SpringerLink
Log in

Current status of tree species diversity at Abu Gadaf Natural Forest Reserve, Blue Nile Region – Sudan

  • Research Articles
  • Published:
Vegetos Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Tree species diversity and distribution in forests, agroforests and other land uses have been continuously providing food and food-associated materials, medicinal, and livestock fodder, as well as multiple ecological services to human beings. However, unsustainable utilization of forest resources coupled with biotic and abiotic disturbances interrupt forest resources sustainability and ecological processes. A study was conducted in Abu Gadaf Natural Forest Reserve (AGNFR) in 2018 to assess the current status of tree species diversity and use, by surveying 554 sample circular plots (each having 35.7 m radius) with 0.5% sampling intensity distributed systematically throughout the reserve. We found a total of 32 tree species in the AGNFR that belonged to 16 families. The highest tree species frequency, occurrences and density recorded by Combretum hartmannianum followed by Lannea fruticosa and Anogeissus leiocarpus respectively. The highest Importance Value Index (IVI) was recorded by Combretum hartmannianum (51.28). The highest DBH of trees were reported in the range of 10–19.9 cm followed by 20–29.9 cm, additionally the Shannon diversity index and Simpson dominance index were 1.01 and 0.14, respectively and density was 48 tree/ha. Majority of the tree species was found unsustainably harvested affecting their regeneration potential. Different kinds of anthropogenic disturbances including forest fires were rampant in the reserve causing dwindling tree diversity. The study provides baseline information on tree species diversity, and distribution pattern for effective management and conservation of the forest reserve. A preservation action plan may be needed immediately to protect the vulnerable species, particularly those with high ecosystem service value.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price includes VAT (Brazil)

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

The data will be available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Code Availability

Not applicable.

References

  • Abdelrahim M (2015) Contribution of non-wood forest products in support of livelihoods of rural people living in the area south of Blue Nile State, Sudan. Int J Agric Fish 3:189–194

    Google Scholar 

  • Adam AI (2015) The Use of Non-wood Forest Product as Income Generation in Semi-arid Zone Case Study Umkaddada Locality, North Darfur State, Sudan. IOSR J Comput Eng (IOSR-JCE) 17(2):58–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Adam YO, Pretzsch J, Pettenella D (2013) Contribution of Non-timber Forest products livelihood strategies to rural development in drylands of Sudan: potentials and failures. Agric Syst 117:90–97

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akindele SO (2013) Tree species diversity and structure of a Nigerian strict nature reserve. Trop Ecol 54(3):275–289

    Google Scholar 

  • Awasthi P, K Bargali SS, Bargali, Jhariya MK (2022) Structure and functioning of Coriaria Nepalensis Wall dominated shrublands in degraded hills of Kumaun Himalaya. I. Dry Matter dynamics. Land Degrad Dev 33(9):1474–1494. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.4235

  • Baboo B, Sagar R, Bargali SS, Verma H (2017) Tree species composition, regeneration and diversity within the protected area of Indian dry tropical forest. Trop Ecol 58(3):409–423

    Google Scholar 

  • Bajpai O, Kumar A, Mishra AK, Sahu N, Pandey J, Behera SK, Chaudhary LB (2012) Recongregation of tree species of Katerniaghat wildlife sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, India. J Biodivers Environ Sci 2(12):24–40

    Google Scholar 

  • Ball L, Tzanopoulos J (2020) Livestock browsing affects the species composition and structure of cloud forest in the Dhofar Mountains of Oman. Appl Veg Sci 23(3):363–376

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bargali K, Manral V, Padalia K, Bargali SS, Upadhyay VP (2018) Effect of vegetation type and season on microbial biomass carbon in Central Himalayan forest soils, India. CATENA 171(12):125–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.1018.07.001

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bargali SS, Padalia K, Bargali K (2019) Effects of tree fostering on soil health and microbial biomass under different land use systems in central Himalaya. Land Degrad Dev 30(16):1984–1998. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.3394

