BIODIVERSITY IN KENIKENI FOREST RESERVE OF NORTHERN GHANA

Abstract

The objectives of this study were; (1) to determine the composition of woody species; (2) to estimate the diversity of woody species, and (3) to determine the structure of woody species in the reserve. Thirty nested circular plots were purposively established in various vegetation types. A total of 68 woody species were identified belonging to 25 plant families. The Shannon diversity index was computed to be 3.5 indicating high diversity. There were more trees/shrubs in lower diameter class than the others hence the reverse J- Shape bar chart. The study concluded that the high woody species diversity enables the reserve to perform its function of providing ecological protection for headwaters and serving as a reservoir for game as well as contributing to the preservation of biodiversity. It also concluded that the characteristics of vegetation in the reserve were generally similar to that of other guinea savanna areas.