Abundance, Diversity And Conservation Status Of Indigenous Fruit Tree Species In Umuahia North Local Government Area Of Abia State

ABSTRACT

The abundance, diversity and conservation status of indigenous fruit tree species were studied in Umuahia South LGA of Abia state. Stratified random sampling was used to distribute 90 questionnaires to obtain information on the status of indigenous fruit tree diversity and conservation. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was used to study the abundance and diversity of indigenous fruit tree. Results showed 223 individual tree species comprising of 14 species and belonging to 11 families. Menhinick's species abundance index was 0.937whi1e Simpson's Index was 0.030. IFTS in the study area include Dacryodes edulis, Irvingia gabonensis, Cola pachycarpa, Cola nitida, Treculia africana. Using DAFOR scale 64.29%, 28.57% and 7.14% were Rare, Occasional and frequent respectively which was in line with IUCN and thus there arises a need for better conservation practices.