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bargali SS, Shahi C, Bargali K, Negi B and K Khatri (2022) Energy and monetary efficiencies at the different altitudinal agroecosystems in Central Himalaya. India Heliyon 8:e11500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11500

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bisht S, Bargali SS, Bargali K, Rawat GS, Rawat YS, Fartyal A (2022) Influence of anthropogenic activities on Forest Carbon Stocks-A case study from Gori Valley. Western Himalaya Sustain 14:16918. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416918

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bisht S, Rawat GS, Bargali SS, Rawat YS, Mehta A (2023) Forest vegetation response to anthropogenic pressures: a case study from Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Himalaya. Environ Dev Sustain. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-03130-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burju T, Hundera K, Kelbessa E (2013) Floristic composition and structural analysis of Jibat humid afromontane forest, West Shewa Zone, Oromia national regional state, Ethiopia. Ethiop J Educ Sci 8(2):11–34

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen J, Tang H (2016) Effect of grazing exclusion on vegetation characteristics and soil organic carbon of Leymus chinensis grassland in northern China. Sustainability 8(1):56

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dafa-Alla DAM, Abuelbasher AI, Gibreel HH, Yagoub YE, Siddig AAH, Hasoba AMM (2022) Assessing trees diversity in Jebel Elgarrie Forest Reserve in the Blue Nile State, Sudan. J for Envir Sci 38(3):174–183

    Google Scholar 

  • Deb D, Jamatia M, Debbarma J, Ahirwal J (2021) Evaluating the role of community-managed forest in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation in Tripura, India. Water Air Soil Pollution 232:166

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Eilu G, Oriekot J, Tushabe H (2007) Conservation of indigenous plants outside protected areas in Tororo District, eastern Uganda. Afr J Ecol 45:73–78

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eisawi KA, He H, Shaheen T, Yasin EH (2021) Assessment of Tree diversity and abundance in Rashad Natural Reserved Forest, South Kordofan, Sudan. Open J Forestry 11(01):37–46

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • El Mahi AG, Abdel Magid TD (2014) The potential of Acacia seyal as a resourceful tree for Gum Arabic in Sudan. Gum Arab. Board (Sudan), Khartoum

    Google Scholar 

  • El Tahir BA, Gebauer J (2004) Non-timber forest products: opportunities and constraints for poverty reduction in the Nuba Mountains, South Kordofan, Sudan, Deutscher Tropentag 2004, Conf. Int. Agric. Res. Dev., Berlin, Ger

  • Fartyal A, Khatri K, Bargali K, Bargali SS (2022) Altitudinal variation in plant community, population structure and carbon stock of Quercus Semecarpifolia Sm. Forest in Kumaun Himalaya. J Environ Biol 43(1):133–146

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fragallah SADA, Lulandala LLL, Eltahir ME, Khalifa AESO, Ahmed SEE, Suliman KH, Ahmed EH, Musa FI, Ligate EJ (2021) Participation of Local Community in Tree Conservation Practices for Sustainable Forest Management in Mzinga River Catchment, Uluguru Mountains–Tanzania. Asian Journal of Research and Review in Agriculture, pp 1–21

  • Gadow KV, Zhang CY, Wehenkel C, Pommerening A, Corral-Rivas J, Korol M, Myklush S, Hui GY, Kiviste A, Zhao XH (2012) Forest structure and diversity. Continuous cover forestry. Springer, Dordrecht, pp 29–83

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Ganguli S, Gupta H, Bhattacharya K (2016) Vegetation structure and species diversity in Garhjungle sacred forest, West Bengal, India. Int J Environ Agric Res, 2(9), pp.2454– 1850.

