Tree Species Composition of Kakum Conservation Area in Ghana

摘要

Vegetation assessment was carried out in a rainforest to document tree species composition and vegetation dynamics after logging operation. The study took place at Kakum Conservation Area, Ghana. Satellite images for logging period and after logging were acquired, processed and analysed. Trees in quadrats that were systematically distributed on transects were enumerated. Comparatively, the open canopy area had reduced while the closed canopy area had increased in size inside the forest. The farm areas at the peripheries had increased while those in the reserve area had been eradicated. In total 1,064 individual trees comprising 97 different species were enumerated. Tree species such as Carapa procera, Celtis mildbraedii, Diospyros sanzaminika, Aulacocalyx jasminflora and Dacryodes klaineana were relatively dense representing about 2% to 9% of the species present in the forest. The following species were examples of trees with higher relative dominance: Celtis mildbraedii (10%), Trichilia prieuriana (5%), Tabernaemontana africana (9%) and Panda oleosa (7%). The diversity of all trees was 3.9 (Shannon). The general conclusion is that the implementation of conservation rules has enhanced regeneration of many tree species. It is recommended that forest areas under convalescence must be put under strict conservation.