belonging to 177 genera (111 at A; 144 at B) and 52 families (40 at A; 46 at B). Sterculia rhinopetala and Pycnanthus angolensis were the predominant plant species at elevated and lower altitude, respectively. The predominant plant groups (FIV) in terms of families were Fabaceae and Myristicaceae at elevated altitude, whereas Malvaceae and Apocynaceae were prevalent at lower altitude. The Shannon-Wiener index value of 3.12 bits in the entire study area (3.17 bits at A; 3.14 bits at B) indicates that the Mount Nlonako forest is less diversified but has a good distribution of species within individuals (Pielou’s index ≥ 0.89) as well as individuals within species (Simpson’s index ≥ 0.93). Average stand density ranges from 585.5 stems/ha (A) to 384.53 stems/ha (B). The distribution of trees by diameter class reveals a majority of shrubs and a few large trees. The abundance of mesophanerophytes suggests adaptive plant strategies similar to the striving approach. The dominance of Guinean-Congolese domain species demonstrates a remarkable regeneration of species in this forest despite anthropogenic pressures. This emphasizes the vital necessity for the conservation of this area

#Floristic diversity #Stand structure #Life forms #Altitude #Mount Nlonako forest

The food use of spontaneous flora from Luozi (DRC) is studied through the exploitation of traditional communities. Very often, the food potential of spontaneous flora is underestimated and almost not valued. The associated corollary is to see all related knowledge disappear. The study carried out in the ten sectors of the Luozi territory aims to promote the food species of the populations of the Luozi territory. The study method is focused on the ethnobotanical inventory based on a questionnaire coupled with individualized interviews and/or focus groups. The taxonomic analysis reveals 23 species representing 20 genera and 14 families of which Apocynaceae is the most diverse. Fruits and leaves are the most prized organs. Depending on the level of knowledge, Solanumamericanum is the most popular taxon, while Toxocarpusbreyipes has the highest ethnobotanical use value within communities (VAUS ≥ 0.95). Depending on the exploitation of flora, the traditional communities of Luozi do not form a homogeneous group. The Luozi territory is full of very diverse plant potential and of great nutritional value.

#Luozi (DRC)#Ethnobotanical indices #Food use #Floristic diversity #Traditional knowledge

Phytodiversity and Ecological Evaluation of Vascular Plants in Mir Ali, North Waziristan

Abstract

Ecological research was conducted during 2016-2019, to assess the floristic diversity and biological spectra of vascular plant species in Mir Ali Subdivision,North Waziristan, Pakistan. The floristic list consisted of 336 plant species belonging to 229 genera and 79 families. There were 269 dicots, 60 monocots, 4 gymnosperms and 3 pteridophyte species. Poaceae (44 Spp., 13.09 %) and Asteraceae (28 Spp., 8.33 %) were leading families. Life form classes was dominated by Therophytes (171spps. 50.9%) followed by Nanophanerophytes (43 spps., 12.79%) and Megaphaneropyhtes (37 spps., 11.01%). Leaf size spectrum showed that leading leaf size classes were Nanophylls with 139 (41.4%) species, Microphylls 65(19.34%) species and Leptophylls consisted of 52 (15.5%) species. There were 313 (93.15%) deciduous species, 20 (5.95%) evergreen species and 3 (0.9%) aphyllous plant species. There were 283 (84.22%) non spiny plants and 53 (15.78%) spiny plant species. 276 (82.14%) species lived in terrestrial habitat and 60 (17.86%) dwelled in mesic habitat. The light requirements showed that 332 (98.8%) species found in light condition while 4 (1.2%) grow in shady places. 243 (72.32%) plants grow wild and 93 (27.67%) were cultivated plant species. 233 (69.35%) species had simple leaf structure while 52 (15.48%) plants possessed compound leaf structure. The phenology showed that 223 (66.36%) species were found at reproductive (S2), 84 (25%) pre-reproductive (S1) and 29 (8.63%) at post-reproductive (S3) stages. Atmospheric, edaphic and biotic factors effect distribution of plant species. The study concluded that the area has rich plant biodiversity which is subjected to heavy biotic pressures of grazing and deforestation. Conservation measures, sustainable utilization and further research are recommended.

Introduction

Mir Ali is a subdivision in North Waziristan Tribal district (FATA) Pakistan, adjoining District Bannu and falls under Inrano-Turanian Region (Ali and Qaiser, 1986). It is divided into three Tehsils namely, Mir Ali, Spinwam and Shawa. Its lies between 32059/12// to 3301 /16//N Latitude and 70015/24// to 70017/21 //E Longitude with an altitude of 655 m (2152 feet). The area is surrounded by mountains which are connected with Koh-e-Sufaid in the North and Koh-e-Sulaiman in the South. The climate of the area is cold in winter with temperature ranging from 15 0C to 23 0C and hot in summer with temperature varies from 310C to 42 0C and classified as subtropical. The area is fertile and cultivable which is irrigated by three rivers namely, Tochi, Katu and Kurram rivers. The area receive 45 mm monsoon rainfall (Ali and Qaiser, 1986). The forest cover is weak and the soil is mostly shallow and calcareous. Livestock, fuel wood and medicinal plants collection are generally practiced in the research area.

