ABSTRACT

 The study a survey of plant and animal species in association with stands of some tree species at Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique was used to identify stands of Khaya ivorensis, Irvingia gabonensis, Pentaclethra macrophyla and Piptadeniastrum africanum at Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State. A 15m offset was measured from the edge ofthe stands inwards and the plants species found at 5m, 10m and 15m away from the tree were identified, named and numbered. Also animal species at the stands were observed and recorded. Also, the trees were measured for diameter at breast height by winding the diameter tape round each tree at 1.3m above ground level. Data collected was presented on tables and analyzed using frequency scores The floristic inventory identifies a total of 10 plants under Khaya ivorensis. These includes Dissotis rotundifelia, Gomphrena celosioides., Cynthula prostrata, Chromolaena odorata, Abrus procatoruis, Acanthospermum hispiduim, Emilia praetermissa, Digitaria lengniflora, Alchornea cordifolia and Dischatheluim xanthophyllum. With respect to Irvingia gabonensis , the floristic inventory identifies a total of 10 plants. These includes Irvingia gabonensis, Gnetum africanum, Newbouldia laevis, Asystasia gangetica, Abrus precatorius, Cissus rotundifolia, Cissus quadrangularis, Voacanga africana, Aneilema beniniense and Microdesmis puberla. Also, a dbh value of 0.92m was obtained for Irvingia gabonensis tree. Also, a total of 10 plants were identified under Pentaclethra macrophylla and these include Pentaclethra macrophylla, Nnchomanes difformis, Palisota hirsuta, Ochna spp, Baphia nitida, Cercestis mirabilis, Napoleona imperialis, Sphenocentrum jollyanum, Cnestis ferruginea, and Rothmannia hispida. And 9 plants were identified under Pipadeniastrum africanum, these includes Pipadeniastrum africanum, Abrus procatorius, Palisota hirsuta, Anchomanes difformis, Baphia nitida, Cercestis mirabilis, Napoleona imperialis, Sphenocentrum jollyanum, and Gnetum africanum. The dbh values of 1.29m, 0.92m, 3.25m, 2.97m for Khaya ivorensis, Irvingia gabonensis, Pentaclethra macrophylla and Piptadeniastrum africanum, respectively. Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded different trees in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, provide unique microclimates that habour different plant and animal species. It also becomes clear that each tree in the ecosystem has specific ecological role it plays and hence each tree should be value and conserved as its absence will lead to loss of animal and plant species within a given location in which its absence is recorded. Also it can be concluded from the study that the tress trees in the study area are to be conserved and not yet exploited as they had low dbh values. It is therefore recommended that tree stands in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, should be given more attention to prevent further encroachment by desperate illegal loggers to curtail biodiversity loss and protect this important ecosystem