An Assessment Of Plant-Diversity Status In Ezinihitte Local Government Area Of Imo State

ABSTRACT

Studies on the assessment of plant-diversity status in Ezinihitte Local government area of Imo state was carries out in 2016 academic year A well structured questionnaire as a primary source of data collection while reconnaissance survey and visitation was carried as the secondary source Descriptive analysis of percentages was employed in analyzing the data collected. The study also employed the use of multi-stage sampling system which involved the division of the area of study into three zones namely, Ezinihitte East, Ezinihitte central and Ezinihitte west. The number and diameter size of trees were measured. The study reveals an alarming rate of biodiversity depletion due to uncontrolled deforestation, high rate of infrastructural development, increase in population etc. 63.33% of the respondent said that lands are owned by inheritance, 15% by purchase while 21.6% said that lands are owned by families/communities. Forest in the communities are owned by individuals (58.31%) families (28.33%) and communities (13.34%). 80% of the respondent said that forest in the area is declining, 5% and 15% said that there is no change and that it is increasing respectively. The decrease is as a result of increase in population (20Y) illegal deforestation (15%) industrial development (0.5%) and conversion of forest to farm lands (60%). Elaesis guinesis, Theobroma cocao, and Antiartis Africana with the (65.5, 63.5 and 50.2 no ha 1) respectively are the most abundance in the study area while Ma/Jo oppositifolis, Diospyres cooferi and Chythranthus macrobotrys with 0.5.1, 06.2 and 13.6 no ha 1) respectively have the least abundance.