The abundance of BRUSSONETIA PAPYRIFERA (l.) L'hér ex vent. in Mabira forest central reserve

Abstract

Mabira Forest Central Reserve is currently undergoing increasing coverage of an invasive species, Brussonetia papyrifera, that contributes to biodiversity loss in the forest reserve. Several studies have shown that B. papyrifera has the capacity to reduce the abundance of native vegetation by supressing the regeneration and growth of resident vegetation. This study aimed at documenting the abundance of Brussonetia papyrifera in the Buffer and Production Zones of Mabira Forest Central Reserve. The study sites were the Buffer and Production Zones. Systematic sampling was employed in this study. The study used belt transects of 1km and plots of 10m by 10m were laid in each zone. Within each plot, the trees were identified and recorded with the help of an NFA guide and the Makerere University Herbarium. DBH was measured using a tape measure and recorded. The results showed that the density of Brussonetia papyrifera was higher in the Production Zone (874 stems/ha) than in the Buffer Zone (274 stems/ha). The relative density also of B.papyrifera was higher in the Production zone(28%) than in the Buffer zone (8%).This was attributed in part due to the fact that the Production zone had a lower species richness as compared to the Buffer zone .Overall the population structure of Brusssonetia papyrifera in the Buffer Zone formed an inverse J shaped curve indicating a good seedling recruitment and sapling development potential whereas that in the Production zone formed an almost inverse -J- shaped curve with a few anomalies that were attributed to the anthropogenic activities that occur in this zone. Mabira Forest Central Reserve stands a high risk of losing its native species in the years to come given the increase of Brussonetia papyrifera. To avert such a calamity, Control measures for the population of Brussonetia papyrifera should be introduced. Further studies are recommended in studying the effects of B. papyrifera in Mabira Forest Central Reserve