Floristic diversity and its ecological characteristics depend upon prevailing environment, topography and existing ecosystem types. The various characters of flora such as life form, leaf size, phenology and other morphological features reflect the existing ecological and habitat conditions. A rich floristic diversity means favorable growing conditions. Listing of species is required for ecological plant resource management. Many studies for listing floristic diversity and its ecological behavior have been done at home and overseas, for suitable documentation and maintainable consumption of plants (Rafay et al., 2013). The information about vegetation of any area is important for the learning of biodiversity (Badshah et al., 2010). Biological spectrum suggested by Raunkiaer (1934) is the proportion delivery of diverse life-forms for particular vegetation. It can be used as a key for comparing actually detached plant groups, controls layering and stratification design of a community, nature of phytoclimate and its ambient pressure issues (Gazal and Raina, 2015). The lifeform arrangement is a significant physiognomic characteristic that expresses the coordination among plant and its surroundings (Shimwell, 1971). Leaf size spectrum delivers an awareness of the floristic version and is beneficial for exploring plant relations in relative to the dominant climatic features and thus can help in studying flora at local level (Rashid et al., 2011). Bibi et al. (2016) studied the structure and floristic composition of 30 species of road sides and central green belt of Motorway (M-1) from Peshawar to Charsadda Interchange. Shaheen et al. (2015) studied 205 plants species which belonged to 78 families with Asteraceae and Lamiaceae as dominant families. Hussain et al. (2015) identified 571 species belonging to 82 families while reporting the floristic diversity of Mastuj valley; district Chitral, Hindukush Range, Pakistan. Ullah et al. (2015) prepared a checklist of 107 plant species belonged to 90 genera and 49 families of Sheikh Buddin National Park, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. Durrani et al. (2010) studied 123 plant species of 36 families from protected sites and 28 species from unprotected sites from Aghberg rangeland, Balochistan. Saima et al. (2009) studied 167 plant species of 65 families from Ayubia National Park, District Abbottabad. Badshah et al. (2013) studied the floristic diversity and ecological features of vegetation of District Tank. Sher et al. (2014) worked on the diversity and ecological structures of vegetation of Gadoon, District Swabi. Khan et al. (2017) identified 264 plants species belonging to 90 families and 202 from Swat Ranizai of District Malakand, Pakistan. Ali et al. (2017) identified104 plant species belonged to 46 families and 95 genera in Sherpao, Charsadda, Pakistan. Haq et al. (2018) documented 183 plant species from Keran valley of northwestern Himalya in which 37% therophytes were dominant life form. Khan et al. (2018) identified 80 plant species belonged to 45 familiesin Thandiani forest Abbotabbad, Pakistan. Samad et al. (2018) identified 80 plant species belonged to 45 families in Lala Kalay, Peshawar, Pakistan in which Asteraceae and Solanaceae were the leading families with 6 species each. Ahmed et al. (2019) studied 352 plant species belong to 150 genera and 82 families in which 31.25% were hemicryptophytes dominant life form spectra in the area of Kotli Sattian Kahtta national park Murree, Pakistan. Amber et al. (2019) studied 133 plant species of 52 families from Mahnsehra, Pakistan. Anwar et al. (2019) studied 195 plant species belong to 63 families from Liakot forest in kalam region of district Swat. therophyte (86 spp.) was dominant life form and nanophyll (73 spp.) was dominant life size class followed by microphyll (66 spp.) and mesophyll (44 spp.).Iqbal et al. (2019) identified the floristic composition of 36 grass species belonging to 23 genera of west region of D.G.Khan, Pakistan which help in ecological and biological spectra of research area.

Mir Ali subdivision is botanically less explored. Some references are available on weed flora of rain fed maize fields ofMir Ali (Wazir et al., 2014), flora and vegetation of gymnosperms of Razmak (Daud et al., 2013) and medicinal plants in North Waziristan (Qaiser et al., 2013). No other reference on the plants of Mir Ali is available. The present effort recorded the diversity and ecological features of plants of Mir Ali subdivision that will help in future researchers.

Source : Ecological evaluation and phytodiversity of vascular plants in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, Pakistan

#Floristic diversity #Biological spectra #Phenology #Vascular plants #Mir Ali #North Waziristan