  • Ghanbari S, Sefidi K, Kern CC, Álvarez-Álvarez P (2021) Population structure and regeneration status of woody plants in relation to the human interventions, Arasbaran Biosphere Reserve, Iran. Forests 12:191. https://doi.org/10.3390/f12020191

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goenster S, Wiehle M, Kehlenbeck K, Jamnadass R, Gebauer J, Buerkert A (2009) August. Indigenous fruit trees in homegardens of the Nuba Mountains, Central Sudan: tree diversity and potential for improving the nutrition and income of rural communities. In All Africa Horticultural Congress 911 (pp. 355–364)

  • Gogoi A, Sahoo UK (2018) Impact of anthropogenic disturbance on species diversity and vegetation structure of a lowland tropical rainforest of eastern Himalaya, India. J Mt Sci 15(11):2453–2465

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gosain BG, Negi GCS, Dhyani PP, Bargali SS, Saxena R (2015) Ecosystem services of forests: Carbon Stock in vegetation and soil components in a watershed of Kumaun Himalaya, India. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 41(3–4):177–188

    Google Scholar 

  • Hadi ST, Ziegler MW, Hodges JK (2009) Tree diversity and forest structure in northern Siberut, Mentawai islands, Indonesia, Tropical Ecology, vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 315–327, 2009

  • Hasoba AM, Siddig AA, Yagoub YE (2020) Exploring tree diversity and stand structure of savanna woodlands in southeastern Sudan. J Arid Land 12:609–617. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40333-020-0076-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hassan TT (2019) The Use of Non-timber Forest products as potential adaptation mea- sures in the Sudan’s Forestry Sector. University of Bahri

  • Hawkins HJ (2017) A global assessment of holistic planned Grazing™ compared with season-long, continuous grazing: meta-analysis findings. Afr J Range Forage Sci 34(2):65–75

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Htun NZ, Mizoue N, Yoshida S (2011) Tree species composition and diversity at different levels of disturbance in Popa Mountain Park, Myanmar. Biotropica 43:597–603

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ibrahim E, Hassan T (2015) Factors affecting natural regeneration and distribution of Trees species in El-Nour Natural Forest Reserve. J Nat Resour Environ Stud 6456:16–21

    Google Scholar 

  • Ifo SA, Moutsambote JM, Koubouana F, Yoka J, Ndzai SF, Bouetou-Kadilamio LNO, Mampouya H, Jourdain C, Bocko Y, Mantota AB, Mbemba M (2016) Tree species diversity, richness, and similarity in intact and degraded forest in the tropical rainforest of the Congo Basin: case of the forest of Likouala in the Republic of Congo. International Journal of Forestry Research, 2016

  • John E, Bunting P, Hardy A, Roberts O, Giliba R, Silayo DS (2020) Modelling the impact of climate change on Tanzanian forests. Divers Distrib 26(12):1663–1686

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kacholi DS (2013a) Effects of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity of Uluguru Mountain forests in Morogoro region, Tanzania, Ph.D. thesis submitted at Georg-August University Goettingen, Cuvillier Verlag, Goettingen, Germany, 2013

  • Kacholi DS (2013b) Analysis of structure and diversity of the Kilengwe Forest in the Morogoro Region, Tanzania. International Journal of Biodiversity

  • Kharalla IE, Amer AA, Elezaby MI, Imam SH (2016) Contribution of Forest resources to Rural Development in Zalingei Area, Central Darfur State-Sudan. Alexandria J Agricultural Sci, 61(4)

  • Krishnamurthy YL, Prakasha HM, Nanda A, Krishnappa M, Dattaraja HS, Suresh HS (2010) Vegetation structure and floristic composition of a tropical dry deciduous forest in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, India. Tropical Ecology, 51(2), p.235

  • Kutnar L, Nagel TA, Kermavnar J (2019) Effects of disturbance on understory vegetation across Slovenian forest ecosystems. Forests 10(11):1048

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kuuluvainen T, Tahvonen O, Aakala T (2012) Even-aged and uneven-aged forest management in boreal Fennoscandia: a review. Ambio 41(7):720–737

