Abstract

The dynamics of composition and stand structure of selected forest reserves in REDD⁺ pilot sites in Cross River state was assessed. Four forests used for this study were: Afi Mbe, Ekuri and Mangrove respectively. Alternate line transect method were used in laying and selecting 50 m X 50 m for detailed enumeration in both Afi Mbe and Ekuri but haphazardly for Mangrove due to terrain. Twelve sample plots of 50 m X 50 m were used to assess all plants ≥ 10cm at diameter at breast height (DBH) (1.3m) in each plot for density, height, dbh and frequency. A total of 720 trees (238.33 trees/ha) from 75 species and 27 families were encountered. Dominant families include Fabaceae and Malvaceae. Rhizophora racemosa had the highest density with (202 trees/ha) with Importance Value Index (IVI) of 67.13% while Pterocarpus santalinoides, Lecaniodiscus cupanioides, Afzelia bipindensis, Celecaryon botryoides and Lannea fruticosa had the least IVI of 0.3, 0.3, 0.31, 0.32, and 0.32 respectively. Species such as Rhizophora racemosa, Treculia obovoidea, Staudtia stipitata, Diospyros spp, Allanblackia floribunda and Pycnanthus angolensis were identified as a universal species. Simpson’s diversity indices ranged from 0 – 0.641 for all plots. The Evenness_e^H/S index ranged from 0.475 to 0.622, while the Density ranged from 0.3 to 67/ha. Conclusively, REDD⁺ pilot sites are not only important in terms of plant biodiversity but also, they are considered as important destination point for rich timber resources. In this forest, economically and ecologically very important tree species such as Rhizophora racemosa, Diospyros spp, Treculia obovoidea, Afzelia africana, Staudtia stipitata, Pycnanthus angolensis, Lophira alata, Strombosia pustulata etc are found. Hence, it is very crucial to protect these important forests from biodiversity, sustainable management and environmental perspectives.

Keywords:REDD⁺, Species, Density, Importance Value Index, Dominant