Evaluation of Tree Species Composition and Density in Bisaula Forest Reserve Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated tree species composition and density in Bisaula Forest Reserve in Taraba State, Nigeria. In recent decades, there has been increased in population from the communities living adjacent Bisaula Forest Reserve who rely so much on the forest resources for their livelihoods. As a result, the forest has been under pressure for decades and before any forest management plan can be suggested, it is proper to investigate the status. Twenty-hectare plots were laid across the forest, each hectare plot was re-demarcated into four plots with equal sizes of 50m x 50m out of which one was selected by simple random sampling technique. A total of twenty sample plots covering land area of 50,000m² (5ha) was used for the study. The results revealed that a total of 48 different tree species belonging to 16 families were present. The average number of trees per hectare, basal area of trees per hectare and volume of trees per hectare were 99 trees, 0.9524m² and 19.354m³ respectively. Findings from the factors investigated in measuring the status of the forest revealed that the forest is under stocked. The forest therefore needs to be reforested by planting of fast-growing tree species, and cutting of trees in the forest should be regulated.