DISTRIBUTION AND DIVERSITY OF TREES AND SHRUBS IN TUNFURE AND SHONGO VILLAGES OF GOMBE STATE NIGERIA

Depletion in vegetation, attributed to climatic and anthropogenic factors are common occurrences in the savannah regions of Africa. The goal of this research is to assess the distribution and diversity of trees and shrubs inTunfure and Shongo villages of Gombe state, Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was used in selecting people who were served with questionnaire in the study locations. Systematic sampling method was used in locatingquadrant points for trees and shrubs distribution. The results show that there is significant diversity of tree and shrub species in the study areas. The tree species showed greater distribution and diversity than the shrub species.Findings revealed that Azadirachta indica, Parkia biglobosa, and Adonsonia digitata are most dominant tree species in the study area. Also, Guairásenegalensis, Cassia tori and Leptadania hestate are those most dominant shrubs species observed. The findings also revealed that farming activities constitutes the major cause of vegetation change. Public enlightenment,provision of seedlings and enforcement of restriction to tree cutting were identified as measures for enhancing vegetation in the study area

Keywords:

Vegetation change , Trees , Shrubs , Tunfure , Shongo