Tree Species Richness and Diversity Among Selected Urban Forest Types in Lilongwe City, Malawi

Urban vegetation plays a crucial role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 by providing ecosystem services in cities. In support of this goal, this study aimed at determining the present urban tree species richness and diversity in Lilongwe City, Malawi, across six forest types: cemeteries, institutional lands, parks and recreation centers, residential areas, riverine areas, and roadside/avenues. Stratified random sampling was employed and 498 sample plots were laid. A total of 4031 trees were recorded, representing 166 species, with five species common to all forest types. Tree species richness and diversity were determined using Rẻnyi diversity profiles in Biodiversity R. Residential areas exhibited 87 tree species, with highest species richness, while Riverine areas had 15 tree species. Rẻnyi diversity profiles indicated that residential forests were the most diverse, albeit with an uneven distribution, primarily due to the dominance of Mangifera indica . Similarly, other forest types showed less horizontal diversity profiles, suggesting disturbance. An even species distribution signifies a healthier ecosystem essential for sustaining its services. Therefore, the findings imply that all the six forest types are disturbed. Hence, the study underscores the need for effective management across all forest types and provides valuable insights for urban planning. In addition, there is a call for a comprehensive study to estimate carbon stock potential and emissions, particularly in industrial areas, to ensure the holistic sustainability of Lilongwe’s urban environment.