Influence of tree species diversity on the diversity of earthworms in Mabira Forest Reserve

Abstract

Despite several efforts from researchers towards understanding the role of earthworms in various ecosystems, concepts like relationship between tree species diversity and earthworm diversity have been left out. This study was aimed at investigating whether tree species diversity plays a role in influencing earthworm communities in Mabira Forest Reserve. Trees and earthworms were enumerated in 20x20 plots. Trees of diameter 3.5 to 58.5 were considered in this study. Earthworms were sampled at the depth of 10cm.Tree species diversity in the buffer zone was H= 3.2 and the strict nature reserve was H= 3.0. Earthworm species diversity in the buffer zone was H= 0.5 and that of the strict nature reserve was H= 0.9. Constant extraction of resources affects the diversity of trees which in turn affects earthworm diversity therefore better forest management strategies should be adopted.