Floral diversity and carbon stocks and of protected forest ecosystem: A case of UENR’s Bat Sanctuary, Sunyani, Ghana

Abstract

The study assessed the functional status of the University of Energy and Natural Resources’ (UENR) bat sanctuary by examining its floral species diversity and carbon stocks. Twenty-nine sampling points (plots) were randomly generated by using the ArcGIS random sampling algorithm. Using a three-nest sampling plot of 100 m2, 25 m2, and 1 m2 quadrat, the enumeration of trees (DBH > 10 cm), saplings (>2 cm DBH < 10 cm) and seedlings (girth < 2 cm) was undertaken, respectively. Additionally, the diversity of each floral species was computed using the Shannon Wiener diversity index whilst the carbon stocks were estimated using allometric equations. The total carbon stock per plot was derived from the summation of the aboveground carbon (AGC), belowground carbon (BGC) and deadwood carbon (DWC). In sum, 485 floral individuals belonging to 58 species and 25 families were enumerated with Bignoniaceae (16.4%), Apocynaceae (10.0%), Caesalpiniaceae (9.2%) and Rubiaceae (8.8%) being the most common families within the protected area (PA) based on their Importance Values (IV). The average carbon sequestered per hectare of the PA was 2789.3 tons. However, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the 10 m buffer created and the core area with respect to floral species diversity and carbon stocks. The study had provided valuable information on the functional status of the bat sanctuary, which will help promote its conservation for sustained provision of ecosystem services.