An Analytical Study of Flora Diversity and Avifauana Distribution and Sustainable Ecotourism Potential Ofsakponba Forest Reserve Edo State Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: The goal of this study, which was conducted in Nigeria's Sakponba Forest Reserve, was to gather baseline data on the prevalence of bird species and the richness of the state's flora in order to guide future ecotourism planning and management in the area Methodology: The study area was divided into three compartments, Untouched forest (UDF), Mangrove forest (MGF), and Degraded forest (DGF) made up the study area. The range and richness of bird species in the research area were studied using a line transect approach. 20 transects were distributed at random among the 200 m blocks that made up each of the 60 transect lines, each of which measured 1000 m. The diversity of plant species was calculated using the square approach. Each sampling compartment's 25 by 25 m2 quadrant sample plot is randomly selected, and all trees with a basal area of at least 10 cm and a height of at least one meter are tallied using the algorithm starts count (TEC). 15 plots, each measuring 25 by 25 m2, were created by choosing a random 16 quadrants in each of the five sample containers. Results: The result of the research study revealed that the area is home to a large range of plants and birds species. In total, the research area contained fifty-five (55) plant species from thirty-seven (37) families and one hundred and seventy-seven (177) bird species from forty-two (42) families. Pycnonotideae has the most species (12), followed by Estrildideae with 11 species, in terms of the family breakdown of the bird species. According to the distribution of bird species, the research area's UDF  compartment has a 47% overall proportion, followed by the MGF compartment at 35%, and the DGF compartment with 18%.Pyto-sociological specifications of the tree species in the study area, Ceiba pentandra, a member of the family Bombacaceae, has the highest mean height MT (23) and diameter at breast height DBH (129), while Rhizophora harrisonii, a member of the family Rhizophoraceae, has the highest frequency of occurrence of (15).  Family makeup of the plant species in the research region, Fabaceae has the most species with 5, followed by Poaceae with (4). Unique contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Studying bird species in mangrove forests can provide valuable insights into the ecology and conservation of these important ecosystems, and contribute to our knowledge of biodiversity and ecological relationships in general. The research location is predominantly a transitional zone between rain forest and mangrove forest. This serves as a point of entry for other investigators and promotes bird species preservation