Evaluation of range flora and fauna composition of a community forest in north-central Nigeria

Abstract

Forest structure assessment is vital in ensuring environmental function such as habitat provision for biodiversity and soil conservation. This study was carried out to assess the flora and fauna composition of a community forest. The systematic line plot technique was used for the establishment of sampling plots for floristic survey of woody trees species and shrubs. Direct observation and in-depth interview was adopted to acquire information on fauna species in the forest. The abundance and diversity of flora and fauna species in the forest was analyzed. The results reviewed a total 18 species in 13 families were recorded for woody plants, 12 species in 9 families were recorded for shrubs, 7 species in 6 families were recorded for climber and 16 species in 8 families were recorded for herbaceous plants. Pseudocedrela kotschyi, Chromolaena odorata, Opilia celtidifolia and Desmodium adscendens were the most abundance species for both trees, shrubs, climbers and herbaceous species respectively. Forty one species of fauna species within the class mammalian, aves, and reptile were indicated. Bird species form the major component of the animal species in the forest. It is suggested that forest reserve be protected from resource exploitation through monitoring and conservation education.