EVALUATING A POPULATION DYNAMICS OF TERMINALIA IVORENSIS A.CHEV. - A THREATENED TREE SPECIES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Ivory Coast Almond (Terminalia ivorensis A.Chev.) is a threatened tree species in Nigeria that is being widely harvested by local people for several uses. This study examined a wild population of this species in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, Nigeria to determine the status of this population. Data were generated from basal stem diameter and stem height of individuals of this species in the population sampled. Population distribution curves were constructed. There was a bell shape curve of the population distribution which depicts population with poor regeneration capacity, non-viable population and a population strongly affected by ecological disturbances. This study revealed there is a potential increase in local extinction risk of Terminalia ivorensis if populations of this species remain unviable. It is recommended that regeneration of this species be encouraged within areas suitable for its growth and development and reforestations using this species should also be encouraged