Forestry and Wildlife

Aims: The application of pre-sowing treatment has greatly improved the germination of seeds of tree species used in afforestation programmes all over the world. This study aimed to determine the effect of different pre-sowing treatments on the germination of Prosopis africana seeds. Study Design: The experiment was laid in a completely randomized design. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out from 11th November to 30th December 2019atthe Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. Methodology: Ten seeds each were soaked in ten treatments: tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid (H2SO4) for 10, 20 and 30 minutes; hot water for 6, 12 and 24 hours; and cold water for 3, 5 and 7 days. Ten seeds from each of the treatments were sown in a germination box containing sterilized river bank sand and each replicated five (5) times. Percentage germinations for each treatment were arcsine transformed, subjected to anal...

The tropical forests in developing countries are faced with the problem of illegal exploitation of trees. However, dearth of empirical means of expressing the dimensions, structure, quality and quantity of a removed tree has imped conviction of offenders. This study aimed at developing a model that can effectively estimate individual tree basal area (BA) from stump diameter (Ds) for Tectona grandis stands in Omo Forest Reserve, Nigeria, for timber valuation in case of illegal felling. Thirty-six 25 m×25 m temporary sample plots (TSPs) were laid randomly in six age strata; 26, 23, 22, 16, 14, and 12 years specifically. BA, Ds and diameter at breast height were measured in all living T. grandis trees within the 36 TSPs. Least square method was used to convert the counted stumps into harvested stem cross-sectional areas. Six basal area models were fitted and evaluated. The BA-Ds relationship was best described by power model which gave least values of Root mean square error (0.0048), prediction error sum of squares (0.0325) and Akaike information criterion (-15391) with a high adjusted coefficient of determination (0.921). This study revealed that basal area estimation was realistic even when the only information available was stump diameter. The power model was validated using independent data obtained from additional plots and was found to be appropriate for estimating the basal area of Tectona grandis stands in Omo Forest Reserve, Nigeria.

Tree diameter is a very important variable in forestry; its accurate description is vital to planning if the forest is to be managed in a sustainable manner. Probability density functions are widely used for characterizing tree diameter. However, there is limited information on the diameter distribution for most of plantation in the country especially in the study area. Therefore, this research assesses the performance and suitability of beta, 3parameter gamma, 3-parameter lognormal and 3-parameter Weibull distribution functions for fitting diameter at breast height (Dbh) of the second rotation of Tectona grandis Linn.F plantation in Eda Forest Reserve, Nigeria. Sixteen (16) temporary sample plots, (each 20 m x 20 m) were randomly selected across four second rotation age series (7, 8, 10 and 11years), whose originalages were 24, 31, 32 and 37 respectively. The distribution functions were fitted using maximum likelihood estimators. The performance of each function was tested using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) statistic, Anderson Darling test, Chi-square, mean absolute error (MAE) and mean square error (MSE). The test results revealedthat 3-Parameter Weibull distribution was the most suitable for characterising Dbh. Weibull distribution had the least Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistic (0.0453), Anderson Darling test (1.231), Chi-square (24.9700), mean absolute error (0.0964) and mean square error (2.1688). Therefore, 3parameter Weibull distribution is the best and recommended for fitting Dbh of second rotation T. grandis species in the study area for sustainable teak timber management.

The crown of tree is the centre of physiological activity which gives an indication of the potential photosynthetic capacity on a tree. Though, its measurement remains a challenge in forest inventory task. The ability to predict crown diameter from stump diameter provides an effective technique of obtaining its estimate. This helps in detecting the excessive tree felling than actual requirements and wildlife suitability.The main objective of this study was to develop and test crown diameter prediction models for silvicultural management of naturally grown Parkia biglobosa within the University of Agriculture, Makurdi. Nine 100 m x 100 m temporary sample plots were established using simple random sampling method. Crown diameter and stump diameter were measured in all living P. biglobosa trees with stump diameter ≥10.0 cm. Least square method was used to convert the counted stumps into harvested crown dimension. Three linear and three non-linear models using stump diameter as the exploratory variable were developed and evaluated using the adjusted coefficient of determination (Adj.R 2 ), standard error of estimate (SEE), prediction error sum of squares (PRESS) and Akaike information criterion (AIC). The crown-stump diameter relationship was best described by the double logarithmic function with . 2 = 65.1%, = 0.1729, = 262.9998 = 717.56.The result showed that Crown diameter estimation was feasible even when the only information available is stump diameter.The resulting equation was tested for validation with independent data obtained from additional plots and was found to be desirable for estimating the crown diameter for Parkia biglobosa in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.

