Diversity and Conservation Status of Vegetation in Madarounfa Commune, Niger Republic

Abstract

This study assesses species diversity and conservation status in Madarounfa commune, Niger Republic. Vegetation sampling was done using 50m x 50m quadrat in farmed parklands systems of the study area. Results of the study showed that Madarounfa commune comprises rich diversity of 34 woody species that fall into 27 genera and 17 families. The findings also showed that Mimosaceae family has the highest number of species. The study also found 4 plant groups: Guiera senegalensis and Annona senegalensis (G1) and Piliostigma reticulatum and Hyphaene thebaica (G2), Faidherbia albida and Adansonia digitata (G3), and Combretum micranthum and Prosopis juliflora. In addition, this study found that drought accounts for (50%), cutting of wood for energy (33%), selective clearing of trees (11 %) and overgrazing (6 %) are the main drivers of species diversity loss in the area. The study recommended that adequate sensitilization needs to be done for the communities in safeguarding the natural resources in the area