A survey of the economically valued forest plant species at the proposed site for airport in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the economically valued forest plant species at the proposed site for airport in Asaba, Delta State Nigeria in 2006. 25 20 m * 20 m quadrants were laid randomly along five 1 km line transect and accordingly assessed. Thirty tree species producing various economically valued products were assessed and trees 30 cm long and above were counted as present. Tree species 10 out of the 33 were observed to be rare while 23 were abundant. Fifteen species of shrubs were assessed out of which, 8 were identified as abundant and rare (3). Products collected from theses plants have varying use categories as leafy vegetables, edible and medicinal fruits, leaves, seeds barks, fodder, poles, timber, stakes and chew sticks. The study established that over exploitation, exploration and conversion of forest ecosystems result in the area has brought about decimation of biodiversity as well as extinction of many valuable plant and animal species. It is strongly recommended that domestication of indigenous tree and shrub species should be encouraged and supported. Conservation efforts through the establishment of nature reserves, botanical gardens, sacred grooves, sanctuaries, rare breed centers, game banks and on-site gene banks should be supported to enhance sustainability.