The type of soil, fauna and flora species that are found in an environment is affected by the elevation characteristics of the land. However, the ability to provide techniques and model that will effectively explain the elevation patterns of protected areas will aid sustainable management of the forest and its resources. This study developed Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for Okomu National Park, Nigeria. Point coordinates (2,272) with their respective elevations were randomly obtained covering the entire study area. Interpolated natural neighbour algorithm of the Quantum Geographic Information System was used to generate Digital Elevation Model for the National Park from the elevation data. Topographic map was extracted from the DEM at an interval of 10 m from one another. It was observed that the elevation in the study area ranged from 19 m to 105 m with an average of 56.32 m above sea level. Hence, the parkland is regarded as a gentle slope. This study revealed that the study area is not prone to flood or runoff due to its gentle slope nature. Therefore, this study is recommended as baseline information for ecological management as well as guide in the development of conservation strategies for flora and fauna species in the study area.

Crown area which is crown size, is closely related to the photosynthetic capacity of tree and it is an important parameter to characterize biomass, leaf area and wildlife habitats. Conversely, assessment of crown dimensions still remain one of the most difficult and tedious task in forestry. The difficult measurements and the sensitivity of crown dimension on management makes it desirable to develop estimation procedures based on variables that are easier to measure than crown extension itself. The main objective of this study was to develop and observe the effects of tree slenderness coefficient in predicting crown area for Tectona grandis in Omo Forest Reserve. Twenty temporary sample plots of size 20 m x 20 m were randomly selected across the stand ages (9, 11, 12 and 18 years). Tree growth variables measured from each plot include diameter at breast height (Dbh) ≥ 5 cm, total height (THt) and crown diameter (CD). The data was analysed using descriptive, correlation and regression analyses. Amidst the models developed and verified, double logarithmic function with adj. R 2 = 62.0%, RMSE = 0.265% and PRESS = 0.263 gave the best fit and predictive ability. This was also supported by the undeviating bands of the graphical analyses of the residual. Conversely, the inclusion of TSC had impact on the predictive abilities of the models which implies that slenderness coefficient typically indicates the size of crown dimension, centre of gravity and a better developed root system. Therefore, it is recommended that the model can be used by forest managers for the development of stocking guideline.

Trees are seen as obstacles of development in the developing countries. Despite global recognition of the role of forests in mitigation of climate change, deforestation and forest degradation continues to increase. However, there is dearth of information on the impact of situating University of Ibadan International Conference Centre (UIICC) on the University's Tectona grandis plantation. Hence, provision of baseline information on the impact of the Conference Centre on the environment will help management decisions on mitigation of its negative effects. Environmental impact assessment of UIICC on the adjoining forest was conducted. The data used for this study was obtained from all living T. grandis (332 trees) found within seven randomly laid sample plots of 25 m × 25 m. Diameters at several points of tree stems and height (total and merchantable) were measured. Hence, biomass of each sampled tree was estimated. Point coordinates were also obtained to map out the boundaries of the various land cover within the study area. The impact assessment results revealed that about 7066 trees with merchantable volume of 601.55 m 3 and total volume of 1266.58 m 3 were removed for building of UIICC covering about 9.309 ha. About 274.99 t C and 1009.28 t CO 2 e carbon and carbon dioxide, respectively were loss. Furthermore, loss of biodiversity and habitat for animals (birds, reptiles and rodents) and disruptions of biogeochemical cycles were among the identified negative impacts. Planting of avenue trees within the conference centre, proper waste disposal and use of renewable energy were recommended as mitigation measures.

