ABSTRACT
This research was carried out to determine the Conservation Status and Growth Characteristics of Tree Species in Kano Zoological Garden, Kano State Nigeria. The area was stratified in to Administrative area, Animal Pens, Garden and bush. Fourteen (14) temporary plots (30mx30m) were laid at random covering all strata. Data collection involved counting and recording individual trees, measuring total height with Haga Altimeter, DBH at 1.3m using flexible measuring tape, spiegel relascope was employed to measure diameter at the base, middle and top for each sampled tree. Trees with Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) ≥ 10cm were identified by the taxonomist. Individual trees were grouped in to species and families. The conservation status of tree species was assessed using IUCN Red List categories from www.iucnredlist.org. The results suggest that all species identified were either Least-concerned or Not-evaluated except Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Near Threatened), Khaya senegalensis (Vulnerable), and Tectona grandis (Endangered) indicating a high risk of extinction in the wild. Azadiracta indica recorded the highest frequency of 78 (23.3%) and many species have the lowest frequency of 1 of the total species inventoried. Strong positive correlations were observed among DBH, DB, DM, DT, TH, BA, and SV while strong negative correlations with SLC. Fabaceae (52.8%) dominates with the highest frequency, showcasing larger trees and wide coverage (highest BA at 10.85 m²), while Meliaceae (11.44 SLC, 1994.60 m³ SV) stands out with tall and slender forms, emphasizing diverse growth characteristics in the ecosystem, whereas Zygophyllaceae (0.3%) exhibits smaller, stockier trees and the lowest values in various parameters. The variations in growth characteristics among these families provide insights into the diversity and structural differences within the studied ecosystem. Azadiracta indica emerges as a species with substantial size and contribution to the ecosystem, while others, like Acacia mangium, represent younger or smaller counterparts.
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