Abundance and distribution of Cyathea manniana in kalinzu central forest reserve, southwestern Uganda.

Abstract

This study was conducted in Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve, Southwestern Uganda, to assess the abundance and distribution of C. manniana in primary and secondary compartments of this forest reserve. Abundance or population size of C. manniana in these forest compartments is influenced by both abiotic factors such as moisture and light intensity; and anthropogenic activities like tree logging. Previous researches carried out in Kalinzu Forest Reserve have failed to address the concept of population status of C. manniana but instead they have primarily focused on the identification of this species. Systematic analysis of abundance and distribution of C. manniana was done in Kalinzu Forest Reserve, where principal focus was centered on discovering the variation of these parameters (abundance and distribution) in valleys and on slopes of primary and secondary compartments of this forest reserve. A sampling technique was employed to collect abundance data of C. manniana, 12 plots (each 50mx50m) were marked and 6 plots of these were in the valley and other 6 plots on slope of primary forest; similar number of plots of same area size were marked in the valley and on slope of secondary forest. 468 and 175 individuals of C. manniana were counted in primary and secondary forest plots respectively. Population density was computed and DBH of the counted C. manniana was measured. T- tests for population density were run using SPSS software. Analysis revealed statistically significant difference in population density of C. manniana between valleys and slopes and between primary and secondary forests except between valley and slope of secondary forest; DBH class distributions revealed bell- shaped and irregular shaped population structure patterns hence an indicator of poor population/ regeneration status of C. manniana. These findings on population density and structure provided a revelation for urgency in population restoration and conservation of C. manniana in Kalinzu Forest Reserve.