Diversity and abundance of forage species of Lutanwa Rangeland, Ssembabule district, Uganda.

Abstract

Rangelands have suffered a drastic loss of biological species and rapid degradation caused by increased bush expansion in by several native species, including Acacia senegal and Lantana camara and increasing non-palatable grass species such as Cymbopogons narduhave contributed to a decline in rangeland productivity. In this study, I assessed the diversity and abundance of forage species in Lutanwa rangeland. I tested one hypothesis in the study including; Whether there was no significant difference in the diversity of forage species in the rangeland. A total of 38 forage species were recorded from eight transects established within the rangeland. Higher diversity and abundance were mostly recorded in the wet season with grasses as the growth form with the highest diversity and abundance. I found out that rainfall affected diversity and abundance with new species of forage recorded in the rainy season and a higher abundance of forage also registered. This study demonstrates the difference in diversity and abundance of forage species in Lutanwa rangeland