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Lacerda AEB, Kellermann B (2019) What is the long-term effect of bamboo dominance on adult trees in the Araucaria Forest? A comparative analysis between two successional stages in southern Brazil. Diversity, 11(9), p.165

  • Lalfakawma, Sahoo UK, Roy S, Vanlalhriatpuia K, Vanlalhluna PC (2009) Community composition and tree population structure in undisturbed and disturbed forest stands of North-East India. Appl Ecol Environ Res 7(4):303–318

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lulekal E, Kelbessa E, Bekele T, Yineger H (2008) Plant species composition and structure of the Mana Angetu moist montane forest, south-eastern Ethiopia. J East Afr Nat History 97(2):165–185

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mahgoub AAM (2014) Changes in vegetation cover and impacts of human population in Dinder National Park, Sudan during the period from 1972 to 2013 (Doctoral dissertation, Sudan Academy of Science (SAS)

  • Manral V, Bargali K, Bargali SS, Jhariya MK, Padalia K (2022) Relationships between soil and microbial biomass properties and annual flux of nutrients in Central Himalayan forests, India. Land Degrad Dev 33(12):2014–2025. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.4283

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maua JO, MugatsiaTsingalia H, Cheboiwo J, Odee D (2020) Population structure and regeneration status of woody species in a remnant tropical forest: a case study of South Nandi forest, Kenya, vol 21. Global Ecology and Conservation, p e00820

  • Mohammed EMI (2019) Impact of Land Use practices on the Natural Forest in Dinder Biosphere Reserve and its surrounding areas - Sudan. University of Bahri

  • Mohammed EMI, H. EAM, Ndakidemi PA, Treydte AC (2021) Anthropogenic pressure on Tree species Diversity, Composition, and growth of Balanites aegyptiaca in Dinder Biosphere Reserve. Sudan Plants 10(3):483. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10030483

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mukul SA, Rashid AM, Uddin MB, Khan NA (2016) Role of non-timber forest products in sustaining forest-based livelihoods and rural households’ resilience capacity in and around protected area: a Bangladesh study. J Environ Planning Manage 59(4):628–642

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Musa F, Sahoo UK (2023) Role of sustainable forest management in poverty reduction and livelihood improvement in Sudan. A review. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 49:449–456

    Google Scholar 

  • Musa FI, Sahoo UK, Eltahir ME, Magid TDA, Adlan OE, Abdelrhman HA, Abdelkarim AA (2023) Contribution of non-wood forest products for household income in rural area of Sudan–A review. J Agric Food Res, p.100801

  • Naidu MT, Kumar OA (2016) Tree diversity, stand structure, and community composition of tropical forests in Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India. J Asia-Pacific Biodivers 9(3):328–334

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Okiror P, Chono J, Nyamukuru A, Lwanga JS, Sasira P, Diogo P (2012) Variation in woody species abundance and distribution in and around Kibale National Park, Uganda. International Scholarly Research Notices, 2012

  • Osman EH, Idris EA (2012) Species dynamics and potential disturbances in El Nour Natural Forest Reserve, Sudan. J for Prod Industries 1(2):10–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Osman EH, Gumaa YSA, Elhag AMH (2018) IRA Int J ofApplied Sci (ISSN 13(1):2455–4499. https://doi.org/10.21013/jas.v13.n1.p1. Land Cover/Land Use Trendsalong the Blue Nile River Blue Nile State– Sudan

  • Pandey R, Bargali SS, Bargali K, VC Pandey (2023) Temporal variability in fine root dynamics in relation to tree girth size in sub-tropical Shorea robusta forests. Land Degrad Dev 34(5):1522–1537. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.4550

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sahoo UK, Singh SL, Gogoi A, Kenye A, Sahoo SS (2019) Active and passive soil organic carbon pools as affected by land use types in Mizoram, Northeast India. PLoS ONE, 14(7), e0219969

