DIVERSITY AND ABUNDANCE OF TREE SPECIES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, OGBOMOSO-NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT, SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA

Abstract

Assessing tree species diversity at Ogbomoso-North Secondary Schools, Nigeria provides essential data for effective environmental management in both rural and urban areas. The study sites were selected through a two-stage selection process. The information obtained was on tree species and abundance which was done by point count usage. Descriptive statistics, Shannon-Weiner diversity Index, Simpson’s Diversity Index and Analysis of variance were used to evaluate the information gotten. A total number of 38 tree species in 22 families were documented in the assessment. The Fabaceae (15.8 %) Apocynaceae (10.5 %), Arecaceae (10.5 %) and Euphorbiaceae (7.9 %) were the most abundant families observed. The tree species diversity was unevenly dispersed, though, the ANOVA result indicated that the tree species profusion was typically spread and uniformed significantly (p > 0.05) among the study sites. The study established that the schools in the study area have a diverse composition of trees and are key supporters of a solid environmental framework. It was suggested that partners ought to develop the establishment and authorization of regulations that will protect the trees, as well as afforestation, which should be done in short-term periods to replace the felled trees in the school compounds in South-West Nigeria.