Identification of the non-tree vegetation of opada forest reserve for conservation

Abstract

Objectives of study: to identify the non-tree vegetation of Opada Forest Reserve (OFR) and provide comprehensive vegetation data for monitoring, conservation and management of present biodiversity. OFR is about 215.76km2 in size. Its map was gridded at an interval of one degree and each grid was 3.61 km2. Using a table of random numbers, ten of the grids were randomly selected. Within each grid, straight line transects of 2km long were randomly laid using Global Positioning System, to locate transects in the right grids and prismatic compass to maintain straight transects, 25m × 25m quadrates were taken at regular intervals of 500m. Each transect accommodated four quadrats which were 40 altogether. 1m2 sub-plots were located at the four corners of the quadrates for identification and counting of species. There were 160 sub-plots for this assessment. About 48- grass species, 12- climbers, 37- herbs, 4- shrubs and 5- sedges were identified.

Keywords

• Kogi State
• Opada Forest Reserve
• non-tree vegetation
• shrub
• grass, herb