Abstract

Profiling tree species composition in Sonkpa forest reserve is very useful in identifying important elements of plant composition and diversity and hence the need for the protection of threatened economic species and the monitoring of the forest communities among others. There is dearth of Information on the current status of Sonpka Forest Reserve in terms of composition, stocking and density which provides information on trees species and families present, heights, diameter, number of tree, basal area and volume respectively. Therefore, profiling tree species composition in Sonkpa forest reserve was investigated. Simple random sampling technique was used in selecting plots for assessment. A total of 10ha land was demarcated out from the reserve. Sample plots of 50m x 50m (2500m2) were laid out from each hectare of plot. Data was collected based on name of the species, number, diameter breast height (dbh) and the total height of each tree species ≥5cm diameter. The tree species identified were grouped according to their taxonomic families, frequency and percentages. The forest stand stocking was analyzed by distributing the tree species in diameter and height classes in the plots while density, number of trees per hectare, basal area and volume of trees per hectare were calculated using their respective formulae. The findings of the study showed that, 1732 trees from 18 families were found in Sonkpa forest reserve; basal area per hectare was 270.8248m2 with volume of trees per hectare of 3395.3684m3 respectively. Based on the above; stocking, enrichment planting, afforestation and the planting of tree on farms and around the houses were recommended.