The validity and appropriateness of any distribution function in fitting a data set depends on its parameter estimators. Maximum likelihood and percentile estimators were used in fitting threeparameter (3P) Weibull distribution to crown area of economic tree species found in a natural forest within the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria. Diameter at breast height (Dbh) and crown diameter were measured from all living Parkia biglobosa and Prosopis africana trees with Dbh =10.0 cm found within forty (40) temporary sample plots of 50 m x 50 m size; established using systematic random sampling method. The two estimators were evaluated based on mean values of Bias, mean absolute error (MAE), mean square error (MSE), and Kolmogorov Smirnov (K-S) test. The study revealed that maximum likelihood estimator was more stable in its parameter estimation with least MAE (0.5044), MSE (3.2745) and K-S (0.0551). Hence, it was recommended for fitting Weibull (3P) distribution to crown area of Parkia biglobosa and Prosopis africana in the study area for sustainable management. parameters (3P) and fitting the Weibull distribution to the crown area of P. biglobosa and P. africana in the study area.

Illegal exploitation of timber species in developing countries have increased over the years. Though, there is dearth of empirical models for describing the dimension, structure, quality and estimating quantity of a removed tree needed for assessment of damage due to catastrophic events, creating historical records of previous management activities and for conviction of illegal loggers. The objective of this study was to develop and test non-linear models that can effectively estimate individual tree merchantable height (Ht) from stump diameter (Ds) for Tectona grandis stands in Omo Forest Reserve, Nigeria, for timber valuation in case of illegal felling. Thirty-six temporary sample plots (TSPs) of size 25 m x 25 m were laid randomly in six age strata of T. grandis; 26, 23, 22, 16, 14, and 12 years specifically. Diameter at breast height, Ht and Ds were measured for all living T. grandis trees within the 36 TSPs. Least square method was used to convert the counted stumps into harvested stem height. Four Ht-Ds models were fitted and evaluated. The Ht-Ds relationship was best described by square model which gave least values of root mean square error (0.083) and Akaike information criterion (-7578). This study revealed that height estimation was realistic even when the only information available was stump diameter. The square model was validated using independent data not used in the model calibration and was found to be appropriate for estimating the height of T. grandis stands in Omo Forest Reserve, Nigeria.

The importance of forest to provision of food, medicine and shelter to man and maintaining a healthy environment cannot be overemphasized. Hence, handy information on the universities that offers forestry education is necessary. The study used geographic information system to spatially distribute Universities in Nigeria that offers Forestry Education. The list of all the universities registered as awarding Forestry Degree in Nigeria were obtained online from National University Commission (NUC) register and Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) brochure. The corresponding coordinates of the universities were obtained using hand-held Global Positioning System and from satellite imagery. Quantum Geographic Information System was used to develop the universities spatial distribution. Only 31 out of the 34 universities identified as awarding forestry degree were on NUC list. However, 61.8% of these universities were owned by the Federal Government, 32.4% State Government and only 5.9% were privately owned. Out of the universities recognized by NUC, South-west geopolitical zone had the highest number (8), followed by South-South (7), North-west (5), North-Central (4), North-East (4) and South-East (3) with least. Nonuniformity was observed in the nomenclatures of forestry departments. Government and stakeholders should invest in forestry for increased manpower.

Wind remains a strong abiotic agent associated with damages of forest trees. The vulnerability of a tree to windthrow is highly influenced by the ratio of tree total height to its stem diameter (RHD). However, RHD has been identified as an index and measure of tree and stand stability. This study assessed the stability and composition of open grown tree species in the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Diameter at breast height (Dbh) and total height (THt) of one hundred and thirty-nine (139) trees species with Dbh ≥5.0 cm found within three departments of the University were measured. A total of 36 species from 17 families were identified with Myrtaceae and Combretaceae families having highest (28.8% and 21.6%, respectively) numbers of tree. RHD was found to have negative correlation with all the tree growth variables investigated except THt. However, this study reveals that about 79 % of the trees found in the study area had RHD <80, indicating stable and low risk or susceptibility to windthrow, wind-induced bending and breakage. Hence, trees with RHD >80 (21%) were recommended for felling as they pose threat to human life and properties in the study area.

