Woody Species Composition of Doma Forest Reserve in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Woody floristic data plays an important role in forest management and forest biodiversity conservation. This study attempted to determine the woody flora of Doma forest reserve in Nasarawa State of Nigeria. We used a systematic sampling approach to inventory forest reserve. We used quadrat method for the floristic data collection. The size of each plot was 30 m x 30 m. In total 10 plots were installed for forest inventory. Within each plot, woody species were directly counted. The fruits, leaves and inflorescence of the unknown woody species were collected for their determination. We recorded 36 woody species belonging to 16 families and 36 genera. The family Fabaceae is presented the highest number of species (7) followed by Mimosaceae (4). Anacardiaceae, Caesalpiniaceae and Rubiaceae were represented by 3 species respectively.  Arecaceae, Lamiaceae and Myrtaceae were represented by species each family. The rest of seven botanical families were monospecific. The exotic species like Tectona grandis, Gmelina arborea, Mangifera indica and Eucalyptus camaldulensis were found within forest reserve. This is an indication of anthropogenic activities within the forest reserve. The study revealed that Doma forest reserve is diverse and requires forest management practices by the local community in the conservation and sustainable use of woody plants in the area. The study revealed also that the Doma forest reserve is under threat due to inappropriate land use practices and requires appropriate forest management practices by the local community for the conservation and sustainable use of woody plants in the area. We recommend further study that examines at the impact of human activities on Doma forest reserve dynamics in order to curb these human activities.