DefinePK

Abstract

ABSTRACT Five 20m x 20m sample plots were laid in alternate positions at randomly selected points along each of the three 200m transects earlier laid for a previous study in Ukpom Community Forest, Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Plant species producing economically valuable non-timber forest products were enumerated in all the sample plots. Species diversity and dominance concentration indices of the different life-forms were determined using Shannon-Wiener diversity and Simpson's dominance concentration functions, respectively. Forty six plant species comprising 16 tree species, 17 shrub species, 8 herb species and 5 climber species were encountered. Apart from Baphia nitida, Pentaclethra macrophylla and Brachystegia eurycoma with populations of 6, 4 and 3/ha respectively, all other tree species had one frequency each/ha. In the shrub category, Lasianthera africana had the highest population of 255/ha and Alchornea cordifolia, the least of one/ha. Palisota hirsute had the highest population of 136/ha in the herb life-form, and Urena lobata the least of one/ha. Among the climbers, Ancistrophyllum secundiflorum had the highest population of 51/ha, and Plukenetia conophora, the least of one/ha. Diversity indices of 4.73, 4.98, 2.31 and 14.3, and dominance concentration indices of 0.000063, 0.150, 0.018 and 0.004 were respectively obtained for trees, shrubs, herbs and climbers. Thus, the forest has been severely degraded. Enrichment planting, using native rainforest tree species of multiple value could help restore and sustain its natural ecological integrity. Key Words: Akwa Ibom, Density, Diversity, Nigeria, Non-Timber Products, Plants, Rainforest, Regeneration, Sustainable Management, Ukpom Community.