Understanding the distribution pattern of tree crown is a vital instrument of wildlife manager for policies and decision making. Three and two-parameters Weibull distribution functions using maximum likelihood estimator were adopted as a tool for distributing crown diameter of tree species found within Shasha Forest Reserve, Nigeria. Diameter at breast height (Dbh), total height (m) and crown diameter (m) were measured from all living trees species with Dbh 5.0 cm found within fifteen permanent sample plots of 30 m x 30 m size. The result of the goodness of fit revealed that three-parameter Weibull model was more appropriate for distributing tree crown diameter with least values of Anderson Darling test (2.5963), . Therefore, Weibull distribution is recommended for describing crown diameter of tree species in the study area for sustainable wildlife management.

The tropical forests in developing countries are faced with the problem of illegal exploitation of trees. However, dearth of empirical means of expressing the dimensions, structure, quality and quantity of a removed tree has imped conviction of offenders. This study aimed at developing a model that can effectively estimate individual tree basal area (BA) from stump diameter (Ds) for Tectona grandis stands in Omo Forest Reserve, Nigeria, for timber valuation in case of illegal felling. Thirty-six 25 m×25 m temporary sample plots (TSPs) were laid randomly in six age strata; 26, 23, 22, 16, 14, and 12 years specifically. BA, Ds and diameter at breast height were measured in all living T. grandis trees within the 36 TSPs. Least square method was used to convert the counted stumps into harvested stem cross-sectional areas. Six basal area models were fitted and evaluated. The BA-Ds relationship was best described by power model which gave least values of Root mean square error (0.0048), prediction error sum of squares (0.0325) and Akaike information criterion (-15391) with a high adjusted coefficient of determination (0.921). This study revealed that basal area estimation was realistic even when the only information available was stump diameter. The power model was validated using independent data obtained from additional plots and was found to be appropriate for estimating the basal area of Tectona grandis stands in Omo Forest Reserve, Nigeria.

Tree diameter is a very important variable in forestry; its accurate description is vital to planning if the forest is to be managed in a sustainable manner. Probability density functions are widely used for characterizing tree diameter. However, there is limited information on the diameter distribution for most of plantation in the country especially in the study area. Therefore, this research assesses the performance and suitability of beta, 3-parameter gamma, 3-parameter lognormal and 3-parameter Weibull distribution functions for fitting diameter at breast height (Dbh) of the second rotation of Tectona grandis Linn.F plantation in Eda Forest Reserve, Nigeria. Sixteen (16) temporary sample plots, (each 20 m x 20 m) were randomly selected across four second rotation age series (7, 8, 10 and 11years), whose originalages were 24, 31, 32 and 37 respectively. The distribution functions were fitted using maximum likelihood estimators. The performance of each function was tested using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) statistic, Anderson Darling test, Chi-square, mean absolute error (MAE) and mean square error (MSE). The test results revealedthat 3-Parameter Weibull distribution was the most suitable for characterising Dbh. Weibull distribution had the least Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistic (0.0453), Anderson Darling test (1.231), Chi-square (24.9700), mean absolute error (0.0964) and mean square error (2.1688). Therefore, 3-parameter Weibull distribution is the best and recommended for fitting Dbh of second rotation T. grandis species in the study area for sustainable teak timber management.

Information on tree crown is prerequisite for sustainable utilization of forest tree resources, as it is the site for physiological activities that lead to tree growth and development. Crown ratio (CR) is an index of tree stability; it indicates tree vigour and is a useful parameter for assessing forest condition. This study aimed at assessing crown ratio for improved silvicultural management of naturally grown Prosopis africana species within the University of Agriculture Makurdi, Nigeria. Nine temporary sample plots (TSPs) of size 100 m x 100 m were established using simple random sampling method. Diameter at breast height (Dbh), total height (Ht) and crown diameter (Cd) and height to live crown base (HCB) were measured for all living P. africana trees with Dbh > 10 cm within the 9 TSPs. Data collected were subjected to descriptive and bivariate correlation analysis. The trees were further classified based on their Crown ratio as high vigour (CR>0.50), moderate vigour (CR= 0.30-0.50) and low vigour (CR<0.30). The result revealed that CR had strong negative correlation with Ht and HCB. Tree diameter attributes showed low positive correlation with CR. However, about 69% of the trees are within moderate CR class and only 3% areof the low CRclass. This implies that majority of the P. africana species in the study area are of moderate and high vigour. Hence, appropriate silvicultural Treatment such as thinning is recommended for trees with CR <0.3 to ensure moderate, better stand stability and sustainability of the species benefits.