Density and species diversity of trees in four tropical forests of the Albertine Rift, Western Uganda

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dc.creatorEilu, Gerald
dc.creatorHafashimana, David L. N.
dc.creatorKasenene, John M.
dc.date2013-07-05T05:51:19Z
dc.date2013-07-05T05:51:19Z
dc.date2005-05-18
dc.date.accessioned2018-09-04T12:52:24Z
dc.date.available2018-09-04T12:52:24Z
dc.descriptionWe assessed tree species density and diversity in 12 1-ha plots in four forests of the Albertine rift, western Uganda. There were 5747 trees of diameter ≥ 10 cm in 53 families, 159 genera, and 212 species. Density ranged between 344 and 557 trees ha−1 (average 479 trees ha−1). Tree species diversity was highest in the Bwindi and Budongo forests. The Euphorbiaceae family was the most species rich (25 species) followed by Rubiaceae and Meliaceae with 16 species each. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) showed that major gradients in environmental variables influenced tree species distribution. Sample scores on ordination axes 1 and 2 were strongly correlated with pH and altitude, respectively. Correlated with rainfall and other soil factors, pH and altitude are presumed to be among the most important in influencing the distribution of tree species in the Albertine rift forests. Strategies that take account of variations in pH and elevation are required to conserve tree species in forests of the Albertine rift.
dc.identifier
dc.identifierhttp://hdl.handle.net/10570/1546
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10570/1546
dc.languageen
dc.subjectEnvironmental factors
dc.subjectSoils
dc.subjectOrdination
dc.subjectSpecies distribution
dc.subjectTree inventory
dc.titleDensity and species diversity of trees in four tropical forests of the Albertine Rift, Western Uganda
dc.typeJournal article, peer reviewed
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