Species Composition, Abundance, and Diversity of Trees and Shrubs in Dilling Locality, South Kordofan, Sudan

Abstract

This study aims to assess species structure, composition, abundances, and diversity in Dilling Locality, South Kordofan State, Sudan. Field sampling was conducted at four selected sites within the study area from November 2019 to April 2020. A systematic random sampling method was carried out using point-centered quarter methods in which 116 point samples were distributed and data collected. Diversity index, density, frequency, abundance, and importance value index (IVI) were calculated and analysed. The results revealed the presence of 65 tree and shrub species across 24 genera and 12 families. The frequency of Balanites aegyptiaca and Azadirachta indica species is found 1 and 12, respectively, while the density ranged from 58 of Celtis integrifolia to 691 of Azadirachta indica trees/hectare. Furthermore, Shannon diversity index (H) of woody species ranged from 0.064 of Balanites aegyptiaca to 0.312 of Azadirachta indica. The findings on species composition and diversity indices provide insight into their importance in dryland forests and highlight the need for a better understanding of the structure and abundance of trees and shrubs in the Dilling area. The study suggests the adoption of sustainable biodiversity conservation approaches with the active participation of local communities in order to prevent further degradation.