ADVANCED JOURNAL OF PLANT BIOLOGY
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2992-4928
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/AJPB
Start Year: 2019
Email: ajpb@integrityresjournals.org
Anthropogenic activities on the composition and diversity of woody vegetation of Garko, Gombe State, Nigeria
https://doi.org/10.31248/AJPB2025.043 | Article Number: 9D777FE72 | Vol.6 (4) - December 2025
Received Date: 18 May 2025 | Accepted Date: 19 December 2025 | Published Date: 30 December 2025
Authors: Abba, Halima Mohammed , Obeth, Maipandi Mibram and Sa’id, Abba Idris*
Keywords: diversity, Sudan savanna, Anthropogenic activities, Garko, Importance Value Index, woody vegetation.
This study assessed the impact of anthropogenic activities on the composition and diversity of woody vegetation in Garko, Gombe State, Nigeria. Vegetation sampling was conducted using the Point-Centred Quarter (PCQ) method. In addition to floristic data, anthropogenic influences were evaluated through participatory rural appraisal (PRA) techniques, including direct observation, focus group discussions (10 participants each) were held with community leaders, farmers and women’s groups to validate findings, and interviews using semi-structured questionnaire surveys. A total of 33 woody species were recorded, comprising 20 tree species and 13 shrub species, belonging to 9 families and 24 genera. The family Fabaceae was the most represented (14 species), reflecting its ecological dominance in the Sudan Savanna. Importance Value Index (IVI) analysis for trees showed Isoberlinia doka (44.53%) as the most ecologically significant species, while shrubs showed Feretia apodonthera and Cassia tora (25.48%) had the highest values. Diversity indices indicated higher diversity among trees (Shannon H’ = 3.95; Simpson’s 1–D = 0.60) compared to shrubs (H’ = 2.70; 1–D = 0.50). Questionnaire and FGD results revealed that Agricultural expansion, overgrazing, and fuelwood collection were highlighted as the main anthropogenic activities in the Garko Forest Reserve. Respondents emphasised declining tree cover, loss of medicinal plants and reduced availability of fodder as consequences. The study concluded that anthropogenic pressures significantly threaten woody plant diversity in Garko. Strengthening conservation strategies such as community-based forest management, controlled grazing, enforcement of logging restrictions and promotion of alternative livelihoods is strongly recommended.
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