Effects of Land-Use Change on Under Storey Species Composition and Distribution in a Tropical Rainforest

• Published in: Notulae scientia biologicae 2012-02, Vol.4 (1), p.150-156
• Main Authors: ODIWE, Anthony Ifechukwude, OLOWOYO, Joshua Oluwole, AJIBOYE, Olufemi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2067-3205; 2067-3264
• DOI: 10.15835/nsb416374

The forest land's conversion into tree crops plantations plays a major role in the loss of biodiversity. Therefore, understanding the impacts of land-use change on species diversity is very critical for ecosystem functioning and stability. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of land-use changes on under storey species diversity in the Theobroma cacao and Citrus sinensis plantations. Two, 25 m × 25 m plots were sampled in each plantation and a nearby undisturbed secondary rainforest for comparison. The diameters (dbh-1.3 m) of all trees at breast height >10 cm were measured in each plot. Five line transect were systematically laid and a quadrat of 50 cm × 50 cm placed at every 1 m point to identify the under storey species (herbaceous, shrubs, tree saplings and climbers) present in each plot. Percentage canopy, species diversity using Shannon-Wiener, Simpson's index and Evenness were determined, while species similarity was determined using the Jaccard's similarity index. Results indicate that woody basal area and stem density in Theobroma cacao were significantly (P