  • Sahoo UK, Tripathi OP, Nath AJ, Deb S, Das DJ et al (2021) Quantifying tree diversity, carbon stocks, and sequestration potential for diverse land uses in northeast India. Front Environ Sci 9:724950

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sahu SC, Dhal NK, Mohanty RC (2012) Tree species diversity, distribution and population structure in a tropical dry deciduous forest of Malyagiri Hill ranges, Eastern Ghats, India. Trop Ecol 53(2):163–168

    Google Scholar 

  • Shannon CE, Weaver W (1949) The Mathematical Theory of Communication. University of Illinois Press, Urbana, USA

    Google Scholar 

  • Siddig AA (2014) Biodiversity of Sudan: between the harsh conditions, political instability and civil wars. Biodivers J 5(4):545–555

    Google Scholar 

  • Simons NK, Felipe-Lucia MR, Schall P, Ammer C, Bauhus J, Blüthgen N, Boch S, Buscot F, Fischer M, Goldmann K, Gossner MM (2021) National Forest Inventories capture the multifunctionality of managed forests in Germany. For Ecosyst 8(1):1–19

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singh SL, Sahoo UK, Kenye A, Gogoi A (2019) Effect of land use change on carbon stock dynamics in major land use sectors of Mizoram, Northeast India. J Environ Prot 9:1262–1285

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sulieman AME, Mariod AA (2019) In: Mariod A (ed) Grewia tenax (Guddaim): phytochemical constituents, bioactive compounds, traditional and medicinal uses. Composition, Nutritional Value and Products, Wild Fruits, pp 165–173

  • Sulieman HM, Mohammed MH (2014) Patterns of woody plant species composition and diversity in Dinder National Park, Sudan. Univ Kordofan J Nat Resour Environ Stud 1(1):26–36

    Google Scholar 

  • Thakur U, Bisth NS, Kumar A, Kumar M, Sahoo UK (2021) Regeneration potential of Forest Vegetation of Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary of India: implication for Forest Management. Water Air Soil Pollut 232(9):373

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tolangara A, Ahmad H, Liline S (2019) May. The Composition and Important Value Index of Trees for Wildlife Feed in Bacan Island, South Halmahera. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 276, No. 1, p. 012037). IOP Publishing

  • Yasin EHE, Mulyana B (2022) Spatial distribution of tree species composition and carbon stock in Tozi tropical dry forest, Sinnar State, Sudan. Biodiversitas J Biol Divers, 23(5)

  • Younis AYI, Mustafa HF, Ballal MA (2018) Perception of the local community towards utilization and role of non-wood forest products in Bahr Alarab Locality, East Darfur State, Sudan. J Agric Veterinary Sci 11(6):74–81

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to all faculty members (both teaching and non-teaching) of the Department of Forestry, University of Bahri Sudan for encouraging this research, and special thanks to the Abu Gadaf village community in particular for providing support while conducting the field work.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forestry, Faculty of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Blue Nile, Ad-Damzin, 26611, Sudan

    Faisal I. Musa

  2. Department Forestry and Range Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources & Environmental Studies, University of Kordofan, Elobeid, 51111, Sudan

    Mohammed H. Mohammed, Seifaldin D. A. Fragallah & Hassan E. Adam

  3. Department of Forestry, School of Earth Sciences & Natural Resource Management, Mizoram University, Aizawl, 796004, India

    Faisal I. Musa & Uttam K. Sahoo

Authors
  1. Faisal I. Musa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mohammed H. Mohammed
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Seifaldin D. A. Fragallah
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Hassan E. Adam
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Uttam K. Sahoo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Uttam K. Sahoo.

Ethics declarations

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethics approval

Not applicable.

Consent to participate

Not applicable.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Musa, F.I., Mohammed, M.H., Fragallah, S.D.A. et al. Current status of tree species diversity at Abu Gadaf Natural Forest Reserve, Blue Nile Region – Sudan. Vegetos (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42535-024-00931-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42535-024-00931-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation