Non-Tree Woody Plant Species Composition and Structure. A Case Study of Gidabwanja Forest Reserve (GFR) in Hanang’i District, Northern Tanzania
Abstract
The determination of non-tree woody plant species composition and structure was conducted at Gidabwanja Forest Reserve vegetation types in the Hanang'i district. Plots of 20 m x 20 m were established whereby shrubs and lianas were identified for their botanical names and counted for their individuals. RA and RD were calculated. A total of 40 non-tree woody plant species were identified during this study, and of those, 29 were shrubs, while 11 were woody climbers. Most non-tree woody plants were identified in bushland (34) followed by woodland (19), and the least number was recorded in shrubland. The calculated H′ at shrub land of 0. 352 implied low shrub and woody climbers diversity. The calculated mean H′ of 1.605 in woodland implied high diversity within this vegetation type. The calculated H′ mean of 1.607 from the overall total of 4.82 entails high diversity as the high H′ ranges from 3.5 ±1.5 or beyond but not exceeding H′ of 5 within the same growth forms of plants. The plant species with the highest RA is judged to be the most abundant within the specified locality. The plant species with the highest RD occupy the largest land size in the locality. The mean H′ of ≥1.5 of Gidabwanja Forest Reserve revealed high non-tree woody plant species. The non-tree woody plant species composition and structure are sampled in the established sample plots within the specified study area. Gidabwanja Forest Reserve has potential regarding vegetation species demanding high conservation attention. Further study is required to assess the conditions of all biological species in the Gidabwanja Forest Reserve and upgrade the forest reserve to a nature reserve, conservation awareness creation, and regular patrolling along the boundaries of the forest reserve.
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