Evaluating Species Diversity and Ecological Health of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Forest, Awka, Nigeria

The increasing threats to forest habitats due to natural and anthropogenic factors necessitate a detailed ecological assessment. This study aims to understand the ecological dynamics and biodiversity within the forest ecosystems of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in the context of climate change and habitat destruction. Employing a stratified random sampling method and the Point Center Quarter Method, we collected data from 24 designated sample points across a 5000 m² plot. Measurements included species distance from sampling points and diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees. We computed phytosociological parameters such as density, basal area, dominance, cover, and frequency, along with relative values to determine species importance and diversity indices. A total of 96 trees comprising 71 species from 33 families were identified. Notably, Malvaceae and Fabaceae were the most represented families. Ficus benjamina had the highest total basal area (113.89 m²/ha) and important value index (25.98), indicating its ecological significance. The Shannon-Wiener index value of 4.13 reflects robust biodiversity, highlighting the ecological richness of the forest. These findings are crucial for informing conservation efforts and sustainable management of forest resources.